Out of all of the world-class cities Canada is home to, Vancouver has something a little special. Known worldwide as the jewel of British Columbia, Vancouver has an abundance of unique aspects. Between its fantastic weather, vibrant population, cosmopolitan cityscape, thriving economy and plethora of activities to fulfill any interest - no wonder why Mercer ranked Vancouver as having the third best quality of living in the world. It is the only Canadian city in the top 10.
But what exactly makes Vancouver the third best city in the world to live in? To find the answer, we've compiled the 12 significant benefits of living in Vancouver.
The Weather in Vancouver
One of the major drawbacks for many people looking to move to Canada is the famously icy weather. However, one of the fantastic benefits of Vancouver is that the weather is primarily regarded as the best weather in Canada. Historically, the weather in Vancouver is mild over the winter months and relatively hot and sunny over the summer. Also, Vancouver's streets are covered in cherry blossoms during spring, giving the city its famous vibrant colour.
Cultural Diversity
Canada is famous worldwide for its welcoming culture toward immigrants. As a result, many of Canada's major cities are cultural melting pots, with diverse groups from all over the world coming together to create a new life. Vancouver is no exception.
Vancouver is home to the third largest Chinatown in North America, a complete Punjabi market, Little Italy, the oldest Sikh temple in North America and some of the oldest and largest Japanese Gardens in Canada.
Vancouver is also hugely open to LGBTQIA+ representation and acceptance. The city's Pride parades are some of the world's most significant, diverse pride events, celebrating the important role of diversity, which is part of the city's makeup.
Vancouver also boasts one of the highest expat-pat populations in all of Canada. As a result, international immigrants find settling and assimilating into Vancouver one of the most accessible and enjoyable ways to become a part of Canadian society.
Vibrant, Cosmopolitan Population
The city is known for having a very young, diverse, forward-thinking, welcoming population. This is due to the diversity and proximity to some of Canada's premier universities. In addition, Vancouver is home to some of Canada's top industries.
The people of Vancouver are highly vibrant and hugely welcoming, giving any newcomers living in Vancouver a fantastic opportunity to be a part of an exciting, changing and growing community.
Festivals and Events
Due to its size, proximity to the United States and relatively mild weather, Vancouver is home to some of Canada's biggest festivals and events.
Every year, Vancouver plays home to massive music festivals like the Vancouver Folk Music Festival, Vancouver pop festival, the TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival and the Vancouver Island Music Festival - bringing some of the biggest musical acts in the world right outside your front door.
Additionally, Vancouver is also home to fantastic events like the Khatsahlano: Street Party, combining music, food, drink and celebration into a 10-block street party speaks volumes of the city’s fun-filled atmosphere. For the more literary inclined, Vancouver also offers the Bard on the Beach Shakespeare festival - a three-month run of Shakespeare-themed events right on Vancouver's waterfront.
With so many fantastic festivals and events happening year-round, there is absolutely no shortage of things to do in Vancouver.
The Richmond Night Market
The Richmond Night Market is a prime example of Vancouver's diversity, vibrant population and exciting festival culture. From May until October, the Richmond Night Market combines a fusion of different cultures. These markets make up the city to recreate a night market that pays homage to the massive night markets throughout Asia.
The Richmond night market often acts as a place of community gathering in Vancouver, allowing you to meet all types of people from all walks of life - you get to eat delicious food, play games and enjoy the local entertainment.
The Food
You cannot speak of Vancouver without one of the city's biggest draws - the food. One of the very best things to do in Vancouver is experiencing the rich cultural diversity through food. As British Columbia is one of Canada's primary farming provinces, Vancouver has access to some of the nation's best food sources. Combine this with the multitude of international influences and expertise, and you get one of the food capitals of North America.
Vancouver is famous for its coffee culture, a wide variety of locally brewed crafted beer and some of the best Asian food outside of Asia. In addition to this, Vancouver is renowned for its wide variety of sushi, catering to every palette and budget.
