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Are you currently living in Canada?

Moving to Canada is a huge life decision. And choosing a city to land in this vast country is critical. Selecting the right city can play a vital role in your financial success once you arrive. Regina, Saskatchewan is one of the many cities in Canada that you can explore as a place to call home.

Choosing the right landing location is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. So researching cities in Canada is essential. Importantly, you need to understand the local job market and the housing market. Because both the job market and the housing market will have an impact on your financial success.

Prepare for Canada can guide you with helpful information about living in Regina.  

About Regina, Saskatchewan

Regina is the capital of Saskatchewan and the second-largest city in the province after Saskatoon. It ranks 18th in terms of population in Canada. It is one of the three prairie provinces, along with Manitoba and Alberta.

Recent economic developments have boosted job opportunities attracting new immigrants to the city. With labour shortages, Regina is an attractive destination for job seekers. 

How Many People Live in Regina, Saskatchewan?

Regina is a mid-sized city with a population of 226,106 as of the 2021 census. This is a 5.4% growth in population since 2016.

City of Regina, Saskatchewan. Downtown skyline at night.

How to Find a Job & Build a Career in Regina

Regina’s Local Economy

Regina is among the Canadian cities with the strongest economies and the lowest unemployment rates. In terms of GDP, Regina ranks 7th in Canada. In recent years, there have been large investments in Saskatchewan’s natural resources (oil and gas, potash, and others), transportation, and manufacturing sectors.

The top industries in Regina are:

Major Employers in Regina

The city is home to the largest steel company in Western Canada, EVRAZ Regina. Other large employers include:

Career Pathways in Regina

The Ministry of Immigration and Career Training in Saskatchewan forecasts job growth in 16 major industries from 2019-2023. In total, they expect 98,000 job openings in the province, many of which will be in Regina. There is a need to replace retiring workers and to support economic growth in the region. 

The main industries hiring in the region are wholesale and retail, health care, agriculture, and educational services. Other industries expecting future openings include sales, skilled trades, transport operators, and business finance and administration. 

You can search for jobs on the City of Regina website and through local recruiters such as Summit Search Group, Randstad Canada, and David Alpin Group.

An agent showing a house to a couple in Regina

The Regina Housing Market

Once you secure a job, finding a place to live in Regina is paramount for new immigrants. When moving to a new city it’s common to find a short-term rental or rent a house or apartment before buying a home. 

Is Housing Expensive in Regina, Saskatchewan?

Location is crucial in choosing a new home. Before deciding where you will live, you can research the neighbourhoods you are considering. For example, The Crescents, part of the Cathedral area, is one of the most prestigious and desirable neighbourhoods. However, its low-lying areas adjacent to Wascana Creek are prone to flooding, especially in spring when the snow melts. Any place in or around North Central and the area east of downtown known as Core is not recommended because of the high crime rates.

Finding a Place to Rent in Regina 

There are many neighbourhoods to consider if you plan to rent in Regina. The neighbourhood and the size of your unit will affect how much you will pay for rent. Rent can range anywhere from $750 to $1,300 or more. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Regina is $948.

Here are some of the best neighbourhoods in Regina for rentals:

To discover some of the best and most popular neighbourhoods for newcomers looking to rent in Regina, click here.

Browse rentals in Regina and find current rental prices.

When renting a home or apartment, consider buying renter’s insurance to protect your family, belongings, and finances. While renters’ insurance is optional, many landlords may insist you have it.

Get more information about renting a home:

Renting in Canada: What Newcomers Need to Know

Buying a Home in Regina 

Regina offers significantly more affordable housing prices compared to other large cities in Canada such as Toronto and Vancouver. 

According to Royal LePage, the median cost to purchase a single-family detached home in Canada is $790,000 (Q3, 2021). The median price in Regina is significantly less – $380,800. Rates are up about 12.8% in Regina compared to the previous year. 

The median price to purchase a condo in Regina is $196,500, making this an ideal option for newcomers looking to buy into the real estate market. 

Find out more about buying your first home in Canada:

First Time Home Buyer: Newcomer Tips

Driving In Regina

Driving & Transportation in Regina

Driving in Regina, Saskatchewan

Regina is located on the Trans-Canada Highway, a busy stretch that spans the country. Commuting to work is common in Regina. Many residents commute into the city daily. Driving in the winter can be difficult. So it’s essential to develop winter driving skills. All drivers must have a valid Saskatchewan driver’s licence. 

