Work & Settle Abroad | Permanent Resident

About Vancouver City

Vancouver is renowned as the gateway to the glaciers of Alaska and is the port from which adventurous souls embark on epic voyages to Alaska. It is British Columbia's biggest city named after George Vancouver. Legend says that it was originally called the Gas Town in memory of a certain Gassy Jack, who offered local timber sellers all the whiskey they could drink if they would build him a saloon in exchange.

According to the legend a tavern was built, and a town came up around it. Thus, Vancouver was born. Vancouver has been consistently rated as the world's most livable city for over a decade, which is not surprising as it has been planned with livability in mind. The city planners have strived to balance modern infrastructure and nature perfectly. 

Is Vancouver a Beautiful city?

Vancouver is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is known for its stunning natural scenery, including its snow-capped mountains, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches. The city also has a vibrant urban core with a diverse population and a thriving cultural scene.

Where is Vancouver city situated in Canada?

Vancouver City is situated between Fraser River to the north and Burrard Inlet to the south, providing stunning waterfront views. It is enclosed by the Strait of Georgia to the west and Vancouver Island to the east. The citys growth evolved amidst a temperate rainforest, which has resulted in an abundance of tall coniferous trees and lush green landscapes.

[Read More: Complete Guide for British Columbia PNP Program]

How Big is Vancouver City?

Vancouver City has an area of 115.18 square kilometers (44.47 square miles). This is relatively small compared to other major cities in the world, such as London (1,572 square kilometers), New York City (1,214 square kilometers), and Tokyo (2,194 square kilometers).

However, Vancouver is a very densely populated city, with over 660,000 people living within its relatively small boundaries. This makes it one of the most densely populated cities in North America. Vancouver is also a very compact city, with a well-developed public transportation system. This makes it easy to get around the city without a car.

Getting Around in Vancouver City as a New Immigrant

The best way to get around in Vancouver is to take the public transit system, which is managed by Translink, the regulatory governmental transport authority. The transportation authority is responsible for the public buses, rapid transit system, and the ferry system. The typical fares are 2.75 for an adult for one zone at full fare and 1.75 at the concessional fare. You could also buy a reloaded multiple-use card known as a compass card and travel at discounted fares. Immigrants on Canada Visitor Visa can also avail of those rates.

Things to do in Vancouver City for Immigrants

The iconic Stanley Park is all of 1000 acres of beautiful green landscapes and trailing trekking routes, with its vast area, Stanley Park ensures that there is something new to see every time you pay a visit. You could see the ships sail from Brockton Point, or look over the cityscape at Prospect Point.

Vancouver is also home to the Museum of Anthropology, situated in the University of British Columbia. A museum is a great place for teaching about the indigenous First Nations people, who were the first settlers in Canada. Another must-have item on your itinerary would be to see the steam rising from the steam clock in the center of the town.

Moving with Kids to Vancouver City

Vancouver has many fun places and attractions for kids. Kids will enjoy taking a ride on the sky bus or sailing on the waters around Vancouver in a ferry. You could visit the aforementioned Stanley Park, and make it an all-day picnic. You could take your kids for a fun-filled day to the water park on Granville Island, or stimulate their intellectual curiosity in the science world and Omnimax Theatre at Telus World of Science. On the education front, Vancouver has many options to choose from.

The Vancouver district runs 76 elementary schools, 18 secondary schools and 17 elementary annexes under its purview. The Vancouver school board also operates a number of adult education centers and learning network schools.

[Read More: How to Get Canada Dependent Visa?]

Careers in Vancouver for Indian Students & Immigrants

Vancouver is a great place to live and work in. Not just for the friendly community and pollution free environment, that boosts your productivity, but also for the many career options available. Also another plus point, with an average work week of 35.5 hours, compared to Indian work week of 60 hours, you can enjoy the ideal work-life balance

Indian Community in Vancouver

The Indian community in Vancouver is strong, vibrant and welcoming. Every region of India is represented by its respective cultural societies. The area also boasts a large number of Indian stores and restaurants to please the palate of Indian food lovers.

Is Vancouver city, Canada is safe for Indians?

Vancouver is a very safe city for everyone, including Indians. However, no city is crime-free, and there are some things that you can do to stay safe, especially if you are new to Vancouver:

• Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid petty theft, such as pickpocketing. This is especially important in crowded areas, such as public transportation and tourist attractions.
• Keep your valuables close to you and out of sight. Don't leave bags unattended, even for a few minutes.
• Be careful when using ATMs, especially at night. If possible, use an ATM that is well-lit and has security cameras.
• If you are walking alone at night, stick to well-lit areas and avoid walking through parks or alleys, particularly if you are planning to live in small cities in Canada. 
• Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid drug use and prostitution. These activities are often associated with crime.

Vancouver Vs Toronto: Which Canadian City is Better To Live?

Whether Vancouver or Toronto is a better city for you depends on your individual preferences and priorities. Both cities have a lot to offer, but they are also quite different in many ways.

Here is a brief comparison of the two cities Vancouver and Toronto:

Vancouver

• Pros:
  • Stunning natural scenery
  • Mild climate
  • Laid-back lifestyle
  • Diverse population
• Cons:
  • High cost of living
  • Limited job opportunities in some industries

[Read More: Know Why Toronto is Called a Multicultural Paradise in Canada]

Toronto

• Pros:
  • Vibrant and cosmopolitan city
  • Strong job market
  • Diverse population
  • More affordable than Vancouver
• Cons:
  • Colder climate
  • Traffic congestion
  • Can be less welcoming to newcomers

Ultimately, the best way to decide which city is right for you is to visit both and see for yourself which one you feel more at home in.

To know more about Vancouver, and options on how you can make Vancouver your new home, get in touch with Global Tree, one of the best Canada  Immigration Counselors in India.