The Great Outdoors
While Vancouver is a beautiful, exciting city, it is also surrounded by some of Canada's most picturesque natural beauty. As Vancouver is situated in the west of Canada and boasts an astonishing nine beaches, you have the opportunity to see some of the most phenomenal sunsets in the world.
One of the best ways to experience Vancouver's nature is via the awe-inspiring Sea to Sky Highway. This 377km long highway cuts through much of Vancouver's breathtaking scenery, bringing together some of Canada's world-famous forests with its beautiful ocean view.
However, the fun doesn't end when the winter rolls around, as Vancouver is also home to some of Canada's premier skiing and snowboarding mountains. With Grouse Mountain, Cypress Mountain and Mount Seymour only a few kilometers from the city, you will undoubtedly be able to hit the slopes regularly.
Vancouver is also home to some of Canada's best wildlife sites. This spectacular city offers a unique wildlife experience right outside your back door. This stems from its high concentration of Canada's famous grizzly bears, majestic eagles, adorable sea otters and immense humpback whales.
Unemployment is at an All-Time Low
Vancouver is a thriving, dynamic city, that has a highly diverse economy, spanning industries including tourism, agriculture, aquaculture, forestry, manufacturing, high tech and education. Therefore, there is no shortage of jobs for foreign workers of all backgrounds and skill levels.
With the unemployment rate in Vancouver staying stable at under 5%, finding your dream job and providing for yourself and your family has never been so safe and easy.
World-Class Education
One of Canada's biggest draws for international immigrants is the abundance and accessibility of quality education. Vancouver is no exception, boasting some of Canada's top institutions for tertiary education like the University of British Columbia, Langara College and Columbia College. It also has a wealth of world-leading primary and high schools, like Lord Byng Secondary School, Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School and Tyee Primary school.
Most public schooling in Canada is either free or heavily subsidized. This means that attending or sending your children to school in Vancouver will be inexpensive and extremely high quality.
Fantastic Neighborhoods
Vancouver boasts a wealth of fantastic, high-quality housing, both in the urban and suburban sectors. As it provides the perfect mix of city and nature, you will have no issue finding an ideal home for you and your family.
From the luxury downtown apartments to the idyllic sprawling suburbs, the city will ensure you're safe, comfortable, and established while you get to explore this unreal city.
Shopping Paradise
Vancouver is home to some of Canada's top shopping districts and experiences. From high fashion to tech, to décor, Vancouver's fantastic malls like the Pacific Centre or the mind-blowing "The Drive" downtown, offer shopping experiences on par with the world's commercial capitals.
With the endless options the city presents, you can be sure to access all the goods and services to make your life an adventure of a lifetime.
Some of the Best Public Transport in the World
Due to the quality of its infrastructure, thriving industry and high tax rates, Vancouver offers some of the world's safest, most efficient public transport systems. Whether via bus, train or subway, you can make it to whichever destination you need quickly, easily and safely.
Make Vancouver Your New Home
With so many incredible benefits to life in Vancouver, it's no wonder it's so high on the list of cities for immigrants. There is no shortage of things to do in Vancouver. With the friendly people, exciting employment prospects, quality housing, world-class education and rich, diverse culture, making it your new home could lead to wonderful possibilities. For more information about life in Vancouver, have a look at this article.
FAQs
What is the cost of living in Vancouver?
According to the Numbeo.com cost of living calculator, the cost of living for a single person in Vancouver is CA$1 291.37 per month, not including rent. The cost of living for a family is around CA$4 767.18. While this may seem expensive, the average monthly salary in Vancouver per person is CA$4 927.51.
Is Vancouver a good place to start a business?
Yes. In fact, according to PeoplePerHour's startup city Index, Vancouver is considered the best place in the world to start a business. This is due to the high quality of life, access to commercial real estate and how easy it is to get a company off the ground.
How can I move to Vancouver from another country?
Canada has over 100 visa and permanent residency programs designed to give qualified immigrants many opportunities to live and work in Canada. Look at this article to see if you're eligible for permanent residency in Canada and can begin your application process.