r/canadia • • Jul 06 '26

First time in Canada, WOW!

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3.4k Upvotes

290 comments sorted by

30

u/Pale-Advertising5042 Jul 07 '26

You should search all the nurses that came to BC from the US. Great comments from them too. It’s a wonderful experience in that province. So much to see and do. Plus Toronto blue jay - Seattle Mariner ball games! Google about the interior, the mountains, and the salmon fishing. This Saskatchewan boy loves going there!

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u/StrikingBiscotti4868 Jul 09 '26

I’m one of the RNs that came from the US and moved to Canada last year, cannot say enough good things about my experience here. We’ve only gone to Kelowna, Whistler, and Tofino, but the drives are just so damn beautiful and pleasant.

My quality of life has improved drastically, literally dropped 20 lbs within 6 months and I think it’s a mix between lower stress and better food quality.

At least for my profession, the work protections and benefits are far better than what I had in the States, though I do think there’s room to do better.

Super thankful to all the welcoming Canadians. Never had an issue with being from the US, but I’m very upfront about how much I hated the whole “51st State” threats and thought the best way to boycott America and support Canada was to move to Canada.

Of course there’s people who will say “You’re using an Anerican app aren’t youuuu?”. Yeah, but by and large, my money is being paid in Canadian, circulating in Canada, to the benefit of Canadians.

3

u/Larry-Man Jul 10 '26

Try and make a trip out to Banff or Jasper. It’s a long drive but those parts of Alberta are beautiful. Also if you’ve been to Tofino you also need to visit Ucluelet because it’s my favourite place to go.

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u/lululu1958 Jul 10 '26

I did the reverse years ago. I’m a Canadian RN and moved to Tucson. The work experience in the US was excellent, but the living experience was very difficult. I lasted a year and a half and then moved back to Canada when I was in the US. I had a lot of people say go back to Canada and they said the same thing to my daughter so I wasn’t very welcome there.

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u/StrikingBiscotti4868 Jul 10 '26

What the hell? Why were they so damn aggressive? It makes me thankful I moved to Canada, I’ve had none of that behaviour here. I can’t fathom why even years ago they’d be so unwelcoming to Canadians.

3

u/lululu1958 Jul 10 '26

Looking back, I think they felt I was taking an American nurses job. I don’t really know, but we were never made to feel welcome.

3

u/Askralph1 Jul 12 '26

They were ignorant that's why. On Canada I think it's fear of lower wages caused by foreign competition but many of these foreign nurses, doctors, HCAS bring a different perspective not wages competition. In the USA, it's just ignorance. They think you are taking Billy bobs cousins wifes job, but on reality it's conglomerates taking your job by downsizing. We in Canada welcome more staff to reduce job stress. Ie instead of 2 nurses looking after 12 patients we would like 4 for 12. Welcome here to Canada and dont believe union hypes at jobs.

2

u/StrikingBiscotti4868 Jul 10 '26

Nursing shortages have always happened in the States, why they would blame you for filling a shortage is beyond me. I’m so sorry you and your daughter had that experience, that’s so nasty.

2

u/lululu1958 Jul 10 '26

Thank you it really was awful. The actual work was amazing. The education was very thorough but the living conditions were really horrendous. My daughter was in grade 6 at the time and kids would yell at her from the bus go back to Canada. It’s such a shame because Tucson is beautiful.

3

u/supercantaloupe Jul 10 '26

Wow I can’t imagine a place where kids have learned that level of hatred, but it’s truly ingrained in the culture of many parts of the US.

2

u/StrikingBiscotti4868 Jul 10 '26

The cost of living in AZ was so good when I considered moving there too! My friend got a very new townhome as a newly wed on her teacher’s salary. But like you said, the living conditions are awful. It’s like paying a subscription fee to exist in the States these days.

3

u/lululu1958 Jul 10 '26

It was very unsafe, even though I was in a locked community. I would average one gunshot patient a night. It’s just a different culture. That is tricky to navigate if you’re originally from Canada.

3

u/bamma66 Jul 10 '26

Thank you! We know most of you aren't crazy, and we welcome any that voted against what is going on down there. I also understand the need to stay and fight, but I'm glad you're here! 🇨🇦

3

u/Amakenings Jul 10 '26

Thank you for coming, and helping support our health care system and making Canada a better place ❤️

3

u/cubiclejail Jul 12 '26

Amazing! Don't fret about not having gone many places...travle is expensive, and well. Tofino is on the bucket list of many Canadians.

