Vancouver is an incredibly beautiful and diverse city, whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or just looking for a fun new destination, you’ll find plenty of things to do here. But there are definitely some things you should consider before making the trip. Read on to discover the top things you should consider before going to Vancouver so that you can make the most of your trip.
Cost of living
The first thing to consider before going to Vancouver is the cost of living. Vancouver is an expensive city. There’s no denying it. The cost of living in Vancouver is high, and it can be tough to make ends meet if you’re not prepared.
Before you move to Vancouver or even visit for an extended period of time, consider reading up on the cost of living at https://apollocover.com/magazine/cost-of-living-in-vancouver/ and keep in mind how it will impact your budget. In general, however, here are the main things to think about:
- Housing Costs: Rent in Vancouver is expensive. A one-bedroom apartment in a desirable neighbourhood can easily cost $2,000 per month or more. If you’re planning on buying a home, prices start at around $500,000 and go up from there – way up.
- Transportation Costs: If you don’t have a car, you’ll need to rely on public transit to get around Vancouver. A monthly transit pass costs about $100, and it can be difficult to get by without a car if you live outside of the city centre.
- Food Costs: Eating out in Vancouver can be pricey, but groceries are also relatively expensive compared to other cities. Stick to cooking at home to save money on food costs.
- Entertainment Costs: There’s no shortage of things to do in Vancouver, but many activities come with a price tag. A movie ticket costs about $15, and a night out at a nice restaurant can easily set you back $100 or more for two people.
Safety
It is always important to consider safety when traveling to a new city. Vancouver is a relatively safe city, but there are still some things to be aware of. Crime rates in Vancouver are low compared to other major cities, but there are still areas that are more prone to crime. Be sure to research the area you will be staying in and familiarize yourself with the safest routes. If you are walking alone at night, stick to well-lit and populated areas.
There are also some natural hazards to be aware of in Vancouver. The city is located in a seismic zone, so earthquakes are a possibility. There is also a risk of flooding during the rainy season. Be sure to stay up to date on weather conditions and alerts while you are in Vancouver. By taking some simple precautions, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Vancouver.
Getting Around Vancouver
Finally, in terms of getting around Vancouver, the first thing you should know is that Vancouver is a very large city. It is actually the third-largest metropolitan area in Canada. This means that there is a lot to see and do in Vancouver. If you want to get around the city, you will need to use public transportation. The good news is that Vancouver has an excellent public transportation system.
The Skytrain is a light rail system that runs throughout the city. It is easy to use, and it will take you to most of the major attractions in Vancouver. If you are staying in a hotel, be sure to ask about getting a day pass for the Skytrain. Another option for getting around Vancouver is to rent a car. This can be a good option if you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing outside of the city. Just be aware that traffic can be heavy during rush hour and parking can be difficult to find (and expensive).
Enjoy Vancouver!
There you have it, some of the top things to consider before going to Vancouver. By keeping in mind the high cost of living, how to get around the city, and any safety precautions related to the area you’re staying – you’re sure to have a well-informed, safe and enjoyable trip! Enjoy!