The minimum age to get a driver’s licence in the province is 16 (you can be 15 with High School Driver Education). You will start with a beginner before getting a full licence. 

To get a commercial driver’s licence you will require a class 1, 2, 3, or 4 licence. The class type will depend on your occupation. For information on obtaining a Saskatchewan driver’s licence click here.

Regina Public Transit

Residents also have the option to take public transit. Regina Transit operates 23 bus routes in the city. Buses operate as early as 5:30 AM and run until 12:30 AM. Hours of operation will vary by route. For bus schedules click here.

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

Community Support for Newcomers

Regina welcomes newcomers from around the world. And the city offers many programs and services to help you adapt to your new home. New immigrants, refugees, and temporary residents can contact the Regina Open Door Society. They can provide information and the support you need when you move into the community. Other organizations to consider are Regina Immigrant Women, and Catholic Family Service’s Newcomer Centre Career & Support Services Centre.

Community Support for newcomers to Regina

Language Support in Regina

If you want to improve your English-speaking skills, you can visit the Language Assessment and Referral Centre (LARC). They will assess your language skills and help you find language training for newcomers. 

The Regina Public Library also offers free lessons in English as an additional language. Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers vast English language services for adult newcomers. 

Regina Non-profit Organizations

Whether you are looking to volunteer in the community or support from the local community, Regina has many non-profit organizations to consider. Check out these volunteer opportunities from YWCA Regina.

Personal Finance & Banking

All local banks in Regina have programs to help newcomers open a bank account and get a credit card. Visit a local bank branch to start the process. 

Get more banking tips for newcomers:

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

schooling in Regina

Regina’s Education System

There are four school systems which you can enrol your children including public, Catholic, private schools, and homeschooling. 

Elementary and High School Education

There are two public school boards: the Regina Public School Board, which runs 45 elementary and nine high schools. The Regina Catholic School Board has 25 elementary schools and four high schools. Parents who choose to home-school their children must follow the School Board guidelines.

Private Schools

Some of Regina’s private schools are the Luther College High School, run by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada,  the Harvest City Christian Academy and the Regina Huda School, which offers Islamic education. For more information on private schools in Regina click here.

Post Secondary Institutions

There are two post-secondary institutions in the city. The University of Regina has ten faculties and 25 academic departments which offer programs in social work, journalism, media production and studies, public policy, business administration, petroleum engineering, fine arts, software systems, education, policy studies, health studies and others. 

This campus is also home to Campion College, Luther College, and The First Nations University of Canada.

Regina is also home to the Wascana Campus of the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology. 

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 Regina, Saskatchewan

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

Regina residents have Saskatchewan health insurance coverage for most medical services. But, they must present their Saskatchewan Health Services Cards every time they need medical attention. For information read Newcomer Steps to Apply for a Saskatchewan Health Card.  

Some people have third-party health insurance through their employer benefits packages. 

Hospitals are run by the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region (RQHR). There are three healthcare facilities in Regina: 

Regina General Hospital

Pasqua Hospital

Wascana Rehabilitation Centre

How to Find A Family Doctor In Regina

You need to find a family doctor who, if necessary, can prescribe drugs and refer you to specialists and hospitals. If you do not have a family doctor you can visit Regina’s walk-in medical clinics.

Saskatchewan Health Authority maintains an updated list of medical clinics currently accepting new patients. 

Get more information about health care in Canada:

Steps to Access Free Health Care in Canada

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

Things to Do in Regina

Regina is a great place to call home. As a mid-sized city, it’s a nice place to raise a family. There are countless parks, recreation facilities, museums, arts and cultural centres and events that happen all year. There is truly something to do for everyone. 

Public Spaces & Attractions 

At the MacKenzie Art Gallery, you can view contemporary and historical art exhibits from Saskatchewan, other parts of Canada and around the globe. 

The Regina Symphony Orchestra is Canada’s oldest continuously performing orchestra. It gives its concerts at Conexus Arts Centre, where other local and visiting musicians perform. 

