With the weather unseasonably cold and rainy as it has been, it’s easy to forget why we live in Vancouver. Vancouver real estate is among the most expensive in the world, after all, so what exactly are we paying for?

Lifestyle

Vancouver is consistently named one of the top places to live in the world, landing as number one on several surveys. We have a beautiful, clean, safe and environmentally friendly city in an economically and politically stable country. While beautiful scenery surrounds Vancouver, we are also blessed with world-class shops and restaurants, offering something for everyone.

Ocean

Situated on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver residents enjoy more than just a gorgeous view. We have fabulous beaches such as Spanish Banks and Third Beach, one of the longest seawalls in the world, and innumerable islands to explore, all accessible by boat. Cycle the seawall, join a beach volleyball team, or play Pitch and Putt in Stanley Park overlooking the ocean. Sure, it’s colder than usual for this time of year, but it’s still possible to enjoy these summer activities!

Mountains

The stunning backdrop of the mountains over Vancouver’s skyline makes our city one of the most beautiful in the world. Residents of Vancouver, however, know the mountains provide more than this panorama. Although skiers and snowboarders revel in the countless hours of fun the ski season brings, these mountains are enjoyed by all year-round. Mountain bikers and hikers have a playground at their doorstep, and tourists venture from all over the planet to catch the view from the top of Grouse Mountain.

Culture

Vancouver is a melting pot of cultures from around the world, and summer is the best time to experience a taste of what some of these cultures have to offer. Italian Day takes place on Commercial Drive, and Greek Day on Broadway.  Caribbean Days light up North Vancouver, as does the Lantern Festival in Deer Lake Park. The Night Market in Chinatown occurs every weekend in the summer, where visitors can sample Asian Fare and browse merchandise. The Celebration of Light features international competitors offering extravagant fireworks displays that can be enjoyed from points all around Vancouver.