Ah, Vancouver. Nestled between the mountains and the sea, this west coast metropolis is known for its natural beauty, multiculturalism, and penchant for athletic leisurewear. But peel back the spandex and get to know the real Vancouver, where locals enjoy complaining about the weather, housing prices, and that dude who always walks around the West End in a thong.

Here are some fun facts to get you acquainted with Vancouver, the City of Glass and Glutes:

- Vancouver has one of the largest urban parks in North America - the 1,000 acre Stanley Park. Here you can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, including angry raccoons that will steal your picnic basket if you're not careful. Namaste, little trash bandits!

- Speaking of nature, Vancouver is teeming with wildlife, including bald eagles, herons, and the occasional pod of whales or dolphins frolicking in the nearby waters. Just don't make eye contact with the coyotes, they'll take that as an invitation to join your downward dog session in the park.

- The city's film industry earned it the nickname "Hollywood North." Blockbusters like Deadpool, 50 Shades of Grey, and the Twilight saga were all filmed here. If you're lucky, you might even spot a B-list celebrity picking up some organic greens at the local farmer's market.

- Vancouverites love their bikes almost as much as their spandex. The city has over 400 kilometers of bike lanes, allowing athleisure-clad cyclists to up their RPMs as they cruise around town. Just remember: helmets are a must, even if they mess up your beach waves.

- Speaking of safety, Vancouver is one of the most livable cities in the world, with a low crime rate and clean, walkable streets. Well, clean by big city standards. You may occasionally have to sidestep some "street pizza" on the sidewalks downtown after last call.

- It rains here. Like, a lot. The average yearly rainfall is 50 inches. Bring an umbrella and watch out for those pesky wet leaves in the fall!

- Vancouver's nickname is "Lotusland" for its mild climate and abundant greenery. Flowers bloom, gardens grow, and if you listen closely, you can hear the faint sound of your money disappearing into the ether.

- Housing prices are among the highest in Canada. The median single-family home price is $1.5 million. But don't worry - you can still afford half a garage in Burnaby if you skip the avocado toast.

- The city has an impressive food scene with many award-winning restaurants. Local specialties include salmon, Japanese cuisine, and foraging for wild mushrooms with hipsters in the woods.

- Vancouver has one of the largest Chinatowns in North America. Be sure to visit for some authentic dim sum, but don't be surprised if you accidentally wander into a mahjong parlor and end up betting your life savings on a bamboo card game.

- The city is sometimes referred to as "No Fun City" for its lack of vibrant nightlife. But who needs clubs when you can hit up a late night yoga rave and get your downward dog on until sunrise?

- The beaches here are filled with locals in their natural state - which is of course yoga pants and Lululemon. While enjoying the ocean views you may witness impromptu exercise sessions, like bikram yoga in a bikini or paddleboard pilates.

- Vancouverites are obsessed with brunch. Weekend wait times can be hours long at popular spots like The Jam Cafe or Twisted Fork. Pro tip: BYO yoga mat so you can align your chakras while you wait for your eggs benny.

- The city has a famous clothing-optional beach called Wreck Beach. But don't get too excited - the nudists are mostly retirees named Bruce and Marjorie. Though on occasion you may spot the infamous Thong Guy strutting his stuff.

- Vancouver is very dog-friendly. Local pups ride the bus to get to the park, dine on the patios at restaurants, and even have their own swimming pool called the Doggy Beach Club. No cats allowed though - this is a dog town.

- The city has a vibrant arts scene, from world-class theatre to indie music venues. However, most locals prefer more cultured entertainment like attending the opera or sipping kombucha while discussing their screenplay idea.

So come enjoy the natural splendor and urban amenities of beautiful Vancouver. Just beware of the raccoons, angry cyclists, and the guy doing sun salutations in a neon thong by English Bay. The mountains are calling! Namaste.