Moving to Vancouver: A Complete Guide for International and Canadian Movers

Why Moving to Vancouver?

Vancouver is one of Canada’s most dynamic and livable cities, attracting newcomers from around the world. Its mild coastal climate—with relatively warm winters and cool summers—makes it one of the most temperate major cities in Canada. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, offering year-round access to outdoor activities: hiking in Grouse Mountain, skiing at Cypress or Whistler, kayaking in Deep Cove, and biking along the Stanley Park Seawall are just a few examples.

Economically, Vancouver is a center for technology, film and television production, tourism, international trade, and green innovation. It’s home to major employers such as Amazon, Microsoft, and SAP in the tech sector; Sony Pictures Imageworks and Industrial Light & Magic in film and visual effects; and cleantech leaders like Moment Energy, Ionomr Innovations, and Svante, which are pioneering sustainable energy and carbon capture technologies.

🌍 Part 1: Moving to Vancouver from Outside Canada

Immigration and Visa Options

There are several pathways to move to Vancouver temporarily or permanently:

Permanent Residency (PR) Options

• Express Entry: Express Entry is an online system used by IRCC to manage applications under three programs: Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades. Applicants are ranked using a points-based system that considers age, education, work experience, and language skills.
  If you are a skilled worker with extensive experience, this could be your opportunity to apply and move to Vancouver. Click on each program link to check the requirements for each program.
• Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP): The BC PNP allows British Columbia to nominate individuals for PR who have the skills and experience needed in the province. Applicants can apply directly or through Express Entry, depending on the stream
• Family Sponsorship: Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, dependent children, or parents to become permanent residents. Sponsors must meet income and residency requirements. Learn more about sponsorship on our dedicated page for Family Class immigration.
• Entrepreneur Immigration (EI): This program is part of the BC PNP for entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas supported by designated Canadian organizations. Applicants must meet language requirements, have sufficient settlement funds, and own a qualifying business.

Temporary Residency Options

• Work Permits: Includes employer-specific permits (often requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment) and open work permits
• Study Permits: For international students enrolled in designated learning institutions. Graduates may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
• International Experience Canada (IEC): Allows youth from partner countries to work and travel in Canada for up to two years

After selecting and applying for the permanent residency pathway that best fits your situation, it’s important to begin preparing for the practical aspects of your move. Immigration approval is just one part of the journey—settling successfully in Vancouver also involves planning for housing, employment, healthcare, and everyday life. If you’re arriving from abroad, be sure to read our dedicated section outlining the required documents and next steps every newcomer should take to ensure a smooth and confident start in their new city.

🍁 Part 2: Moving to Vancouver from Within Canada

Interprovincial Relocation Overview

Relocating to Vancouver from another Canadian province is generally more straightforward than moving internationally, but it still involves several important steps. You won’t need a visa or permit, but you’ll need to update your address with federal and provincial services, transfer your health coverage to B.C.’s Medical Services Plan (MSP), and register your vehicle and driver’s license with ICBC within 90 days of arrival.

Moving Logistics

• Transport Options: Depending on your budget and the volume of your belongings, you can hire a long-distance moving company, rent a moving truck, or use a container service like U-Pack or PODS. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons.
• Timing Your Move: Spring and summer are the most popular times to move due to milder weather and greater rental availability. However, moving in the off-season (fall or winter) may offer lower costs and less competition for housing.
• Lifestyle Shift: Vancouver offers a more relaxed, outdoors-oriented lifestyle compared to cities like Toronto or Calgary. Expect a strong focus on sustainability, cycling infrastructure, and access to nature, with many residents prioritizing work-life balance and outdoor recreation.

🧭 Part 3: What You Need to Do (For All Movers)

Finding a Place to Live

Securing housing in Vancouver can be competitive, so it’s important to start your search early. The city offers a variety of neighborhoods to suit different lifestyles:

• Kitsilano is popular with young professionals and families for its beach access and relaxed vibe.
• Mount Pleasant offers a mix of heritage homes and modern condos, with a strong arts and café culture.
• Commercial Drive is known for its multicultural community and vibrant local businesses.
• Burnaby, just east of Vancouver, is a more affordable option with excellent transit links and family-friendly amenities.

To find rentals, use platforms like Craigslist, PadMapper, Zumper, and Facebook Marketplace. Be cautious of scams—never send money before viewing a place or signing a lease.

Prepare a rental application package that includes:

• A rental resume with your background and employment details
• References from previous landlords or employers
• Proof of income or savings
• A credit report (optional but helpful)

For more information, read our full article on Vancouver accommodation Tips.

Employment and Job Search

Vancouver has a diverse economy with opportunities in several high-demand sectors:

• Technology: Software development, AI, and IT services
• Healthcare: Nursing, allied health, and support roles
• Construction and skilled trades
• Film and television production

Start your job search on platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, WorkBC, and Job Bank. Networking is also key—consider joining local professional groups or attending industry events.

When applying, tailor your resume to Canadian standards:

• Keep it concise (1–2 pages)
• Focus on achievements and measurable results
• Include a short cover letter customized for each job
• Highlight soft skills like communication, teamwork, and adaptability

Have you had a chance to explore our in-depth article on How to get settled and begin working in Vancouver? If you haven’t yet, that’s the perfect place to begin your job search journey!