The Globe Theatre’s main stage is the only permanent professional theatre-in-the-round in Canada.

Restaurants & Nightlife

Downtown Regina is the place to go for a great meal. You can find restaurants that serve cuisine from around the globe. The city is host to diverse festivals throughout the year. Some of the most popular are JazzFest, The Prairie Mobile Taste of Spring, and The First Nations University of Canada’s Annual Spring Celebration Pow Wow.

Nature & Natural Landscapes

If you love nature, Regina offers many outdoor activities. Using the City’s online map you can locate parks, athletic fields, playgrounds, spray pads, picnic sites, and ball diamonds. Click here for a list of recreation facilities.

Sporting Events & Concerts

Regina is home to the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL). As the region’s only professional team, it has a loyal and passionate fanbase. 

If you are into music, the city regularly attracts top musicians from around the world. 

Culture & Diversity In Regina

a small group of cultural diverse people gathered in a circle and having a friendly discussion.

Diversity

Regina continues to become more diverse each year. The Aboriginal population is now over 20,000. It is made up primarily of First Nations, followed by Metis and Inuit. About 5.5% of the city’s population is made up of recent immigrants. The most prominent minority groups are South Asian, Filipino, Chinese, Black, and Southeast Asian.

Places of Worship

You can find a list of churches and other places of worship here including the Hindu Temple in Regina and the Sikh Society Regina.

Most residents in Regina are Christian. According to the 2021 Census, religious groups include:

  1. Other religions: 0.7%

Thirty-five percent of the population reported no religion.

The Weather in Regina

Is the weather really that cold in Regina? Regina has a humid continental climate. Winters are very cold, windy, and dry. In January temperatures are between －２1．６°C and －１０．７°C, but sometimes they drop below -40°C. Wind can make winter temperatures feel even colder. There are about 86.5 days a year with a wind chill of -20°C or less, 43.2 days that it feels like -30°C or colder and 16.3 days with a wind chill of -40°C or lower.

Summer temperatures are usually between 12°C and 26°C; however, they may rise to 40 °C. While it may be cold in the winter, Saskatchewan gets lots of sunshine! In fact, it averages the most sunshine in any Canadian province!

Here is a breakdown of the type of weather you can expect:

Common Questions Immigrants Ask About Living in Regina

Where is Regina Located?

Many immigrants want to know “where is Regina on the map?” It is a great question to ask before you choose to move. Regina, the capital city of Saskatchewan is located in central Canada. Regina is the second-largest city in the province. The next closest city is Saskatoon, which is about 235 kilometres away. Winnipeg, Manitoba is 535 kilometres. 

How Many Immigrants Are in Saskatchewan?

The number of recent immigrants has increased greatly. For example, in 2005, there were just over 2,000 new immigrants in the province. In 2020, this number grew to over 13,000 with many immigrants settling in Regina. 

Is Regina Good for Immigrants?

Absolutely! Regina, Saskatchewan is a diverse community. The job market is growing across many industries. The average housing prices are more affordable than in many other large cities in Canada. And the city offers support programs to help newcomers adapt when they arrive.

What are the Benefits of Living in Regina?

There are many benefits to living in Regina. The city has a strong economy, low taxes, and a more affordable cost of living. And, there is ample opportunity for personal and professional growth. But, if there is one thing people say is not appealing about the city, it’s the cold weather. 

For newcomers arriving in Edmonton getting to know the public transit system may seem overwhelming. But once you become familiar with the transit system, you’ll be able to get around the city quickly and cost-effectively. When arriving in any new city in Canada, it’s important to have a quick, reliable and cost-efficient way to get around. If you are moving to Edmonton, public transport is one of the best ways to get from one place to another. Edmonton has an extensive transport system that can quickly get you from one place to another within the city. And, it is much more affordable than owning and maintaining a new car.

Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) operates both buses and a Light Rail Transit (LRT) system. Edmonton’s LRT is not the most extensive, but it can cover long distances in a short period of time. Buses are more extensive but they aren’t as fast as LRT trains. The LRT train service combined with the bus system provides a quick and extensive system to meet all your transportation needs.

