Year after year Vancouver is ranked highly as one of the world’s most livable cities. But what exactly makes the city so great? Perhaps it’s the combination of city and nature, or maybe the diverse and welcoming culture, or of course it could just be the fact that it has the best sushi outside of Asia. In this blog, we’re going to get to the bottom of what makes Vancouver the highly livable city it is and some reasons you might want to plan your next trip to this thriving metropolis.
Geography
Vancouver is a coastal seaport city on the mainland of British Columbia and home to over 2.5 million people. As the downtown core is located on a peninsula, the only place to build is up! Downtown is densely populated and characterized by residential and office highrises that make for an impressive skyline.
The city is circled by the sea and has access to many beaches and the famous Stanley Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America.
Weather
Compared to the rest of Canada, some might say Vancouver has it pretty good in the weather department. Warmed by Pacific Ocean currents and protected by mountains, the weather is best described as mild year-round.
Although generally temperate, there is some variation between seasons – the Spring/Summer months (April – October) are dry and sunny, and the rest of the year is cool and rainy. Although the rainy months can be dreary, the beautiful summers more than make up for it.
Things To Do
The list of things to do in Vancouver is a long one, but we can give you a few ideas of what people get up to at their leisure.
The city’s 300+ parks, gardens, and beaches are prized by Vancouverites and visitors as some of the finest in the world. Because of its proximity to both mountains and ocean, Vancouver is famous for offering every kind of outdoor sport and adventure, from skiing and snow sports in the winter to kayaking and water sports in the summer, and hiking, camping, and biking year-round.
Locals delight in the great range of food offerings like the best and cheapest sushi in North America and some of the finest Chinese food in the world. On the drink side, BC wines are gaining international recognition and the coffee craze of Seattle has made its way north as you can find a cafe on every corner.
Those with an appreciation for the arts may find themselves at Granville Island where the many local art vendors and independent galleries are sure to inspire.
When you travel with Guided North, we curate a personalized itinerary based on your interests and travel style and make sure you check off every box and more. On our Urban Getaway Vancouver experience, spend three nights in Vancouver and see all that makes the city shine. Explore different neighbourhoods with your local expert guide and try some of the best dishes in Chinatown on your first day in the city. Spend day two discovering the food, drink, art, and crafts of Vancouver’s Granville Island and choose optional activities in the afternoon. Step into nature on your last full day in Stanley Park for some urban hiking and great views.
Cost of Living
One major consideration when ranking the livability of a city is its affordability, and in Vancouver’s case this is one factor that does not work in its favour. It is widely known in Canada that Vancouver is one of the more expensive cities, especially in terms of housing. Most young people in the city centre rent, with many living with roommates. An average one bedroom apartment can range from $1900 to $3000 per month. Those looking to buy in Vancouver can expect to pay more than $600K for a 1 bedroom apartment or over $1.6M for a detached house in the less-preferred neighbourhoods.
Other necessities to be considered are a phone plan which costs approximately $75 per month, transportation which is $98 per month for a one-zone monthly pass on Metro Vancouver, and groceries and related household items for around $315 per person per month.
Getting Around
Vancouver has a high walkability score meaning that most errands can be accomplished on foot. Cyclists are supported with a network of dedicated bike lanes and traffic-calmed bike paths and there’s also a bike sharing program.
Public transportation in Vancouver comes frequently and is well connected so it’s quick and easy to get from one end of the city to another. Translink is the main operator, running a network of buses, rapid transit trains (SkyTrain), commuter rail (West Coast Express), and sea ferry (SeaBus) between North Vancouver and Vancouver.
So there you have it! A taste of why Vancouver is one of the best places in the world to live. And if you do not find yourself living in Vancouver, let it be known that it’s a great destination to visit and is very tourist-friendly. Now that we’ve painted a picture, Guided North can help customize the perfect trip that features all the best highlights. Connect with a travel planner and get ready for the ultimate urban getaway or all-encompassing west coast experience.