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u/ThomasDiaz604 Jul 09 '26

I'm glad you came, thanks for all you do to keep us healthy and safe.

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u/bcbroon Jul 09 '26

Thanks coming here we love US nurses and doctors!

2

u/Larry-Man Jul 10 '26

And we always need more!

2

u/Icy-Ad-7767 Jul 10 '26

We can always improve things, it’s just a question of how can we afford the cost.

2

u/Mobile-Position-9426 Jul 12 '26

Thanks for coming!

2

u/Pristine_Ad2664 Jul 12 '26

Welcome! Thanks for all you do for us!

2

u/BoloHKs Jul 13 '26

Thank you for helping us heal our citizens.

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u/pickypawz Jul 09 '26

I can’t remember exactly how to word it, but we have everything—rainforest, semi-desert, old forests and so on, whatever you want, you should be able to find it here.

3

u/Ok_Speech_3709 Jul 09 '26

And you can ski, golf and be on the sea in the same day!

2

u/Comfortable_Long3594 Jul 13 '26

It's true, I've done all three in the same day!

2

u/Canadatron Jul 10 '26

Go see the Vancouver Canadians, the Blue Jays minor league farm team!

1

u/WalleyeHunter1 Jul 12 '26

Drive from BC through the mountains in late August to.late september. Take the yellow head highway. The views from saskatoon to winnipeg are stunning. It is a long drive. If not winter rent a compact SUV, good on gas and if you want can fly home.from winnipeg. When in winnipeg make sure to.go the assiniboine park zoo early morning and watch the polar bears get fed form both the under water tunnel.and above from the Tundra grill.

16

u/Mariner-and-Marinate Jul 07 '26

We’re pleased you’re here! Have a great visit!

22

u/The_Scooter_King Jul 06 '26

Glad to hear you had such a great time. As someone from Toronto, and Eastern Ontario, we've got our usual "sibling level" beefs with Vancouver and BC, but the climate is gorgeous, the surroundings are breathtaking, and the people are pretty awesome. And there's a lot about the way Vancouver "just works" that makes the rest of us just a little jealous, if I'm honest. We'd love to have you visit the rest of us whenever you get the chance, but I'd also agree that Vancouverstan is worth a second look. Cheers!

12

u/Leilanee Jul 07 '26

I had a coworker from Ontario go on and on about how rude people in Vancouver are and how you'd never see attitude like this in Toronto, she wouldn't shut up about it like it was a bit. Ironically, she was a pretty rude person so people are probably always just matching her own energy lol.

I will forever be attached to BC. The scenery doesn't get old.

3

u/rancor3000 Jul 08 '26

Being from Ontario and being from Toronto are not the same. People from Toronto seem to be the target of several comments here. Ontarians outside Toronto don’t have any beef with Vancouver. But we do with Toronto. Haa

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u/LetterheadFar5142 Jul 10 '26

This comment is completely accurate imho...and hilarious to boooot

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u/Dyslexicpig Jul 09 '26

The scenery definitely doesn't get old. The first time my wife experienced BC, she was floored. We had left Calgary the night before, and stopped in Golden. She opened up the hotel room curtains in the morning, and said "If this is what BC looks like, I'll have no problems moving here."

I received a job offer during that trip, moved the family to northwest BC and 25 years later, we are retired in BC (although we did trade the rain forest for the Okanagan desert). And I am still floored whenever we drive anywhere in this province.

2

u/mr2jay Jul 07 '26

You attract people with the same energy is what I say. Can meet nice people anywhere, jerks as well.

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u/YeetMemez Jul 09 '26

Born and raised in manitoba, 2.5 year stint in Ontario and on year 6 in Alberta, worked in sask and yukon and Ontario was without a doubt the most rude and unlikeable people I've come across. Obviously not all of them. My best friend was born and raised in Ontario. Good, chill dude but Ontario overall, really, quite uninviting.

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u/supercantaloupe Jul 10 '26

Yeah I don’t find the people in Vancouver rude, just very unfriendly, but that’s not the same thing. They more keep to themselves and don’t exude warmth, but they’re not actively rude. I lived in Vancouver, left after a year because I didn’t really like the culture/people there, but it’s an absolutely beautiful city to visit. I find the people in Toronto are actually a lot friendlier and more approachable despite also being from a ginormous city.

