Vancouver Becoming Major Destination In Pacific Northwest

VANCOUVER, CANADA - APRIL 21: Pedestrians cross a busy street in Chinatown, with the Whistler Blackcomb mountains in the background, April 21, 2004 in Vancouver, Canada. Though Canada's third largest city overall and British Columbia's first, Vancouver has historically been thought of as the "terminal city", the end of the line and the last remote town before the continent comes to an end at the Pacific Ocean. True to form there is no question about Vancouver's remoteness, and the fact that adventurers lust after the lush wilderness that lays just beyond the city limits, running uninterrupted for 700 kilometers northwest to Prince Rupert. It is said that in Vancouver it is possible to ski in the morning, sail in the afternoon and take a sunset dip in the Pacific. However, Vancouver has now blossomed into one of the world's most beautiful, livable and liberal cities. It is now more often thought of as the gateway to the Pacific Rim, the United States' west coast, and to a significant number of international shipping lanes. In 2010 Vancouver will host the Olympics and one of Canada's best kept secrets will be revealed to the rest of the world. (Photo by Joe McNally/Getty Images)