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Invest Vancouver / Metro Vancouver Advantage / Location and Market Access

Location and Market Access

​​​​​​​​The Metro Vancouver region is Canada’s Asia Pacific Gateway. Businesses in Canada enjoy preferential access to 51 markets with a combined GDP of over US$64 trillion, representing 61% of the global economy and home to 1.5 billion consumers1.

This global reach is supported by world-class transportation infrastructure. Vancouver International Airport (YVR), recognized as North America's best airport for 15 consecutive years, offers direct flights to 79 international destinations across 24 countries and 20 U.S. states, served by 42 airlines2.

Metro Vancouver also offers a unique operational advantage. It is the only major Canadian economic hub in a time zone that allows businesses to operate with both Europe and Asia during a standard business day.

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Global market access through Canada's trade agreements​​​​

The Metro Vancouver region provides businesses with preferential access to some of the world's largest and fastest-growing markets through Canada's extensive network of free trade agreements.

Backed by Canada's reputation for economic stability, transparent institutions, and reliable international partnerships, companies operating in the region can access global customers with greater certainty and reduced barriers to trade.

Together, these agreements position Metro Vancouver as a gateway for firms looking to grow internationally and serve customers around the world.

​Canada’s free ​trade a​greements in force

Canadian free trade agreements: agreement in force by c​ountry​

15

free trade agreements

51

countries

61%

global GDP 3​

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Innovations Advantages Data Centre  

Industries built for global markets

Metro Vancouver's trade connectivity supports globally competitive companies in technology, life sciences, cleantech, digital media, and more.​

Explore key industries

A world-class port connecting businesses to global markets

The Port of Vancouver is Canada’s largest port and North America’s most diversified, connecting businesses to more than 170 international markets. Supported by an extensive network of rail, road, and marine infrastructure, it provides efficient access to customers and supply chains across North America and around the world.​​

170+

international markets

Largest

Canadian port

One of North America’s

fastest shipping routes to Asia

Explore the region'​s infrastructure

The Metro Vancouver region's gateway advantage is supported by an integrated network of ports, airports, rail corridors, and border crossings that connect businesses to markets across North America and around the world.​​​​

Explore the connectivity map

A strategic time zone for global business

Metro Vancouver's Pacific Time Zone gives businesses a unique advantage when working across international markets. It is the only major Canadian economic hub where companies can engage with Europe in the morning and Asia in the afternoon, all within a standard business day.

At the same time, Metro Vancouver shares a time zone with leading innovation and technology centers along North America's west coast, including Seattle and the San Francisco Bay Area. 

This combination supports real-time collaboration with global customers, investors, and partners while remaining closely aligned with some of the continent's most influential business ecosystems. For companies managing international operations, Metro Vancouver's time zone helps bridge continents without requiring teams to work outside regular business hours. ​

​The only major Canadian economic hub in a time zone where you can do business with Europe and Asia during a regular business day​

​​​

A world-class airport that makes it easy to connect with customers, partners, and markets around the globe

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is a welcoming front door to the region and one of Metro Vancouver's most valuable competitive advantages.

Consistently recognized among the world's best airports, YVR connects businesses and travelers to major markets across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific while delivering an efficient, passenger-friendly experience.

Unlike many major North American airports, YVR is seamlessly integrated into the region's rapid transit network, allowing travelers to reach downtown Vancouver in approximately 25 minutes via the Canada Line SkyTrain line.

The combination of global connectivity, ease of travel, and a reputation for exceptional service helps businesses attract talent, host international partners, and access global markets with confidence.

Best airport in North America for 15 consecutive years and #10 in world


​W​eekly Flights
 ​​​Destinations​
United States 600+ 29
Asia and South Pacific 120+ 19
​Europe
 60+ 10

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​Our services

​We're here to help you reach your goals with valuable support. Invest Vancouver offers a number of services at no cost to you including:​

  • Connections: Link with key partners critical to your success, such as government, industry leaders, professional services, and institutions.
  • Business Intelligence: Make better business decisions with local tailored insights, intelligence, and data.
  • Local Knowledge and Expertise: Get site selection support and custom tours that get you insider access to experts, business districts, leading universities, and innovation hubs.​
  • Strategic Advice: ​​​​​Make your investment journey seamless from start to finish. Find out about valuable incentives, regulations, and immigration.​

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1 IMF, World Economic Outlook, October 2024.

2 World Airport Awards, Skytrax, 2026 | YVR Route Brochure 2026, retrieved August 7, 2026

3 Expand globally with Canada’s free trade agreements - Tradecommissioner.gc.ca​

Invest Vancouver acknowledges that the region’s residents live, work, and learn on the shared territories of many Indigenous Peoples, including 10 local First Nations: q̓ic̓əy̓(Katzie), q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), máthxwi (Matsqui), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), qiqéyt (Qayqayt), Semiahmoo, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), scəw̓aθən məsteyəxʷ (Tsawwassen) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh).

Invest Vancouver respects the diverse and distinct histories, languages, and cultures of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

View Metro Vancouver's translated territorial acknowledgment

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