My First Week in Vancouver: Observations and Adaptation

​Mohit Daga(@Mohit881923)

Traveler | Photographer | Co-founder of myroamingspirit

​Hi everyone, it's been a few weeks since I moved to Vancouver and I thought I'd share my observations and experiences so far. As a newcomer, I've had to adapt to the city's unique characteristics and learn how to navigate its quirks. Here are some of my observations:

1. Subdued Nightlife
One thing I noticed right away is that nightlife in Vancouver is typically more subdued compared to other big cities. This is likely due to the city's strict licensing and health & safety laws, which restrict standing in bars and limit capacity. While this might be a downside for some, I appreciate the city's focus on safety and responsible drinking.


2. High Homeless Population
Another thing I've noticed is the high homeless population in Vancouver. It's one of the mildest cities in Canada, so it attracts homeless individuals from all over the country. The area of East Hastings, where many of them congregate, is one of Vancouver's darker secrets. While it's disheartening to see so many people struggling, I'm also impressed by the city's efforts to provide support and resources for the homeless population.


3. Expensive Cost of Living
It's no secret that Vancouver is one of the most expensive cities to live in North America. The cost of living here is significantly higher than other Canadian cities, which can be a challenge for newcomers. However, I've found that there are ways to save money, such as taking advantage of free events and exploring the city on foot or bike instead of relying on cars.

Almost all of us were on phone or laptop- except the Starbucks team who were busy making/serving exceptional coffee

Click the link on the RIGHT ===> to read our latest article about moving in a new city, I am sure you would like it.

​4. Diverse Restaurant Scene
One thing I absolutely love about Vancouver is the diverse restaurant scene. As National Geographic Traveler put it, "Fusion is the operative word in restaurant-rich Vancouver, where Northwest meets Japanese meets Indian meets Chinese." Whether you're looking for formal or informal dining, there is a place to match everyone's style and tastes.


5. Love for Coffee
Vancouverites are serious about their coffee. Everywhere you turn, there's a Starbucks or Blenz on the corner. It's clear that the coffee craze has crossed over into Vancouver, and I've definitely picked up on it too. It's not uncommon to see people walking around with coffee cups in hand, and Starbucks even hands out espresso samples on the street.

Vancouver- Emotions of living in a new city

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