Vancouver is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant cultural scene, and exceptional quality of life. However, its fast-paced urban lifestyle and rising real estate costs can make city living challenging for some. Fortunately, the nearby cities and suburbs offer equally appealing alternatives. From peaceful coastal towns to thriving urban hubs and scenic mountain communities, the surrounding areas of Vancouver provide a perfect balance of proximity to the city and a more relaxed—and sometimes more affordable—lifestyle.
The best cities near Vancouver, BC
- North Vancouver
- West Vancouver
- Burnaby
- Richmond
- New Westminster
- Delta
- Coquitlam
- Port Coquitlam
- Surrey
- Maple Ridge
1. North Vancouver
- Population: 85,395
- Median rent: $3,300, according to July 2024 rent research
- Driving time to downtown Vancouver: 25 minutes
- Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts and families
- Attractions: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, Grouse Mountain, Lonsdale Quay Market, Lynn Canyon Park
Why North Vancouver is a great place to live
North Vancouver offers plenty of opportunities to soak in all the nearby natural wonders. The city is home to the iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, where you can walk across the stunning bridge and explore the lush rainforest. Grouse Mountain, known as the “Peak of Vancouver,” provides year-round activities such as hiking, skiing, and the famous Grouse Grind. The lively Lonsdale Quay Market is a must-visit for foodies and shoppers. Lynn Canyon Park offers a more serene hiking experience with its beautiful suspension bridge and swimming holes.
2. West Vancouver
- Population: 42,473
- Median rent: $5,925, according to July 2024 rent research
- Driving time to downtown Vancouver: 25 minutes
- Best for: Luxury living and breathtaking views
- Attractions: Cypress Provincial Park, Lighthouse Park, Dundarave Pier, West Vancouver Seawall
Why West Vancouver is a great place to live
West Vancouver is known for its luxurious homes, stunning ocean views, and easy access to downtown Vancouver. The city has some of the most beautiful parks in the region, such as Cypress Provincial Park, which offers world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter and hiking and mountain biking in the summer. Lighthouse Park is a must-visit for its rugged coastline and historic lighthouse, while Dundarave Pier is perfect for a stroll or watching the sunset. The West Vancouver Seawall is a picturesque walking and cycling path that showcases the city’s natural beauty.
3. Burnaby
- Population: 249,197
- Median rent: $2,850, according to July 2024 rent research
- Driving time to downtown Vancouver: 30 minutes
- Best for: Shopping and cultural diversity
- Attractions: Metropolis at Metrotown, Burnaby Village Museum, Burnaby Mountain Park, Deer Lake Park
Why Burnaby is a great place to live
Burnaby is a lively city with great shopping—residents will love Metropolis at Metrotown, the largest shopping mall in British Columbia, with over 400 stores and restaurants. The Burnaby Village Museum is a must-visit for history buffs, showcasing the city’s early days with restored buildings and costumed interpreters. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring Burnaby Mountain Park, which offers stunning views of the city and the North Shore mountains, and Deer Lake Park, which features a beautiful lake, walking trails, and a variety of wildlife.
4. Richmond
- Population: 229,395
- Median rent: $1,550, according to July 2024 rent research
- Driving time to downtown Vancouver: 30 minutes
- Best for: Asian cuisine and waterfront living
- Attractions: Richmond Night Market, Steveston Village, Richmond Olympic Oval, Minoru Park
Why Richmond is a great place to live
Richmond is a food lover’s paradise, known for its incredible Asian cuisine and the famous Richmond Night Market, which features over 500 food and retail vendors. The historic Steveston Village is a charming fishing village with waterfront dining, unique shops, and the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site. The Richmond Olympic Oval, which hosted speed skating events during the 2010 Winter Olympics, now serves as a multi-purpose sports and fitness center.
5. New Westminster
- Population: 70,996
- Median rent: $2,375, according to July 2024 rent research
- Driving time to downtown Vancouver: 36 minutes
- Best for: Historic charm and riverfront living
- Attractions: New Westminster Quay, Irving House Historic Centre, Anvil Centre, Queen’s Park
Why New Westminster is a great place to live
New Westminster, also known as “The Royal City,” is full of history and charm. The New Westminster Quay is popular for riverfront dining, shopping, and strolling along the boardwalk. History buffs will enjoy visiting the Irving House Historic Centre, which showcases the city’s Victorian-era heritage. The Anvil Centre is a modern cultural hub that hosts art exhibitions, live performances, and community events. Queen’s Park is a beautiful urban oasis with a petting zoo, a spray park, and the historic Queen’s Park Arena.
