Vancouver is a popular place to live in British Columbia, but there are other great options too

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It is easy to see why British Columbia is a dream destination for so many families. For those of us in the UK, the appeal often lies in that rare combination of a high-functioning modern society and a wilderness that feels truly vast. It is a province where you can realistically spend your morning in a high-rise office and your afternoon hiking through a temperate rainforest.

What makes British Columbia special isn't just the postcard-perfect scenery; it is the sheer variety of lifestyles on offer. Whether you are drawn to the coastal urban hubs, relaxed lakeside towns, sun-drenched valleys or mountains, there is a community to suit almost any pace of life.

Vancouver: The Urban Gateway

Vancouver is the most internationally recognisable city in the province, and for good reason. Tucked between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, its setting is genuinely dramatic. For families, it offers a lifestyle where urban convenience meets a rugged outdoor playground.

Within minutes of the city centre, you can find yourself on a beach, a hiking trail or a ski slope. Residents can spend their weekends exploring Stanley Park, exploring the North Shore mountains or the waterfront areas along English Bay. This connection to the outdoors is one of the reasons people move to the city. Even in a busy urban environment, it’s easy to escape into nature.

A Familiar Backdrop

Interestingly, British Columbia might feel strangely familiar to families who enjoy television and film. The province's diverse landscapes have been used in many productions earning the nickname "Hollywood North." 

Fans of the fantasy series Once Upon a Time will recognise the seaside village of Steveston in Richmond, which doubled as the fictional town of Storybrooke. You can still stroll down Moncton Street and spot the buildings that served as the backdrop for the show. Many of the "Enchanted Forest" scenes were also filmed in the lush, mossy woods surrounding Vancouver.

For families who watched the series together, recognising these locations can make visiting or living in the area feel especially exciting.

Finding a Balance

While Vancouver is known for its high property prices, the wider metropolitan area provides more variety. Places like Surrey, Langley and the Fraser Valley offer more space and relatively more affordable living options while staying well-connected to the city.

Victoria: A Coastal Classic

Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, sits on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and offers a much gentler pace. It feels more historic and "British" in its architecture and gardens, with a walkable city centre full of independent shops, cafes and historic buildings.

It has become a favourite for families who want a peaceful environment without giving up modern amenities. The coastal climate is famously mild (at least by Canadian standards) and there is a strong sense of community. Living here means you can enjoy daily walks along the Inner Harbour and easy access to some of the most beautiful coastline in the country.

Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley

Kelowna offers a lifestyle that feels worlds away from the coast. Located in the Okanagan Valley, it is known for its sunny weather, sprawling vineyards and a life centred around the massive Lake Okanagan.

Once seen primarily as a summer holiday spot, it is now one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada. It has a thriving technology sector and a more relaxed, "lakeside" atmosphere. For families who prefer boating, paddleboarding and hot summers to the coastal mist. In addition the surrounding hills and vineyards also make the region popular for hiking and exploring. With housing prices often lower than Vancouver, Kelowna is an increasingly popular alternative. 

Whistler: More Than Just a Ski Resort

Whistler is famous globally for its world-class skiing, but for those who live there year-round, it is an active, close-knit mountain community. While winter is the peak season, the town has evolved into a four-season destination with incredible mountain biking and hiking. Despite the international tourist buzz, the permanent resident community is very welcoming and shares a deep passion for the mountain lifestyle.

Prince George: Space and Opportunity

Further north, Prince George offers a different perspective on life in British Columbia. As the major hub for the northern half of the province, it provides a level of affordability that is hard to find further south. It is an ideal spot for families who want a larger home and a lower cost of living while remaining surrounded by forests, rivers and endless opportunities for fishing and hiking.

A Province With Many Ways To Live

What makes British Columbia special is not just one city or attraction. It’s the variety of lifestyles available within the province. You can choose the vibrant, multicultural energy of Vancouver, the historic charm of Victoria, the sun and vines of Kelowna or the northern wilderness of Prince George.

Across every region, the constant is a strong connection to nature and a lifestyle that encourages time outdoors.  For families imagining a move to Canada, British Columbia offers a place where you can build a career and raise a family and still feel connected to the landscapes that make the region so unique.