Even after a hard night, you won't catch Vancouver needing make-up. Blessed from birth with perfect bone structure, the city has a photogenic facade and effortless chic that are often compared to San Francisco's. Nestled snugly between mountains and sea, it lies on a strip of land bounded on the north by Burrard Inlet and on the south by Fraser River.

But Vancouver has more to offer than just its postcard good looks. Certainly one of the most cosmopolitan cities in North America, it is still a city of new immigrants - wander the streets and you'll hear a dozen different languages. The city also attracts young professionals and artists from the eastern provinces who come here to enjoy the city's recreation and laid-back sophistication.

If there's a drawback to this place 'where everyone would want to live,' it's the rain - particularly in winter, when it rarely stops. Even in summer, a soggy spell can last for weeks. But when the sun shines gloriously and the mountains reappear, all seems to be forgiven.