Are you thinking about moving to Vancouver? What about other areas in British Columbia or across Canada? Moving to a new country is an exciting time. And it’s a time when you will need to make important decisions. For many new immigrants, Vancouver is the right city. It is Canada’s largest city on the west coast. 

It’s wise for newcomers to research cities in Canada before choosing a new place to call home. Does the job market offer opportunities? Are there housing options that fit your budget? How expensive is the cost of living? These questions will help you make the best decision based on your lifestyle needs. 

The City of Vancouver is one of the top destinations for newcomers to Canada, particularly from the Asia-Pacific Region. That’s not surprising as it’s one of the most beautiful, livable cities in Canada and the world. It offers a mild climate, cultural diversity, and impressive natural setting, all found in a growing metropolitan city. 

Vancouver is one of the most expensive cities in the country, it is also the most liveable city. It has plans to become the greenest city in the world through its Vancouverism urban planning design philosophy. There are many reasons why it’s an attractive city for new immigrants. Prepare for Canada can guide you with helpful information about living in Vancouver.

About Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver is a large urban city found in Western Canada. It is part of the Lower Mainland area of British Columbia. The city has the third-highest quality of living in the world. It is one of the most diverse cities in Canada. This helps it to attract new residents, tourists, and economic investors. 

The city was founded on First Nations territory, and it was built by immigrants from countries around the world. The Fraser Gold Rush in 1858 first drew significant interest in the region. Thousands of people migrated to the area from the United States and New Westminster. The first European settlers made their way to Vancouver in 1862. The City of Vancouver was incorporated in 1886, the same year the transcontinental train made its way to the west. The city is named after Royal Navy Captain George Vancouver.

Vancouver is an international city surrounded by mountains, lush forests, Vancouver Island, and the fourth-largest port in the Americas. It is an outdoor lovers’ paradise and a gateway to adventure. 

How Many People Live in Vancouver, British Columbia?

The City of Vancouver has a population of 631,486 (Canada Census: 2016). The larger region, known as Metro Vancouver, has 2,643,431 people. It is the 8th most populated city and the third-largest metropolitan area in Canada. The city has the highest population density in Canada. There are over 5,400 people per square kilometre. 

Thirteen of the province’s 30 most populous municipalities are in Metro Vancouver. They include the City of Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, and White Rock.

How to Find a Job & Build a Career in Vancouver

Vancouver’s Local Economy

Vancouver has a dynamic, highly diversified urban economy with growing knowledge-based sectors and strong global linkages. The city is one of Canada’s largest industrial centres thanks to its location on the Pacific Rim and at the western terminus of Canada’s transcontinental highway and rail routes. 

Forestry and mining companies have their headquarters in this city. As well, in recent years, the city has become an increasingly important centre for:

• Technology

• Software engineer

• Biotechnology

• Digital entertainment and interactive media

• Green economy

• Video game development

• Film.

Vancouver is known as “Hollywood North” because of its growing film industry and filming locations.

Major Employers in Vancouver

Vancouver is home to many large corporations, a strong mining industry, technology, film, and healthcare industries. Small businesses are considered the engine of the provincial economy. 

Some of the top companies in this city are:

• Amazon

• Microsoft

• SAP

• Apple

• IBM

• University of British Columbia

• RBC

• Telus

• Electronic Arts

• Intel Corporation.

Career Pathways in Vancouver

To search for potential job opportunities you can use bcjobs.ca and WorkBC. Working with a recruitment agency is an effective way for newcomers to find work. The top recruiters in Vancouver are Recruiting in Motion, Impact Recruiting, Robert Half, and Randstad Canada. 

The Vancouver Housing Market

Where you choose to live will have a big impact on your budget. When considering a neighbourhood, look at the amenities in the area, for example, how close are schools, child care, the grocery store, and medical care? How long will the commute take? Is public transit easily accessible? Consider the real estate cost and the value a neighbourhood offers your family.

Is Housing Expensive in Vancouver, British Columbia?

Vancouver is one of the most expensive cities in North America. It is the second most expensive city to buy and rent in Canada. Only Toronto is more expensive. And costs keep going up. 

