Life in North Vancouver for Immigrants – Guide for Newcomers
Life in North Vancouver for immigrants is best defined as chill. It is known as one of the safest locations to live on the planet. In addition to that, it is regarded as one the world’s cleanest places to stay as well as the most family-friendly cities in British Columbia.
That notwithstanding, North Vancouver is known for its great natural beauty and outdoor recreation, and many other things that make immigrants fall for this great city.
However, despite all these good things about North Vancouver, there are some bad memories you expect when you move to North Vancouver. Therefore, life in North Vancouver for immigrants has a mixture of both good and bad memories.
Therefore, in this article, you will get certain information you need before making the decision to live in North Vancouver.
Life in North Vancouver
North Vancouver is located in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. British Columbia has 21 municipalities among them is the city of North Vancouver. North Vancouver is also known as North Van or the North Shore by locals.
Generally, it is agreed that North Vancouver is among the safest place to live in the world as well as the most family-friendly cities in Canada. Therefore, life in North Vancouver for immigrants, especially families is worth it. So, if you are looking for a place to relax with your family, North Van is a top pick.
Population of North Vancouver
With a population of 85000, North Vancouver is a place buzzing with activities. And from the number of universities and colleges, there is a greater number of students in the city. Therefore, even as a student, life in North Vancouver will be very exciting and engaging since you can interact with other students.
Villages in North Vancouver
The following are the towns in North Vancouver, so, whenever you plan to visit the city, you can decide to stay in any of them.
- Marine-Hamilton
- Lower Capilano Marine
- Lions Gate
- Norgate
- Central Lonsdale
- Maplewood
- Highlands
- Lower Lonsdale
- Mahon
- Valley Centre
- Deep Cove
- Delbrook / Upper Lonsdale
- Lynn Creek
- Lynn Valley
- Maplewood
- Seymour
- Upper Capilano
Cost of living in North Vancouver
Generally, the cost of living in British Columbia is very high. Therefore, you should expect life in North Vancouver for immigrants to be very expensive, especially as the city is among the most expensive cities in Canada.
Consequently, the cost of living in North Vancouver is about $1692. This leaves the city at among the top 22% of the most expensive cities in the world. As a result, it is the 1999th out of 9294 in the global list of the most expensive cities to live in 2023. Therefore, whenever you plan to move to this city, expect a high cost of living. Also, it is the 34th out of 153 Canada’s costliest cities. And the 14th out of 22 among the costliest cities in British Columbia.
Reasons to move to North Vancouver
Even though North Vancouver is among the costliest cities to live in. On the other hand, it is also among the best places to live. Therefore, there are a lot of reasons to choose to live in North Vancouver. So, life in North Vancouver for immigrants is a mixture of both good and bad.
Pros of life in North Vancouver for immigrants
1. Awesome outdoors lifestyle
Life in North Vancouver for immigrants is what it is because of the awesome and adventurous outdoor lifestyle in the city. Therefore, if you love outdoor adventures, then, North Vancouver is a place to live. This is clearly noticeable as the city is surrounded by forests, rivers and mountains.
2. Excellent public transit
One of the best transit in Canada is the TransLink and fortunately, North Vancouver is part of this. This is arguably the most unique, and most reliable, public transportation option in Canada with its SeaBus.
Usually, the SeaBus runs from Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver over to Waterfront Station in Vancouver. This is not just that, but in addition, you will have a very nice unique view. Moreover, it is just 12 minutes across the Burrard Inlet. To make life in North Vancouver for immigrants simple, the SaeBus leaves reliably every 15 minutes.
Cons of living in North Vancouver
1. Traffic
Regardless of the fact that the SeaBus operates in North Vancouver, is nonetheless, the greatest challenge to residents is heavy traffic. Thus, it makes life in North Vancouver for immigrants boring sometimes. Therefore, whenever you plan to live in North Vancouver, expect to have delays in your travel around the city.
2. High cost of living
As mentioned before, life in North Vancouver for immigrants is expensive. In fact, Vancouver is generally taken as the most expensive city in Canada. Therefore, living in North Vancouver is really hard, especially if you don’t receive a good salary.
