Why is Vancouver the Best Place in Canada?

Vancouver has always been regarded as one of the most beautiful places to live, not just in Canada but also in the world. The city has immense natural beauty, a trendy urban life, diverse cultures and altogether is regarded as the most livable place. 

It has constantly featured towards the top of all polls and surveys, like the 2017 Telegraph Travel Awards, where it was ranked the second-best city in the world. Then, the Mercer Quality of Living survey, where it was third on the list of the world’s best cities in 2019.

All in all, Vancouver is a fabulous place for anyone to live and work, but what makes it so unique? Read on to find out.

Where is Vancouver? 

Vancouver, the third largest city in Canada, is located in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, West Canada. It has been named after British Captain George Vancouver, who was the first to explore it. The metropolitan city has a coastal location at Eastern Pacific Ocean.

What makes Vancouver unique?

Among the many things that make Vancouver so unique is its picturesque setting. The city boasts an unparalleled natural beauty. The Vancouver area, which is a total of 115 km², comprises of the North Shore Mountains, an active volcano- Mount Garibaldi, temperate rain forest with dense trees and a lot more.

The postcard-perfect city truly has it all - urban skyline, snow-capped mountains, the Pacific Ocean, many gardens, contemporary Indigenous Art and a business hub which is home to the headquarters of Amazon, Deloitte and Microsoft among others. To top it all, Vancouver has a lot of cultural diversity and is very inclusive. The amiable nature of people and the general attitude of the city makes it a great place to live in.

When it comes to food, Vancouver offers some of the best seafood that you will ever taste. What’s more is that if you are looking for the best Korean, Japanese and Chinese food in North America, then Chinatown in Vancouver is the place to be. Just like the culture, the culinary treats here are varied so you can dig into scrumptious street food and enjoy a three-course meal at L’hermitage.

If you are looking to commute, then you will be pleased to know that Vancouver has one of the lowest average commute times. The city has one of the best transit systems along with some of the most well-maintained taxis.

Vancouver weather

Since Vancouver is shielded by North Shore Mountains from any cold spells, it mostly has mild weather. The summers are also pleasing with temperatures of around 30°C. It is the only city in Canada that does not have a freezing winter, with the temperature ranging between 6°C and 8°C.

Cost of living in Vancouver  

Vancouver has consistently topped all the international standard of living indexes and therefore has become a popular place to live. Though, as far as average cost of living in Vancouver is concerned, it is way more affordable than other famous cities like London or New York. A one-bedroom apartment in Vancouver will cost you roughly 2,000 CAD (1,500 USD).

Other expenses that you need to take care of are groceries and travel. You don’t have to worry much about transport as the city has a reliable network of buses, trains and even ferries. You can also purchase a transport pass which will cost you 100 CAD monthly. Since the city focuses on a sustainable food system with focus on locally grown food and community gardens, you will find many affordable eateries and food options here.

The wages in Vancouver are also good. The minimum wage is 15.20 CAD (11.35 USD) an hour. The average salary annually is 75,000 CAD (56,000 USD).

Vancouver places to visit

There are several beautiful places to visit in Vancouver and some of them are shared below.

1. Enjoy lunch at Prospect Point

The scenic view from Prospect Point, which is on Verdant hill, is breath-taking. If you enjoy outdoor activities, then you can go hiking or mountain biking on one of the forested trails. The point offers a great view of Lion Gate Bridge along with the outlines of Greater Vancouver.

2. Take a walk through Queen Elizabeth Park

Vancouver has a lot of green spaces and there is nothing better than taking a walk through this city park which has tree-lined pathways. You can also check out some viewpoints here that offer a great view of the city’s natural splendour. The Queen Elizabeth Park is home to Bloedel Conservatory which has many plant specimens and free-flying exotic birds.

3. Skyride at Grouse Mountain

If you truly want a panoramic view of Vancouver, then check out the Skyride aerial tramway at Grouse Mountain. At an elevated height of 4,100 feet, you will get the most mesmerizing scenic view of Capilano Lake and the mountain range. This exhilarating ride is a must for all.

Looking to study in the beautiful settings of Vancouver? Then check out the programs offered by The Canadian College of Technology and Business (CCTB). The educational institute offers a range of programs in different streams, each focusing on in-demand skills and knowledge. The students are taught by an experienced faculty who aim to empower the students to become leaders in their field. To know more about CCTB, click here.

FAQs

Why is Vancouver the best city in Canada?

Vancouver is regarded as the best city in Canada because it offers a great standard of living. Not only is it safe, but it is multicultural and very inclusive. You can enjoy everything, from nature to urban life in Vancouver. Being a business hub, it also offers excellent work opportunities.

What is so special about Vancouver, Canada?

Vancouver has constantly topped all popularity charts and is ranked among the top best places to live. It offers everything from an ideal set up for living to a great transport system, sustainable food system and excellent healthcare that covers all those who are living legally in Vancouver. Apart from this, the city has great weather all year round, being the only Canadian city to not have freezing winters.  

Is moving to Vancouver a good idea?

Moving to Vancouver is a great idea as the city tops the livability and quality of life index. It offers many amenities and also houses the headquarters of several global companies. This means along with good job opportunities, you can also enjoy a great standard of living there.

Is Vancouver a friendly city?

Vancouver is a very friendly city and the locals here are extremely amiable. The overall vibe and attitude of the city is amazing and makes for one of its top attractions. Vancouver has a multicultural environment as people from many different ethnicities live here. Since the place is so inclusive to everyone, it is very easy to settle down in Vancouver.

What are some fun facts about Vancouver?

Some interesting fun facts about Vancouver is that it is called the Hollywood of the North as it is second to Los Angeles in TV Production. Also, the Port of Vancouver is the largest port in Canada.