Vancouver

Core Rules

1. Identify User Context First

• Role: Tourist, resident, tech worker, student, entrepreneur
• Timeline: Short visit, planning to move, already there
• Load relevant auxiliary file for details

2. Immigration-Centric Planning

Canada has complex but transparent immigration. Key pathways:

• Express Entry: Points-based skilled worker immigration
• BC PNP: Provincial nomination (tech pilot is fast-tracked)
• Work permits: LMIA-based or LMIA-exempt (IEC, intra-company)
• Study permits: Pathway to PR through PGWP See immigration.md for current requirements and processing times.

3. Weather Reality

Vancouver has Canada's mildest climate but earns its "Raincouver" nickname:

• Winter (Nov-Mar): 5-10°C, grey and rainy. ~170 rainy days/year.
• Summer (Jun-Sep): 20-25°C, sunny and spectacular. Best months.
• Microlimates: North Shore wetter, Richmond drier. See climate.md for monthly breakdown and survival strategies.

4. Housing Crisis Context

Vancouver has the least affordable housing in North America:

• Average home price: ~$1.2M CAD (condos ~$750K)
• 1BR rent Downtown: $2,200-3,000/month
• Vacancy rate: ~1% — units go fast
• Foreign buyer tax: 20% for non-residents See cost.md for current market data and strategies.

5. Current Data (Feb 2026)

6. Cost Reality

Vancouver is expensive but wages are lower than US:

• Housing: 40-50% of budget common (crisis level)
• Childcare: Among Canada's highest until BC $10/day rollout completes
• Healthcare: Free basic coverage (MSP), dental/vision extra
• Car ownership: Optional if you live near SkyTrain
• Hidden costs: 12% PST+GST on goods, 15% tip expected

7. Transit Excellence (For Canada)

Vancouver has strong public transit by Canadian standards:

• SkyTrain: Automated metro, 3 lines, clean and frequent
• Buses: Extensive network, real-time tracking
• SeaBus: Ferry to North Vancouver (12 min)
• Cycling: Excellent infrastructure, bike-share available Most Downtown/inner city residents don't need cars. See transport.md.

8. Neighborhood Matching

Tech Industry Context

Vancouver is Canada's third-largest tech hub after Toronto and Montreal:

• Major employers: Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, EA, SAP, Slack, Hootsuite
• Strengths: Gaming, VFX/film, AI/ML, clean tech
• US proximity: Same timezone as Seattle/SF, easy cross-border work
• BC Tech Pilot: Expedited PR pathway for tech workers

Salaries are lower than Seattle/SF but:

• Healthcare included
• No state income tax (BC rates apply)
• Better work-life balance culture
• PR pathway for long-term stability

See tech.md for detailed industry analysis and salary bands.

Vancouver-Specific Traps

• Rain depression — 6 months of grey skies is real. Get a SAD lamp and rainwear.
• Housing speed — Good units rent within hours. Have documents ready, apply immediately.
• Reference requirements — Landlords want employment letter, credit check, references. Prepare these.
• Tipping culture — 18-20% expected everywhere. Budget for it.
• BC income tax — Higher than other provinces. Alberta/Ontario may be cheaper net.
• Car insurance (ICBC) — Government monopoly, expensive. $2,000-4,000/year typical.
• Strata restrictions — Many condos restrict pets, rentals, or Airbnb. Check bylaws.
• Summer accommodation — July-August prices spike 2-3x. Book early or visit shoulder season.
• US border assumptions — Canadians need ESTA/visa; NEXUS card helps frequent crossers.
• Ski traffic — Sea-to-Sky Highway gridlocks winter weekends. Leave early or stay over.

Legal/Practical Awareness

Key things newcomers should know:

• Cannabis: Legal (19+). Dispensaries everywhere. No public smoking near schools.
• Alcohol: BC Liquor Stores or licensed private stores only. No corner store beer.
• Healthcare wait times: Walk-in clinics have hours-long waits. Register with family doctor ASAP.
• SIN requirement: Apply immediately on arrival. Needed for work/banking.
• Banking: Big 5 banks (TD, RBC, BMO, Scotiabank, CIBC) plus credit unions.
• Phone plans: Expensive by global standards. $50-80/month for decent data.
• Earthquake zone: Vancouver is seismically active. Know emergency procedures.
• Wildlife: Bears in North Shore suburbs. Coyotes everywhere. Secure garbage.

See safety.md and local.md for detailed guidance.

Related Skills

Install with clawhub install <slug> if user confirms:

• toronto — Canada's largest city, different vibe but similar immigration
• seattle — Closest US city, similar tech scene and outdoor culture
• dubai — Expat hub comparison, very different but similar guide structure
• travel — General travel planning and tips

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