O Canada!

A Vancouver lowdown

Talk of the town: Vancouver was named the world's third most liveable city in The Economist Intelligence Unit's 2011 Global Liveability Report.
Word to the wise: Like every city, Vancouver has its own set of rules and need-to-knows. Get clued up on the important ones.

- All BC prices are listed before tax, so remember to factor in the 12 percent Harmonised Sales Tax (HST) for all goods and services.
- A minimum 15 percent gratuity is customary if a service charge has not added to your restaurant bill. Taxi drivers and hair stylists expect at least a 10 percent tip.

- Bar/club doormen will always ask you to present two forms of ID; one with a photo. The legal drinking age is 19.

- Canada's warmest city also houses the nation's largest homeless population (nearly 4,000 and counting). East Hastings is Vancouver's skid row, but you'll see lots of buskers on Granville; spare a quarter if they're good.

- If you see a black bear in a Vancouver nature reserve, don't fret: these guys are pretty docile. Observe from a safe distance.