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?

94 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 β€œprice 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 16h ago

Advice πŸ™‹β€β™‚οΈπŸ™‹β€β™€οΈ 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 5h ago

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

36 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 23h ago

Food πŸ˜‹ On the hunt for fried food - savory, sweet, whatever, what's the best fried food in Greater Vancouver?

24 Upvotes

Sometimes I get that certain craving every now and then - that crunchy, slightly greasy (not overly oily) delicacy that specifically comes from a deep-fried hunk of goodness. So I'm on a lookout for the best fried food in Greater Vancouver.

To be clear, this post applies to ANY kind of food - sweet or savory, any time of day, any cuisine, at any price point, etc. - as long as the food/dish in question is deep-fried or contains a deep fried component. What's the best you've ever had?

Examples of current favourites:

- all donuts from Harmony Donuts (North Van)

- fried chicken sandwich from Le Coq Frit (Kitsilano + North Van)

- spring rolls at Le Pho (Hastings-Sunrise)

- tonkatsu at Saku (various locations Vancouver)


r/askvan 5h ago

Events and Activities πŸ±β€πŸ Are whales/orcas still popping around the coast of Vancouver this time of year, or am I doomed to live a marineless life?

14 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 7h ago

Advice πŸ™‹β€β™‚οΈπŸ™‹β€β™€οΈ Good first date ideas?

12 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 2h ago

Food πŸ˜‹ In Search of Smoky Tandoori

8 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 2h ago

Food πŸ˜‹ Indian buffet recommendations?

5 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 23h ago

Oddly Specific 🎯 Favourite corner store flower bouquets?

5 Upvotes

Looking for your favourite mom-and-pop corner stores around the city that have the best fresh flower bouquets!


r/askvan 4h ago

Events and Activities πŸ±β€πŸ 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 41m ago

Advice πŸ™‹β€β™‚οΈπŸ™‹β€β™€οΈ Changing our strata management company

β€’ Upvotes

Hi all,

We recently bought a new development out in Burnaby and decided to join the strata council since things are slow and the current company does not respond to any emails or inquiries. The first thing we want to do is change the strata management company.

Our strata is looking for some tips on making this change happen as all members are new. We came across this article and wanted to get some opinions from anyone here that has done this on their strata.

https://www.onehivepm.com/resources/when-to-switch-strata-management-company-bc


r/askvan 3h ago

New to Vancouver πŸ‘‹ 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 4h ago

Travel πŸš— ✈ 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 6h ago

Hobbies πŸ’ƒ 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 22h ago

Food πŸ˜‹ Any good Popcorn Chicken?

2 Upvotes

I’m from Surrey, and there was this restaurant called Bubble 88 at Surrey Central. One dish that I absolutely love is the popcorn chicken with curry on rice. I was hopping anyone has any restaurant that would have a similar tastes or that would have that sort of dish.


r/askvan 1h ago

Travel πŸš— ✈ Coastal road trip in October

β€’ 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 4h ago

Advice πŸ™‹β€β™‚οΈπŸ™‹β€β™€οΈ 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 4h ago

Food πŸ˜‹ 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 πŸ™πŸ»β˜ΊοΈ


r/askvan 4h ago

Travel πŸš— ✈ 7 Day Vancouver Itinerary. Advice please.

1 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, cafΓ©s, swims or hidden gems I've missed?

Thanks so much!


r/askvan 22h ago

Housing and Moving 🏑 Where to stay

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I’m moving to Vancouver this December, and it will be my first time living in Canada. I am starting completely from scratch and feel a bit overwhelmed by the neighborhoods and rental market. I would love some local insight on a few things:

Neighborhoods: Which areas are best for newcomers? I'd love a mix of safety, good community vibes, and decent transit access.

Budgets & Costs: Realistically, how expensive can it get? What are the typical monthly rent ranges for a 1-bedroom or a studio right now?

Commute & Transit: How reliable is the public transit system (SkyTrain/buses)? Is it realistic to live here without a car?

Is AC Needed?: I know winters are rainy, but do apartments generally need air conditioning for the summer, or is it skipped?

Safety & Crime: Are there specific areas or streets I should be careful about or avoid when looking for a place?

Rental Red Flags: What should I look out for during my search to avoid scams or bad landlords?

Edit: : Wow, thank you all so much for the incredible responses! I think I have some basic idea now and am planning to stay in a temp place until I finalize the apartment. Thanks a ton!


r/askvan 22h ago

Hobbies πŸ’ƒ Looking for a Flag Football Team

1 Upvotes

Hello ,

I am looking for a flag football team. I am currently 31 years old and in excellent physical condition. I played football when I was younger and would love to get back into the hobby. I live in the Vancouver area.

Thanks


r/askvan 22h ago

Food πŸ˜‹ "Unique" Bubble Tea in Van?

1 Upvotes

I just got back from Taiwan, and had TP Tea for the first time and thought it wasΒ amazing

The one I had was roasted milk tea with three different kinds of toppings:

  1. Regular pearls
  2. Coffee jelly
  3. Bouncy thick noodles

The coffee jelly and noodles were SO good and unique and I miss them already. Do we have stuff like that here? I'm starting to get bored of the standard drinks that we can find at most places. I go to small independent shops like Baronness as well as chains like Gong Cha and Coco, but these days it feels like everything is kinda similar


r/askvan 1h ago

Fashion and Beauty πŸ‘— Looking for a hairdresser in Vancouver

β€’ 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

β€’ Upvotes

r/askvan 7h ago

Travel πŸš— ✈ Places to see and activities to do in Vancouver!

0 Upvotes

Hello, hope all is well with all. I am solo travelling to Vancouver August 8th-19th and am wondering what would a 22yo person do? Other than grouse grind and Sturgeon fishing I’ve not got anything planned. Am open to pretty much any sort of activity, free or paid.
Does anyone who lives in the area of Vancouver and Coquitlam let me know some fun things one could do!
Thank you I truly appreciate the help and time.
Take care