Public Transit versus Car Ownership

There are many benefits to using the ETS over owning a car. Not only is public transport cheaper than owning a car but it is also more environmentally friendly. Since a single public transport vehicle can carry more people than a car, using public transport will help you lower your carbon footprint. This means that you, as an individual, will be limiting the amount of harmful gasses that are released into the environment. As well, using public transport will also save you on car-related costs such as fuel and maintenance. For newcomers, this is helpful because managing your expenses is critical during your first few months in Canada while you search for a job.

Let’s take a look at both the bus system and the LRT system in Edmonton and how each mode of public transit will help you get around quickly and cost-effectively.

Edmonton Public Transit: Light Rail Transit System

Edmonton was the first Canadian city to build an LRT system with a population of less than 1 million. The LRT is also one of the fastest ways to get around Edmonton. With 18 stations spread out over two train lines, the LRT system provides the backbone for Edmonton’s transit system.

The first of the two LRT lines is the Capital Line. The Capital line connects northeast Edmonton to the south. It consists of 15 stations and 21 km of track, making it bigger than the other LRT line. The second LRT line is called the Metro Line, consisting of 14 stations. The Metro Line and the Capital line both share stations and tracks so the numbers don’t perfectly add up.

Expanding the LRT System in Edmonton

Edmonton has big plans for its LRT system. It plans to expand its LRT system to all sectors of the city by 2040. To achieve this goal, there are currently many projects in the planning and construction stage. To learn about the four major projects concerning Edmonton’s LRT, click here. Here is a brief explanation of each one below.

The first two projects Edmonton is working on both concern the new Valley Line. Once it is finished, the Valley line will connect Millwoods, in southeast Edmonton, to Lewis Farms, in west Edmonton. The Valley Line is divided into two sections, with downtown Edmonton being the divider. The Valley Line will add 27 km of track and 28 new stations to Edmonton’s public transport system once it is finished. The first section of the Valley Line, which connects Millwoods to downtown, is almost finished. The second section, which will connect downtown to Lewis Farms, is expected to open by 2026 or 2027.

The other two projects are both expansions of the existing two lines. Edmonton is currently working on expanding both the Capital Line and the Metro Line to better serve the transportation needs of Edmontonians. The Capital Line will extend towards the south and the Metro Line will expand northwest.

Once these projects are complete, Edmonton is going to have a modern and extensive LRT system that connects all parts of the city. But even then, Edmonton’s buses will not lose popularity. Let’s take a look at Edmonton’s bus system and when you should use it over the LRT system.

Edmonton Transit System: Getting Around by Bus

Buses are the main mode of public transit in Edmonton. No matter where you live in Edmonton, there will be a bus stop nearby. Most likely, you will have multiple bus stops within a five-minute walk. If you are unsure, you can always open Google Maps and search, “bus stop”, for a map of all the bus stops near you.

Edmonton’s public transport has one of the best bus networks in Canada. With 191 routes and 7456 bus stops, you can get anywhere in Edmonton by using the bus. Keep in mind that you might have to transfer to another bus if your destination is on the other side of the city. However, there is no need to worry as you won’t have to pay extra for a transfer and buses run often.

The bus network, combined with the LRT system makes Edmonton’s public transport an ideal way to get around the city. Public transport is also a very cost-effective option. Let’s take a look at the ETS fare system.

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The Cost of Public Transit in Edmonton

The fare system for Edmonton’s public transport is made to be simple and easy to understand for all riders. To access Edmonton’s full guide on its fare system click here. Below is an overview of fare pricing for public transit in Edmonton. Keep in mind that fare prices are the same for both buses and LRT.

SINGLE FAREBOOK OF 10 TICKETSMONTHLY PASS
Youth* (12 – 24)$3.50$19.75$73.00
Adult (25 – 64)$3.50$27.75$100.00
Senior (65+)$3.50$19.75$35.00**
Edmonton Public Transit Fares

*Children under 12 ride free when they travel with a youth, adult or senior. If not, then children must also pay the regular fare of $3.50.

**Some seniors may also qualify for discounted or even free annual passes. To learn more about Senior ETS passes, click here.

As you can see, the regular fare for youth, adults and seniors is the same. However, if you buy a book of 10 tickets, you will get a discount for each ride. You may be wondering, where do I get a ticket book?

