Vancouver, British Columbia — City Information
City Facts
- Location
- British Columbia, Canada.
- Time Zone
- GMT - 8 (GMT - 7 from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November).
- Electricity
- 110 volts AC, 60Hz; flat two-pin and grounded three-pin plugs are standard.
Cost of Living
| 1.00 GBP = 1.54 CAD |
| 1.00 USD = 0.95 CAD |
| 1.00 EUR = 1.35 CAD |
| Currency conversion rates as of 19 July 2011 |
Special Events
Polar Bear Swim
1 January
Annual swim in the icy winter waters.
English Bay
Chinese New Year Parade
First Sunday of the Chinese New Year (late January/early February)
Parade along Pender and Keefer Streets.
Chinatown
Vancouver International Children's Festival
May
One week of entertainment for kids including music, storytelling, puppetry, theater and more.
Vanier Park
Website: www.childrensfestival.ca
Bard on the Beach
June-September
One of Canada's largest professional Shakespeare Festivals.
Vanier Park
Website: www.bardonthebeach.org
Vancouver International Jazz Festival
Late June-early July
Program featuring jazz musicians from across the globe.
Various venues
Website: www.coastaljazz.ca
Canada Day at Canada Place
1 July
All-day entertainment including bands, street performers and a parade.
Canada Place (parade runs along West Georgia and Thurlow Streets)
Website: www.canadaday.canadaplace.ca
Celebration of Light
Late July-early August
International fireworks competition.
English Bay
Website: www.celebration-of-light.com
Vancouver Pride Parade and Festival
August
Parade through the West End celebrating the city's gay and lesbian community, with festival and beer garden on Sunset Beach.
West End
Website: www.vancouverpride.ca
MusicFest Vancouver
August
Opera, classical and world music.
Various venues
Website: www.festivalvancouver.bc.ca
Pacific National Exhibition (PNE)
August-September
Agricultural fair, amusement park and concerts.
Hastings Park
Website: www.pne.bc.ca
Vancouver International Fringe Festival
September
Over 400 theatrical performances.
Various venues on and around Granville Island
Website: www.vancouverfringe.com
Vancouver International Film Festival
September-October
Showcasing the best of world cinema.
Various cinemas
Website: www.viff.org
Carol Ships Parade of Lights
December
Boat owners decorate their vessels with ornaments and lights in the run-up to Christmas.
Vancouver Harbour
Website: www.carolships.org
