Throughout 2023 V.I.A. has published more than 40 pieces titled "5 things you (probably) didn't know about" or some variation thereof.
Subjects have ranged from the niche, like five things about Vancouver's strip clubs (which could probably get a sequel) to the broad, like trees.
In each case, tidbits of information have been shared that are probably new to most people.
For example, most people know Ryan Reynolds is from Vancouver, but far fewer people appear to know that Bing Crosby (yes, the guy who probably sang one of your grandparents' favourite Christmas songs) personally helped fundraise for a community centre in Vancouver because someone asked nicely.
So of those 40-plus here are five of the most popular "5 things" from 2023.
1. The U.S.-Canada border near Vancouver
It's an incredibly small area of interest, but for some reason, it resounded with people of the internet.
Among the facts were which parts of the US are actually above the 49th parallel because of mistakes and how you can cross the US-Canadian border without going through a checkpoint (actually, that last one might be why it got all the attention).
2. Unusual animals that live in and around Vancouver
Shockingly, weird animals caught the attention of readers.
While there was one incredibly cute one (the local flying squirrel), there are a couple less cute (unless you like fancy underwater slugs) and one downright bizarre entry.
3. The Fraser River
The Fraser River is one of the defining features of Vancouver and is pretty important to the region's history.
But did you know it popped up (as much as a river can) in a popular 80s action film and NASA finds its tides very odd?
4. The Lions Gate Bridge
The Lions Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic sights in Vancouver, and many are familiar with it and broadly know its history.
There are some odd details though, like how the baby shoes of one of the main people behind the project are in one of the lion statues and when he (and others) were proposing it they built a huge model they brought to parades.
5. Companies that were founded in Vancouver
Vancouver may not be a world centre for finance and corporations, but it's got its fair share.
It also has a lot of entrepreneurs locally, and they've started all sorts of things from a growing global hotel brand and one of the most common company communication apps out there.
Bonus fact: After the Great Fire of 1886 they recovered a partially melted church bell which the Museum of Vancouver still has.
