9 Reasons Why Vancouver is a Dream City
Vancouver, British Columbia, sits on the west coast of Canada, about two and a half hours north of Seattle along the Pacific Ocean. Vancouver is the third largest city in Canada, with about 2.6 million people in the metro area. It has incredibly temperate weather, the freshest seafood, and some of the most stunning views in the world. Those reasons and several more are why Vancouver is a dream city!
In addition to the food and weather, Vancouver is incredibly diverse, with less than half of the population speaking native English or French. It’s also one of the most expensive cities in the world, with a typical home value of over $500,000. Despite the cost, Vancouver is a dream city and a premium travel destination!
Vancouver Has Incredible Weather
Of all the places in the world that are either too hot or too cold, Vancouver is just right. Vancouver has a relatively temperate climate thanks to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. The average temperature ranges from 35 to 73 degrees, with anything above 80 and below 24 a rarity.
Vancouver is the perfect balance of gloomy and sunny because of the clear summers and overcast, wet winters. Rain is common, even in winter, so don’t expect too much snow outside of December and January. Vancouver’s warmest months are July and August, and the coldest months are November to January.
There are Three Ski Resorts within an Hour of Downtown Vancouver
Skiers rejoice as Vancouver is a ski and snowboarder’s dream. There are three ski resorts within an hour of downtown! Cypress Mountain, Grouse Mountain, and Mount Seymour have thousands of combined acres to explore. Workers or visitors with little free time during the day can catch night riding, which is usually open until 10 PM!
While there are a few resorts close at hand, several resorts are a bit further away from the city but offer incredible views and plenty of powder. Visitors can find resorts at Dakota Ridge, Sasquatch Mountain, and Whistler-Blackcomb further still. Seasons run from mid to late November through April, and average snowfall usually exceeds 240 inches.
Vancouver has Plenty of Public Transportation
Getting around a large city can cause some anxieties. However, Vancouver has plenty of public transportation options to help get around without breaking the bank or needing a vehicle. You can ride the Skytrain, which is the metro-like subway. You can also cruise on a Coast Mountain bus or the Seabus from downtown to North Vancouver. Finally, the West Coast Express is for commuters riding from the suburbs.
Outside of any one of the numerous public transportation options, Vancouver is incredibly bike and walker friendly. You can pay for these rides with a monthly or daily pass. Pricing for these motorized options depends on the zone traveled.
Vancouver’s Architecture is Beautiful
Vancouver has a distinct modernism style. Architects refer to the style as West Coast Style or West Coast Contemporary Style, which resonates with the city’s delicate, majestic, and nature-surrounded aesthetic. Many buildings feature open floor plans with generous use of glass for occupants to enjoy the ocean, forests, and mountains.
Many family homes in Vancouver also share this distinct modernism style. Homes use local materials like the Douglas Fir, Western Redcedar, and stone. Additionally, several homes use plywood and wood-stud and post and beam style construction which reflects the integration with nature.
The Views Surrounding Vancouver are Incredible
Vancouver’s architecture fits in with the wider British Columbia Pacific coast area. But it’s because of this broader area that Vancouver is as beautiful as it is. Vancouver has everything—ocean, forest, mountains, and city. The abundance of nature is courtesy of the views from Cypress and Grouse Mountain, which feature genuinely inspiring overlooks.
The mountains are great, but the Sea to Sky highway that stretches north into the province has turn-offs with more incredible views. Stop at these turn-offs for views of the scenic Bowen, Bowyer, Gambier, and Anvil islands. The Fraser River and Pitt River further add to the picturesque nature of the city!
Vancouver is an Outdoor Playground
Vancouver may be home to several ski options, but it’s far from the only thing to do. In reality, Vancouver is an outdoor playground. Residents and tourists alike flock to the incredible hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and boating marinas. Plus, the dense forests are prime camping destinations.
The water makes for great kayaking or paddleboarding, especially with rivers and lakes in addition to the ocean. Winter provides opportunities for snowboarding, nordic skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. There really is no shortage of outdoor activities that you’ll enjoy, making Vancouver a dream city.
The Food and Drinks are Absolutely Amazing
Access to the sea provides chefs in Vancouver the opportunity to craft some of the best dishes in the world. The Pacific Ocean near the city is home to mussels, oysters, wild salmon, and Dungeonous Crab in abundance, making for fresh seafood on demand. Vancouver’s temperate climate is perfect for farm-fresh produce like herbs, lettuces, berries, and squash.
Vancouver is a genuine chef’s city with fresh seafood and produce. But the diversity of the population brings a new mix of flavors and meal options unavailable anywhere else in the world. Pair that quality with various sustainable food practices and fresh markets, and Vancouver is a dream city for foodies.
Stanley Park
New York has Central Park, London has Hyde Park, and Vancouver has Stanley Park. Stanley Park is a National Heritage site and houses wildlife and historical monuments. It also has miles upon miles of walking and biking trails, several beaches to relax, and countless memorials. There are few more beautiful dedicated green spaces worldwide.
Visitors can access Stanley Park via one of four bridges, each with its own historical significance. It’s nestled among the city as a natural preserve and provides the perfect escape from all the commotion!
Air Quality and Green Initiatives
Air quality in Vancouver rates lower than the average Canadian. The city has enacted several climate initiatives since the 1990s with the goal of “the Greenest City.” Vancouver also has a climate emergency plan that includes cutting carbon emissions in half by 2030 and zero waste by 2040.
Getting there won’t be challenging as the robust public transportation system and almost 500 EV charging stations within the city provide significant infrastructure for reducing climate change. It really will become the greenest city!
Final Thoughts on Why Vancouver is a Dream City
Vancouver is more than just a friendly Canadian city with a major league hockey team. The city is home to gorgeous architecture, delicious food, snowy mountains, and Stanley Park. Its green initiatives, public transportation, and diverse population help craft one of the most unique cities in the world. Because of everything it has to offer, without a doubt, Vancouver is a dream city!