While newcomers are attracted to the downtown lifestyle, it comes with high costs. With more affordable housing within the Vancouver metropolitan area, you may want to consider living outside of the city.

Finding a Place to Rent in Vancouver 

Vancouver has the most expensive rental rates in Canada. You will find it challenging to find a place to rent for less than $2,000 per month. The average rent for an apartment in Vancouver is $2048 for a Bachelor, $2211 for a 1 Bedroom, $3421 for a 2 Bedroom, and $4973 for a 3 Bedroom. These rates are significantly higher compared to other smaller cities in the country. 

Use Rentals for Newcomers to search for available rental units in Vancouver. Here, you can also find current rental prices in Vancouver, which is helpful since rental prices can change often.

You’ll need renter’s insurance to protect your belongings. Most property owners will require you to have this insurance. 

Buying a Home in Vancouver 

Finding a home in the Vancouver area can be challenging, especially the closer you get to Vancouver proper. Housing affordability is a huge concern in the region, with many people choosing to live in homes in suburban cities like Coquitlam, Surrey, and Richmond, and commuting to Vancouver for work if necessary. 

But, over the last decade, people have been moving even further east as housing prices continue to rise. Or, they are choosing smaller, multi-family dwellings instead of single-detached homes. While newcomers commonly want to live downtown for convenience and lifestyle, home purchase prices are higher. The further east you go, the lower the prices. 

According to Royal LePage, the average cost to buy a home in Vancouver is $1,253,300. This is a year-over-year increase of 17.1%. The median price for a single-family detached home is $1,707,900. The median price to buy a condo is $717,200. To buy a home, contact a realtor in the area, who will guide you through the home-buying process. Find out more about buying your first home in Canada: First Time Home Buyer: Newcomer Tips

Driving & Public Transit in Vancouver

Driving in Vancouver, British Columbia

Highway driving is common, but the city has some of the worst traffic congestion in the country. Metro Vancouver’s network of highways is key to connecting communities. Here are the major highways:

• Highway 1 (also known as the TransCanada Highway): runs from the west coast of B.C. through all the communities in Metro Vancouver and beyond to the rest of Canada

• Lougheed Highway (also known as Highway 7) runs from Burnaby to beyond Mission on the north side of the Fraser River

• Highway 91/91A is also known as the Richmond Connector

• Highway 99 (Sea to Sky) is the main route to Whistler.

If you plan to drive, learn about Getting Your Driving License in Vancouver, BC.

Get more information about driving in Canada:

Driving in Canada: 10 Essential Facts to Know

Driving Test in Canada: A Full Guide

Tips for Winter Driving to Ensure Your Safety

Vancouver Public Transit

TransLink runs Vancouver’s public transit system. The extensive transit system connects the City of Vancouver and the surrounding cities and towns in the metropolitan area. The various forms of transit include:

• Buses

• SkyTrain (which connects Vancouver to Surrey and Coquitlam)

• West Coast Express train, a commuter train that runs from Vancouver to Mission (about 70 kilometres from Vancouver)

• SeaBus (hovercraft boats that connect Vancouver to North Vancouver).

For more details, check out  Public Transit in Vancouver | How to Get Around with Ease.

The second busiest airport in Canada is the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) located just 12 km from downtown and accessible by public transit.

Community Support for Newcomers

There are settlement agencies in Vancouver to help new immigrants settle into their new city and country. The main organizations to consider include SUCCESS BC Settlement & Integration, Immigration Services Society of BC, Settlement Orientation Service, and MOSAIC.

Language Support in Vancouver

There are over 190 languages spoken throughout the city, with Chinese being the most widely spoken language outside of English. Residents can get language support through settlement organizations, the Vancouver Public Library, and other community organizations. If you require, you can also get help using language service providers such as CanTalk and LingoStar.

Personal Finance & Banking

An important first step is to set up a personal bank account as soon as you arrive. All local banks have programs to help newcomers open a bank account and get a credit card. You can visit a local bank branch to open a bank account and learn about financial products such as a line of credit or mortgage.

