Profile

Total Population: While the city itself has a population of around ~600,000, the surrounding metropolitan area has nearly 2.5 million residents, making it the third largest city in Canada, and the largest city west of Toronto.

% of Ukrainian Population: 3.9% of Ukrainians out of total population (seventh highest concentration in Canada)

Climate: It has the mildest climate in Canada. The winter temperatures in the city, on average, are 4°C to 6°C. It generally does not experience the cold snowy winters that are typical elsewhere in Canada.

Language: Predominantly English.

Known For: Metro Vancouver is British Columbia’s largest city, and is consistently ranked in the top three most livable cities in the entire world. The term Vancouverism came to existence because the city’s urban planning was so revolutionary. Vancouverism has been instrumental in adding more green spaces in most of the neighborhoods, retaining the views of the oceans and mountains while also incorporating a modern lifestyle.

Pros: In this more pleasant climate, Vancouver features one of the largest parks of its kind in North America, Stanley Park. The skyline of the city also features mountains to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the west, making for some famous scenery. Thanks to its quality of life, Vancouver is one of the top destinations for immigrants to Canada. The result is a very diverse population, where more than half of the residents speak a first language other than English.

Cons: Vancouver is one of the most expensive cities to live in in Canada. Vancouver’s high cost of housing is one of the major factors to take into account if you like to be a resident of this city. Since the land here is limited, the supply is low and the demand is high. Vancouver has higher crime rates compared to smaller cities. As one of the largest metropolitan areas in Canada, it has one of the top 10 highest crime rates. Vancouver’s downtown East Hastings has been called the “worst street in North America” in terms of open drug use. Vancouver also experiences traffic on par with Toronto congestion at peak commuting times.

Cost of Living: Family of four estimated monthly costs are $4,770.58 without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are $1,292.38 without rent. Vancouver is 1.91% more expensive than Toronto (without rent). Rent in Vancouver is, on average, 12.75% higher than in Toronto. Learn more.

Apartment vacancy rate: 1.1% (2021)
Average cost of rent (bachelor): $2,110.40 (2022)
Average cost of rent (1 bdrm): $2,255.84 (2022)
Average cost of rent (3 bdrm): $4,402.56 (2022)

Public Transportation: Public transport is great, with buses, ferries, planes and trains. The Skytrain is a scenic ride to work. The services listed here can help you understand the options available.

Arts & Culture: Vancouver is alive with creativity. They have amazing music, dance, new media, theatre, festivals, film, design, exhibitions, galleries, museums, and special events. They are developing a new ‘Creative City Strategy’ that will include previously under-represented voices and constituencies, build partnerships across communities and sectors, and develop strategies that place arts and culture at the forefront.

Pre-Arrival

Who to contact to secure housing and migration support: Arrival Advisor App

Jobs: Register with BC JobConnect

Arrival

Airport: Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

First Touch-Point:
An organization called SUCCESS has a kiosk set up at arrivals. Hours of operation are 8am-8pm, Monday-Sunday, except statutory holidays.

First 1-2 Weeks

Temporary Accommodations:
211 in British Columbia is a service provided by United Way British Columbia. Dial or Text 2-1-1 to connect with a resource navigator. It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7, 365 days a year. Interpretation is available in 150+ languages.

Sim Card: Provided

Social Services:
SIN card, health card, bank account, doctor, school, childcare/daycare, community, language, transportation, etc.
211 in British Columbia is a service provided by United Way British Columbia. Dial or Text 2-1-1 to connect with a resource navigator. It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7, 365 days a year. Interpretation is available in 150+ languages.

Settlement

WELCOME/INFO PACKS:
Accommodations (longer term), Jobs, Childcare, Education, Language Support, etc.

• Arrival Welcome Package (UKRAINIAN)
• Arrival Welcome Package (ENGLISH)