Welcome to Vancouver!
Vancouver is frequently voted one of the most desirable places to live. Located between the ocean and the mountains, with parks and beaches surrounding its harbour, the picturesque city offers countless opportunities for year-round activities.
With modern conveniences that include trendy restaurants, convenient public transportation, and multiple shopping & entertainment districts, Vancouver has a lifestyle that you will easily adapt to and enjoy. With our mild climate, it is possible to ski, sail, and golf all in one day! Discover our natural scenery, enjoy Native Indian art, or participate in some of our many outdoor activities, events, and festivals.
We are also close to other famous cities, such as Whistler, Victoria, and Seattle.
What you need to know
Climate
Vancouver has one of the mildest climates in Canada with four distinct seasons. Vancouver enjoys mild winters and snow is quite rare. Spring season covers the city in cherry blossoms and summer holds many mild and sunny days to enjoy outdoor activities. Fall season means cooler temperatures with spectacular changes of leaf colors.
Winter: January to March : 7 °
Spring: April to June : 13 °C
Summer: July to September : 22 °C
Fall: October to December : 7 °C
Living Expenses
Here are the projected expenses while living in Vancouver. Expenses are in CAD$ on a monthly basis:
- Accommodation (sharing a room) - $750 to 800
- Phone - $45-60
- Food - $350-450
- Public Transportation - $56-177
- Medical Insurance - $40
Tipping
Tipping is a common practice in North America, including Canada. In restaurants - It is customary to tip approximately 12% - 15% on the total bill before tax. Many restaurants may charge an automatic 15%-18% gratuity for large groups.
For other services - Tipping is also customary for other service providers such as hairdressers, manicurists, and taxi drivers. In these cases, a 10% tip is common.
Getting around the city
Translink is Vancouver’s public transportation company. Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays, buses are less frequent.
Bus and Skytrain - The bus and skytrain service cover the widest area and travels along most major streets in the city. Passengers must either buy a single travel ticket (valid for 90 minutes toward all Translink run vehicles including bus, Skytrain and Seabus) or use a Compass Card with pre-loaded fund upon entering a bus. Buses accept coins only and will not give change.
Seabus - The Seabus is a boat which travels between Waterfront Station, downtown and Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver.