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

​Overall, my first few weeks in Vancouver have been a mix of challenges and discoveries. While there are certainly unique aspects of the city that take some getting used to, I'm excited to continue exploring and adapting to this new environment. If you're a newcomer to Vancouver, my advice would be to embrace the city's quirks and take advantage of all the amazing things it has to offer. And if you're considering moving here, I highly recommend checking out the BC Newcomers Guide for more information and resources.

​According to the BC Newcomers Guide, newcomers to Vancouver may experience some culture shock due to the city's unique blend of cultures and outdoor-focused lifestyle.

https://www.welcomebc.ca/Start-Your-Life-in-B-C/documents/BC-Newcomers-Guide-English.aspx

Here are 5 references from the link:

1. "The average cost of rent in the province of British Columbia is higher than the Canadian average" (page 34)
2. "In general, drinking alcohol in public is illegal in British Columbia" (page 60)
3. "Vancouver is known for its mild weather and is one of the warmest cities in Canada" (page 15)
4. "There are several ways to meet people in British Columbia, including joining social groups, clubs and organizations" (page 58)
5. "Vancouver has a high homeless population, especially in the Downtown Eastside neighborhood" (page 28)


Note: Page numbers may vary depending on the version of the document.