by Amy Zahran | Dec 3, 2020 | Choosing a City, Vancouver
Looking for the perfect Vancouver neighbourhood? Trying to find a neighbourhood that suits your lifestyle and needs for a rental? Whether you seek a neighbourhood that is close to work or one with a strong sense of community, you have great choices.
All Vancouver neighbourhoods have a different style to match the rental you desire. Yaletown is a higher-end downtown neighbourhood, whereas Kitsilano is a trendy neighbourhood close to the water. Depending on your preferences for lifestyle and location, the rental rate can vary greatly.
1. West End Vancouver Neighbourhood (Downtown)
The West End of Vancouver (located on the west side of downtown) is a wonderful and diverse neighbourhood to live in. it is an attractive place for entrepreneurs and business-minded individuals. If you seek a Vancouver neighbourhood situated close to the office while staying within the energy of the people, this is the one for you!
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2. Yaletown Neighbourhood (Downtown)
Although Yaletown may be the best place to live in terms of location, it is one of the more expensive and already occupied Vancouver neighbourhoods. Yaletown is definitely one of the trendiest neighbourhoods to live in but will cost you a pretty penny to live there.
3. Killarney Neighbourhood
According to Vancouver Magazine, Killarney is an area that still has the opportunity to find a home for families. Vancouver is exploding with people, making it hard to find a starter home for many people. This neighbourhood is ideal for young families looking to stay integrated into the Vancouver culture, and is an ideal space to start up!
4. Kitsilano Neighbourhood
Located conveniently close to Kits Beach (one of the best city beaches in the world according to a number of international travel magazines), Kitsilano is a popular area to live. Compared to other neighbourhoods, Kitsilano has a mix of outdoor recreation opportunities as well as a focus on organic foods and healthy living.
5. Fairview Neighbourhood
Fairview is a popular area filled with a number of tourist attractions that draw attention to the neighbourhood. In particular, this Vancouver neighbourhood has Granville Island. Granville Island is a small island located in the middle of the city. Described as an urban oasis, this attraction contains plenty of restaurants, stores, cafes, and other small businesses.
6. Kerrisdale Neighbourhood
The Kerrisdale neighbourhood is an area filled mainly with residents who have been there for many years. The area is a great option for retired individuals or those looking for a slower pace of life. The neighbourhood is often recognized for its popular Kerrisdale Village (also known as “The Village”). Kerrisdale Village is a shopping area located in the center of Kerrisdale that contains some of Vancouver’s best shops.
7. Riley Park Neighbourhood, Vancouver
Many will know Riley Park because of the Olympic Centre and Nat Bailey Stadium that reside within it. This thriving area is home to various types of shops and food venues to keep anyone engaged and entertained. Of course, Riley Park consists of more than the greenspace and the attractions that make it well known. Riley Park has numerous communities that span from 16th to 41st street.
8. Marpole Neighbourhood
Close to the international airport in Richmond, the Marpole neighbourhood is a bustle of activity. Being the main gateway to the airport results in higher traffic, but aside from the busy street, it is a great Vancouver neighbourhood to consider. Marpole has a number of residential areas that are family-oriented. The availability of nightlife is less than that of busier neighbourhoods, but instead, the area has more substantial yards and homes.
9. Lynn Valley North Vancouver Neighbourhood
Being one of the northern Vancouver neighbourhoods, Lynn Valley is a popular area for those looking to be away from the busyness. According to the District of North Vancouver, the central hub of the neighbourhood is gaining momentum and will be undergoing some large transformations. Be sure to check out this neighbourhood soon, as its popularity will only increase!
10. University of British Columbia Neighbourhood
The University of British Columbia (UBC) has become one of the popular Vancouver neighbourhoods to live in. The school itself is an attractive feature to draw students and teachers to the area. Over the years, the area has become an increasingly popular place to call home. Located in the west of Vancouver, there has been an increase in residential buildings, services, and other shops built.
by Amy Zahran | Aug 11, 2019 | Settle in Canada with Confidence and Ease
There are many cities for immigrants to make their settlement in Canada a great success. By doing your own research and taking advantage of all of the government funded programs and free resources available to you, you will be able to discover which one is right for you.
Choosing from the many cities for immigrants in Canada
1. Ottawa, ON
The capital of Canada and right on the border between Ontario and Quebec, Ottawa has a lot to offer. In fact, out of all of the cities for immigrants in Canada, MoneySense magazine listed this city as tops for new arrivals to the country in 2017. With affordable housing, lots of languages spoken, and a strong economy, Ottawa is a good place to create a new life. It is also within walking distance of Gatineau, QC, which is also considered a top destination for newcomers.
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2. Toronto, ON
Many new arrivals in Canada are attracted to Toronto. The capital of the province of Ontario is also the largest city in Canada and has many job openings across all fields. While apartment prices in the city tend to be higher than many other cities across Canada, there are suburbs where life is less expensive. In addition, Toronto has many ethnic communities, so it is possible to get services, help, and English lessons from people who speak the same language while you work on your English skills.
3. Vancouver, BC
Vancouver is a large city on the West coast and it has many international residents. In fact, it is possible to pick up newspapers and get services in many languages. With many luxury homes, it is especially popular for high-income newcomers seeking a high standard of living.
4. Hamilton, ON
Hamilton is about one hour outside of Toronto as is known as “steel town” for its two steel mills. It has many immigrant residents and second- and third-generation Canadians. Services and amenities are available in a variety of languages and there are many language classes for those interested in learning English or French.
5. Montreal, QC
Montreal is the third-largest city in Canada and is multilingual. While French and English are most commonly spoken, many people in the city speak three or four languages. Montreal welcomes new residents from all over the world and has good access to health services and jobs. It is also affordable in comparison with other large cities in Canada.