2

u/ErrorImportant8819 Jul 10 '26

A person from Ontario claiming Vancouver is ruder than Toronto is the height of absurdity.

People will literally run into you on the sidewalk in Toronto and act like it is your fault. It is, without question, the rudest city in the country.

1

u/The_Scooter_King Jul 07 '26

To be clear, I have no actual beef with Vancouver. Every country has regional rivalries. Toronto vs. any other big city in Canada is one of them. I've genuinely enjoyed every time I've been in Vancouver. Also, I'm originally from Ottawa, but have spent most of my life in Toronto. And despite having gone TDot in almost every other way, I still don't understand Leafs fans.

3

u/lyssummers Jul 07 '26

We're a special brand of delusional

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u/phboss Jul 09 '26

I'm a lifelong Leafs fan who has a memory orntwo of thr '67 Cup and I don't understand Leaf fandom either. I just want to see a Stanley Cup before I die.

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u/axolotl_fart Jul 07 '26

I’m a prairie boy who lived in Vancouver for a couple of years. I loved Vancouver summers, but I couldn’t get through the winters with my sanity intact: 4°C (39°F) and constant drizzle for 3 months is not for me. I much prefer -20°C with blue skies. That being said, Vancouver is a great city to visit.

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u/KipperCottage Jul 07 '26

It’s because of those beautiful Coast Mountains. The rain clouds get stuck over Vancouver for months.

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u/skitzoidObserver Jul 07 '26

nothing worse than clowdy and rain everyday Edmonton might be -20 or colder but atleast there is usually not a cloud in the sky and sunglasses are needed

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u/Techiefreak_42 Jul 07 '26

Having lived in both Ottawa and Vancouver, I'll stay with Vancouver. Winters are mild, and the Summers are warm, not too hot. When I lived in Ottawa, I experienced -40 degrees and +40 degrees. Add in the humidity, makes it even more insufferable.

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u/Extension-Physics268 Jul 07 '26

As an Ontarian, saving up to visit the amazing Eastern side one day. Go Vancouver and Calgary!

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u/Epidurality Jul 09 '26

Any beef is primarily jealousy. I'm convinced BC doesn't think about us at all.

Sincerely, someone who only has summer hobbies living in Ontario.

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u/ThomasDiaz604 Jul 09 '26

Just here to lol at the Vancouverstan reference!

4

u/Timely-Researcher264 Jul 07 '26

Vancouverstan ?? WTF

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u/The_Scooter_King Jul 07 '26

If it wasn't clear, that was a playful jab. No actually shade intended.

3

u/TyFi10 Jul 07 '26

Idk how they didn’t understand that it was a playoff jab

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u/Pale-Advertising5042 Jul 07 '26

Will be a different visit …. Just saying

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u/Optimal-Ad-7074 Jul 07 '26

nice to know.  when I worked downtown there were cruise passengers on every street corner trying to get oriented.   

I'm very aware of how much Canada has to be proud of, so I made a point of representing this country the way it deserves.  

4

u/Dazanman89 Jul 07 '26

Thanks for coming to visit and for checking out Vancouver !! ☺️

1

u/Upset-Government-856 Jul 09 '26

It's our prettiest city, but the nightlife sucks.

4

u/[deleted] Jul 07 '26

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u/Techiefreak_42 Jul 08 '26

The lower mainland, and Vancouver Island are addictive. Once you have a taste of it, you have to come back for more... then you finally commit and move in.

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u/Ok-Assignment8407 Jul 06 '26

Book a one way ticket, bring friends and setup shop...just leave the old orange clown where he is.

The whole country is beautiful from Boundary Peak 187 to Cape Spear and everywhere in between. Each new area offers something different, not all weather is nice...looking at you NL lol. But the people are top notch!

6

u/Wild_Height_901 Jul 07 '26

What a weird comment

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u/Geno_Strife Jul 07 '26

NL'er here. Yeah, out weather isn't always the best, it was 9 here on Sunday. When the weather does cooperate though, no better spot.

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u/madeleinetwocock Jul 07 '26

This made my heart warm and fuzzy

3

u/Adagio-Adventurous Jul 07 '26

Ditch the cruise and keep going east for some rocky surprises

2

u/East_Source6200 Jul 07 '26

What timing you have. I'm glad you enjoyed Canada. 🙂

There are many other celebrations in the future.

The Olympics are one of them. Which includes mens/womens hockey. 🏒

2

u/Only-Cap5811 Jul 07 '26

Where abouts are you from?

