1. I'm traveling to Vancouver (maybe) in April and I'd like to know if individuals of African descent (Blacks) experience many problems there. I know the city is diverse, but that does not always mean that it's welcoming of ALL races. This may sound silly, but one has to ask. I doubt that only Americans experience problems with racism.

2. How is the weather likely to be in early April?

3. The St. Regis Hotel gets good reviews, but are they all true? Any negatives? Safety and such is not the main concern (as long as the threat of violent attack is not imminent, rather the state of the hotel (clean, quiet, etc.) is a top priority.

It really is a diverse city as well as one of my favorites!

I can't comment on the weather in April as we were there in the fall. Pack a variety of clothing and an umbrella. You'll have a wonderful time.

The only thing I noticed that was different from the US is there didn't seem to be very many "over-weight" people. I really found that odd. My husband and I have never had those worries but see it everywhere in the states. I don't say this to offend any "weight-challenged" people but I really did notice that people we saw anywhere and everywhere in Vancouver were typically thin.

Anyone have any thoughts on this, now that I mention this? It does make me wonder.

Again, have a fabulous trip!

Itravelsome, a white woman who is one of my fellow volunteers in a not-for-profit organisation here in Calgary is married to a black man from Nigeria.

A couple of months ago my acquaintance and her husband were in Vancouver for a week or so to attend a conference. When they got back she commented on how much her husband enjoys being in Vancouver and how much more comfortable he feels there than he feels in Calgary. It's not that anyone in Calgary is overtly rude to him; rather it's that there are so few black people in Calgary that he feels he's part of a very visible minority.

Vancouver, however, is much larger, more cosmopolitan and more racially diverse than Calgary is. That is not to say black people are a substantial minority in Vancouver. I believe you're correct in saying that diversity doesn't necessarily mean that a city is welcoming of all races. And it's true that the majority of non-white people in Vancouver are of Asian descent.

Nonetheless, according to my acquaintance's husband, each racial group in Vancouver has enough of a critical mass, if that's the right word, that he feels comfortable there.

Hope this helps.

I've visited Canada numerous times, have many family members there, and dated a Canadian for many years. What I find is that the ethnic group that IS being discrimated against a lot is the indigenous people - "First Nation" as they called it there.

>>>>>>What I find is that the ethnic group that IS being discrimated against a lot is the indigenous people - "First Nation" as they called it there.<<<<<<

Rkkwan, I believe that is a valid observation. On just about any measure of quality of life that one might care to use (infant mortality rate, life expectancy, incarceration rate, etc.), First Nations people fare worse than "mainstream" Canadians. Canada has a lot of good points, but we still have a long way to go before we can hold our heads up high when it comes to this issue, IMO.

Vancouver is about 1/3 Asian so it is multicultural in that respect. There are not many people of African-Canadian descent who actually live here, although I've never heard or seen of any discrimination in that respect.

In early April, you should come prepared for rain. It doesn't usually rain every day, all day, but you will sometimes have showers on and off throughout several days. Bring a light rain jacket with a hood so that you don't have to carry an umbrella around if you don't want to. April days can also be beautiful, sunny, "beach" days but you never know...

I have never really seen the St. Regis so can't comment on it. It is not in the best part of town and may get a little hairy in the evenings as it is right on the border of Gastown (where there are frequent shootings in the nights) and the big drug area of the city, a bit further east. But, if safety is not your main concern then this shouldn't bother you.

To the previous posters - everyone is thin here because they are always outside running, mountain climbing or skiing - lots of exercise!

Hi Cat123,
Although I agree that the area provides great outdoor activities, i.e. mountain climbing, skiing and running; I live in Colorado where there is certainly an abundance of these activities as well, but also a huge abundance of "tubbys". Perhaps, I'm of the opinion that Canadians might be generally more health conscience and active than Americans. Just an observation.

Thanks for the responses. I'm sure I'll be fine and have a good time. As a Black man, maybe I'll be mistaken for a BC Lion player or a former player of the since departed NBA Grizzlies and receive some perks here and there.

I am glad that I was able to spur a discussion about native peoples. Americans have never really addressed that issue either, but the granting of reservation lands and the lack of taxes imposed on the ubiquitous Indian gaming industry I guess is an attempt to right a grievous wrong. But can it ever be righted? Can slavery? Probably not.

So much talk of shootings and drug deals in the areas of Vancouver with good "nightlife." You'd think one was hearing about a U.S. city. I thought you Canadians were free of violence and crime. But seriously, maybe I'll try another hotel, but I guess it's just the luck of the draw. No place will be perfect, with the exception of 5-stars, but I don't have a 5-star budget. No Four Seasons for me!

I would consider Priceline. That often has excellent deals in Vancouver and you could get a nice 3* or 4* hotel for probably a cheaper price than the St. Regis. See
http://www.biddingfortravel.com or http://www.betterbidding.com

The St. Regis is not in a terrible area, though, in my opinion.

Oops, accidentally posted that.
Anyway, I wouldn't say St. Regis is on the edge of Gastown. However, a couple blocks further west would be a nicer area, for sure. However, I walk through that area all the time.

As for racism, I can't speak for anyone, but I know people of many races and ethnic backgrounds who seem very happy in Vancouver. I've never heard of racism being a source of tourist complaints.

It might well be raining a lot in early April. I hope not for your sake!

Okay - third post. I read the reviews for St. Regis, and some mention street people. Unfortunately, panhandling is a fact of life in downtown Vancouver - more so than any US city I have visited. And there are drug addicts and homeless people.

>>>>right on the border of Gastown (where there are frequent shootings in the nights) <<<<<
Just to clarify - I guess one could argue that there have been frequent shootings in Gastown compared to the average in Vancouver, but this post gives the impression that there are bullets whizzing around all the time - definately NOT the case. I can recall two or *maybe* three incidents in that area in the last few years invovling shootings, and those were not random incidents according to the news. To be fair, I would say that it would be a bit risky to wander around east of gastown late at night by yourself, but to the west I've never had any problems.

Hi, i've just found this website. Did you take that trip, April 05, and how did you get on, did you have any problems etc. I'm travelling from the uk to vancouver next year and would like to know how it was for you...what hotel did you stay in.

In terms of the weight issue, the only thing I can think of is that Vancouver restaurants lack in buffets... and most restaurants emphasize quality over quantity. As soon as you cross down into the USA, the restaurant portions seem to double!

I should have also noted, that was just an additional observation in addition to Vancouver being generally more health-conscious. When compared to health-conscious American cities, Vancouver just has smaller food portions in general.