6. Delta
- Population: 3,724
- Median rent: $2,600, according to July 2024 rent research
- Driving distance from downtown Vancouver: 41 minutes
- Best for: Birdwatching and golfing
- Attractions: Boundary Bay Regional Park, Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Tsawwassen Springs Golf
Why Delta is a great place to live
Delta is known for its stunning parks and wildlife. Boundary Bay Regional Park is a must-visit for birdwatchers, as it’s home to over 250 species of birds. The Reifel Bird Sanctuary is another popular spot for birdwatching, with its walking trails and observation towers. Golfers will enjoy a round at the beautiful Tsawwassen Springs Golf course, which features stunning ocean views and mountains.
7. Coquitlam
- Population: 140,028
- Median rent: $2,625, according to July 2024 rent research
- Driving time to downtown Vancouver: 41 minutes
- Best for: Outdoor recreation and family-friendly living
- Attractions: Coquitlam Crunch, Town Centre Park, Evergreen Cultural Centre, Lafarge Lake
Why Coquitlam is a great place to live
Coquitlam is a family-friendly city that offers a variety of outdoor activities and cultural attractions. The Coquitlam Crunch is a popular hiking trail that offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Town Centre Park is a massive urban park that features sports fields, walking trails, and a lake with a light show. The Evergreen Cultural Centre is a state-of-the-art performing arts venue that hosts concerts, plays, and exhibitions. Lafarge Lake is a beautiful man-made lake that offers paddle-boating, fishing, and a walking trail with public art installations.
8. Port Coquitlam
- Population: 58,612
- Median rent: $2,525, according to July 2024 rent research
- Driving time to downtown Vancouver: 40 minutes
- Best for: Outdoor adventure and craft beer
- Attractions: Traboulay PoCo Trail, Riverside Secondary School Adventure Park, Northpaw Brew Co., Tinhouse Brewing
Why Port Coquitlam is a great place to live
Port Coquitlam, or “PoCo” as the locals call it, is a hidden gem that offers a laid-back lifestyle. The Traboulay PoCo Trail is a 25-kilometer loop that winds through the city’s parks, rivers, and forests, offering stunning views and wildlife sightings. The Riverside Secondary School Adventure Park is a unique outdoor education facility with a high ropes course, rock climbing wall, and zip line. Craft beer enthusiasts will love visiting Northpaw Brew Co. and Tinhouse Brewing, two local breweries that offer unique and delicious beers in a friendly atmosphere.
9. Surrey
- Population: 518,467
- Median rent: $2,350, according to July 2024 rent research
- Driving time to downtown Vancouver: 42 minutes
- Best for: Multicultural experiences and affordable living
- Attractions: Surrey Fusion Festival, Bear Creek Park, Surrey Art Gallery, Crescent Beach
Why Surrey is a great place to live
Surrey is a diverse and rapidly growing city that offers a more affordable cost of living than Vancouver. The Surrey Fusion Festival is the largest multicultural celebration in British Columbia, featuring live music, dance performances, and food from around the world. Bear Creek Park is a popular spot for families, with its mini-train, outdoor pool, and gardens. The Surrey Art Gallery is a contemporary art museum that showcases the work of local and international artists. Crescent Beach is a beautiful sandy beach that offers swimming, sunbathing, and stunning views of the ocean and mountains.
10. Maple Ridge
- Population: 82,256
- Median rent: $2,500, according to July 2024 rent research
- Driving time to downtown Vancouver: 52 minutes
- Best for: Small-town charm and outdoor recreation
- Attractions: Golden Ears Provincial Park, Maple Ridge Museum, Kanaka Creek Regional Park, Ridge Meadows Dykes
Why Maple Ridge is a great place to live
Maple Ridge is a lovely city that offers a slower pace of life and easy access to nature. Golden Ears Provincial Park is a massive wilderness area that offers hiking, camping, fishing, and stunning views of the mountains and lakes. The Maple Ridge Museum showcases the city’s history and culture, with exhibits on the early settlers, logging industry, and First Nations. Kanaka Creek Regional Park is a beautiful park with walking trails, waterfalls, and a fish hatchery. The Ridge Meadows Dykes are a series of scenic trails perfect for biking and walking.
With an array of unique attractions and lifestyles, these cities near Vancouver offer diverse living experiences tailored to different preferences, making them excellent choices for anyone considering a move to the Vancouver area.
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