While you may be a diehard Leafs fan, addicted to the Star or a card carrying member of the Royal Ontario Museum, sometimes there comes a point in your life when you’re ready to trade in the gently lapping waters of Lake Ontario for the grandeur of the Pacific Ocean.
Keep in mind that moving from Toronto to Vancouver is no small feat; the bodies of water are not going to be the only differences you notice! Vancouver and Toronto are distinct from each other in a number of ways – some you’ll notice immediately, and some you’ll come to appreciate over time. On the other hand, as two of Canada’s most popular cities to live and work in, there are certain things that will be more or less the same. Let’s take a look at some of the similarities and differences you’ll notice.
- Both cities are large Canadian metropolitan areas, Toronto being the largest and Vancouver the third largest in the country.
- Vancouver is more densely populated than Toronto, which, as you know, tends to sprawl outwards. Vancouver has built up instead of out.
- They both have great schools, tons of community activities, and a vibrant cultural scene. If you’re worried that you’ll be missing the Toronto International Film Festival or the Cavalcade of Lights, don’t worry – you can go to Vancouver International Film Festival or Theatre Under the Stars!
- Government services and healthcare are easily available in both cities, check out Vancouver’s municipal website for all the facts and figures you’ll need when you move.
- Many people move from Toronto to Vancouver to attend one of Vancouver’s top-tier Universities (although Toronto is also known for good post-secondary education!) such as the University of British Columbia or Simon Fraser University.
- Toronto and Vancouver are major centres of Canadian Industry, with corporate headquarters, financial services, retail, manufacturing, and international business concerns.
- People tend to be more relaxed in Vancouver, and take things a little easier. You may have to put up with a little ribbing for your “back east” work ethic! On the plus side, it will put you in high demand for great jobs!
- Real Estate prices are high in both cities. Sorry!
- There is also tons of traffic in both places. Sorry again! However, thanks to Vancouver’s transit system, Translink, it is the more walk-able city.
- Vancouver has by far, some of the nicest weather in the country. Balmy all year round, you might get a little tired of the rain, but probably won’t miss the blizzards!
Of course, you can get a Tim Hortons anywhere!
At the end of the day, if you’ve been at all happy living in a big city, then moving from Toronto to Vancouver isn’t going to be that difficult. Unless you’re really committed to the Toronto Maple Leafs...
While you’re planning this cross-country transplant, you’re going to want to look at both Toronto movers and Vancouver movers to determine which company will best suit your needs. It is vital that you select a moving company that can handle the distance, and take proper care of your belongings. Save yourself some time and worry by filling out our Vancouver moving estimation form, and our Toronto moving estimation form and we’ll see to it that you’re contacted by professional, top-quality movers who have years of experience in helping people get from Toronto to Vancouver. Good Luck!
