Vancouver Corporate Traveller Guide

Vancouver, Canada

Situated on the southwestern coast of Canada’s British Columbia, Vancouver is a richly diverse city surrounded by a striking landscape. Its location on the Canada/North America border has made Vancouver an important and prosperous trading port since its anchoring as a major industrial centre in the early 1900s. Acclaimed for its serene climate and dramatic scenery, this unique metropolis attracts a varied list of visitors and makes it consistently rank top of the world’s most liveable cities. Rubbing shoulders with the likes of Los Angeles and New York City, Vancouver has also made a name for itself in the film production industry not least due to its captivating countryside, high-skilled workforce and advantageous economy.

With an endless list of benefits, if you have never had plans to relocate to Vancouver before, you might after reading our guide. Read on for transport tips, local language, mobile data advice and more!

Vancouver Key Information

Weather in Vancouver

Mild summers and long winters, Vancouver’s coastal location is known to cause rainy, changeable weather. Summers here are relatively short but comfortable with highs averaging above 20°C, the winters are wet and cold averaging 2°C but rarely dropping below -4°C. 

Currency in Vancouver

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

The currency here is Canadian Dollars and, like many modern-day cities, Vancouver is a predominantly cashless society that favours card payments. You will still be able to use cash in most places if you prefer to exchange money ahead of a trip, but there should be limited ‘cash only’ instances. If just visiting, a card with lenient international fees is handy – try one from Starling or Revolut. A standard tip is 15%.

Health & Well-being in Vancouver

The comfortable climate and varied landscape makes Vancouver an ideal spot for outdoor exercise. Hiking, running, swimming and kayaking are just a few of the popular free workouts afforded by the great outdoors. For indoor workouts on rainy days, try Barry’s Bootcamp, DibFit Cycle or Jaybird.

Data in Vancouver

Getting a local SIM card is easy, but just make sure your phone is SIM-unlocked before you leave home. Telus is well-known for having the best coverage, but you can get SIMs from other networks at 7-11 convenience stores. Shops where you buy your SIM will usually fit it for you, but bring a form of photo ID with you in case they require it for setting up your account.

Plug Shape: Types A & B.

Cuisine in Vancouver

Taking influence from its large Asian population and heritage, and taking advantage of its watery surrounds, Vancouver specialises in all things seafood. Sushi, oysters, candied salmon, spot prawns and spring rolls are all favourites and definitely worth a try. The famous JapaDog serves Japanese-inspired hotdogs, Tojo’s is known for the ultimate sushi menu including the local classic B.C Roll, and find all sorts of maple-infused foods at Granville Island Market.

Natural Beauty Hotspots in Vancouver

If you fancy a quick walk before or after work and don’t have lots of time to travel, explore Stanley Park – complete with an aquarium and two beaches, this is an idyllic spot for a solo stroll or family afternoon out. Queen Elizabeth Park and VanDusen Botanical Garden are other great options for some inner-city natural beauty.

For a full-day adventure, Gulf Islands National Park is a three-hour ferry ride away and brimming with wildlife to discover. Orcas, eagles and porpoises are just a few of the Gulf Island residents you could spot, as well as a treasure hunt of First Nations heritage to explore. Other parks that require a bit of a journey to get to include Glacier National Park, Mount Revelstoke National Park and Pacific Rim National Park.

Language in Vancouver

English is the primary language spoken in British Columbia, and a good understanding of English is key if relocating to Vancouver. Although there is a diverse mix of other languages spoken by British Columbia residents at home, such as Cantonese, Mandarin, French and Spanish, English is still the main communication language day-to-day.

Nicknames for Vancouver include Raincouver – for obvious reasons – and Vancity. When it comes to local lingo you’re likely to hear, much of the youthful slang takes inspiration from Canadian musicians such as Drake. Other common sayings include ‘jick’ to describe someone who is very physically strong, ‘yaps’ refers to someone telling lies, and if someone tells you they did ‘the grind’ at the weekend they’re referring to a popular hiking route on Grouse Mountain.

Transport in Vancouver

It is widely agreed that – aside from walking – public transport is the best, most efficient way to get around Vancouver. Many favour the TransLink system over driving and cycling but prefer to get around by foot in the very centre.

Bus routes serve most major city streets and the frequency varies between 8 and 25 minutes depending on route. With over 450 routes, a day service and NightBus, the bus is a simple way to travel freely around the city.

The SkyTrain consists of the Expo Line, Millennium Line and Canada Line. The Canada Line runs south from Vancouver centre and connects the city with Vancouver Airport; the Millennium Line runs east towards Coquitlam; and the Expo Line runs southeast towards Surrey.

The SeaBus connects Waterfront Vancouver to Lonsdale Quay and the HandyDART is a door-to-door shared minibus service for people with disabilities.

Fares are based on the geographical zone in which you are travelling, but Compass Card payments will benefit from discounts compared to buying a single fare. You can pay for your TransLink transport using a loadable Compass Card, prepaid Compass Ticket or contactless and mobile payments. If paying in cash, make sure you give the exact amount as change will not be given. Kids aged 12 years and younger ride for free on all services, ideal for family urban exploration.

Check out Citymapper for route planning, live travel alerts and travel times.

Vancouver Map

Now that you’re armed with all the necessary knowledge for relocating to Vancouver, browse our selection of Vancouver serviced apartments and get in touch to book today.

SilverDoor offers a large and varied portfolio of serviced apartments in Vancouver. If you're finding yourself returning to Vancouver for its stunning scenery and booming business, check out our other Canadian Corporate Traveller Guides for Toronto and Calgary to help you decide where to head to next.