6. Waterloo, ON
Waterloo is home to a major university and is comprised of 25% newcomers, making it an attractive place to move to in Canada. Rent is only slightly above $1000, which is lower than many cities, and the unemployment rate is only 5.2%, with jobs available in many industries.
For more information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our Settling in Canada resource page. We’ll help you to settle in Canada successfully!
by Amy Zahran | Feb 2, 2019 | Settle in Canada with Confidence and Ease
I have my visa for Canada, now what?
First of all, congratulations are in order. You have your visa to Canada! You still have a lot to do. And, the main question you’ll ask yourself is now, what can I do to get ready for Canada? There are many things that you can do to prepare yourself for Canada. Here are just a few examples of important activities that will help you.
Take advantage of pre-arrival services
One of the first things that you can do to get ready for Canada is to take advantage of pre-arrival services. You would be amazed at how many pre-arrival services there are for newcomers to Canada. You can take advantage of many of the government funded training programs that are available, and use these programs to find a job once you arrive in Canada.
These pre-arrival programs are a great way to build your professional network and learn skills that are essential to the Canadian workplace.
Attend free webinars and online events
Pre-arrival webinars are another great resource that are available to you. These webinars provide newcomers with a chance to speak with experts in Canada that understand what steps you can take to achieve success in Canada. You can attend many of these for free and are a fantastic way to learn about what you can expect in Canada.
Get helpful advice, tips, and resources before you move to Canada by joining our free webinar:
Prepare for work in Canada before you arrive
One of the ways that you can prepare for work in Canada is by making sure that your resume is up to Canadian standards. There are a number of ways that you can do this, but essentially, you will need to do some research.
Learn what Canadian employers look for on a resume, and make content and format changes to your resume. And, when you know what Canadian employers look for on a resume, you’ll improve your chances of finding the job that’s right for you.
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Create a plan for what to do when you arrive
You’ll need to have a plan for your first few weeks and months in Canada. This will include finding:
- housing
- employment
- transportation.
Take some time to research the city where you plan to live. Your research on cities in Canada will give you confidence that is has jobs available in your field, affordable housing and public transportation to major hubs in the area.
These are just a few of the important steps that you’ll need to take to get ready for Canada. Visit our site for more information and resources related to living in Canada. Most importantly, good luck with your preparations and as always, stay positive!
by Amy Zahran | Feb 1, 2019 | Settle in Canada with Confidence and Ease
As you prepare to set off from your home country to come to Canada as a newcomer, it’s important to make a great first impression. You may be feeling a little nervous. Don’t worry, as soon as I got my confirmation of permanent residence I felt the same way. One thing that I was particularly concerned about was how I was going to make a good first impression with my neighbors and my colleagues. With just a little bit of research, I was able to find out as much as I could about Canadian culture.
First impressions as a newcomer are important
As a newcomer to Canada, you will find that you are meeting new people all the time. I found this to be a little scary at first, but after a few social events, I grew very confident in my elevator pitch. If you are unfamiliar with what an elevator pitch is it’s a short two-minute introduction about yourself.
Once you have your elevator pitch, you will be able to clearly and confidently introduce yourself in any situation. You should practice this a little so you know what you are going to say when someone inevitably asks you where you’re from and how you came to Canada. You can also prepare an elevator pitch to describe your professional background.
Moving to Canada soon? Join our free webinar with Next Stop Canada for information for a successful start!
Tips to make the best first impression
- Wear clean and tidy clothing. Buy clothing that works well together, and easily mix and match
- Wear clothes that are the right size and style for your body, and suitable for the occasion
- Clean, shined shoes are a must
- Always be groomed properly by showering, using deodorant, and having clean nails, neat hair, and appropriate makeup
- Eye contact is valued in Canada as a sign of paying attention, focusing, and showing respect
- Have good posture and stand straight during introductions and when shaking hands
- Be aware of your non-verbal cues such as body language and facial expressions. Make an effort to smile!
- Be attentive to your choice of words by being positive and supportive
- Be courteous and respectful to others and yourself.
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Tips for attending a business lunch
Depending on which industry you’re in you may find that you are invited out to business lunches. At my first job in Canada, I had to go to lots of these. I actually got to quite like them as even though we did talk a lot about business, there is also a relaxed social component to the lunch as well. Being a newcomer to Canada actually helped me as it was something I could talk about with ease. As with anything that I have done in Canada, practice makes perfect.
Here are some great tips to ensure that your first few business lunches in Canada as a newcomer go well:
- Choose a restaurant or location that is convenient for both of you
- Confirm with both the restaurant and your lunch date a couple of days before
- Arrive earlier and wait for your party before you take your seat
- Food is not a priority here; do not experiment on a new or messy dish such as lobster. Order something simple, light, and easy to eat.
- Make your client or colleague feel comfortable to indulge in a cocktail or wine, but refrain if they decide to pass. If you’re meeting with a potential employer, don’t drink alcohol
- .Wait on the topic of business until you have ordered. Engage in small talk first. This is the opportunity to get to know them, to build trust, and improve your relationship
- No cell phones on the table; do not text or even glance at your phone
- Be mindful of your cutlery; work your way from outside in toward your dish. The butter dish is on the left and the drinks are on the right
- Put your napkin on your lap, and do not point or gesture with your cutlery. Chew with your mouth closed and no talking with your mouth full. Use your best table manners!
- Pay the bill with your credit card, as it is usually the simplest and most professional looking. Servers will typically ask if you will be splitting the bill.
Remember that you need to always put your best foot forward. You will be interacting with people who are already well established and are comfortable with Canadian workplace culture and social etiquette. The trick is to stay positive and be confident!
For more information to help you prepare for your successful life in Canada, be sure to view our upcoming free webinars!
