Discovery Series Ornament – Vancouver

Discovery Series Ornament – Vancouver is the third, but not the last, mini mug from British Columbia that I’m adding to my collection. Stay tuned for at least three more releases expected soon.

Vancouver’s history begins long before it became a modern metropolis. The land was originally home to the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, whose deep connection to the coast still defines the region’s identity. European settlers arrived in the 1800s, drawn by the timber trade and the promise of the Pacific. The city was officially incorporated in 1886, only to be nearly destroyed by fire the same year – a setback that didn’t slow its rapid growth. With the completion of the transcontinental railway, Vancouver became a crucial port linking Canada to Asia and beyond. Today, its past and present meet in a city where glass towers rise beside cedar forests and ocean tides.

– The Lions Gate Bridge stands as one of Vancouver’s most recognizable landmarks. Opened in 1938, it connects the city to the North Shore, stretching elegantly across Burrard Inlet. Its twin towers and suspension cables reflect both art deco beauty and engineering strength. At sunset, when its lights shimmer over the water, it captures the spirit of a city balanced between wilderness and progress.

– Vancouver’s film industry has earned it the nickname “Hollywood North.” Its diverse scenery – mountains, ocean, forests, and sleek urban skylines – makes it a perfect stand-in for cities around the world. Major productions from Deadpool to The Last of Us have been filmed here, fueling a creative economy that keeps growing. The result is a city where movie stars and camera crews have become part of the everyday landscape.

– Sushi is practically a local cuisine in Vancouver, thanks to its Pacific location and strong Japanese influence. Fresh salmon, tuna, and spot prawns arrive straight from nearby waters, giving local chefs the best ingredients to work with. From high-end omakase to cheap rolls on every corner, sushi here is fresh, inventive, and often affordable. It’s a perfect reflection of Vancouver’s mix of cultures and its connection to the sea.

– Every spring, the Pacific Rhododendron paints Vancouver’s parks and gardens with bursts of pink and purple. Native to the region, these blooms thrive in the city’s mild coastal climate. They symbolize renewal and mark the shift from long, rainy winters to brighter days. Locals and visitors alike flock to see them in places like Stanley Park and Queen Elizabeth Park.

– Vancouver is renowned as one of the best places in the world for spotting orcas in their natural habitat. During the prime whale watching season, typically from May to October, visitors can embark on guided boat tours through the scenic waters of the Salish Sea. These excursions offer thrilling opportunities to observe orca pods as they breach, play, and hunt, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Northwest.