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Vancouver is the largest city in the province of British Columbia and the third largest city in Canada. The city is surrounded by water on three sides, is home to spectacular natural scenery and a busy metropolitan core, and boasts one of the mildest climates in Canada.

The City of Vancouver has a wide variety of tourist activities from more than 190 parks to three different civic theatres. It's simply a beautiful place to be. Downtown you can see the blue-green Pacific Ocean, as well as steep mountains capped with snow and covered in dense old-growth forest. Vancouver is also known for the multicultural flair. The city has long been a home to people from all over the globe, especially from China and other parts of Asia. Only the persistent drizzle and gray skies of winter and spring keep Vancouver from being a total paradise.

The City of Richmond is the largest suburb of Vancouver, located on Canada's Pacific Coast in the province of British Columbia. Richmond is a unique island city, located within the Greater Vancouver Regional District and is close to downtown Vancouver and the U.S. border. It is made up of a series of islands in the mouth of the Fraser River. They include Sea Island, most of Lulu Island, and fifteen smaller islands.

Richmond has a population of over 165,000 people and is a growing dynamic urban centre with a mix of residential, and commercial property, agricultural lands, industrial parks, waterways and natural areas. Richmond has undergone enormous change over the last several decades, with significant growth in the early 1990's. Today, Richmond is a multi-ethnic community. Much of the recent population growth has been from Asian immigrants, who now represent approximately one third of Richmond residents.

According to Statistics Canada, residents of Richmond have the greatest life expectancy in all of Canada. The agency recently reported people in Richmond have the lowest smoking and obesity rates in the country and live an average of 81.2 years.

Richmond is known for its quality parks, leisure facilities, and recreation services. Richmond has over 1200 acres of park land and a variety of recreational amenities, including pools, arenas, community centres, tennis courts, playgrounds, picnic areas, golf courses, lacrosse boxes, running tracks and playing fields. Cultural facilities include libraries, a performing arts theatre, art gallery, arts centre, museums, archives and heritage sites.

Driving Regulations In BC
B.C.'s driving laws are consistent with those of other provinces and most U.S. States. Provincial law requires that all passengers wear seat-belts; infant restraints must secure children under five years old and motorcyclists and bicyclists must wear helmets.

Speed Limits In BC

Drinking And Driving Laws In BC
The legal drinking age in B.C. is 19. Proper photo identification is required. The legal limit is .08. You may recieve a 24-hour suspension, a suspension ordered by the court or the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles under the Motor Vehicle Act, a $300.00 fine and 7 days in jail. Any subsequent offences carry a minimum of $300.00 fine and 14 days in jail.

Tipping tips
As service charges are not usually added to a bill, a general tip of 12-15% is suggested to servers, hairdressers, and taxi drivers. For bellhops and doormen at hotels and airports, $1 - 1.50 per bag is standard.

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Parking in Vancouver
There are a lot of parking lots in downtown Vancouver, including surface, above ground, and underground parking. There are more than 400 parking lots in Vancouver. To find a parking facility, look for parking signs. Prices range from $1 an hour to $3 per half hour depending on the location. Below are locaters from the two major parking companies in Vancouver:

Impark Locator
EasyPark Locator

There are also more than 6000 parking meters in Vancouver. Parking Meters are in effect from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. every day of the year. Most meters allow two hour parking, and some allow three. Parking meter rates vary from $0.75 per hour to $2.50 per hour depending on the area. To report a malfunctioning parking meter: 604-871-2619

Parking in Richmond
In downtown Richmond there is short-term, on-street pay parking, which are a maximum of $1 an hour between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily. For more information contact the EasyPark Richmond office at (604) 270-7554.

Helpful Telephone Numbers
Here are some telephone numbers that you may find useful during your trip in British Columbia.