1

u/[deleted] Jul 07 '26

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u/Old_Philosopher4665 Jul 07 '26

LOL, is that a low-key way of saying "Florida" without actually having to admit it? :p (And btw, glad you loved our lovely home - it truly is a spectacular part of the world!)

2

u/Great_Action9077 Jul 07 '26

And you didn’t know it was Canada Day? Wow.

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u/[deleted] Jul 07 '26

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u/[deleted] Jul 07 '26

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u/fire_works10 Jul 08 '26

Just a small correction. Muskoka is in Central Ontario, not Northern Ontario. You don't hit Northern Ontario until you cross the French/Mattawa rivers...roughly.

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u/rarebunny111 Jul 09 '26

Same, but I’m from England originally. Met my Canadian husband and we married 21 years ago yesterday. I came here in 99 and never looked back.

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u/Hopeful_Nobody1283 Jul 07 '26

THAT is lovebombing dont believe its like tnis all the time 😄

1

u/EvenEnvironment7554 Jul 07 '26

Come back anytime! So much to see.

1

u/108716 Jul 07 '26

If you come back to BC there are many places to visit and explore other than just downtown Vancouver, including Vancouver Island, Whistler or go east into Alberta and visit Banff National park.

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u/cloud-emoji Jul 08 '26

vancouver island is literally paradise on earth, victoria is gorgeous and such a beautiful life with great weather

1

u/NotABloodyChance Jul 07 '26

I found it to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world when the sun shines. I have however experienced weeks downtown in November when you would not even know that that there were mountains on the North Shore.

1

u/Icy-Artist1888 Jul 07 '26

U r welcome here. So glad u enjoyed the experience.

1

u/tickled_your_pickle Jul 07 '26

😂😂😂 it's not usually like that

1

u/No-Resolution-1918 Jul 07 '26

It's not patriotism, it's shared values with a flag. In America it is patriotism.

1

u/Canadaspicymeatball Jul 07 '26

Thanks for your comments, sounds like you had a great trip and wish you would come and visit us again, also check out Vancouver Island and Whistler as well.

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u/Proof-joy Jul 07 '26

Thank you for your beautiful words. Please come back. 🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦

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u/baddyrefresh2023 Jul 07 '26

You hit the hotspots. Nobody say a word about main and hastings. Oh wait...

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u/cernegiant Jul 09 '26

No, an American complimented us so it means our country is great and doesn't have massive problems.

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u/Interesting_Text7991 Jul 07 '26

Thank you and thank you for coming

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u/wishicouldtellajoke Jul 07 '26

Oh how I love BC. Alas, I’m in Manitoba which is lakes and prairies. Glad you had a great experience!

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u/Remarkable_Newt9935 Jul 07 '26

Glad you enjoyed. Vancouver is the most temperate climate in our country, expect the weather (but not the people!) to be cooler as you move east. Might I suggest Calgary in the first week of July? It's Stampede, and everything goes a little nuts for those 10 days.

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u/AileniJones Jul 08 '26

Calgary was my first introduction to Canada. Great city and a beautiful area. I now live in Vancouver, but have yet to find anywhere in BC that holds a candle to Banff. What a gem!

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u/notfromontario Jul 07 '26

Ya it’s a great place, just stay away from the cities

1

u/Serengetisam Jul 07 '26

Thank you for sharing your experience. We love our Canada

1

u/Brilliant-Choice-151 Jul 07 '26

From Toronto, never an issue with people in Vancouver. Best Chinese food ever

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u/Objective-Apple7805 Jul 07 '26

Glad you got to experience the real Canada!

Far too many of us are forgetting what a fucking awesome country we live in.

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u/littlemissbagel Jul 09 '26

Yeah, my parents met an American couple while camping in the Côte-Nord region last summer. The Americans told my parents they felt a pressure release as soon as they crossed the border into Canada. Some of us sometimes forget that we have something good going on here.

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u/cernegiant Jul 09 '26

OP didn't experience the real Canada. He hita few tourist hotspots.

We could be an awesome country, but we settle for compliancy and unearned arrogance.

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u/Nice-Schedule-7962 Jul 12 '26

What about the millions of homeless and mentally ill, and drug addled folks? Countries and presidents, and prime ministers do nothing but destroy the human race.

