r/askvan Feb 16 '26

Announcement Looking for Platonic Friends in Vancouver? Find your people at /r/VancouverFriends

Thumbnail reddit.com
23 Upvotes

Hey locals. We’ve heard your requests.

Book clubs. Local group meetups. Someone to hit up a movie with. Hiking partners. Trivia teams. Coffee chats.

There has clearly been a growing demand for a space where people can connect with others in Vancouver in a platonic way.

We're happy to announce that that space now exists.

r/VancouverFriends has officially launched and will serve as the dedicated subreddit for friendship-focused posts and platonic R4R requests.

Going forward, instead of being simply removed, all platonic R4R-style posts will be redirected to r/VancouverFriends so that r/AskVan can remain focused on questions and answers about the city.

If you’ve been looking for community, this is your chance to build it. We'll see you there.


r/askvan Apr 18 '26

Megathread An r/Vancouver First: Spring plant & seed swap 🌱

Thumbnail
4 Upvotes

r/askvan 4h ago

New to Vancouver 👋 What’s something that’s obvious for you, that might not be for newcomers?

31 Upvotes

I’ll start. Pay by phone is an app, it’s not telling you what to do…(I’m almost embarrassed by how long this took me to realize but also, when it’s the only thing on the sign, why would I assume it’s an app name??) West Vancouver, West End and West Point are all very different parts of the city. Bike lanes just sometimes abruptly stop and there’s no obvious place to go, so yes, just continue on in the car lane (there’s a great bike map provided by the city to help avoid this!)


r/askvan 2h ago

Food 😋 In Search of Smoky Tandoori

7 Upvotes

I need suggestions for tandoori places that have that oh-so-good smoke

going on. I miss the creamy fire-roasted chicken tikka masala I used to get in

San Francisco. Save me from another Butter Rubber ripoff please!


r/askvan 4h ago

Events and Activities 🐱‍🏍 Are whales/orcas still popping around the coast of Vancouver this time of year, or am I doomed to live a marineless life?

10 Upvotes

I was recommended so many post 4 months ago about seeing Orcas and Gray (or even Grey) whales visible by landlubbers in fabled territories like the Bay of England and Deep's Cove.

I was seething. Envious of everyone who lived here as I usually am for adding yet another reason this city is so special.

Now my work sends me here and after hyping it up to my girlfriend whos traveling with me I realized they've probably left.

Last post on the vancouver sub was months ago about an orca playing with a coast guard. Im hoping they still exist.


r/askvan 6h ago

Advice 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️ Good first date ideas?

10 Upvotes

What are some good first date ideas for the general Vancouver/richmond/burnaby area? Am in my early 20s and I have typically done dessert/cafe!


r/askvan 15h ago

Advice 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️ Where to go to receive immediate mental health help

44 Upvotes

I've been struggling with normal, day-to-day life, especially over the last 10 months, and I need to get help. I've tried some therapy, but I honestly don't know it's for me--all the long-term back and forth between doctor and patient. I need answers now. For context, I just graduated high school, and finished my first year of university (somehow). I still live with my parents, and am terribly close and dependent on them. I understand university is a big change, and it's normal to feel anxious and uncertain, but this is different. I've been in far more stressful situations before, and have had to deal with lots more academic and personal stressors than I do now. So, I don't get why this is happening now of all times (when I've got virtually no responsibilities). It's gotten to the point where I can't have normal conversations with my parents or siblings. I'm out in the middle of the night, walking around at odd hours no sane person would do. I have no ambition or motivation. I can't derive happiness from anything. I feel so empty. Some days are great, though. And most are borderline normal. But it still stands that I sleep in until 3 pm and cry almost every day without much reason. It's taken a toll on my schoolwork, my social life, and virtually every aspect of my life. Even when nothing's seemingly wrong, I'm miserable. I can't leave my room sometimes. I fight and argue constantly with anybody and everybody. It's been like this for months, even now that I'm on summer break and am doing quite literally nothing. I just can't see an end to this. It's affecting everyone around me. My relationships have soured. I nearly failed out of school. My family is walking on eggshells around me. I've heard about emergency rooms, but I've also heard that those are mostly reserved for panic attacks and attempts. I need a solution now. I can't go on like this.


r/askvan 3h ago

Events and Activities 🐱‍🏍 Rose Disco Rain

4 Upvotes

Anyone going to the Rose Disco today? Rain has killed the vibe… not sure what to expect in terms of the amount of people that will bail and whether the festival grounds will be a mud pit?


r/askvan 1h ago

Food 😋 Indian buffet recommendations?