Setting Up Essentials

Once you arrive in Vancouver, there are several services you’ll need to set up:

• Social Insurance Number (SIN): Required for work and accessing government services. Apply online or at a Service Canada office.
• Bank Account: Major banks like RBC, TD, Scotiabank, and CIBC offer newcomer packages with no-fee accounts and credit-building options.
• Phone & Internet: Providers include Telus, Rogers, Shaw, and Freedom Mobile. Compare plans for data, coverage, and contract terms.
• Healthcare (MSP): Apply for B.C.’s Medical Services Plan as soon as you arrive. There’s a 3-month waiting period, so consider private insurance in the meantime.
• Driver’s License & Vehicle Registration: If you’re staying long-term, you must exchange your out-of-province or international license within 90 days through ICBC. You’ll also need to register and insure your vehicle in B.C.

Where to Live in Vancouver: A Neighbourhood Guide

Vancouver offers a diverse mix of neighbourhoods, each with its own lifestyle, vibe, and price tag. If you’re seeking ocean views and a quieter pace, North Vancouver offers easy access to hiking trails and stunning scenery just across the bridge from downtown Vancouver.

For those who want to be in the heart of the action, downtown is ideal—with high-rise condos, waterfront access, and walkability to just about everything. East Vancouver is a favourite for creatives and young families, known for its strong sense of community, local shops, and more affordable housing options compared to the west side.

Further west, you’ll find leafy streets and historic charm, while across the water, Vancouver Island beckons for those looking to live close to the city but surrounded by nature. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling streets of the city centre or the laid-back lifestyle near the Pacific Ocean, there’s a place for everyone in this corner of British Columbia. From modern condos to character homes, Vancouver’s neighbourhoods offer something for every lifestyle and budget.

Want help deciding where to settle down? Be sure to read our full guide to Living in Vancouver, where we dive deep into the city’s best neighbourhoods, housing options, lifestyle perks, cost of living, local activities, and more to help you make the most informed move.

What to Know Before Moving to Vancouver

1. Finding a place to live may be a hurdle.

Rental vacancy rates in Vancouver are some of the lowest in Canada, but home prices are among the country’s highest. Be prepared to do your due diligence when finding a suitable rental. Scouring Craigslist and walking neighbourhoods in search of vacancy signs are good ways to get started.

2. Biking, walking and car-sharing are great ways of getting around.

Most neighbourhoods are very walkable, and the local transit system includes the SeaBus and SkyTrain rapid transit lines. Have a driver’s licence? Sign up for car-share services Car2Go and Evo. But to really embrace the local lifestyle, buy a bicycle (all your future friends will have one) or sign up for bike-share program Mobi.

3. The rain doesn’t slow Vancouverites down.

The average annual precipitation is 44 inches (less than Miami or New Orleans, by the way), making it a wet but wonderful place to live. Summers offer a welcome, sunny reprieve. But be sure to buy an umbrella and boots to navigate the months between October and April.

4. Speaking of rain, umbrella etiquette is a thing.

Some pointers to get you started: leave the golf umbrella on the course; when meeting another umbrella on a crowded sidewalk, either raise or lower your brolly depending on your height; save the awnings for the umbrella-less; and when entering a building, leave your bumbershoot in the designated holder.

5. There’s a Vancouver neighbourhood to suit every resident.

Want to live in the thick of things? Try the West End, with its thriving LGBTQ community, or fashion-forward Yaletown. Keen on a quirkier vibe? East Van is more off-beat — start your search in Mount Pleasant or close to Main Street or Commercial Drive. Young families and the health-conscious flock to Kitsilano and Olympic Village. See this Vancouver neighbourhoods guide to learn more.

6. Know before you go to the Downtown Eastside.

“Canada’s poorest postal code” is known for drug addiction, mental illness and poverty. If you feel threatened by these kinds of encounters, steer clear or bring a friend until you feel comfortable navigating the area yourself. But keep in mind that it’s not all bad: the DTES is a historic and close-knit community, and ground zero for social activism.

7. Vancouver has a reputation for being unfriendly. (But nevertheless polite, just like the rest of Canada.)

In fact, a recent report found that roughly one-quarter of Vancouver residents feel socially isolated. Meet people by joining a club or sports team, taking a class and getting active in your community.

8. Healthy living is a lifestyle here.

Vancouverites eat well, exercise for fun, and keep their backsides looking good in yoga pants. Join in by walking or biking the seawall, hiking the North Shore, or taking a yoga class. Then refuel at one of the many vegetarian or vegan restaurants around town.

9. Get ready to try sushi and craft beer.

Thanks to the city’s influx of newcomers and proximity to the Pacific (and its bounty of seafood), Asian cuisine here is some of the world’s best. Pair that with the local craft beer revival and you have a winning combination.

10. The great outdoors is one of the city’s greatest assets.

Even if you’re not interested in climbing mountains or tackling trails, the seawall, beaches and parks tend to be meeting places for many Vancouverites. Embrace the West Coast lifestyle, and before long you’ll be doing yoga on the beach alongside the locals.

11. A few quick tricks can help you orient yourself.

See mountains? You’re facing North. And remember: the West End is a neighbourhood in downtown Vancouver; the West Side spans Kitsilano to UBC; West Vancouver (West Van for short) is a city on the North Shore; and New West, or New Westminster, is a city 30 minutes east. And Vancouver Island isn’t in Vancouver at all — it’s a two-hour ferry ride away, and is home to BC’s capital city, Victoria.

12. Film crews are a common sight on Vancouver streets.

One of the largest film production centres in North America, Vancouver has earned the nickname “Hollywood North.” It’s not uncommon to see notices posted on buildings warning of upcoming filming, or to find your way blocked by camera-toting crews. Ask any local, and they’ll gladly tell you what movies they’ve seen being filmed or celebrities they’ve encountered.