Top 10 Financial Steps to Take Before You Leave for Canada

Move to Canada | Transferring Cash & Valuables

Open a Bank Account Before Arriving in Canada

Vancouver’s Education System

Vancouver has a strong education system from elementary to college and university. It has many learning options for kids, including public, Catholic, and private schools in addition to many childcare and daycare options. It has world-class post-secondary institutions for those enrolling in higher education.

Elementary and High School Education

Vancouver has many elementary and high schools for your child’s education. The Vancouver School Board administers about 76 elementary schools, 17 elementary annexes, 18 secondary schools, 7 adult education centres, and 2 Vancouver Learn Network schools. This includes 18 French Immersion schools and a Mandarin bilingual school.

Post Secondary Institutions

Home to the world-class University of British Columbia (UBC), nationally-renowned Simon Fraser University (SFU), and a wide range of top-notch professional colleges, Metro Vancouver is one of the best places in Canada to pursue higher education.

UBC consistently ranks among the 40 best universities in the world and is among the 20 best public universities. The other public universities are Capilano University, Emily Carr University of Art and Design, and Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

There are five private institutions in the region: Trinity Western University in Langley, University Canada West, NYIT Canada, Fairleigh Dickinson University, and Columbia College.

Vancouver Community College and Langara College are publicly funded college-level schools. They are augmented by private institutions and other colleges in the surrounding areas and offer career, trade, and university-transfer programs.

Read more about education in Canada:

Schooling in Canada | A Look at the Education System

Higher Education Offers Benefits to Newcomers

Where To Get Medical Care in Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver Coastal Health offers medical care across its 13 hospitals. The biggest hospitals in the network include Vancouver General Hospital, Mount Saint Joseph Hospital, and St. Paul’s Hospital.

In case of an emergency call 9-1-1. This number is the same no matter where you live in Canada. 

British Columbia has a government-funded health insurance plan called the Medical Services Plan (MSP). It is only for British Columbia residents who are Canadian citizens, landed immigrants, or government-assisted refugees. You can get MSP if you’re an international student with a study permit, or if you have a work permit for six months or longer.

MSP pays for health costs such as visits to the doctor, most medical tests, and treatments. But, there are some health costs that are not covered including dentists and physiotherapists. For prescription drugs and services that MSP does not cover, you can pay for added health insurance plans. Third-party health insurance is offered through some employer benefit plans.

How to Find A Family Doctor In Vancouver

Finding a family doctor when you move to a new city is important. Contact HealthLink BC by calling 8-1-1 to speak with a health service navigator. They will provide you with information about finding a family doctor in your community. You may be put on a waiting list. Visit a local walk-in clinic for non-emergency care if you do not have a doctor. 

Learn more about health care in Canada: Steps to Access Free Health Care in Canada

What is Day-to-Day Life Like in Vancouver?

Things to Do in Vancouver

Metro Vancouver is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, thanks to its mild climate and proximity to the ocean, mountains, rivers and lakes. So you’ll find world-class parks, including the 404 hectares of prime downtown land that forms Stanley Park, and smaller parks that host recreational facilities, community centres, and special amenities such as off-leash dog areas and skate parks. Vancouver has close to 300 city-run parks, beaches, and gardens. 

Within a 20-to-30-minute drive from downtown Vancouver are the North Shore Mountains, with three ski areas: Cypress Mountain, Grouse Mountain, and Mount Seymour. Mountain bikers have created world-renowned trails across the North Shore. And, the Capilano River, Lynn Creek, and Seymour River, also on the North Shore, provide opportunities to white water enthusiasts. For more information on recreational activities in Vancouver, click here.

Public Spaces & Attractions 

Vancouver is the perfect combination of big-city living with countless outdoor adventures. There is always something to do and events going on. Some of the most popular attractions with residents and tourists include Canada Place, Granville Island, the Brockton Point Totem Poles, Chinatown, Science World, and the Museum of Anthropology. If you enjoy film and music, you can attend the Vancouver International Film Festival, Vancouver Folk Music Festival, or the Vancouver International Jazz Festival.

