Vancouver is one of Canada’s most beautiful and desirable places to live. The combination of coastal living set against a mountain landscape draws homeowners worldwide. The best cities in Metro Vancouver offer a wealth of options for residents who want access to the city with the convenience and space that comes with suburban or small-town life.
Villages such as Anmore, large cities such as Surrey, and 19 other municipalities make up the Metro Vancouver area. Here’s a list of ten of the most appealing cities in the area.
Population: 58,120 (2021 Canadian census)
Median home value: $1.535 million
Median household income before taxes: $103,000
With easy access from the Lions Gate Bridge and public transit options such as the Seabus, North Vancouver offers the comfort of a smaller city while remaining close to the downtown core. Natural surroundings make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The North Shore mountains are a significant feature of North Vancouver, with endless opportunities for hiking, skiing, mountain biking, and more.
Some major employers in North Vancouver include Seaspan Shipyards, Lions Gate Hospital, Capilano University, Grouse Mountain Resorts, and Neptune Bulk Terminals.
When it comes to outdoor fun, this suburb has plenty of options. Grouse Mountain is one of the most popular destinations in North Vancouver. Residents can hike the Grouse Grind in the summer or ski the mountain in the winter. For nature walking, swimming, or viewing waterfalls, check out Lynn Canyon Park.
Population: 44,122 (2021 Canadian census)
Median home value: $3.71 million
Median household income before taxes: $104,000
West Vancouver is located next to North Vancouver and is considered one of the most desirable areas in the metro area, with its ocean views, beachfront property, and North Shore mountain vistas. West Vancouver is the place to be for those seeking a luxurious lifestyle on the Pacific coast.
West Vancouver shares many of the same employers as its suburban neighbour, North Vancouver. These include Lions Gate Hospital, Capilano University, as well as the Park Royal Shopping Centre and Hollyburn Country Club.
For recreation, golfers can check out the Gleneagle golf course — it has a challenging layout with beautiful views of the mountains and ocean. Fishing enthusiasts will love the West Vancouver Marina, where you can charter a boat or cast a line off the pier. Meanwhile, Ambleside Beach is perfect for a relaxing day by the water. Take a walk along the seawall, picnic on the beach, or enjoy the view of Stanley Park and downtown Vancouver.
Population: 568,322 (2021 Canadian census)
Median home value: $1.204 million
Median household income before taxes: $98,000
Approximately 40 kilometres south of downtown Vancouver, Surrey is the largest city in the metro. Surrey is a culturally diverse and inclusive community with plenty of access to nature and a growing economy.
Some of the largest employers in Surrey are the Fraser Health Authority, the City of Surrey, Surrey Memorial Hospital, and the Surrey Campus of Simon Fraser University.
There are lots of places to enjoy the outdoors in Surrey. The city has numerous hiking and biking trails that wind through parks, forests, and scenic landscapes. Some popular trails include the Green Timbers Urban Forest, Tynehead Regional Park, and the Serpentine Fen Nature Trail.
Surrey is also home to several community gardens where residents can grow their own fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
Population: 21,939 (2021 Canadian census)
Median home value: $1.304 million
Median household income before taxes: $73,000
Located at the southern point of the Vancouver metro and only minutes from the U.S. border, White Rock is a charming beachfront town with appeal for tourists and residents alike. White Rock is on the shore of Semiahmoo Bay with views of the ocean, the Semiahmoo Peninsula, and the Gulf Islands. Residents can enjoy sandy beaches and sunsets right from their backyards.
Some of White Rock’s largest employers include the City of White Rock, Peace Arch Hospital, and Surrey’s School District 36.
White Rock Beach is a major attraction of the area. Residents can walk the sandy shores or swim during the warmer weather. White Brock Promenade stretches along the coasts and is excellent for walking or biking.
Population: 249,125 (2021 Canadian census)
Median home value: $955,000
Median household income before taxes: $83,000
Located just over 14 kilometres to the southeast of downtown Vancouver, Burnaby is a popular city in the metro. Burnaby enjoys a central location with easy access to major transportation routes, including highways and public transit, such as the SkyTrain system. This makes it convenient for residents to commute within the city and to other parts of the region. Burnaby is home to Simon Fraser University (SFU) and the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), two renowned post-secondary institutions that attract students and researchers from around the world.
Burnaby is considered an employment hub in the Metro Vancouver area. Electronic Arts, Telus, the British Columbia Institute of Technology, and FortisBC are a few of its largest employers.
