Living in Vancouver
What to expect when moving to Vancouver
Outdoor activities and lots of them! Vancouverites are friendly, social, nature-loving, patriotic and passionate about being outside (when the rain stops). Skiing, snowshoeing, sledging, cycling, swimming, speed boats, paddle boards, kayaks, sailing, hydro planning, tennis, pickleball. Every sport or activity you can imagine is on offer; the list is endless.
They love hiking ‘the Grouse Grind’, a 2.5km hike up Grouse Mountain being the ultimate challenge. They love camping, locally, on Vancouver Island or further afield to places like the Indian Arm. They will, of course, always be armed with bear bells and bear spray. Rock climbing in Squamish, surfing in Tofino or skiing either locally or in the world-renowned Whistler, an hour on the sea-to-sky (aptly named) highway. A journey itself worth taking, even if purely to see its breathtaking views of the many islands surrounding the mainland.
Predominantly English (Canadian) speaking, Vancouver is home to many different nationalities (it’s one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse cities in Canada) who all bring with them their fascinating cultures: Iranians, Chinese, British, and Japanese, to name a few.
Fashion and food
Lululemon is the go-to fashion brand — the Canucks are their beloved ice hockey team. Food lovers have a huge amount of choice. Those looking for authentic Chinese food head to Chinatown or Richmond. Granville Island has a fantastic daily food market with amazing fresh produce and numerous stalls cooking all different genres of food. BBQ boats in False Creek are a unique and fun way to see the city from the water.
Boat lovers head to English Bay during the summertime to spot beautiful sailing boats and soak up the stunning summer sunsets, either on the beach or at the Boat House in English Bay. For those looking for festive fun during the silly season, you can book an Igloo hut (greenhouse) covered in Christmas lights at the boatshed on Ambleside Beach. Those searching for a stunning view all year round with delicious food head to the Salmon House above Dundarave in West Vancouver.
Getting around
An easily accessible fantastic public transport system connects the north shore to the mainland. A skytrain whisks visitors from YVR to downtown and on to the waterfront where it is easy to connect to Lonsdale Quay and the Shipyards by hopping on the sea bus. Lonsdale Quay and the Shipyards are home to many restaurants as well as artisan food suppliers, in the summer, live music, and in the winter, an outdoor ice rink.
Law and order
Crime on the North Shore is rare and gets front-page attention when anything happens. Sometimes, the local police get overexcited and are known to shut the Lions Gate Bridge and deploy helicopters to chase a burglar. Downtown East Side Vancouver is slightly different and should be avoided if possible due to the opioid crisis.
On the face of it, Canadians appear laid-back, but they do, in fact, love rules. There is no drinking in public places, no dogs on the beach or seawall in West Vancouver, with fines issued if caught and absolutely no jaywalking downtown.
Where to live in Vancouver
Downtown Vancouver is hip and trendy. Lonsdale Quay is home to young professionals, often working in the city, who commute using the sea bus. Kitsilano is also trendy with many little shops and restaurants and, without a doubt, one of the most popular places to live.
North Vancouver is affordable and full of young families.
West Vancouver has larger properties and is less condensed than North Vancouver with Bowen Island being perfect for those wishing to live slightly more remotely.
Vancouverites enjoy an outdoorsy life; when the sun shines it’s the most beautiful city in the world and you can often see three seasons in one day.
Getting started in Vancouver
The first thing to do is find a rental. Realtors are like film stars, regularly appearing on the sides of buses. Most rentals, while advertised, are not actually available due to all being on a rolling contract with tenants giving one month’s notice to leave, so they all say they ‘might’ be available. It can be quite time-consuming. Be cautious of rentals listed on websites such as Craigslist, as many are fake listings. Always go with a professional rental company to avoid being scammed. Proof of income is necessary as well as a clean credit rating. Higher deposits are requested from landlords when in doubt. Proof of home content insurance is also mandatory upon signing a rental contract.
Move-in and out dates of all properties fall on either the 1st or 15th of the month so it happens for everyone on the same day, causing chaos with utilities. Big deposits are required by the utility companies for first-time renters.
Banking, phone, and medical services
Banking is easy once you have an account set up, with e-transfers a great way to send money.
Mobile phone contracts are expensive so it’s wise to shop around to find the most competitive deal.
Medical services plan is taken from taxes and begins three months after you arrive in Vancouver so taking out private health insurance is recommended initially.
Schools and cars
Enlisting in a state school needs proof of address. Enlisting in private school is a little easier with the paperwork, but you generally need a large family deposit (held by the school until you leave). The good news is there are many different types of schools.
Car insurance is always taken through ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia — government-owned). Driving lessons start at 16 with an initial ‘N’ test at 17. Successful drivers are then placed on two years of restricted driving (only one friend in the car at any one time and absolutely no speeding) before they are allowed to take their full license.
Liquor stores (also owned by the government) and supermarkets are generally not allowed to sell alcohol within their stores.
Day-to-day living in Vancouver
Vancouverites enjoy an outdoorsy life; when the sun shines it’s the most beautiful city in the world and you can often see three seasons in one day.
Children all head to their local schools, often within walking distance, and parents to their workplace or daily activities. They all start early and finish early. If out for dinner, Vancouverites are usually home (and in bed) by 9pm. Happy hour is from 2 to 5pm and 9.30pm to midnight, so if you are used to the more European dining experience, it works in your favour.
Students who are allowed to work get jobs in the local restaurants during term time, either washing up in the kitchen or as servers.
Rubbish is put out the morning of collection after 5am but before 9am to ensure the cheeky raccoons don’t cause chaos by tipping over the bins. Some people keep long-handled brushes by the back door to ensure they don’t try and come inside. Skunks are also a regular nuisance for dog owners.
The last word
It’s easy to fall in love with life in Vancouver and never leave. It really is a one-stop shop to a fulfilled life. It’s unsurprising Vancouver is voted one of the top places in the world to live. When the sun shines, it is the most stunning city on earth, but get ready to dodge the seemingly endless days of rain when they come.