It has been 20 years since I moved to Vancouver from the Centre of the Universe (aka Toronto).  About six months in, I started noticing myself say “We” whenever I referred to something positive about the city. I’d say something like “We sure are lucky to be surrounded by nature”.  On the other hand, I would refer to Vancouverites as “You” when I had something negative to say about the city like, “You sure get a lot of rain here”, or “You guys are terrible drivers.”

Two decades later, I consider Vancouver home. I’ve embraced not only the natural beauty of the west coast, the reputed-to-be-unfriendly people, and even the seemly-endless days of rain. What does it mean to call yourself a Vancouverite though? I polled a few people (over some BC wine, of course) and came up with the following list:

You Can’t Call Yourself a Vancouverite Unless You Have…

Sure there is a lot for tourists to do in this gorgeous city of ours, but it’s what the locals do that makes the difference between residing in Vancouver and being a Vancouverite. Give yourself a point for each of the activities you have done below and see how you measure up against other proud Vancouverites:

1. Climbed the Grouse Grind. (1 Point)
2. Walked, run or wheeled around the Sea Wall. (1 Point)
3. Skied, snowboarded, tubed, snowshoed, hiked, biked or otherwise played on one of our local mountains. (1 Point) (Give yourself 2 points if you have gone up in the winter AND summer)
4. Played, relaxed or swam at Jericho Beach, Spanish Banks, Locarno Beach, Kits Beach, Sunset Beach, English Bay, Second Beach, Third Beach. (1 Point if you have been to ALL of them) (Bonus point if you’ve been to clothing-optional Wreck Beach) 
5. Visited at least one of the many microbreweries in the city. (1 Point)
6. Gone to a Vancouver Canadians Game. (1 Point)
7. Sailed the False Creek Ferry to or from Granville Island, Science World, Yaletown, the Aquatic Centre, Olympic Village or Maritime Museum. (1 Point)
8. Paddled or kayaked off any Vancouver shore. (1 Point)
9. Have an opinion about the bike lanes. (1 Point)
10. Own a yoga mat. (1 Point)
11. Shopped at one of our Farmers Markets (1 Point)
12. Gone to the any of the many festivals celebrating arts and culture. (1 Point)
13. Figured out which west is which. (1 Point)

Scroll down to see how YOU did.

Vancouverites Adore The Great Outdoors

 

 

 

 

If you haven’t visited one of the many microbreweries that have popped up around East Van in recent years, then you’re missing out.  Strange Fellows, Off the Rail, 33 Acres, Brassneck, and Powell Street are a few of my faves. (Special shoutout to our friends at The Parkside in Port Moody.)

 

We all know the Vancouver Canucks, but have you been a Vancouver Canadians game? The C’s are our Minor League Baseball team and one of the farm teams to the Toronto Blue Jays. Going to a Canadians’ game is affordable family entertainment. Sunday home games are Sunday Family Fun Days. They even have a play area for restless little ones. There are fireworks shows several nights throughout the summer. The Canadians’ home opener is June 20th. Go C’s!

 

 

 

 

Vancouverites Know the West End vs West Side vs West Van

Lastly, you can’t call yourself a Vancouverite if you don’t the know which West is which. If you’re confused, like most of us when we first arrived here, the West End is downtown and bordered by English Bay and Stanley Park, Robson Street and Granville Street. It is the most densely populated neighbourhood in Canada. The West Side means west of Main Street and includes Kitsilano, Oakridge, Dunbar, Kerrisdale and Shaughnessy. West Vancouver is actually a separate municipality on the other side of the Lions Gate Bridge.

How do you score in comparison to other so-called Vancouverites?

• 1-5  Yikes! Did you just move here? You’ve got some exploring to do. Have fun!
• 6-10 You’re on your way to becoming a true Vancouverite. Keep going!
• 11-15 High five! You ARE a Vancouverite. Now let’s drink coffee and discuss the price of real estate.

Your West Coast Wardrobe

Another thing Vancouverites are known for is their love of fleece and active wear. Call me crazy, but there may be a correlation between that and the number of our clients who complain they feel frumpy.

We can help you find a more stylish look that also suits your West Coast lifestyle. Book your spring closet refresher today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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