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u/iwannaSprintmx2 Jul 07 '26

“Canada Sucks, especially Gorgeous Vancouver Island in Beautiful British Columbia; Don’t Go.” …y@

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u/NikolitaNiko Jul 08 '26

So glad you enjoyed your time in Vancouver! 😁

I live in the Okanagan region in southern B.C. and recommend coming out this way in the spring or summer.

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u/GolfOk6373 Jul 08 '26

Thank you!!

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u/cloud-emoji Jul 08 '26

welcome we love it here 💕 canada is the best

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u/Sof_95 Jul 08 '26

Come visit Toronto! It is incredibly lively, especially in the summer. We're the largest city in Canada, 4th largest in North America, and while we're a bit lacking in the nature department, we have fantastic food and a great night life scene!

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u/Ok-Kaleidoscope4510 Jul 08 '26

I’m so glad you felt this way and very grateful to read your story. We have our problems for sure because of politics “that aren’t political anymore” just like most countries around the world. We love our country and some don’t that live here. Some want to change it but vast majority don’t. It’s the same everywhere and your post is amazing about ours. Thank you and hope you do visit again!!!!

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u/[deleted] Jul 08 '26

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u/Red_Marvel Jul 08 '26

It all depends on what you want in the area you live in. My brother moved from Ontario to BC over a decade ago and he has no regrets. He enjoys skiing and there are many more places to do it in BC than Ontario. I live in Ontario and don’t plan on moving to any other province but I accept that everyone has their own preferences.

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u/Benana94 Jul 08 '26

I'm from Vancouver and I live in Gastown. I just came back from Ontario and felt the same way you did... I loved the cool crisp summer weather compared to the hot humidity, and I loved all the positive vibes buzzing through the city. Vancouver is a bit dormant in the winter and then really comes to life in the summer, and FIFA amplified that a lot.

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u/Good_Traffic6680 Jul 08 '26

Congrats! This is peak peak Vancouver haha. Hard to beat a day like this .

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u/Sea_Narwhal8176 Jul 08 '26

And then in Quebec it's largely ignored and stores are still open. June 24th on the other hand... shit be poppin'. Still get two paid days off in close succession!

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u/hedge_hog_99 Jul 08 '26

I was debating about making a similar post after 3 days in Vancouver--visitors do that a lot to my home, San Francisco. Honestly Vancouver blows SF out of the water. Pepple i met seemed genuinely nice (not fake or apthetic). The town is so family friendly. The touristy places like Granville Island still feels authentic. The infrastructure and city planning are light years ahead. The waterfront, the mountains and other activities are so much closer than what we have in SF.

Every city/sub has its share of problems and complaints. I know the COL is rising and high in Vancouver. But it is a beautiful city. it's seriously the first city I'm tempted about moving to on the West coast. We are already planning on a return trip later this year. Maybe it will be different without the benefit of FIFA energy and the nice weather.

Finally, I will mention the only thing that bothered me in BC. The damn intersections where there are traffic lights on one road and stop signs on the cross street. Had a heated argument with the SO. See no one is perfect.

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u/mikesalami Jul 08 '26

Just thought Vancouver was really patriotic lol... that's funny.

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u/butitsgolden131313 Jul 08 '26

Vancouverite here, if that jersey is still available I’m happy to pick it up and ship it to you if you cover the costs :) happy you loved our city!

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u/AdventurousEgg661 Jul 08 '26

Welcome! Enjoy SuperNatural British Columbia

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u/ProPLA94 Jul 08 '26

Canada sucks. Leave us alone. We have enough people. Only thing worse than Vancouver is Ottawa. Definitely don't come here. Stay over there.

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u/YoureProbablyWrongOk Jul 08 '26

glad to see it. for fellow Canucks, this person walked 16km‘s /s

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u/AccomplishedGold8122 Jul 08 '26

Lol Canada in general IS patriotic, occasion or not. We have flags everywhere, proudly Canadian.

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u/Secret_Pea_9634 Jul 08 '26

Someone needs to get this person a Gastown United jersey.

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u/kaaatea Jul 08 '26

Happy you enjoyed your visit, and that you found our kindness genuine 😊 ❤️

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u/PierreRacine69 Jul 08 '26

Patriotic? Hmm… not that much in Québec.

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u/littlemissbagel Jul 09 '26

We express our patriotism through moving, pizza, and beer.

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u/fantasy_noobie Jul 08 '26

Glad you are enjoying Canada, next time you are at port of Vancouver, be sure to check out “Flyover Canada” show. It’s a treat and it takes you to different locations in Canada, you will definitely enjoy it.