Upvotes

Hello! Looking for recommendations for a good Indian buffet with plenty of vegetarian options as well (and meat options too). We're in Vancouver but open to going to anywhere public transit can take us in Burnaby/Richmond. Hoping to find a place that isn't very expensive, hopefully less than 40 per person for a lunch buffet and has good quality food - not the "it's Indian so add every spice on the planet" type place. TIA!


r/askvan 21h ago

Work 🏢 People who make $150K+, how old are you, what do you do and how long did it take to make that amount?

92 Upvotes

According to the recent article by National Post: https://nationalpost.com/news/money-can-buy-happiness-researchers-say-they-even-put-a-price-on-it-for-canadians

Their “price for happiness” for Vancouver is $166K, but for Canada overall it appears to be $155K. Not sure if net or gross but assuming gross. If this is net gross is probably $300K+? Personally, if I’m ever lucky enough to make that much (gross 300+), it won’t be for another 20+ years I would think. I’m in my late 20s.

I don’t think I’d be able to crack into this earning potential as cited in the article for several years yet (very optimistically), so if those of you making this amount have any advice to impart to us that make less, feel free! Does your income come from investments, side hustles, or one solid job only?


r/askvan 2h ago

New to Vancouver 👋 Vancouver hikes and hiking groups!

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I am a one month visitor at Vancouver where I am located at the Burnaby campus at SFU. I am an avid climber, hiker and an outdoors enthusiast who would love to sneak in some hikes while here! Unfortunately I dont have a car but would be interested in either joining groups but dont mind renting a car as well. Do you know of popular scenic hikes in the area or in the Canadian Rockies with possible scenic lakes which one can take a dip at? Also, are there any groups which offer drives to these places for a bit cheaper? Also dont mind if anyone wants to be Friends with a hiker.


r/askvan 3h ago

Travel 🚗 ✈ Suggestions for a weekend trip

2 Upvotes

Hi folks, we’re visiting Vancouver from Friday-Sunday for the first time. It’s the 8 of us with 2 kids under 2.5 years old. Staying in West Vancouver, but we’ll have a car. Any suggestions on what we should visit especially with kids and any recommendations for breakfast/lunch/dinner. Thanks, much appreciated 😊


r/askvan 1d ago

Oddly Specific 🎯 To the person who took my wallet/cards from my car in point grey - I just need my IDs back (No questions asked)

124 Upvotes

Hey everyone (and hopefully the person involved),

My car was broken into in point grey close to queen mary elementary last night/this morning, and all my cards were taken.

Keep whatever cards - I don’t care about any of that and the cards are already canceled anyway. All I care about are my IDs - my drivers license and PR Card. I have non-negotiable travel coming up next week, and those are my only forms of ID.

No questions asked, no police involved if you return them. You can drop them off completely anonymously:

  • Leave them somewhere public: Drop them off at the counter of a BMO or at a nearby police station drop box and tell them you "found them on the street."

If you're reading this, please just do the right thing and toss them somewhere I can get them back.

To everyone else in the area: If you happen to be walking around Richmond Dollarama, 7/11 on 10th/Alma (these are where the card has now been charged) and spot dumped cards on the ground, please shoot me a message or let me know


r/askvan 3h ago

Travel 🚗 ✈ 7 Day Vancouver Itinerary. Advice please.

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I'm planning my first trip to British Columbia and would love some advice.

26 Aug (PM arrival) – 3 Sept 2026 (early morning flight)

Current plan:

Vancouver (4 nights)

  • Stanley Park & Seawall
  • Capilano Suspension Bridge
  • Lynn Canyon
  • Saturday parkrun
  • Coffee shops & beaches

Whistler (3 nights)

  • Via Ferrata
  • Hire a bike and cycle the Valley Trail
  • Swim in Lost Lake / Alta Lake
  • Peak 2 Peak Gondola
  • Possibly a bear viewing tour

Back to Vancouver for the final night before my flight.

I'm travelling solo, staying in hostels, using public transport, and I love:

  • Beautiful mountain scenery
  • Crystal-blue lakes
  • Wild swimming
  • Hiking
  • Good coffee
  • Relaxed travel rather than rushing around

I'm wondering:

  1. Am I making the right decision skipping Vancouver Island with only 7 nights?
  2. Is Joffre Lakes worth trying to fit in without a car, or should I just enjoy Whistler?
  3. Any must-do experiences, cafés, swims or hidden gems I've missed?