Burnaby is known for its many parks, green spaces, and natural areas, providing residents with opportunities to enjoy outdoor recreation and leisure activities. Central Park, Deer Lake Park, and Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area are among the city’s largest and most popular parks. Residents can hike the trails at the Conservation Area, picnic, or explore the Centennial Rose Garden, which features 900 flowering rose bushes.
Population: 148,625
Median home value: $1.198 million
Median household income before taxes: $92,000
Just over 33 kilometres east of Vancouver, homebuyers will find Coquitlam, a suburb northwest of Burnaby. Bordered by Burke Mountain and Pinecone Burke Provincial Park, Coquitlam has plenty of natural beauty and urban conveniences.
Some of Coquitlam’s largest employers include the City of Coquitlam, Eagle Ridge Hospital, Simon Fraser University, and School District 43.
For outdoor action, Coquitlam is home to the notorious Coquitlam Crunch, a steep urban trail that offers a great workout. Pinecone Burke Park protects the western shore of Pitt Lake, North America’s largest freshwater tidal lake. This provincial park is ideal for camping, hiking, and birdwatching.
Population: 209,937 (2021 Canadian census)
Median home value: $1.296 million
Median household income before taxes: $79,000
Located 15 kilometres south of downtown Vancouver, Richmond is a bustling suburban community with easy access to the core via Highway 99 or the Skytrain. Richmond’s sizeable Asian community has made the suburb an excellent place to experience a wide variety of Pacific food, culture, and art.
The Vancouver International Airport is in Richmond, one of the city’s major employers. Other companies with headquarters in Richmond include Lululemon and the Great Canadian Gaming Corporation.
In central Richmond, Minoru Park is across the street from its largest shopping mall (CF Richmond Centre). This charming space has plenty of walking, running, or biking paths and features cherry blossom trees, ponds, and small waterfalls. Residents can also use the Richmond Olympic Oval for year-round fitness activities. Built for the 2010 Winter Olympics, the Richmond Olympic Oval now serves as a multi-purpose sports and recreation facility, offering ice skating, indoor climbing, fitness classes, and more.
Population: 78,916 (2021 Canadian census)
Median home value: $894,000
Median household income before taxes: $82,000
New Westminster is 22 kilometres southeast of Vancouver and is B.C.’s oldest city, boasting a rich history reflected in its architecture and landmarks. From the Victorian-era buildings to the Fraser River waterfront, the town offers a unique blend of old-school charm and modern amenities.
As one of the largest and oldest hospitals in the province, the Royal Columbian Hospital is one of the biggest employers in the city. In addition to Royal Columbian Hospital, the Fraser Health Authority operates various healthcare facilities and services in New Westminster. School District 40 is also a significant employer in the area.
Spanning over 75 acres, Queens Park is the crown jewel of New Westminster’s park system. It features green spaces, playgrounds, sports fields, and a petting zoo, making it an excellent place for family outings. For options near the water, Westminster Pier Park offers views of the Fraser River and the city skyline.
Population: 90,990 (2021 Canadian census)
Median home value: $1.2 million
Median household income before taxes: $105,000
About 44 kilometres east of Vancouver via Highway 1, Maple Ridge is between the Fraser River and the Golden Ears, the Garibaldi Ranges’ southern portion of the Coast Mountains.
Maple Ridge has several major employers across various sectors. One notable employer is the Fraser Health Authority, which operates Ridge Meadows Hospital and provides healthcare services to the region. Additionally, the District Municipality of Maple Ridge is a significant employer, offering various municipal services and job opportunities.
Maple Ridge has multiple parks and green spaces. Golden Ears Provincial Park is one of the largest and most popular parks in the area. Spanning over 62,500 hectares, this expansive park offers camping, hiking, swimming, and wildlife viewing areas.
Population: 33,535 (2021 Canadian census)
Median home value: $ 988,000
Median household income before taxes: $115,000
Port Moody is just 20 kilometres east of Vancouver and has a small-town feel with all the benefits of city amenities close by. Port Moody is on the shore of the Burrard Inlet and is close to Simon Fraser University, making it a convenient option for students.
Port Moody’s economy is diverse, but some of its largest employers include technology, healthcare, and manufacturing companies. Names like Finger Food Advanced Technology Group, Eagle Ridge Hospital, and PCT Healthcare Technologies are among the significant contributors to the local economy.
Some of the green spaces in the area include Rocky Point Park, featuring waterfront trails and recreational facilities, and Belcarra Regional Park, with scenic hiking trails and beach access. Other notable parks include Bert Flinn Park, Shoreline Park, and Sasamat Lake. These parks offer residents plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature and outdoor activities throughout the year.