Where to Buy Ticket Books

Ticket books are available at many locations. You can buy them at:

Ticket Vending Machines are located at all LRT stations. ETS sales outlets are any retailers that sell ETS fare products. 7-eleven and Safeway are examples of ETS sales outlets. The ETS online store is another great place to buy ETS fare products. ETS fare products not only include ticket books but also monthly passes for youth, seniors, and adults.

TIP: You can also get a monthly pass for Edmonton’s public transit system. A monthly pass is a great option to help you save money if you plan to use public transit regularly.

Using the Arc Card on Edmonton’s Public Transit System

ETS is currently working on a new way to pay for public transit fares. The Arc Card is an automated fare smart card that can be used to pay for your fare. As of August 2021, the Arc Card is in its first phase of the rollout. Once the third phase is complete sometime in 2022, everyone will be able to use the Arc Card to pay their fare.

The Arc system is based completely online, meaning if you lose your registered Arc Card, you can transfer your account balance to a new card.- Once the Arc Card has been fully released in Edmonton, you will be able to get one at any Arc Card vending machine in the city. Arc Card vending machines will be available at every LRT station throughout the city. As the Arc Card is getting released, ETS will also start making Arc Cards available at other locations as well.

Financial Benefits of Using the Arc Card

Using an Arc Card will allow riders to contribute to a monthly or daily cap. The monthly cap for an adult rider using the Arc Card is $100. This means that once you have $100 worth of fares using the Arc Card, you can ride the ETS for free for the remainder of the month. It is sort of like a monthly pass, except you only pay when you ride. This system is designed to reward frequent ETS riders and encourage them to use the Arc Card. Click here for Edmonton Transit fares and passes.

Keep in mind that Arc is a new project and many things are subject to change. ETS has not released an Arc Card for seniors or youth yet so all the numbers have not been set. By the time Arc is released in 2022, all ETS riders will be able to get an Arc Card. As of now, it is clear that Edmonton is introducing this new electronic fare system to make fare payment easier and help frequent riders save money on transportation.

Using Edmonton’s public transit system is a great way to get around the city. From expanding LRT routes to introducing the Arc Card, Edmonton is currently working on many ways to improve its transit system. In the future, you can expect to see an even more modern and well-connected public transport system throughout the city. This can provide the convenience and cost-savings that can help you when you arrive in Edmonton.

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!

Calgary is an eco-friendly city and its public transport system is no exception. One of the greenest and most convenient ways of getting around the city is Calgary’s public transport system. For newcomers, it’s helpful to get familiar with the public transport system so you can use it to get around and reduce your expenses. This guide provides an overview of how public transport works in Calgary and how you can use it.

Public Transport in Calgary

Calgary has a simple, yet thorough public transport system that is owned and operated by the city of Calgary and managed by Calgary Transit. Its public transport is made up of mostly buses and a Light Rail Transit (LRT) system called the CTrain. Together, this simple and convenient transport system will serve all of your transportation needs in Calgary. Calgary’s public transport system is managed by

Public Transport in Calgary: CTrain

Calgary’s CTrain is one of the fastest ways to get around the city, reaching up to speeds of 80 km/h. The CTrain is an LRT which is a modern type of rail transit that runs on electricity. There are two CTrain lines in Calgary called the Red Line and the Blue Line. Because of its speed and reliability, the CTrain is usually the better option over buses whenever you can use it.

The Red Line is the first and largest CTrain line in Calgary. It runs from the northwest quadrant of Calgary, through downtown and ends at the south side of Calgary. The Blue Line is the second of the two lines. It runs from the northeastern quadrant of the city, through downtown, and ends at the western side of Calgary.

Together, these two lines provide the backbone for Calgary’s public transport system. The CTrain is a fast and reliable way to get around the city, with trains running every 15-30 minutes. The CTrain operates from around 4:30 AM to 1:00 AM. Generally, trains run longer on the south side of Calgary, as the south side is usually busier. Click here to access the full map of CTrain routes and stations, as well as maps for every individual CTrain station.