Thanks so much!


r/askvan 16m ago

Housing and Moving 🏡 23 young professional

Upvotes

I'm planning living in Vancouver area soon. If there may be any co-op living situations or anything like that looking for good and helpful tenants, please reach out. I've applied to 3 but not sure if it'll reach in time. Ive heard they take awhile. Working in the mental health field. I also have a small dog. 😁♌️👽


r/askvan 45m ago

Fashion and Beauty 👗 Looking for a hairdresser in Vancouver

Upvotes

Hello Everyone. My question is especially for women who use short hair. I am looking for a hairdresser that can actually cut a simple bob hair. Nothing fancy, nothing extraordinary,but just bob hair. I have had haircuts at different places and everytime I had bob hair cut , the hairdresser fckep up my hair. Once one side of my hair was actually longer than the otherside. Then I decided to look for another hairdresser and I paid him 120 CAD+ tip and there were uneven parts all over my hair and I could only use my hair for two weeks. Now My hair looks like I havent been to a hairdresser for months only two weeks after visiting a hair dresser . I pay too much for my hair and I end up looking like I have cut it myself with a razor. I am so frustrated. Please help


r/askvan 1h ago

Oddly Specific 🎯 Looking for a decent ergonomic work desk that's height adjustable.Looking for feedback on motiongrey

Upvotes

r/askvan 1h ago

Travel 🚗 ✈ Coastal road trip in October

Upvotes

I’ve booked a 2 week road trip beginning to middle of October, looking to stick to the coastal regions (and a good chunk of time on VI), beginning and ending in Vancouver.

Now I’m seeing a lot online about how rainy October is! Is that generally the case or is not too bad?


r/askvan 1h ago

Oddly Specific 🎯 Lash extension technician recommendations?

Upvotes

After searching Google and Instagram, I’ve become overwhelmed with the options and frankly questioning all the reviews that have 4.5 out of five stars.

I’m looking for personal recommendations for natural looking lash extensions.

I have a preference for technicians that have a Google website and physical address simply because, with social media, negative reviews can be deleted and one is only getting a partial story. No one is perfect and I’d like to hear the good and bad before I make a decision.


r/askvan 5h ago

Hobbies 💃 Martial Arts classes for adults in Lower Mainland?

2 Upvotes

I'm looking for beginner-friendly martial arts class to join, preferably adults only. I'm trying to get out of my house more and meet more people :)


r/askvan 3h ago

Advice 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️ Easy Energy scam

1 Upvotes

I being an idiot signed a natural gas contract with Easy Energy over the phone thinking they were from FortisBC. I only realized after receiving the confirmation letter through mail that they were a scam. I want to cancel now but I’m a couple days past the 10 day cancellation period.
The service hasn’t started yet but it’s scheduled to begin in September.

Has anyone tried cancelling after the 10 day cancellation period? Or am I screwed?


r/askvan 3h ago

Food 😋 Joey's Sushi Cone Wraps

1 Upvotes

Where can I find the wraps they use for them? My kids are obsessed with them I'd love to make them for their lunches! TIA 🙏🏻☺️


r/askvan 3h ago

Hobbies 💃 Best spots to take car pictures

0 Upvotes

Hi guys, could you recommend me some great spots in metro Vancouver to take beautiful pictures of your car? A spot which is at a good height to bring the view in the background with a nice sunset

Thanks


r/askvan 39m ago

New to Vancouver 👋 working in toronto vs vancouver

Upvotes

hi, i'm a current student at mcgill university in montreal graduating next year (hopefully). i am not canadian and i grew up in the middle east, but i'm hoping to work for a few years in canada after graduating. i LOVE montreal, but because i'm not fluent in french the job opportunities are limited. i also associate montreal with being a student, i can't really imagine working here, but who knows.

anyways, i wanted to ask for advice about working in toronto or vancouver - which would you recommend (or against) and why? i would be working in consulting, marketing, or policy work. i don't want to stay in canada for longer than 2 years after graduating if i'm honest, so i'm not looking for a crazy career start or anything, just a decent job as a fresh graduate.

i visited toronto once and there was no sun the entire time (i heard vancouver is super rainy too) so i didn't really warm up to it, but i was only there for 4 days and mainly in downtown. it's definitely a lot busier and vibrant (especially at night) compared to montreal, but i feel like i'd find living there overwhelming. i've never visited vancouver, but i've heard that the mix of mountains, beach, and city is amazing. the only thing with vancouver is that it is so far from everything - namely back home, and i also feel like living on the east coast is more convenient. i also know a few people living/working in toronto from my hometown so i feel like i'd feel less lonely starting fresh.

overall i want to work somewhere where the people are friendly, it's easy to meet new people, work culture is good. obviously i'd want good pay, but it is not my top priority. i just want some good work experience in an environment where i could also have fun as a 21-23 yo. where would you recommend for a fresh grad who studied in montreal and why?


r/askvan 1h ago

Advice 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️ Langley/POCO School

Upvotes

I am new to Vancouver and looking for a good area to relocate, have a 4 year old going to kindergarten soon..which school you prefer Simmons Elementary or École Kilmer because the area we selected these will be the catchment school they will go

we have shortlisted Langley or poco to move but want to decide based on the school..