Vancouver, located in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, is one of Canada’s most prominent and densely populated cities. As of the 2021 Census, the city itself houses over 662,000 residents—an increase from 631,486 in 2016—while its metropolitan region, known as Metro Vancouver, is home to approximately 2.64 million people, ranking it third in Canada after Toronto and Montreal.

Originally settled between 6000 and 8000 BCE and later incorporated in 1886, Vancouver has evolved into a thriving, multicultural metropolis named after the British naval officer George Vancouver. The city is known for its striking natural surroundings, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountain range, and its commitment to sustainability, technology, and inclusive urban living.

The broader region, which includes Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, collectively forms the Lower Mainland, home to over 3 million people. Vancouver boasts the highest population density of any Canadian city, with nearly 5,750 people per square kilometer. On a continental scale, it ranks as the fourth most densely populated major city in North America—following New York City, San Francisco, and Mexico City.

Governed by a mayor-council system and led by Mayor Ken Sim, Vancouver continues to thrive as a hub of commerce, innovation, arts, and environmental leadership. Its motto, “By sea land and air we prosper,” captures the essence of a city that has grown through strategic location, cultural richness, and a forward-thinking vision.

From its iconic skyline and waterfront to historic neighborhoods like Gastown and cultural landmarks like the Vancouver Art Gallery and Science World, the city remains a symbol of progress, diversity, and urban excellence in Canada and beyond.