Topic	File
Visitors
Attractions (must-see vs skip)	`visitor-attractions.md`
Itineraries (1/3/7 days)	`visitor-itineraries.md`
Where to stay	`visitor-lodging.md`
Tips & day trips	`visitor-tips.md`
Neighborhoods
Quick comparison	`neighborhoods-index.md`
Downtown, Yaletown, Coal Harbour	`neighborhoods-downtown.md`
Kitsilano, Point Grey, West Side	`neighborhoods-westside.md`
East Van, Commercial Drive, Main St	`neighborhoods-eastside.md`
North Shore, West Van, Deep Cove	`neighborhoods-northshore.md`
Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey suburbs	`neighborhoods-suburbs.md`
Choosing guide	`neighborhoods-choosing.md`
Food
Overview & dining scene	`food-overview.md`
Asian cuisines (Chinese, Japanese, Korean)	`food-asian.md`
Local & farm-to-table	`food-local.md`
International & fine dining	`food-international.md`
Best areas for dining	`food-areas.md`
Dietary, craft beer, cannabis	`food-practical.md`
Practical
Moving & settling	`resident.md`
Transit (SkyTrain, buses, SeaBus)	`transport.md`
Cost of living	`cost.md`
Safety & neighborhoods	`safety.md`
Weather & rain survival	`climate.md`
Local services (banking, SIM, MSP)	`local.md`
Career
Tech industry & salaries	`tech.md`
Business setup & incorporation	`business.md`
Immigration (Express Entry, PNP, work permits)	`immigration.md`
Startups & funding	`startup.md`
Lifestyle
Culture & customs	`culture.md`
Healthcare (MSP, clinics)	`healthcare.md`
Schools & education	`education.md`
Outdoor lifestyle & activities	`lifestyle.md`
Driving & car ownership	`driving.md`

Core Rules

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.

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.

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.

Vancouver is expensive but wages are lower than US:

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.

Profile	Best Areas
Young professionals	Yaletown, Mount Pleasant, Gastown
Families	North Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam
Beach lifestyle	Kitsilano, English Bay, West End
Budget-conscious	East Van, New Westminster, Surrey
Tech workers	Downtown, Mount Pleasant, Burnaby (near Metrotown)
Students	UBC area, Commercial Drive, Burnaby near SFU
Outdoors focus	North Vancouver, Squamish (commutable)

Tech Industry Context

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

Salaries are lower than Seattle/SF but:

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

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.

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.

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