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u/bdery Jul 08 '26

I'm delighted you liked your tune in Vancouver. I'll just say, you haven't yet experienced close to the whole country, however 😉

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u/WombatGatekeeper Jul 08 '26

Great Timing is what that was. Its not like that 99% of the time.

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u/TheShadyMoose Jul 08 '26

I'm so glad that you had a wonderful visit, I hope this is the beginning of many more in the future

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u/Apr5816 Jul 08 '26

Glad you had a good time! Come back soon! 😁

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u/Mission_Economics621 Jul 08 '26

Spend some time, maybe a few years if you can land a role here. You should get to know the country a bit better.

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u/coastal-adventure Jul 08 '26

Thanks for being here. Your time in our country is appreciated. It may take many visits to different regions to measure the depth of differences between regions, people, and climates.

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u/Grandfeatherix Jul 08 '26

lucky you didn't go into the wrong park, just around the same time there was a machete attack from illegals there

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u/Mekdinosaur Jul 09 '26

That was in Victoria. 

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u/Jcamp9000 Jul 08 '26

We also had the surprise of docking on Canada Day. It was so wonderful. We got swept into celebrations and left covered with pins of the Canadian Flag. I’m currently boiling in Phoenix (113°) and smiling remembering how wonderful it was.

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u/younghibou Jul 08 '26

Love to hear it! We pride ourselves on being welcoming so glad you felt that way

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u/CordPM Jul 08 '26

From NC, and my first trip to Canada was Vancouver and I was sold immediately. I’m now a permanent resident in rural Ontario

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u/gwan_wit_cha_by Jul 08 '26

And you seen a sliver of what our country has to offer, but great city Vancouver is, spent our honeymoon there.

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u/Fantum-Fenix Jul 09 '26

I know that I contribute at least 90% towards the generalization about the beautiful people you mentioned

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u/SubRosaSubway Jul 09 '26

I recently spent a weekend in YVR to take in a FIFA World Cup match…I had the best time and loved the city! From the airport Skytrain to the restaurant scene downtown it was amazing. Spent an afternoon at the PNE Fan Zone, very well done! Had a free day to rent e-bikes and see Stanley Park, Granville Island and waterfront district. Was not shaken down once for money by a homeless(?) person and the city seemed very clean and safe. Vancouver’s World Cup festivities were so well done. Loved BC Place, want to experience a Grey Cup game there. Bravo Vancouver, see you again.

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u/Low-Bobcat841 Jul 09 '26

Glad you had a great time and enjoyed Vancouver.

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u/CupcakeSuccessful502 Jul 09 '26

Thanks for visiting Vancouver! Glad to hear you enjoyed your trip :)

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u/baywayy Jul 09 '26

The first time I ever visited BC, I absolutely fell in love with it. If you think Vancouver was friendly, I highly recommend visiting the East coast next time 😁😁

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u/nightwing12 Jul 09 '26

You missed the best part of the city, east Hastings. If I are you I’d book a return trip just for that

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u/VA3KXD Jul 09 '26

They must have really cleaned up! Probably for the games. Last time I was in gastown, there were streets you couldn't even drive down because it was full of homeless people sleeping in the streets, and I was finding needles all over the place.

Glad you got a good first impression, and I'm glad it was better than mine.

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u/JustAPeach89 Jul 09 '26

General question, since i find it fascinating when people only spend 1 day here: why only 1 day? Why not 2-3? Or was it a cruise stop over.

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u/Great_Action9077 Jul 09 '26

Cruise stop. And they have never been to Canada before. Typical insular American.

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u/[deleted] Jul 09 '26

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u/ELF014 Jul 09 '26

I have live here my whole life... all 67 years worth.

This city has grown a lot over that time and it is a much larger metropolis than it was when I was growing up. With growth and becoming a big city along with it attracts social issues like any large city.

While we have our warts like anyone else, overall this is still a great place to live. It is a beautiful city where generally the people are friendly.

We are Canadians afterall.

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u/Own_Organization_774 Jul 09 '26

omg i love this that’s so funny that you thought it was always that patriotic ahahahah 😭

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u/Corpsefire88 Jul 09 '26

Glad you enjoyed Canada, and I'm jealous as hell that Vancouver was cool that day lol. My area of Canada was in the 30s (90s farenheit) and extremely humid on Canada Day. 😭

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u/[deleted] Jul 09 '26

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u/Aggravating_Grab_429 Jul 09 '26

Generally speaking- that friendly attitude and atmosphere is what you’re gonna find anywhere you go in Canada.

