Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
a lookout point in Stanley Park
When your plane touches down at Vancouver International Airport, it's landing on
Sea Is-
land.
Severalsuchislandsarepartofamassivealluvialfanformedovereonsoftimeassilt
and gravel have washed down the Fraser River and been deposited in the Strait of Geor-
gia. The largest of these islands holds the city of Richmond, which is sandwiched between
the north and south arms of the river. Across the South Arm are Delta and Tsawwassen,
from which ferries depart for Vancouver Island. Across Boundary Bay from Tsawwassen
is White Rock, a large residential area that sits right on the U.S.-Canada border.
WhenyouleaveVancouverandheaddueeast,youtravelthroughthemostbuilt-upand
heavily populated area of British Columbia, skirting modern commercial centers, residen-
tialsuburbs,andzonesofheavyindustry.MetroVancouverextendsalmost100kilometers
(62 miles) along the Fraser Valley, through mostly residential areas. The main route east is
the TransCanada Highway, which parallels the Fraser River to the south, passing through
Burnaby, Langley, and Abbotsford. The original path taken by this highway crosses the
