Vancouver is the hustle and bustle of the lower mainland in BC.
What makes it so attractive are the sprawling mountain views along the ocean and many different neighbourhoods to choose from, with their own aesthetic and appeal.
Home to more than 662,200 people, according to the 2021 census, Vancouver features beautiful beaches and access to the best shopping and restaurants you can ask for. Located right along the coast of BC, Vancouver offers beautiful skyline views of tall glass condos, large forests and snow-capped mountain ranges within reach.
About Vancouver
History of the city
Vancouver has long been a major city in the lower mainland. Before European colonization in 1850, this land belonged to aboriginals. And in 1808, it’s believed that Simon Fraser was the first European to enter the area.
Once the sawmill was established in North Vancouver, the city of Vancouver saw the population grow with local shops opening up to fill the needed demands. Over the years, the ports of Vancouver quickly established themselves as a core to the lower mainland of BC, attracting more people for work as the industrial world grew.
Appeal
Working professional
Data from the CMHC from 2021 shows rent in Vancouver starts at $1,546. The average price for apartments between East and West Vancouver in October 2022 sell for $753,300, according to Greater Vancouver REALTORS®.
Living in Vancouver is perfect for young professionals as you get the hustle and bustle of the city, access to the best restaurants and great spots to go on a date or hangout with friends. The city is also notoriously known for the high rental prices all over the area, so those working professionals who are making good money can afford the rental or housing market.
Vancouver is also full of fun bars and nightlife that some of the other cities in Metro Vancouver don’t have, and for that reason, is particularly attractive for young working professionals.
Young couples
Young couples are also well-suited for the Vancouver lifestyle, as it presents a lot of great places for dates and working opportunities for the career-oriented. With combined incomes, it makes it an easier reality to rent or own a beautiful condo or townhouse in the city.
Top places to see
Gastown
Gastown is one of the oldest parts of Vancouver. With trailing brick walkways and sprawling brick towers, the area is known for the famous steam clock. Once there, it’s also the perfect place to come and grab a bit, with several amazing restaurants no matter what you’re in the mood for.
Kitsilano
Kitsilano is located just outside the downtown Vancouver area, featuring more peaceful neighbourhoods, detached homes and access to Kitsilano Beach—a beautiful beach located in the Burrard inlet that provides mountain views, wonderful sandy beaches and outdoor pools you can relax in.
Kitsilano Beach is a very popular summer gathering spot where you can enjoy those sandy beaches by the water with some friends, take your dog for a walk or go for an evening stroll on the bike. And if you get hungry, Kitsilano has some amazing spots to eat, including:
- The Boathouse Restaurant
- Nook
- The Ellis
- Chewies Oyster Bar
- And so many more!
Coal Harbour
Coal Harbour is known for it’s upscale vibe and lifestyle. From the all-glass condo buildings to the high-end restaurants with water front views, Coal Harbour is the place to be if you want to experience Vancouver’s luxury to the fullest.
On the edge of Stanley Park, Coal Harbour offers great access to the North Shore and Whistler, making it an attractive place for young professionals and couples that like the big city and also like to get away to the amazing mountains.
Granville Island
Lose yourself in the amazing markets, restaurants and views that Granville Island has to offer. You’ll come for the amazing things you can buy at the market and stay for the unique landscapes and amazing live music you can hear from buskers and neon lights.
The “island” is accessible from a short ferry ride from English Bay. Or you can drive to the under the Burrard Street Bridge to access Granville Island.
False Creek
False Creek is an amazing area of Vancouver that still offers the hustle and bustle of the city with easy access to Science World, other parks and BC Place Stadium. A popular neighbourhood in the area that has grown considerably is Olympic Village, which was primarily built-up and changed for the 2010 winter Olympics that Vancouver hosted. Now it’s home to amazing restaurants, breweries, condo living and easier access to other neighbourhoods and areas in Metro Vancouver.
Stanley Park
Stanley Park is the perfect place to go if you want some nature while staying close to the city. The park sits within the Vancouver Sea wall and offers kilometers worth of peaceful nature walks and access to the Vancouver Aquarium.
Things to do in Vancouver + Local Tips
There are hundreds of things to do in Vancouver so we distilled that list down to a manageable few that you can begin by checking out when you visit the city.
