Victory Square

This square was built in 1985 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the end of the war. The site features an Eternal Flame, a statue of a woman waiting for her husband's return, and a massive steel structure resembling a yurt, made from three curved arches.

Originally known as Government Square, this was the location of Vancouver's first courthouse. The site was adjacent to the first City Hospital, Central School and many significant commercial buildings, one of which - the Dominion Building - was hailed briefly as the tallest skyscraper in the British Empire.

The capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek is surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Tien Shan mountain range and sits in the heart of the Chui Valley. A fascinating example of a Russian planned city, Bishkek's skyline is characterized by wide boulevards, impressive marble facades and Soviet era apartment blocks.

Language. The official languages are Russian and Kyrgyz and English is not widely spoken as a second language. While this is not a problem when staying in our hand-picked hotels or enjoying an excursion with one of our English-speaking guides, you may run into some confusion if you're out exploring on your own.