Vancouver is a vibrant, multicultural city characterized by strong Aboriginal, Asian and European influences.
Just over half of Vancouver’s population is composed of visible minorities, and several First Nations are represented in the Metro Vancouver area. Significant Chinese, Indian and Filipino populations lend the city its famous Asian feel, and a strong European influence can often be found in neighbourhood cafés and restaurants.
Visit Stanley Park’s famous totem poles. View the works of renowned Haida artist Bill Reid. Tour one of North America’s largest Chinatowns. Spend time in ethnic neighbourhoods that highlight the cultures and cuisines of India, Italy and Greece. Explore Aboriginal culture beyond city limits. Whatever you choose to do, Vancouver’s wealth of cultural experiences is sure to impress.
Partners in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
The Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will feature unprecedented Aboriginal participation in the planning and hosting of the Games, and the Four Host First Nations — the Lil’wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh — look forward to welcoming the world in 2010. At the Aboriginal Pavilion in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Games time visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the cultures and histories of indigenous peoples from across Canada
Museum of Anthropology
Just west of Vancouver, the University of British Columbia’s architecturally stunning Museum of Anthropology boasts an acclaimed collection of Aboriginal art and artifacts from BC and around the world. See traditional canoes, masks, jewellery, carvings, longhouse replicas and totem poles — including the world’s smallest, which measures just 4.4 centimetres (1.7 inches). Stanley Park Totem Poles
One of North America’s largest urban green spaces, Stanley Park is home to a famous stand of eight First Nations totem poles, all of which are on free outdoor display. The totems come from various places on the BC coast, and together are one of the province’s most visited attractions. Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art
This downtown Vancouver gallery features the jewellery, carvings, sculptures, prints and drawings of internationally renowned Haida artist Bill Reid, as well as the works of several other contemporary Aboriginal artists. Visitors arriving at the Vancouver International Airport in Richmond can stop in the International Terminal to see Reid’s famous sculpture, The Spirit of Haida Gwaii: The Jade Canoe, which is also featured on Canada’s $20 bill.
Guided First Nations Tours in Vancouver
In North Vancouver, travel the tranquil waters of a glacial fjord in an ocean-going canoe — or explore the shores by kayak — while discovering local First Nations culture through legends, songs and stories. Vancouver’s Chinatown and Richmond’s East Asian Community
Vancouver’s
Chinatown is the second largest in North America by area and third largest by population. Enjoy a dim sum lunch, visit the largest
classical Chinese garden outside of China, and browse diverse groceries and herbalist shops.
Guided walking tours of this colourful neighbourhood are available.
Just minutes south of Vancouver,
Richmond’s Golden Village district is home to hundreds of Asian shops, services and restaurants. Those looking for an enlightening cultural experience can visit the city’s International Buddhist Temple, perhaps the most exquisite example of traditional Chinese architecture in Canada.
In summer, outdoor Chinese night markets are held every weekend in both Vancouver and Richmond — vendors sell food, clothing and other wares at great prices.
In June, the Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival attracts thousands of visitors to Vancouver's False Creek for traditional Chinese longboat races and live entertainment.
Metro Vancouver's South Asian Community
Metro Vancouver is home to a large South Asian community. In Vancouver's Little India district, dine on authentic cuisine and shop for jewellery and fabrics. Pick up traditional sweets each fall during Diwali, the South Asian festival of light, or attend a Vaisakhi parade held in
Vancouver and
Surrey each spring — Surrey's celebration of this Sikh holiday attracts well over a hundred thousand parade-goers every year.
Ethnic Neighbourhoods in Vancouver
Vancouver’s numerous ethnic neighbourhoods give visitors the opportunity to experience a host of different cultures and cuisines without leaving town.
In addition to Little India, Vancouver has a Little Italy centred around Commercial Drive in the eastern part of the city. Head to "The Drive" for excellent Italian restaurants, delis and cafés.
Numerous Greek restaurants and shops can be found along West Broadway, while North Vancouver’s Persian shopping and dining opportunities attest to the city’s significant Iranian community.
Practical Points
Aboriginal artifacts and regalia have historical and cultural significance. Do not touch items unless you have been given permission to do so by a knowledgeable guide or local.
If possible, also ask permission to take photos - some artifacts such as totem poles have interesting stories, and in asking for permission visitors learn more about the local history.