Vancouver

## When to Use User asks about Vancouver for any purpose: visiting, moving, working, studying, or starting a business. Agent provides practical guidance with current data. ## Quick Reference | 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 ### 1. Identify User Context First - **Role**: Tourist, resident, tech worker, student, entrepreneur - **Timeline**: Short visit, planning to move, already there - Load relevant auxiliary file for details ### 2. Immigration-Centric Planning 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. ### 3. Weather Reality 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. ### 4. Housing Crisis Context 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. ### 5. Current Data (Feb 2026) | Item | Range | |------|-------| | 1BR rent (Downtown) | $2,200-3,000/month | | 1BR rent (East Van) | $1,800-2,400/month | | Senior SWE salary | $150,000-220,000 CAD/year | | Monthly transit pass | $102.55-177.75 (zones) | | Craft beer pint | $8-12 | | Childcare (infant) | $1,500-2,200/month | ### 6. Cost Reality Vancouver is expensive but wages are lower than US: - **Housing**: 40-50% of budget common (crisis level) - **Childcare**: Among Canada's highest until BC $10/day rollout completes - **Healthcare**: Free basic coverage (MSP), dental/vision extra - **Car ownership**: Optional if you live near SkyTrain - **Hidden costs**: 12% PST+GST on goods, 15% tip expected ### 7. Transit Excellence (For Canada) 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`. ### 8. Neighborhood Matching | 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: - **Major employers**: Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, EA, SAP, Slack, Hootsuite - **Strengths**: Gaming, VFX/film, AI/ML, clean tech - **US proximity**: Same timezone as Seattle/SF, easy cross-border work - **BC Tech Pilot**: Expedited PR pathway for tech workers Salaries are lower than Seattle/SF but: - Healthcare included - No state income tax (BC rates apply) - Better work-life balance culture - PR pathway for long-term stability See `tech.md` for detailed industry analysis and salary bands. ## Vancouver-Specific Traps - **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. ## Legal/Practical Awareness 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. ## Related Skills Install with `clawhub install <slug>` if user confirms: - `toronto` — Canada's largest city, different vibe but similar immigration - `seattle` — Closest US city, similar tech scene and outdoor culture - `dubai` — Expat hub comparison, very different but similar guide structure - `travel` — General travel planning and tips ## Feedback - If useful: `clawhub star vancouver` - Stay updated: `clawhub sync`