About Vancouver
Vancouver: Ranked as One of the Most Beautiful and Livable Cities in the World.
Introduction
Vancouver is the city of choice if you choose to study in Canada. Set against a stunning backdrop on Canada’s west coast, Vancouver continuously ranks in the top five best cities in the world to live in. Vancouver is naturally beautiful, mild in climate and one of the safest cities in North America. It is known for its liberal outlook and career opportunities.
Nestled between snow-capped mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver offers the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities and urban excitement. Relax on one of Vancouver’s many sandy beaches, wander through the boutique shops in historic Gastown or catch some air snowboarding or hiking on Grouse Mountain – in Vancouver there is something for everyone! There is no other city in the world like Vancouver, and VGC’s campuses are located right in the heart of it!
Within Walking Distance of VGC
Vancouver Lookout
Located at the top of the Harbour Centre, the Vancouver Lookout tower was officially opened in 1977 by Neil Armstrong. Glass elevators take visitors 168 meters (553 feet) above the harbour, to enjoy breathtaking views of beautiful Vancouver and the North Shore Mountains.
Waterfront Station
Waterfront Station is Vancouver’s main transit hub. All trains, buses, SeaBuses and SkyTrains use this as the terminal station. Conveniently located two blocks away from our campuses, Waterfront Station makes VGC an easy commute from wherever you are coming from.
Gastown
VGC is situated right on the edge of historic Gastown which is one of Vancouver’s oldest areas, where you can find the first steam clock built in 1977 by Raymond Saunders.
Granville Street
Granville Street is the main downtown entertainment district. Countless restaurants, bars and nightclubs make this a popular late-night hangout.
Robson Street
Robson Street is known for having the best shopping in Vancouver. Spend your afternoon browsing at premier fashion stores or sipping coffee on an outdoor patio.
BC Place
BC Place is a multi-purpose stadium and home to the BC Lions and Vancouver Whitecaps. It also served as the main stadium for the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Yaletown
Yaletown is a trendy, upscale, and renovated district. Converted heritage buildings are home to some of the top fashion brands and hip restaurants and bars.
Stanley Park
Stanley Park is a magnificent green oasis in the midst of the urban landscape of Vancouver. It’s 10% bigger than New York’s Central Park. There is an abundance of unique plants, majestic trees, and diverse wildlife, not to mention the stunning seawall.
English Bay
There are seven large beaches surrounding the Vancouver area including beautiful English Bay. Come and enjoy some sun, beach volleyball or watch our amazing sunsets.
Granville Island
Granville Island is an artistic community with an excellent public market. Famous for local food, art and entertainment, it’s always exciting and full of new experiences.
COST OF LIVING
Living in Vancouver offers a vibrant and enriching experience, but it’s important to plan for the cost of living as part of your study abroad journey. As one of Canada’s most dynamic cities, Vancouver provides world-class amenities, diverse cultural opportunities, and a safe environment, but it also comes with higher living expenses compared to other regions. To help you budget effectively, we’ve outlined typical monthly costs for essentials like housing, groceries, transit, and entertainment below.
- Phone Bill: ~$45/month (can vary depending on the plan)
- Groceries: Around $400/month for one person
- Dining out/takeout:
- Budget/takeout: ~$15- $20/person
- Mid-range restaurant: ~$100/meal for two
- Coffee to go: ~$4-$6
- Tipping: When you eat at a restaurant, it is customary to tip 15-20% of the bill unless the service is really bad. You can either add the top on the credit card machine or when paying in cash, leave the tip on the bill tray on the table. When ordering at a bar or coffee shop, it is customary to tip around 10-15% of the drink ordered. Either put some money in the tip jar or say what the tip is.
- Public transportation (TransLink): Adult monthly passes range from $107.30 (Zone 1) to $193.80 (Zone 3), with concession passes also available for eligible riders. This includes buses, SkyTrain, SeaBus, and West Coast Express.
- Entertainment and Fitness:
- Movies: Average ticket: $16
- Sports Event: Average ticket: $50-$100 (e.g., Canucks, Whitecaps)
- Gym memberships: Average: $55–$60/month.