We’re just like you! Everyone on our team has lived and worked abroad at some point, and we know firsthand the excitement and anticipation that comes with moving abroad. Click on our profile to see what makes us tick.
France, Canada, Ireland.
When I land in a new country, I usually go straight to the local market, and check out the type of produce they have, pay attention to the way people communicate and what they eat. Then I usually proceed to the nearest food stall and order whatever people around me seem to be eating and enjoying. Best way to get an immediate shot of local culture!
Vancouver is a very multicultural city, so there are a lot of opportunities to try food from all over the world. If you are on a budget, I highly recommend New Town bakery in Chinatown for a taste of Hong Kong. Their steam buns at $3.50 a piece is a great bargain, and their coconut buns are to die for! One block away is Fortune Sound Club, a great venue with a lot of live music and events.
Years ago in Tofino, on a sunny hot summer day, a local fisherman was kind enough to take a few of my friends and I on his boat and drop us off on a local island a few km away for a couple of days of “remote camping”. After setting up camp, the sun was already setting, and a group of curious otters came to play nearby. I still vividly remember the tangerine orange sunset backdrop with the playful dark otter shadows. Breathtaking.
Spain, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, United States, Canada.
It does not matter if English is not your first language, you will be surprised by how many conversations you can get started just because of your accent or English. Talk, talk and talk!
Canada is huge, so it can be overwhelming what are the places that you want to visit first. Make a destination list and organize your time in Canada to visit those places. My favourite place is Tofino during the summer, I’m always impressed by how beautiful it is!
When I travelled to the Canadian Rockies during the summer and saw that the blue turquoise lakes are actually that colour. I was always under the impression that they could not be that blue, but YES, they are that impressive blue. I still have the challenge of jumping into one, I have not been that brave yet!
Canada, USA, UK, Austria.
Have an open mind! That would probably be the biggest advice as moving to another country means adapting and understanding new traditions and ways.
Visit as many lakes as you can! The natural colour of the water is stunning, and you don’t even need to drive too far from the city to find them! Garibaldi highlands are just under two-hours from Vancouver, and so is the Fraser Valley!
Visiting Banff and Jasper National Parks! The nature is out of this world, truly a bucket list destination!
England, Canada, Panama, Honduras, Colombia.
Go for a run! You’ll get familiar with your local surroundings, see the sights and earn the beers after. Also, book a ticket to Sofar Sounds to see local artists performing in intimate venues.
If you’re living in Vancouver and want to learn to ski or snowboard, invest in an early bird ski pass for the local mountains. Grouse normally offers complimentary days at its sister resort, Revelstoke, so you can plan an epic ski trip the following winter.
There are too many! But to whittle it down: hiking the North Coast Trail on Vancouver Island, tree planting across BC’s interior, spotting a black bear take a morning dip at Widgeon Lake, and seeing a moonrise over the mountains at Brew Lake hut near Whistler – it was better than any sunset or sunrise I’ve ever seen!
Canada, Greece.
If you want to make friends in Vancouver find a fitness studio you like and start taking classes there. Almost all of my closest friends here I made by going to barre classes. This could really be any kind of classes though!
Boating and going camping around the Okanagan Lake as a kid, going on a wine tour in Kelowna with my friend, and going to an opera intensive in Victoria every summer.
Canada, Ukraine.
I believe it is important to understand local etiquette before moving abroad, there are loads of YouTube videos and guides for this. Also, check the climate of the country before packing your clothes and essentials. Other than that, I think a great way to become familiar with local culture is to join some local groups on social media to receive updates on events, news, etc.
Canada is very multicultural – you don’t need to let go of your values and culture; however, it is important to keep an open mind and be respectful.
The most popular website to find accommodation in Canada is Craigslist. You can select your destination, choose pricing options, select number of bedrooms, etc. Another website that might have some good options called Zumper – it is also easy to navigate and descriptions are very clear!
If you are a foodie, I would recommend you follow these Vancouver food bloggers:
@deannawoo
@bitemevancouver
@appetitealwsys
@sopheats
@nomsmag
@lauraullock
In Vancouver, visiting Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, hiking Grouse Mountain, biking in Stanley Park, trying different cuisines (Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Mexican, Malaysian, Lebanese, Indian, etc.) and visiting the Imagine Van Gogh exhibition. Further afield, ice skating on a frozen lake in Whistler!
Indonesia, Canada, Austria.
The Meetup application is a great platform where you can meet people with similar interests. Also, if you’re a student, the University often has social events, so make sure you participate whenever you can, because that’s where you can meet new friends and build your social or professional networks as well!
If you’re new in Vancouver, don’t be afraid to make conversation with strangers. Making friends in Vancouver is not easy, but you’re not the only one, so struck a conversation with someone new and you’ll be surprise how many people are just in the exact same situation as you ☺
I’ve skydived in Victoria on Vancouver Island, discovered the most delicious ‘Raspberry Lychee Danish’ from Crust Bakery while there and taken the helijet from Victoria to Vancouver. Also, hiking to the peak of Cascade Mountain, the backdrop of Banff, and dipping into the third lake in Joffre Lakes.
Germany, Ireland, Canada.
In the beginning it is hard for everyone. No one feels comfortable in a new place with new people right away, so remember that you are not the only one feeling this way. There are always like minded people that are looking for similar things to you, you just have to look in the right places. For example, if you like music you should go to live concerts / music bars!
Vancouver is a very expensive city, so make sure you check the monthly rent before you come and plan to live here. There are cheaper options in Greater Vancouver like Surrey or Abbotsford, it really depends on your needs.
One of my favourite moments ever in Vancouver was skiing during sunset on Grouse Mountain. I looove skiing, but in Europe most places do not offer night skiing so I have never seen a sunset while skiing down a snowy mountain. Grouse probably has the best views of Vancouver and seeing the sunset over my favourite city, doing my favourite sport… just incredible!
Ireland, Greece & Canada.
It can be scary and unfamiliar in the beginning, but don’t let that hold you back. Go and explore different places, meet new people and try different foods. Living abroad can be such an eye-opening experience if you embrace it.
Explore outside the city. Vancouver is beautiful but there is lots more to see in BC. Take a car or bus outside the city on your weekends or days off and explore the mountains, lakes and other towns around. They are simply spectacular and totally worth it!
Houseboating on Shuswap Lake.
Canada, France.
Sniff out the food scene.
Meeting sea dogs for the first time!