3. Rainier than other parts of the city
Due to the fact that North Vancouver is located at the foothills of the mountains, it is no surprise that it is Rainier than most parts of Vancouver. Therefore, life in North Vancouver for immigrants sometimes becomes really unbearable.
Life in North Vancouver: Education
In terms of education, there are plenty of opportunities for you. Therefore, you do not have to worry about your education while you live in North Vancouver.
List of schools in North Vancouver
The following are the list of schools in North Vancouver for your children. They include:
- Larson Elementary
- Queen Mary Community Elementary
- Queensbury Elementary
- Ridgeway Elementary
- Westview Elementary
- Carson Secondary
- Sutherland Secondary
- Private Schools
- Alcuin College
- Holy Trinity School
- St Edmunds Elementary
- Bodwell High School
- St Thomas Aquinas School
List of universities and colleges in North Vancouver
Apart from primary and secondary school, there are a lot of colleges and universities in North Vancouver. Therefore, while living in North Vancouver, you can attend any of them. The list below shows the colleges and universities in or around North Vancouver. They include:
- University of British Columbia (UBC)
- Capilano University,
- Simon Fraser University
- Emily Carr University of Art and Design,
- Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
- Royal Metro College
- Vancouver Community College
- Acsenda School of Management – Vancouver
- Canadian International College
- Langara College
- Greystone College
- British Columbia Institute of Technology
- LaSalle College Vancouver
- Arbutus College of Communication, Arts, Business & Tech.
- Brighton College
- Thinq Learning Solutions
- Alexander College
- Douglas College
- Coquitlam College
- Reading Town Canada Academy
Life in North Vancouver: Places to visit
Looking for places to hang out over the weekend, surely you will get that in North Vancouver. Whether outdoor or indoor relaxation or just sightseeing. Whatever it is you like your weekend to be like in North Vancouver, you are sure to get it.
Fun places to hang out
Therefore, while in North Vancouver, you may visit any of these places.
- 1. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
- 2. Lynn Canyon Park
- 3. Deep Cove
- 4. Grouse Mountain
- 5. Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge
- 6. TransLink Seabus
- 7. The Grouse Grind
- 8. Grouse Mountain Skyride
- 9. Quarry Rock Hike
Hotels in North Vancouver
Life in North Vancouver for immigrants may not be complete until you experience the hotel life in the city. Generally, North Vancouver has some of the best hotels in the province. As a matter of fact, the hotels are also cheap and affordable. Therefore, if you want to visit North Vancouver on the weekend, you will get good and cheap hotels.
Life in North Vancouver: How to immigrate
There are plenty of immigration programs that one can use to move to Canada. However, it since better most times to use the immigration program of the province you plan to live in. Therefore, to know how life in North Vancouver for immigrants looks like, the British Columbia Nominee Program is the best option for you.
British Columbia Immigrant Nominee Program (BC PNP)
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) allows the province to pick certain candidates who meet the requirements to live in the province. Therefore, because North Vancouver is in the province, you can get nominated for BC PNP.
The application process for British Columbia Nominee Program
To use the British Columbia Immigration Nominee Program, you will use the steps below.
Step 1.
Generally, you must meet the eligibility criteria for the program. Otherwise, you may not be able to move to the city. Subsequently, you won’t experience what life in North Vancouver for immigrants looks like.
Step 2.
Secondly, you will have to create an Express Entry profile. Through this, you will then receive an invitation to apply. Nevertheless, you must still send an expression of interest.
Step 3.
Once after sending an expression of interest and you are among the selected candidates, then, apply for the BC PNP.
Step 4.
Finally, apply for permanent residence through the IRCC. This is because the Canadian government has the final say in your application. Meanwhile, make sure you submit all the necessary documents and pay the application fee of CAD 150.
Life in Thunder Bay for ImmigrantsFrequently Asked Questions
How much does a hotel cost in North Vancouver?
The average cost of a hotel in North Vancouver is CAD 75. However, it can be less or more depending on many factors.
Is North Vancouver British Columbia a good place to live?
Yes, North Vancouver is regarded as one of the safest places to live. Moreover, the neighbourhood is very friendly, especially to families. Therefore, life in North Vancouver for immigrants is cool and safe.