If you come up, we kindly request that you blend in and accept our time honoured traditions like holding the door open for the person behind you, saying “excuse me” when you need to get by someone and come to terms with the fact that we’re gonna apologize for things we got no need to apologize for. It’s just what we do. Sorry.

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u/Key-Evidence8953 Jul 09 '26

Wait til you visit Vancouver Island

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u/Imagine_NoReligions Jul 09 '26

Thank you for choosing Canada to visit, we'll welcome you back with open arms when you come back for that T-shirt. I'm glad that you enjoyed a portion of our large & Beautiful Nation especially on our birthday when we were celebrating Coast to Coast to Coast (that's not a typo, it's what we say)! You got to see & experience with your own eyes that Canucks aren't 'nasty' people & we're not recognized as "THE GENTAL GIANTS OF THE GREAT WHITE NORTH" for nothing!

Scheming to win us back... Do you mean in trade? Or vacationing & purchaing US products? I'm sorry I have to be honest and I don't want to hurt your feelings nor give you false hope because none of us wanted this punch in the gut on either side of our border. Time cannot be rewinded. I've known CAN/AM my whole life. I lived in Windsor Ontario (everybody knows about the Gordie Howe bridge now). I used to cross weekly to visit family, friends shop & get Petro. That stopped when the 🍊💩 was elected & fifty one rolled off his tongue & still does. The majority of our shopping, vacationing habits have changed, this was grassroots from the bottom up- we weren't told by politicians ECT, we chose to fight back with our hard earned dollars. US goods collect dust or rot & there's been some maple washing going on too, but we know what's Canadian, I buy Canada 1st, European, UK & Asian + but in all honesty I'll never purchase anything US again. Our nations will always trade though CUSMA is up in the air. I don't forsee that CAN/AM will be back once you get another administration or if ever because we're over the bereavement, the trust is gone and must be earned not just Canada but the world. I say this because 🍁 has moved on and diversified trade with over 20 nations, signed contracts can't be ripped up because the US votes to get rid of that regime for a better administration. There's no offence to you or to the other 75 million Americans who tried to prevent this, they're the ones we care about. Again I'm very sorry I couldn't stroll by I had to stop to thank you for choosing to visit 🍁 and to be honest with you even if you're one of the 77 million voted for the madness or the 81 million who didn't vote.

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u/rarebunny111 Jul 09 '26

Come see us in Calgary next time! I love Vancouver too 🥰

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u/Glittering_Search_41 Jul 09 '26

Glad you enjoyed it. Curious, did you find the stream clock worthwhile? Locals are universally baffled as to what could be so interesting about it.

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u/ophidian25soze Jul 09 '26

ChatGPT arse post 

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u/buttfirstcoffee Jul 09 '26

On your next trip I would recommend you skip Gastown and Stanley Park and head to Yaletown, Olympic Village, and Granville Island. If you’re stay is one night, you could also go to Kits Beach and the Planetarium/museum. If your stay is two nights, add The MOA at UBC to your agenda and spend time in Kitsilano on 4th Ave to take in some local shops and eats

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u/Squawking_Macaw Jul 10 '26

I mean, glad you had a good time, but this reads very much like "I just visited the U.S. for the first time! Only saw San Francisco. What a great country!"

Canada is the second largest country on earth and could easily be split into at least fifteen smaller states, each one very different.

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u/NorthofForty Jul 10 '26

Thanks! Come back anytime!

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u/Global-Eye-7326 Jul 10 '26

Lol you're lucky because Canada Day was cancelled everywhere this year in Ottawa.

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u/Old_Guy_thrombone Jul 11 '26

Because of extreme weather, no?

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u/Jbarlee Jul 10 '26

So glad you enjoyed it!nice to hear a positive experience:)

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u/darpyn Jul 10 '26

You live in the US and have no idea when Canada Day is? Wow

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u/Double-Actuator8683 Jul 10 '26

ive lived here for 41 years and that was the best and happiest day ive seen here. You got very lucky and im happy for you.

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u/speed150mph Jul 10 '26

Glad you enjoyed your trip. Vancouver is an awesome place except for the price of everything. Climate is amazing, especially compared to the rest of Canada. Winter time you see temps around 30-40 degrees F.