Visit Queen Elizabeth Park
If you’re looking to get out of the downtown core, we highly recommend you check out the stunning Queen Elizabeth Park. Come for the magnificent floral-displays and stay for the beautiful backdrops and scenery of the city and mountains.
Take The Family to Science World
What’s not to love about Science World! It’s a great place to take the family to engage in an educational activity where kids and run around and play with various science-related displays and activities.
Then, take a stroll through False Creek Seawall. Enjoy the lovely parks and views of the boats in the harbour.
Mount Pleasant Art Walks
Mount Pleasant is a beautiful neighbourhood with detached homes, townhouses and low-rise condos and apartments. It’s also home to some amazing street art for pictures and enjoyment. The perfect place to visit for those amazing Instagram pics.
Shopping on Robson Street
Robson street is full of amazing stores and shops, from the big name brands to small and unique stores. It’s about as central as you’ll get to the downtown core so you’re easily accessible to transit, nearby hotels and the best restaurants if you get hungry while on your shopping spree.
Education
Post secondary education
The city of Vancouver is home to several fantastic and world-renowned education institutions including the University of British Columbia, BCIT, Douglas College, Emily Carr University and Langara College. Some of these universities are academia-based, while others are trade-based and provide strong and educated talent to the lower mainland.
Secondary schools
In the city of Vancouver, secondary school begins at Grade 8 and continues to Grade 12, unlike other cities in the lower mainland that have middle schools. There are 18 secondary schools in the area and have an average school population of about 1,145 students according to Vancouver School Board.
Elementary
For kindergarten to grade 7, there are 77 different elementary schools within the Vancouver school district. With many of the school populations at about 364 students, according to the Vancouver School Board.
Leisure and hobbies
Get out on the bike
When it comes to leisure and activities, Vancouver is the perfect place to get out on a pedal bike and explore the seawall, and specifically Stanley Park. There are hundreds of different rental shops to rent a bike for the day and tour the city. If you’re up for the adventure, there are well-established bike trails across the main bridges so you can access the other parks and neighbourhoods in the area.
Head to the water
If you’re looking for an activity that involves scenic views of the ocean and city, there is no better place to go than down to the beaches in Vancouver. Grabbing a kayak or paddle board on a summer afternoon is a great activity one can do in Vancouver. Whether that is Kitsilano Beach, English Bay, Jericho Beach or any of the others. While on the water you’ll enjoy beautiful mountain and city views that connect to the ocean. Something that almost no other city in the world can provide.
Eat and drink
After a full day of outside activities on the seawall, beach or touring Vancouver’s beautiful tree-walled neighbourhoods, it’s time to enjoy the amazing restaurants, desserts and drinks that Vancouver has to offer.
One of the best things about the city’s food options is the diversity. Whatever kind of food you’re into, you can find an amazing restaurant that will serve the dishes you’re looking for.
Here are our top 5 restaurants you need to check out in Vancouver:
- AnnaLena
- Botanist
- Savio Volpe
- Kissa Tanto
- Chambar
Enjoy the nightlife
One of the reasons that Vancouver attracts a large group of young professionals is the bustling nightlife. Home to some of the most popular clubs, bars and restaurants in the lower mainland, it’s the place to be if you’re planning on having a great night out on the town.
Depending on the party and vibe you’re looking for, there are various areas in the Downtown core that cater to those heading out for a night on the town.
The Gastown area offers smaller more characterized buildings and scenery, with smaller bars with brick walls. Or head into Yaletown for fancy cocktails and a modern vibe.
If you’re looking for a bit more of an adventure, head down to the Granville strip where there are bars, clubs and restaurants that line the streets and become a very popular gathering spot for younger students and adults.
Future of the area
Vancouver will continue to be the hustle and bustle of the lower mainland. There are always future building developments underway as old buildings are renovated or torn down, to make way for bigger buildings with more units.
Larger companies also look to Vancouver as the next spot for their headquarters, with large companies like Amazon, Hootsuite, and Slack investing large amounts into building offices and a presence in the city.
Similarly, neighbourhoods outside the downtown core continue to grow and flourish, with Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant and others seeing continuous growth. Land Use Planners for the City of Vancouver are always working toward a unified future with visionary strategies to address housing needs for families and individuals.
City Planners for Vancouver intend to use the concept of the “15-minute city” to ensure that neighbourhoods have businesses and shops within walking or short transit distance.
Over the next 30 years, the City of Vancouver plans to address climate change by increasing greenspace and planting more trees.
