Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are so many people dreaming about living in this city. Moving to Vancouver is a great idea but first, you should check every detail about the city before finalising any moving plans. My Moving Cost Team prepared a great article about this dream city: 24 things to know before moving to Vancouver, BC.
1. Vancouver has a mild climate with distinct seasons and abundant rainfall throughout the year. Here is some information about the weather in Vancouver:
- Temperatures: The average temperature in Vancouver ranges from around 1°C (34°F) in winter to 19°C (66°F) in summer. Temperatures rarely drop below freezing and snowfall is infrequent.
- Rainfall: Vancouver is known for its rain with an average of around 161 rainy days per year. The majority of the rainfall occurs between October and March with July and August being the driest months.
- Sunshine: Vancouver has relatively few sunny days throughout the year with an average of around 111 sunny days per year. The sunniest months are typically July and August with an average of around 8 hours of sunshine per day.
- Fog: Vancouver is also known for its fog particularly in the fall and winter months.
- The fog can be quite dense and can affect transportation and visibility. Overall, the weather in Vancouver is mild and rainy with relatively few extreme temperatures or weather events. Be sure to bring warm clothing and rain gear if you plan on moving to Vancouver during the fall and winter months.
2. Public transportation in Vancouver is reliable and extensive with a network of buses, trains and ferries.
3. Vancouver is a very bike-friendly city with dedicated bike lanes and rental bikes available throughout the city.
4. The city is surrounded by mountains and water offering stunning natural scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities.
5. Vancouver has a thriving arts and culture scene with many museums, galleries and performing arts venues.
6. The city is very multicultural with a large Asian population and diverse range of cuisines.
7. English is the primary language spoken in Vancouver, but many residents also speak other languages, particularly Mandarin, Cantonese and Punjabi.
8. The city is home to several universities and colleges including the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University.
9. Vancouver is a very health-conscious city with many opportunities for fitness and outdoor activities.
10. The city is also known for its excellent healthcare system with many hospitals and clinics.
11. The city is very safe with low crime rates and a strong police presence.
12. Vancouver is located in the Pacific Standard Time Zone which is 8 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-8).
13. The city is very clean and green with many parks and green spaces. Here are some of the beautiful parks in Vancouver, BC:
- Stanley Park: Stanley Park is Vancouver’s largest and most famous park covering over 1,000 acres of land. The park features stunning views of the city and the water as well as miles of walking and biking trails, beaches, gardens and a large aquarium.
- Queen Elizabeth Park: Queen Elizabeth Park is located in the center of Vancouver and offers panoramic views of the city skyline and the North Shore Mountains. The park features beautifully landscaped gardens, a conservatory and sports facilities.
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- VanDusen Botanical Garden: The VanDusen Botanical Garden is a 55-acre garden located in the heart of Vancouver. The garden features a wide variety of plants, flowers and trees from around the world as well as walking trails, a lake and a visitor center.
- Pacific Spirit Regional Park: Pacific Spirit Regional Park is a 2,200-acre park located in the western part of Vancouver.
- English Bay Beach: English Bay Beach is a popular beach located in the West End of Vancouver. The beach features stunning views of the water and the city as well as plenty of space for swimming, sunbathing and picnicking.
- Jericho Beach Park: Jericho Beach Park is a large park located in the Kitsilano neighborhood of Vancouver. The park features a long sandy beach as well as walking and biking trails, picnic areas and sports facilities.
14. Vancouver is a popular destination for tourists particularly during the summer months.
15. The city is home to many festivals and events throughout the year including the Vancouver International Film Festival and the Celebration of Light fireworks festival.
16. Vancouver is a popular filming location for movies and TV shows with many productions shot in the city.
17. The city is home to many excellent restaurants particularly for seafood and Asian cuisine.
18. Vancouver is a very walkable city with many pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods and attractions.
19. Vancouver is known for being an expensive city to live in with high costs for housing, transportation and everyday necessities. Here is a breakdown of some typical living expenses in Vancouver:
- Housing: The cost of housing in Vancouver is high with rent for a one-bedroom apartment averaging around CAD $1,800-2,500 per month in the city center and even higher for larger apartments or houses. Purchasing a home in Vancouver can also be very expensive with the average home price in the city exceeding CAD $1 million.
- Food: The cost of groceries and dining out in Vancouver can be high particularly for organic or specialty foods. A meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost around CAD $20-30 per person while a cup of coffee can cost around CAD $3.50-5.00.
20. The city has a strong environmental consciousness with many initiatives to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
21. Vancouver has a strong economy with many opportunities for skilled workers in industries such as technology, healthcare and finance.
22. The city is home to many shopping districts including Robson Street and Granville Island.
23. Vancouver is a gateway to many other destinations in British Columbia including Whistler, Victoria and the Okanagan Valley.
24. The city is very family-friendly with many parks, playgrounds and attractions suitable for children.
If you are planning on moving to Vancouver and searching for a professional moving company, please contact with us. Our experienced moving specialists will be more than happy to connect you with our certified moving and storage company partners.