As many know, when I immigrated to Canada in 2010, I moved to Vancouver, where I spent three and a half years. I believe Vancouver is one of the best options for those arriving with family and seeking to balance costs with good employment opportunities. Everyone talks about it being an expensive city, but I disagree somewhat. You need to consider the overall picture. You will save on tuition, transportation, and health insurance, which offsets the higher rent costs… in short, it is something worth thinking about. If you want to learn more about Vancouver, keep reading.
The mild climate and enchanting natural beauty attract an increasing number of tourists and residents to Vancouver, on Canada’s west coast. The city boasts one of the world’s highest qualities of life, ranking third in the Mercer Quality of Living Survey, behind only Zurich and Vienna. It also topped The Economist magazine’s ranking for ten consecutive years.
Dubbed “Manhattan with mountains” by The New York Times, Vancouver has about 675,000 inhabitants (2.5 million in the metropolitan area) and is Canada’s most densely populated city. Nevertheless, it enjoys a more relaxed lifestyle compared to other Canadian metropolises like Toronto and Montreal. Vancouver’s population is one of the most diverse in the world, with more than half consisting of immigrants.
It goes without saying that the city also offers an excellent public transportation system, internationally renowned universities, and numerous leisure options, including beaches. There are plenty of reasons to visit and live in Vancouver!
Employment
Vancouver is one of the country’s major industrial hubs, thanks to its strategic location along the Pacific Ocean, with strong trade ties to Japan, China, South Korea, and India.
In recent years, the city has evolved into a centre for startups and software and digital gaming companies. Additionally, Vancouver hosts one of North America’s largest film industries, earning it the nickname “Hollywood North.” More than 35,000 people work in the sector, which generates about CAD $1 billion annually. Famous films, such as those in the Twilight saga and X-Men series, had scenes shot in the city.
The city’s unemployment rate was 4.8% at the end of 2019, and the government forecasts the creation of 143,800 new jobs by 2029. Among the professions in highest demand are salespeople, nurses, business managers, and programmers. The full list of high-demand occupations and average salaries can be viewed here.
The average salary in Vancouver is about CAD $74,000 per year (or CAD $54,000 after taxes), sufficient for a comfortable life in the city, though most of the population earns salaries in the range of 40,000 to 50,000.
For digital nomads, the city offers numerous co-working spaces, with prices ranging from CAD $15 to $30 per day.
In addition to sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Job Bank, there are specific platforms for job searches in the province of British Columbia, such as WorkBC and BCJobs.
Education
Vancouver ranks 16th in the QS Best Student Cities, a list of the world’s top cities for students. The city is home to some of Canada’s best universities, including the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Simon Fraser University (SFU).
UBC is where the current Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, graduated. The university, with over 60,000 students, ranks 34th in the Times Higher Education ranking and 51st in the QS World University Rankings.
Other renowned institutions include Capilano University, Emily Carr University of Art and Design, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, and Langara College.
The city is also an excellent destination for study abroad programs. There are many language schools that welcome students from around the world. Highlights include EC, ILAC, ILSC, LSI, Global Village, Cornerstone, and Tamwood.
One advantage of Vancouver and the province of British Columbia is that international students have access to the public health care system for just CAD $75 per month.
International students also enjoy “free” public transportation in the city, as the costs are already included in the tuition fees paid to educational institutions.
Housing in Vancouver
With so many attractions, Vancouver is not an inexpensive city to live in. In 2020, it was ranked as the second-most expensive city in the world for housing, behind Hong Kong.
In the city centre, rents are higher, and most properties are apartments in large residential complexes. Expect to pay between CAD $900 and $1,100 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Kitsilano (or Kits) is a highly sought-after area for young families and students, with more affordable prices than the centre.
South Granville is also a great option, offering excellent public transportation and various leisure activities.
Outside the city limits is Burnaby, home to many immigrant communities and with quick access to downtown Vancouver via the SkyTrain.
One way to offset high housing costs is to share rent with another person. There are specialized sites for finding roommates, such as Roomster, Roomlala, Roomies, and easyRoommates, as well as Facebook groups for the same purpose.
Transportation in Vancouver
Vancouver prioritizes public transportation. The proportion of the population using cars as their primary mode of transport has declined significantly since the 1990s. Nevertheless, Vancouver experiences Canada’s worst traffic congestion.
The city’s subway system, called the SkyTrain, has 3 lines and 53 stations, operating from 5:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. It is one of the world’s few systems using fully automated trains.
Marine transportation is also widely used. The SeaBus is a ferry that crosses between downtown and North Vancouver, with departures every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night.
All systems—buses, trains, and ferries—are integrated and divided into zones. Thus, the farther the destination, the higher the fare. Trips paid with the transportation card (Compass Card) are cheaper, and there is also an option for an unlimited monthly pass. All fares can be viewed here.
Bikes are welcome too! There are about 300 km of bike paths and a bike-sharing system, Mobi, in operation since 2016.
Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft only began operating in 2020, after being banned for many years.
Finally, there is a suburban train line, the West Coast Express, connecting downtown Vancouver to other regional cities, as well as long-distance trains to Toronto (operated by Via Rail) and to Seattle and Portland in the U.S. (operated by Amtrak).
Climate
For those who hate the cold, Vancouver is the right destination in Canada. In winter, temperatures rarely drop below zero degrees, making it much milder than winters in Toronto and Montreal, where thermometers can reach -30°C in January. In summer, the average temperature ranges from 20 to 25 degrees.
The dry season occurs from May to August. The rainy season runs from September to April. It rains so much in Vancouver that locals have nicknamed the city “Raincouver.”
Vancouver is a model of sustainability, being North America’s metropolitan area with the lowest greenhouse gas emissions. The city has a plan to become the “greenest city in the world” by 2020 and to minimize waste generation by 2040.
Leisure and Tourism
Although a young city, Vancouver offers numerous tourist attractions and leisure options, including beaches, parks, museums, and art galleries. There are many outdoor activities, and the population is active in sports and physical pursuits, boasting one of Canada’s lowest obesity rates. Additionally, Vancouver hosts many international events. It was the host of the 2010 Winter Olympics and the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Here are some of the city’s main attractions:
Stanley Park (Vancouver, BC)
View of Stanley Park in Vancouver
One of the world’s largest urban parks, spanning over 400 hectares of forest, beaches, and trails. It was voted the best park in the world by TripAdvisor.
The best way to explore it is by bike. The 8.8 km Seawall section is the most popular, offering great views of the city and mountains. Along the way, there are…
Within the park is also the Vancouver Aquarium, the country’s largest aquarium, which focuses on marine life conservation and rescue.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park (Vancouver, BC)
Capilano Bridge, suspension bridge in Vancouver
One of the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridges, stretching 137 metres at a height of 70 metres above the ground. For the more adventurous, the park also offers a glass-floor walkway on the cliff’s edge and treetop adventures. Admission costs CAD $55 (with discounts for seniors and students).
A cheaper alternative to the park is Lynn Canyon Park, which is free and also features a suspension bridge, though smaller.
Grouse Mountain (Vancouver, BC)
Grouse Mountain gondola in Vancouver
A 1,230-metre-high mountain very close to the city, accessible by public transportation. In winter, it is popular for skiing and snowboarding. In summer, activities include trails, zip lines, and gondola rides (not to be confused with Venice’s boats).
The most famous trail is the Grouse Grind, a staircase with over 2,800 steps that takes visitors up 850 metres. The climb is rewarded with stunning city views.
Sea-to-Sky Gondola (Vancouver, BC)
Sea to Sky, near Vancouver, Canada
Located on the Sea-to-Sky Highway, the beautiful road linking Vancouver to Whistler, this is one of Vancouver’s newest attractions. The gondola takes visitors up 855 metres for incredible views of the sea and mountains.
Kitsilano Beach (Vancouver, BC)
Celebration of Lights event, viewed from Kitsilano Beach in Vancouver, Canada
Also known as Kits Beach, it is one of Vancouver’s most famous beaches. It features a public pool, tennis and basketball courts, restaurants, shops, and more. It is popular for windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding.
English Bay Beach (Vancouver, BC)
Celebration of Lights event at English Bay, Vancouver, Canada
Located in the West End neighbourhood, this beach is one of the city’s most popular spots for watching the sunset. It hosts famous events like the Celebration of Light, an annual fireworks festival, and the Vancouver Polar Bear Swim, a competition where participants plunge into the bay’s freezing waters during winter—quite brave! Here, you can also see A-maze-ing Laughter, a set of amusing sculptures that make for great photos.
Museum of Anthropology (Vancouver, BC)
MOA – UBC
The area now occupied by Vancouver was inhabited thousands of years ago. To learn about the city’s roots, the best option is the Museum of Anthropology at UBC, which houses artifacts and artworks from Indigenous peoples, such as totem poles, sculptures, and utensils. Admission costs CAD $18.
Vancouver Art Gallery
The city’s main art museum. The building, formerly a courthouse, was converted into a museum in the 1980s. Today, it holds over 12,000 works by Canadian and international artists and has hosted major exhibitions of Picasso, da Vinci, and Monet. Admission costs CAD $24 (CAD $20 for seniors and CAD $18 for students).
Gastown
A charming neighbourhood filled with cafés, restaurants, and boutiques. Here, you can see the Gastown Steam Clock, built in 1875—one of the world’s few operational steam clocks. Every 15 minutes, it releases steam through its whistles.
Robson Street
Robson Street, Vancouver, Canada
This downtown street is known for its many shops and famous brands. It is the ideal spot for window shopping or simply sitting at a café to people-watch. It also has Vancouver’s most expensive rents.
Sports enthusiasts can visit the BC Sports Hall of Fame, which features an exhibit on the 2010 Olympics.
Granville Island
Granville Island, Vancouver, Canada
A former industrial hub, now home to a public market with restaurants, craft shops, and art galleries. It operates daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. It is one of the city’s best places to eat, offering good and affordable food.
The island’s brewery, Granville Island Brewing, is considered Canada’s first microbrewery and offers tours and tastings for CAD $12.
Next to the market is a set of 23-metre-high silos graffiti-ed by the Brazilian artists OSGEMEOS.
Richmond Night Market (Vancouver, BC)
Richmond Night Market, Vancouver, Canada
A night market held during the summer months, inspired by large Asian markets. You can find antiques, crafts, street food, and artistic performances.
Chinatown (Vancouver, BC)
As the first port on North America’s west coast, Vancouver attracted many Asian immigrants, mostly Chinese. In Chinatown, you can experience Chinese culture and cuisine. The neighbourhood also features a beautiful Chinese garden, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen.
Videos about Vancouver, Canada (and region)