Restaurants & Nightlife

Vancouver has no shortage of world-class restaurants and nightlife. If you are into the theatre, check out what is playing at Arts Club Theatre Company on Granville Island, and Bard on the Beach. If you like to dance or have a drink with friends, Granville Entertainment District has the city’s highest concentration of bars and nightclubs. Gastown and Davie Village are great locations for upscale restaurants and international cuisine.

Nature & Natural Landscapes

Vancouver is known for its mountain ranges and unique natural landscapes that offer many activities. While there are too many to mention some activities include whale watching, skiing at Whistle Mountain, walking across the Capilano Suspension Bridge, or the Stanley Park seawall, the world’s longest waterfront path.

Sporting Events & Concerts

Vancouver is a sports town. It was host to the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. The city is home to the Vancouver Canucks hockey team, BC Lions football team, the Vancouver Whitecaps soccer team, and the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League.

There are plenty of concert venues across the city and it’s common to find live music and concerts at  Rogers Arena, Queen Elizabeth Theatre, BC Place Stadium, and Pacific Coliseum. If you are looking for something more intimate, check out Commodore Ballroom, Orpheum Theatre, or the Vogue Theatre.

Culture & Diversity In Vancouver

Diversity

Vancouver is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in Canada. About 42% of the city’s population are immigrants. This is over 260,000 people. In recent years, about 40,000 new immigrants move to the city each year. 

52% of the population are not native English speakers. 16% speak Chinese as their primary language at home. Just over 50% of residents are a visible minority. 27% of the population is Chinese. This is the largest minority group, followed by South Asian (6%), Filipino (5.9%), and Southeast Asian (2.8%). 2.2% of the population is Aboriginal.

As a diverse city, Vancouver hosts many annual cultural celebrations including Lunar New Year, Black History Month, Eid, Diwali Festival of Lights, and other events and festivals.

Worship

Just over 40% of residents are Christian. Close to 7% are Sikh and 3.5% are Buddhist. Another 40% of the residents in Vancouver have no religious affiliation. Check here to find churches and other places of worship.

The Weather in Vancouver

Vancouver’s oceanic climate is the most moderate in Canada, with little snow. While Vancouver is one of the warmest cities in Canada, it’s known for rainy weather. The wettest months are November and December. In the summer, the temperature can reach the high 20s and July and August are the driest months.

Occasional cold arctic outflows can arrive in the winter which can last a week or more and lead to snowfall.

The annual average temperature in the region is 11°C and is like other coastal cities like Seattle, Amsterdam, and London (UK).

Common Questions Immigrants Ask About Living in Vancouver

Is it Expensive to Live in Vancouver?

Yes, it’s one of the most expensive cities in Canada. It has exceptionally high real estate prices, rental prices, and cost of living. So, while it’s more affordable to live in the surrounding suburbs, even then, housing costs are still much higher than in other areas in Canada.

Is Vancouver Good for Immigrants?

Vancouver is a top destination for new immigrants to Canada. It is the most popular location for immigrants from China and other Asian countries. Its natural beauty, mild climate, and strong economy make it attractive to newcomers.

What are the Pros and Cons of Living in Vancouver?

There is no other city like Vancouver. You can look out your window and see the mountains in the distance from your urban home. It offers everything you want out of a modern international city. The economy is strong. It has world-class post-secondary institutions, and its natural wonder speaks for itself. 

There are some drawbacks. The city is expensive, it has considerable traffic and its homelessness issues are well documented. Weigh the pros and cons to decide if Vancouver is the right city for you.

For more information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our Settling in Canada resource page. We’ll help you to settle successfully!

Public transit is one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around Metro Vancouver. Whether you have just moved to Metro Vancouver or you are visiting there, you will probably have to rely on public transit to get around. In this article, you will learn all you need to know about Vancouver’s transit system and how to use it to get around Metro Vancouver quickly and cost-effectively.

Using Vancouver’s Public Transit System

Vancouver’s public transit system is managed by TransLink, the company that looks over Metro Vancouver’s transportation network. Vancouver Metropolitan Area, or simply Metro Vancouver is a group of municipalities that include the city of Vancouver and its surrounding cities such as Burnaby, Surrey, and Richmond. 

