Vancouver, Canada Report of what it's like to live there - 04/01/26
Personal Experiences from Vancouver, Canada
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, I have also lived in Singapore, Seoul, Tokyo, Taipei, Shanghai, Madrid, and Brussels.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
USA.
3. How long have you lived here?
Two years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
LQA post; you'll have to find a place on your own and arrange the lease. Many families choose to live in North Vancouver because of larger houses and proximity to schools, which results in a commute on the seabus or a crowded bridge. There are plenty of modern high-rises downtown within five minutes walking distance.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
A bit more expensive than the US.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
If you really crave something from the states, you can drive to Washington state or order online and have it within a few days.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Similar to any Pacific Northwest city. Lots of Michelin restaurants and Asian restaurants. Richmond has countless Chinese places to choose from. North Vancouver in particular has plenty of Persian restaurants.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO similar shipping/receiving times as being in the US. Send things out with USPS pre-paid or regular postage.
2. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
I believe this city is famous for its bike culture, and hiking is a huge part of PNW culture. There's a waterfront bike trail that links up with Stanley Park, and in the surrounding hills there are all types of trails.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Same as US. The consulate has a very dated gym in the building, and most condos have their own gyms. Local market has everything from cheap "24-hour fitness" style gyms to Equinox
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Same as any US city.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Same as any US city.
6. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
No, it seems to be equivalent standards as US.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes. The Skytrain and busses are quite convenient. Recommend using a Compass Card, and if you forgot your card, tap with a credit card for a fee.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
Same as any US city. It seems nearly all Ubers here are white Teslas so they must be charging somewhere.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Rogers and Tellus are the main providers. You can set them up as you would in the States, in an hour or so.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
I just kept my US phone and provider and didn't run into any problems.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Slim job options at post, but Canada allows spouses to work if they chose.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Similar to San Francisco or Seattle. At post most men wear a dress shirt but no tie or jacket.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Out of control drug/homeless problem throughout the city, but especially concentrated on E. Hastings St. It is not uncommon to see five or six drug addicts/mentally ill vagrants in a five-minute walk to work. It seems to me that fast-food restaurants and convenience stores near the consulate are generally filled with unsavory characters.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Expect a long wait to be matched up with a Canadian healthcare provider. Many people simply go to the US for medical care as the wait is much shorter.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Clean air.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Waitstaff at restaurant are very proactive in checking for food allergies.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Long, dreary and gray winters; people cherish the few months of summer.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Very rainy and gray, but seldom freezing.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
No international school affiliated with the consulate. Some private schools in Vancouver but it is not easy to get into these schools and they cater to elite, overseas (Chinese) students.
2. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, just like any other large US city.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Hard to say because they blend in with the locals. Vancouver is a diverse and cosmopolitan city that has a mixture of immigrants and people from all over the world.
2. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Families may feel constricted downtown, and Vancouver has the smallest percentage of families with children out of all large Canadian cities. People are more likely to have dogs than children. Singles and couples without children might feel more at home here.
3. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Absolutely. Very notable LGBT presence.
4. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
BC is such a geographically stunning part of the world, and nature lovers will likely enjoy the immediate surroundings, as well as day trips or weekend trips to the mountains/coast/islands. Banff National park is a must-see.
5. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Hikers could probably find a new hike every weekend.
6. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
First-Nations art might be one unique item unique to the area.
7. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Nature, public transit, cultural/linguistic similarities to the US, proximity to the US, friendly people.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
It's nice, but doesn't feel like living in a different country.
2. But don't forget your:
wallet.
3. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Lots of US movies/TV shows/advertisements are filmed here, you've probably already seen the city in lots of movies supposed to be set in the US. "Vancouver Never Plays Itself" on YouTube is an insightful video showing this phenomenon in a fun way.
