Vancouver Local Custom Tips by rmdw Top 5 Page for this destination

CKNW Orphans Fund

The orphans fund is a wonderful charity that raises money for a variety of purposes, all of them connected to helping children in need. It has been running annually since 1945.

I particularly like this charity because 100% of the money raised goes to the kids. How is this possible? Because Corus Entertainment, the parent company of radio station CKNW, donates all of the administrative personnel to run the fund. It's a very, very good cause!

If you live in or near Vancouver then I strongly encourage you to donate to the fund:

CKNW Orphans Fund
Suite 2000
700 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, B.C.
V7Y 1K9

Phone: (604) 331-2711

View a Wide Assortment of Canadian Flags

Visit Canada Place if you'd like to see all the flags of Canada in one place. This includes the 10 provincial flags, the 3 territorial flags, and of course, the flag of the country.

To get to Canada Place just find Howe Street downtown and start walking north. It's the large building with the white sails where cruise ships depart from.

Vancouver's Downtown Ambassadors

The Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association has created a program to help locals and tourists alike. They've employed a number of upbeat, friendly people for these roles, though their not all as cute as this particular young lady! You'll be able to immediately spot them from their bright red shirts and caps.

Blue Fire Hydrants?

Any ideas on why this fire hydrant is blue? Might it be Vancouver's attempt to be more unique? Good guess, but the city does have regular red fire hydrants just like in other cities.

But after earthquakes in Kobe, Japan and San Francisco, USA it was determined that a dedicated pumping system using saltwater from the ocean could be employed as a backup in case the regular fresh water pipes are destroyed.

If you'd like to read more about this special system then click here.

Go fly a kite!

Most every day down at Vanier Park (SW of Burrard Street Bridge) you will see a few people flying kites of every shape, size, and colour.

My favourites are the ones where the person can control the kites, moving them up & down at great speed.

Website: http://www.bcka.bc.ca

CKNW 980 - Vancouver Talk Radio

Whenever I move to a new city, or even stay in one for an extended period, I like to listen to the local talk radio stations to get a feel for what makes the place tick.

In Vancouver, the talk station to listen to is CKNW 980 on the AM band. It has a number of experienced journalists who provide great insight into local and international issues. They frequently interview expert authorities from all over the world.

Though I live in Montreal now, I still listen to CKNW everyday via www.cknw.com.

Other Contact: 1.877.399.9898

Phone: 604.280.9898

Website: http://www.cknw.com

[East] Indian Wedding Multiculturalism Review

Vancouver is a very multicultural diverse city. Orientals are the most visible minority but [East] Indians would be second in number to them.

In the late nineties I was fortunate enough to be invited to an actual Indian wedding. It was by far the most interesting wedding I have ever been to. And the food was so, so good!!!