There are 4 transit systems in Metro Vancouver. You will only be needing to use the first three to get around Metro Vancouver. The fourth is a commuter railway that connects Metro Vancouver with nearby towns and cities:

• SkyTrain

• Buses

• Seabus

• West Coast Express

Let’s take a deeper look at each of these systems below.

SkyTrain

SkyTrain is Metro Vancouver’s rapid transit system. Launched in December of 1985, the SkyTrain system has helped Vancouverites and visitors get around the city quickly and efficiently. At an average speed of 35 km/h, the SkyTrain is a convenient way to meet your transportation needs in Metro Vancouver. 

SkyTrain uses automated trains that run on both underground and elevated tracks throughout the city. Since it mostly runs on elevated tracks, the transit system was named SkyTrain.

Buses 

Buses are the most common way of using public transit in Canadian cities. The SkyTrain system along with buses is enough to serve most of your transportation needs around the Metro Vancouver area. Buses run through neighbourhoods at frequent timings from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM. 

Buses connect different parts of the city to major destinations and SkyTrain stations. You can get almost anywhere in Metro Vancouver by using buses. However, the longer the distance, the more buses you will probably have to change, resulting in longer travel times. If you plan on using public transit often, you can open Google Maps and look at the best routes to get to your destination. Oftentimes, the best way to get to your destination could be by using both SkyTrain and the bus.

SeaBus

Vancouver’s SeaBus is a ferry service that connects the city of Vancouver to North Vancouver by crossing the Burrard Inlet. The SeaBus system operates from 6 AM to 1 AM from Monday to Saturday and from 8 AM to 11 PM on Sundays and Holidays. 

Vancouver SeaBus

Throughout the day, you can board a passenger vessel every 15 minutes. However, on Sundays and evenings of the rest of the week, a vessel will only come every 30 minutes. This is because, during the day, 2 passenger vessels are in service while during the evenings and Sundays, only 1 vessel is getting passengers across the Inlet.

West Coast Express

The West Coast Express is a commuter railway that connects the cities of Vancouver and Mission. It runs from Waterfront Station in Downtown Vancouver to Mission City Station in Mission. Between Vancouver and Mission, it stops at 6 stations. In total, the West Coast Express covers 8 stations, stretching over 69 kilometres. It takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to make the journey from Waterfront Station in Vancouver to Mission City Station through the West Coast Express. 

Public Transit Fare in Metro Vancouver

Metro Vancouver is divided into 3 fare zones when it comes to its public transit system. If you are using either the SkyTrain or the SeaBus, the amount you pay is based on how many fare zones you cross. However, if you are on a bus, you will be charged for a one-zone ride no matter how many zones you cross. 

If you are travelling on weekends/holidays or after 6:30 PM on weekdays, you will also be charged a one-zone fare. This applies even to SkyTrain and SeaBus fares. It is important to know how many zones you are going to cross on your trip and when so you know how much you will be needing to pay.

Public Transit Fare Zones

Fares zones divide metro Vancouver into 3 zones. If you are using SkyTrain or SeaBus, you need to keep these in mind because crossing one or more of these zones will require you to pay more for your ride. Keep in mind that the West Coast Express has completely different zones as it goes outside the Metro Vancouver region.

The fares listed below are for bus, SkyTrain, and SeaBus journey and are for each fare zone in Metro Vancouver:

1-Zone Fare – $3.05

2-Zone Fare – $4.35

3-Zone Fare – $5.90

Concession Fares

Children/ youth between 5 and 18 years of age and seniors over 65 years of age are eligible for concession fares. Concession fares are a discounted version of the regular fare for each zone. Like the regular fare, the numbers listed below only apply to buses, SkyTrain and SeaBus.

Here are the discounted concession fares for each fare zone: 

1-Zone Concession Fare – $2.00

2-Zone Concession Fare – $3.00

3-Zone Concession Fare – $4.05

Here, you will find TransLink’s guide to fare zones and the full fare pricing table. You will also find all your options for paying fares on buses, SkyTrain and SeaBus.

