Vancouver, Canada

• Vancouver sits between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, so you can hike in the morning and be at the beach by afternoon. Over 40% of residents speak a first language other than English - you'll hear Mandarin, Punjabi, and Cantonese as much as English in areas like Commercial Drive and Richmond.
• Cafe culture is strong here. Sitting alone with a laptop or book for hours is common, especially in Kitsilano and the West End. Most service staff speak English, though language diversity increases in certain neighborhoods.
• Vancouver ranks 14th on the Global Peace Index. Property crime is the main concern - keep valuables hidden and don't leave bags unattended. The Downtown Eastside around Main and Hastings has visible homelessness and drug issues. It's geographically contained between certain streets, but walk through the wrong area after dark and you'll notice.
• Public transit runs until midnight on weekdays, later on weekends. The SkyTrain, buses, and SeaBus are reliable. Coal Harbour, Yaletown, and the West End have well-lit streets that stay active at night. The weather is mild but Vancouver gets heavy rain from October through April - bring waterproof layers.

English is the main language, though over 40% of residents speak another first language - Mandarin, Punjabi, and Cantonese are common. Emergency services (911) have multilingual operators. Tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants have English-speaking staff. U.S. Consulate General: +1-604-685-4311.

• Canadians hold doors, apologize constantly, and queue patiently. Tipping runs 15-20% for restaurants and services like haircuts or tours.
• Outdoor culture is big here. People show up to meetings in athletic wear planning to hike after work. Dress is casual except in upscale restaurants and business settings.
• Bring reusable bags for shopping - sustainability matters here. Cannabis is legal for adults 19+ and sold in licensed stores, though public smoking is restricted to designated areas.
• The city sits on traditional territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. You'll see Indigenous art and place names around the city. The Museum of Anthropology covers this history.

• The SkyTrain automated metro has three lines connecting most areas. Runs until midnight on weekdays, later on weekends. A day pass costs $11 CAD and covers all zones. Generally clean and safe, though some stations near the Downtown Eastside feel sketchy late at night.
• Buses run on the same zone system as SkyTrain. The SeaBus ferry connects downtown to North Vancouver every 15 minutes with water views. Download the TransLink app for real-time schedules.
• Uber and Lyft both operate here. Regular taxis work too if you call ahead through your accommodation. Both are fine for late nights when transit stops running.
• The West End, Yaletown, and Kitsilano are easy to walk. The seawall path around Stanley Park and False Creek runs 28km car-free with water views. Bike-share programs like Mobi are available if you want to cycle.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.
• For peace of mind on arrival, book your airport pickup in advance.

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