Constructing a New Transit Line

There is currently a third CTrain line under construction, called the Green Line. Once it is finished, the Green Line will run from the north side of Calgary to the southeastern quadrant. The Green Line will have 29 stations that are spread out over 46 kilometres of track, making it the biggest of the three lines. The first stage of construction, which consists of only the first 15 stations is expected to be completed in 2027. To learn more about the Green Line LRT project, click here.

One of the downsides of the CTrain system in Calgary is that it is not very extensive. Even with the completion of the Green Line, the CTrain will still not serve all your transportation needs by itself. So to get to places where the CTrain doesn’t go, you will need to use the bus.

Public Transport in Calgary: Buses

Calgary’s bus system runs on a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. Buses are a more extensive mode of public transport compared to the CTrain. And wherever the CTrain doesn’t go, buses will. With over 169 bus routes and 6000 bus stops, you can go almost anywhere in Calgary by using the bus. The operating times for buses depend on the specific bus and which route it runs on. Generally, most buses run every 20 minutes.

Buses are an ideal form of transportation if you need to travel to a place where the CTrain doesn’t go in Calgary. If you are travelling from one side of Calgary to another, a combination of both bus and CTrain routes is usually the fastest way to get to your destination.

Calgary Transit has a helpful tool that will tell you all the timings for each bus route. This tool will also give you directions on what bus to take if you put in your starting location and destination. If you are planning to use Calgary’s bus system in the future, make sure to check it out by clicking here.

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Fare System for Calgary’s Public Transport

Calgary has a simple and easy-to-understand fare system for its public transport. The fare prices make public transport a much cheaper alternative to owning a car. Let’s take a look at the fare system for Calgary’s public transport below:

Adult Fare (18+) – $3.50

Youth Fare (6-17) – $2.40

Children aged five or under can ride free on Calgary Transit.

These are the basic fare prices you must pay every time you ride on the CTrain and the bus. Once you have paid for your fare, your ticket will be valid for 90 minutes. This allows you to transfer buses and trains for free, as long as the transfer happens within 90 minutes of purchasing your ticket.

Make sure you have a full plan of what buses and trains you need to take to get to your destination. If you have to transfer from the CTrain to a bus or vice-versa, you will need to ask for a transfer from your bus driver or hold on to your CTrain ticket. 

How To Pay Your Fare

The most common way to pay for your fare is by cash. Another convenient way to pay your fare is by using the My Fare app. My Fare is a mobile app that you can use to buy tickets for your upcoming ride. The process is fast and reliable and it saves you from carrying change to pay your fare. You can also buy monthly or day passes from the My Fare app. Here is a guide by Calgary Transit to help you get set up with the My Fare app.

You can also buy tickets and passes from Calgary Transit’s online store. The online store also sells ticket books. You can buy a book of 25 tickets or 10 tickets for both adults and youth. Click here to access Calgary Transit’s online store.

Calgary Transit also has day and monthly passes. A monthly pass is valid until the end of the calendar month and a day pass is valid until the end of service that day. Here are the prices for monthly and daily passes for Calgary’s public transport:

Adult (18+) Day Pass – $11

Youth (6-17) Day Pass –  $8

Adult (18+) Monthly Pass – $109

Youth (6-17) Monthly Pass – $79

If you plan on using Calgary’s public transport daily, it’s a good idea to get a monthly pass. Paying for a ticket each time you ride can start to add up if you ride often and monthly passes are a good way to reduce costs. Daily passes are good for visitors or anyone who is planning on using Calgary’s public transport more than three times that day.

Getting Around Calgary by Bike

Calgary has some of the best urban parks and pathways in Canada. Along with good bike infrastructure, this makes Calgary a bike-friendly city. If you prefer to bike rather than use public transport, Calgary is a great place for cyclists.

Calgary has an amazing public transport system that thousands of Calgarians take advantage of each day. Not only is using Calgary’s public transport cost-effective, but it also helps the environment. The LRT combined with Calgary’s thorough bus system is a quick and reliable way to get around the city. Together, these two modes of transportation will help you find your way around Calgary while making Calgary a truly green city.

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!

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:

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.

Vancouver 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.

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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: 

4 Zone: 

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.

ZoneCashCompass
Card
1$3.05$2.45
2$4.35$3.55
3$5.90$4.60
Compare Cash & Compass Card Fares

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.

Kitsilano neighbourhood

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.