About Vancouver
Come and discover Vancouver, a modern, magical city set among lush green mountain forests and beaches lapped by the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy the friendly multicultural atmosphere of Western Canada’s largest Metropolis, where you can enjoy shopping, museums, and many outdoor adventures. ILSC-Vancouver is conveniently located in the city’s downtown, close to public transport, banks, restaurants, and shopping options. The city is pedestrian and cyclist friendly, with a growing network of bike lanes, and walking routes.
A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers will enjoy mountain biking along the wooded trails of Pacific Spirit Park, roller blading around the Seawall, hiking up Grouse or Seymour mountains to take in the magnificent coastal views, or relaxing in Stanley Park, a beach-lined natural oasis that is only a short stroll from the city centre.
Experience the City Year Round
Buds and blossoms start appearing on Vancouver trees as early as February. Meanwhile on the mountains, the ski season often lasts until well into April. Vancouver has the earliest growing season in Canada, but spring is often still rainy and cool, so make sure to keep your warm clothes and umbrella handy this time of year.
In summer, students can enjoy lounging on Vancouver’s many beaches, try standup paddle-boarding in English Bay (the latest Vancouver craze), check out the Fireworks competition, hike the local mountains or enjoy the city’s many free summer festivals, Canada Day celebrations, and more. Summers in Vancouver are comfortable. Bring a bathing suit, but make sure to have a warm sweater and jacket for the cool coastal evenings.
Vancouver often stays sunny and comfortable well into October, although temperatures do start to cool off, so when September hits, you can put your bathing suit away. In mid-late October, expect Vancouver’s famous rains to start feeding our lush and beautiful rainforests. Make sure you have warm clothes to bundle up, and don’t forget your umbrella!
Home of the 2010 Winter Olympics, Vancouver is a popular destination for skiers, snowboarders and winter sports fans. The world renowned Whistler Mountain Ski Resort is a 1½ hour drive from the city. Local ski hills, Grouse, Seymour, and Cypress are all a short ½ hour drive from downtown. Snow falls on the mountains, but rarely in the city where average temperatures hover around 10°C. There will be a few winter days that hit the freezing point, though, so bring warm clothes and rain gear.
Facilities
Free Internet
All ILSC schools in Canada offer free Internet access outside of class hours (during regular school hours) in selected computer labs.
Student Lounges
The inviting student lounges at all ILSC campuses provide access to filtered water, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, fridges and microwaves. Campuses also have several bulletin boards providing information about travel, housing, employment, upcoming local events, etc.
Library
All ILSC schools in Canada have a borrowing library and a listening laboratory available for all students. Practice your English or French speaking skills with conversation tapes and audio books on tape. The libraries are available during regular school hours.
All ILSC campuses in Canada and most classrooms and facilities are wheelchair accessible.