West Coast Express

The fare system for the West Coast Express can get a little complicated. In this section, I will try to break it down. The West Coast Express line has 8 stations that are divided into 5 zones. Before I explain any further, let’s take a look at the 5 zones in the West Coast Express.

1 Zone: Waterfront Station (Downtown Vancouver) – Station 1

2 Zone: (No stations)

3 Zone: 

• Moody Center (Port Moody) – Station 2
• Coquitlam Central (Coquitlam) – Station 3
• Port Coquitlam (Port Coquitlam) – Station 4

4 Zone: 

• Pitt Meadows (Pitt Meadows) – Station 5
• Maple Meadows (Maple Ridge) – Station 6
• Port Hanley (Maple Ridge) – Station 7

5 Zone: Mission City Station (Mission) – Station 8

So what do these zones mean for you as a traveller? If you travel from Waterfront Station (Downtown Vancouver) to Mission City Station, you would have to pay a full 5-zone fare. This is because there are 5 zones between Waterfront and Mission City. However, if you were to travel from Mission City to Pitt Meadows, you would only have to pay a 2-zone fare. This is because you will have to travel through 2 zones to get to Pitt Meadows.

In general, you will have to pay somewhere between $6 – $13 for a regular one-way ticket. The price would drop to around $4 – $8 for a concession ticket. Remember, the more zones you cross, the more your ticket will cost.

Click here for TransLink’s guide to learn more about the West Coast Express and its fare system. This guide also has the full fare pricing table so if you are planning to use the West Coast Express, make sure to check that table before you purchase your ticket.

Increase Public Transit Ease with a Compass Card

Compass cards are the most convenient way to pay for fares in Metro Vancouver. Not only are they easy to use but they will also save you money. A Compass card is a fare card you can use to pay fares for buses, SkyTrain, SeaBus, and the West Coast Express.

There are two ways you can use your Compass card. The first is to add stored value to your card. Stored value is the amount of money you have added to your Compass card. You can use this money to pay for fares whenever you use the public transportation system.

The second way you can use your Compass card is by buying passes. There are 2 types of passes; day passes and monthly passes. As you may have guessed, day passes allow unlimited use of public transportation for a day while monthly passes allow unlimited travel for a month. Keep in mind that monthly passes expire at the end of the month, not after 30 days. Because of this, you cannot buy a monthly pass after the 15th of every month.

So why is a Compass card the best way to pay for fares. Compass cards will charge you less money than regular fares. You can compare how much it would cost to pay for adult fares by cash and by a Compass card.

If you plan on using the public transportation system a lot, you should consider getting a Compass card. Over time, paying by cash will really start to add up to your cost of living.

How to Use Your Compass Card

Whenever you enter a bus, you will need to tap your Compass card to the card reader inside the bus. This will automatically pay for your ride, as long as you have enough balance on your card. To use the compass card on SkyTrain, SeaBus, and the West Coast Express, you need to tap the card before you enter and exit so the card reader knows how many zones you travelled and charge you accordingly.

Where to Buy a Public Transit Compass Card

There are many places where you can buy and reload your Compass Card. The easiest way is to get one online. Visit this site to purchase a Compass card online. Once you have paid for the card, it will be mailed to your location in Canada.

Another way to buy and reload Compass cards is through Compass retailers and Compass Vending Machines (CVMs). Compass retailers are any stores that sell compass cards. You can find CVMs at every SkyTrain, SeaBus and West Coast Express station. For a map of all the CVMs and Compass retailers in Metro Vancouver, click here. You will have to pay a $6 refundable fee when you buy a Compass card. 

You can also buy a Concession Compass card. Anyone eligible for concession fares is also eligible for a Concession card. Just like concession fares, Concession cards will charge you less money for each trip. Regular Compass cards are blue while Concession cards are orange. Note that you cannot buy a concession card at CVMs.

You can return the compass card and collect your $6 fee once you are done using the card. This is especially useful for visitors in Metro Vancouver as they will not have to worry about the $6 fee to purchase the card.

To learn more about Compass cards, visit TransLink’s guide to Compass Cards. If you want to learn how to use your Compass card, click here.

