Based in the west coast, Vancouver is a metropolitan city that’s geographically blessed with a temperate climate. Whether you’re exploring city centre, the west side or the east side, you can be sure to have the North shore mountains present as the picturesque backdrop to your adventures. As a multicultural city, Vancouverites are known for being a laidback, easy-going bunch. Just don’t mention the Canucks.
Neighbouring the borders of East Vancouver, Burnaby is undergoing a modern transformation that’s driving a younger crowd into the city with highrise residential towers being built at a pace that exceeds even that of Vancouver’s. Burnaby occupies a central area that makes it a convenient drive to get to Vancouver, New Westminster or Richmond. It’s close enough to feel like you’re living in Vancouver without facing any of the realities about its housing market.
The island city built on top of the Fraser River delta. Contrary to what the locals say, Richmond is not a city that will slide into the ocean when the Big One hits. What may be a more relevant epicentre to consider about this peaceful city is its status as the latter-day predecessor to Vancouver’s historical Chinatown. Seriously, you can’t go wrong with the dim sum here.
Not simply the fastest growing city in Metro Vancouver but also in the country, Surrey is a city that ironically gets a bad rap often from Vancouver proper, a city known for its homeless problem. The true Surrey is a story of economic revitalization and a green future. With over 600 parks and greenbelts, it goes without saying.
The birthplace of British Columbia. Langley’s past stretches back almost 200 hundred years ago, which if you know anything about Canadian history, is practically ancient times. Langley is a pastoral scene with endless berry fields, fishing trips and pony shows to partake in. It’s not the ticket for clubs but there are a ton of wineries.
White Rock is a beloved shorefront city. It’s a coastal community that boasts a beach, Canada's longest pier, tons of hidden gems and most important of all: a giant white rock the area was named after.
North Vancouver is known for hiking and skiing trails in the forested North Shore Mountains, including Grouse Mountain, whose Skyride cable car offers sweeping city views. High suspension bridges straddle popular Capilano Canyon and tranquil Lynn Canyon. Near the Seabus ferry terminal, Lonsdale Quay Market is home to fashion shops and a mix of food vendors serving fish and chips, souvlaki and Asian dishes.
The Tri-Cities are made up of five communities that include suburban cities such as Port Moody, Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam. With the Evergreen extension of the Millennium Line underway, it’ll be even more straightforward to visit these gorgeous city towns that offer diverse vistas. Burrard Inlet? Eagle Mountain? The waterfront view? It’s all there and more.
Located in the heart of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford is the largest municipality that the region has to offer. Adjacent to Vancouver, Abbotsford is the air and road gateway to experiences such as skydiving to hot springs and waterslides. The self-proclaimed “city in the country” is known for sports, religion and its agricultural bounty.
