Olympic postcard series: Host city Vancouver

Home to spectacular natural scenery and a bustling metropolitan core, the city of Vancouver is, of course, home to the 2010 Winter Olympics. In this installment of Olympic Postcards, we get to know the host city a little better.

As the host for the upcoming 2010 Olympics and Paralympic Winter Games, Vancouver finds itself thrust into the world spotlight.

Host city Vancouver

Surrounded by water on three sides and nestled alongside the Coast Mountain Range, Vancouver is the largest city in the province of British Columbia. The metropolitan area has a population over two million and is Canada's third biggest city.

Vancouver also boasts a thriving port industry. It is Canada's busiest and most diversified port, trading 75 billion US dollars in goods annually.

Aside from being close to world class ski resorts, Vancouver's overall beauty makes the city attractive for travellers from all over the world. Having one of the mildest climates in Canada, Vancouver prides itself as being one of the most liveable cities in the world.

Whether playing volleyball in the sunshine on the beach, or just relaxing with family along the coast, Vancouver provides peaceful yet exciting life for both residents and travellers alike.