Vancouver’s public transit system is not that hard to understand. It might seem complicated online but once you start using it, everything will become clear and make more sense. Taking the time to understand how the public transit system works in Metro Vancouver will help you save time and money in the long run.

For more information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our Settling in Canada resource page. We’ll help you to settle in Canada successfully!

Looking for the perfect Vancouver neighbourhood? Trying to find a neighbourhood that suits your lifestyle and needs for a rental? Whether you seek a neighbourhood that is close to work or one with a strong sense of community, you have great choices.

All Vancouver neighbourhoods have a different style to match the rental you desire. Yaletown is a higher-end downtown neighbourhood, whereas Kitsilano is a trendy neighbourhood close to the water. Depending on your preferences for lifestyle and location, the rental rate can vary greatly.

1. West End Vancouver Neighbourhood (Downtown)

The West End of Vancouver (located on the west side of downtown) is a wonderful and diverse neighbourhood to live in. it is an attractive place for entrepreneurs and business-minded individuals. If you seek a Vancouver neighbourhood situated close to the office while staying within the energy of the people, this is the one for you!

To learn more about moving to Vancouver, Download our FREE ebook today!

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2. Yaletown Neighbourhood (Downtown)

Although Yaletown may be the best place to live in terms of location, it is one of the more expensive and already occupied Vancouver neighbourhoods. Yaletown is definitely one of the trendiest neighbourhoods to live in but will cost you a pretty penny to live there.

3. Killarney Neighbourhood

According to Vancouver Magazine, Killarney is an area that still has the opportunity to find a home for families. Vancouver is exploding with people, making it hard to find a starter home for many people. This neighbourhood is ideal for young families looking to stay integrated into the Vancouver culture, and is an ideal space to start up!

4. Kitsilano Neighbourhood

Located conveniently close to Kits Beach (one of the best city beaches in the world according to a number of international travel magazines), Kitsilano is a popular area to live. Compared to other neighbourhoods, Kitsilano has a mix of outdoor recreation opportunities as well as a focus on organic foods and healthy living.

5. Fairview Neighbourhood

Fairview is a popular area filled with a number of tourist attractions that draw attention to the neighbourhood. In particular, this Vancouver neighbourhood has Granville Island. Granville Island is a small island located in the middle of the city. Described as an urban oasis, this attraction contains plenty of restaurants, stores, cafes, and other small businesses.

6. Kerrisdale Neighbourhood

The Kerrisdale neighbourhood is an area filled mainly with residents who have been there for many years. The area is a great option for retired individuals or those looking for a slower pace of life. The neighbourhood is often recognized for its popular Kerrisdale Village (also known as “The Village”). Kerrisdale Village is a shopping area located in the center of Kerrisdale that contains some of Vancouver’s best shops.

7. Riley Park Neighbourhood, Vancouver

Many will know Riley Park because of the Olympic Centre and Nat Bailey Stadium that reside within it. This thriving area is home to various types of shops and food venues to keep anyone engaged and entertained. Of course, Riley Park consists of more than the greenspace and the attractions that make it well known. Riley Park has numerous communities that span from 16th to 41st street.

8. Marpole Neighbourhood

Close to the international airport in Richmond, the Marpole neighbourhood is a bustle of activity. Being the main gateway to the airport results in higher traffic, but aside from the busy street, it is a great Vancouver neighbourhood to consider. Marpole has a number of residential areas that are family-oriented. The availability of nightlife is less than that of busier neighbourhoods, but instead, the area has more substantial yards and homes.

9. Lynn Valley North Vancouver Neighbourhood

Being one of the northern Vancouver neighbourhoods, Lynn Valley is a popular area for those looking to be away from the busyness. According to the District of North Vancouver, the central hub of the neighbourhood is gaining momentum and will be undergoing some large transformations. Be sure to check out this neighbourhood soon, as its popularity will only increase!

10. University of British Columbia Neighbourhood

The University of British Columbia (UBC) has become one of the popular Vancouver neighbourhoods to live in. The school itself is an attractive feature to draw students and teachers to the area. Over the years, the area has become an increasingly popular place to call home. Located in the west of Vancouver, there has been an increase in residential buildings, services, and other shops built.