Executive Brief

Vice President, Research & Innovation
University of British Columbia

November 2025

Living in Vancouver, BC

The City of Vancouver is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Swx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Located on Canada's Pacific Coast in the province of British Columbia, Vancouver is one of North America’s most beautiful cities with breath-taking landscapes, cultural vibrancy and economic potential. Metro Vancouver is also the largest metropolitan centre in Western Canada with a total population of 3 million.

Having garnered the reputation as one of the most livable cities in the world based on education, health care, culture, environment, stability and infrastructure, Vancouver’s international profile continues to surge. Vancouver has a rich and diverse culture that is a combination of the Pacific outdoor lifestyle, Indigenous heritage and Asian influence. The city’s multiculturalism is reflected in character neighbourhoods and a lively food and dining scene.

Natural surroundings offer limitless opportunities for outdoor pursuits such as hiking and mountain biking in the summer and skiing at nearby Whistler Blackcomb in the winter as well as in the local North Shore mountains - Cypress, Grouse and Seymour. For cycling enthusiasts, Vancouver has more than 450 kilometres of dedicated bike lanes and cycling is the city’s fastest-growing mode of transportation.

The city also boasts world-class education with top-ranking universities such as the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University, which offer advanced programs that are highly regarded throughout the world. The Vancouver School Board (VSB) administers numerous elementary and secondary schools, providing a range of educational options, including International Baccalaureate programs, French immersion and specialized arts and technology curricula.

Vancouver is considered one of the most prosperous economies in Canada. Important industries include international trade, finance, natural resources, technology, real estate, film and tourism. Home to Canada’s largest port, Vancouver is the gateway for pan-pacific trade with several multinationals headquartered in the city, particularly those in the mining and forestry sectors. Known as “Hollywood North,” Vancouver is one of the biggest production centres for film and television in Canada as well as a major filming location for many global blockbusters.

With its large pool of highly skilled digital technology talent, Vancouver has attracted several major technology firms, including Microsoft, Amazon, Electronic Arts (EA) and Shopify. According to the 2023 CBRE Tech-30 Report, Vancouver has seen some of the highest technology job growth in North America and is well-positioned for renewed growth.

The city's emphasis on sustainable urban planning ensures residents have access to ample green spaces and recreational activities, fostering a high quality of life. Settling down in Vancouver offers a harmonious blend of urban convenience and natural beauty, making it a welcoming environment for working professionals and families looking to establish their home.

For more information, please visit https://vancouver.ca/ and www.destinationvancouver.com.

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