Yesterday, we reported that Vancouver was among the least affordable cities in the world to live in, today we find out there might be a good reason why that’s the case.

British Columbia’s coastal jewel was among the 10 most beautiful cities in the world, according to a list from Forbes Traveler.

Vancouver was the only Canadian berg to make the list, which was led by Cambridge, England, and Tokyo. Also included were Paris, Sydney, Florence and Venice. Three U.S. cities made the list: Chicago, New York and San Francisco.

Here’s what Forbes had to say about Vancouver, which is just days from having the world’s eyes cast upon it for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games:

“While Paris is hailed for its man-made design and structures, Vancouver is noted for its natural beauty. In this coastal city open air is abundant — from the green west-end campus of the University of British Columbia to the enormous Stanley Park just outside downtown. In addition, both the snowcapped Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean provide a beautiful backdrop, and the city’s diverse cultures and foods offer a resounding finishing touch.”

It’s true. Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve visited, and the food is fantastic.