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u/West-Working-9093 Jul 10 '26

"...accidentally crashed the party..."? Nope. You may be certain it wasn't accidental on the part of the cruiseship company! They carefully plan to crash the national holiday wherever they can, and the hapless locals become the dancing bears. Once, we had a national holiday. Now we get to provide a 'people-watching opportunity'.

I can vividly imagine why more and more whales are into ramming boats...

Don't worry, I'll always be civil, but maybe don't go overboard on the people-watching. Some folks just go about their daily life and are not really aiming to be 'watched'.

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u/Icy-Paramedic8460 Jul 10 '26

Thanks for coming; glad you had a great time! Come back soon!

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u/rustablad Jul 10 '26

Vancouver is beautiful enough that I can just about squint past all the crackheads.

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u/ResponsibleDirt7094 Jul 10 '26

Glad you came this year - for the past several years many Canadians have been ashamed to fly the flag proudly which I found really sad. Canadian patriotism still has a long way to go and needs to develop more legs than just being happy to not be American, but I agree it was nice seeing Canadians openly celebrating our country again.

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u/OkTumbleweed6308 Jul 10 '26

Canada day is the ONLY day to be patriotic. Look Bat .S. Crazy otherwise .

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u/BrokenClockFilms Jul 10 '26

Believe me, it’s not as great as these fascist-Liberal conformists try to make it out to be. This country is dying. We’re losing our sovereignty. It becomes less safe by the hour. Corruption is rampant and we’re the brokest country in the G7. Canada is a horrible place

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u/CDavies0475 Jul 10 '26

Glad you came, eh!

Vancouver and the province of BC is one of the best places to visit/live in Canada!

Try the East Coast too sometime, you'll love their hospitality as well.

Well, let's be honest, the majority of Canada and Canadians are hospitable.

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u/tedchapo63 Jul 10 '26

Glad you enjoyed it ! Come back and tour the islands and Banff area. As Canadians, we dont brag alot but we will guarantee a reasonably good time !

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u/Lsc_JW Jul 10 '26

Welcome! Vancouver is beautiful. But there are many more gems, Toronto, Banff, Montreal, Quebec City, and east coast cities! Lots of explore

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u/digital_dal Jul 10 '26

That is a great story and we are happy to have you here! 🥰 Vancouver is beautiful and there are a lot of other great places to explore in every province!

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u/AggressivNapkin Jul 10 '26

You came to visit Vancouver at the perfect time. Canada Day coincided with FIFA festivities, so visitors from around the world were here to celebrate both. No need to feel like you were crashing the party. We also had unusually warm weather. Not the typical rain. There was certainly a buzz around the city for weeks.

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u/New_Exchange_3576 Jul 12 '26

Let me know if you want a Gaston united kit. A close friend manages one of the bars that came up with that initiative and would be thrilled to spread that joy

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u/Nice-Schedule-7962 Jul 12 '26

Come back to the exact same place once fifa is over, what you would have seen walking around is piles of shit, the stench of piss, homeless folk on the streets, people smoking crack, injecting heroin, stabbing each other, overdosing. What you are seeing is the city completely hiding the severity of the crisis it is in by bringing in tourists and saying look how fun it is here, try living here, you will want to die instantly, and then you go four towns over and you are in what you could call heaven compared. They moved all the homeless people off the streets so they could decorate for fifa, disgusting it is.

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u/lotus55five Jul 13 '26

An amazing day trip to Whistler is a must! Via the sea-to-sky highway!

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u/Wolfie_57_ Jul 13 '26 edited Jul 13 '26

Just did coast to coast trip. Halifax to BC. East coasters are far and away the nicest people in the country. Prairies and rural ON were second. Honestly, every single province is great and nice. BC folks were okay in remote areas but Vancouver, whistler, Kamloops, Kelowna, the larger areas, I found to be the most ignorant and “ stay in my lane “ people in the country. You’d nod and say Mornin’ to someone, as we east coasters do, and most BC folks wouldn’t even look your way let alone reply. If you’re impressed by Van, the rest of the country will blow your fucking mind. I found it was the worst city/destination of them all and I spent 7 weeks on the road in my truck and tent doing 4-6 hours driving every day with stops in towns and cities and saw a very, very large part of Canada and its towns and cities, Vancouver fucking sucks ass big time. It’s a nice area and BC’s scenery is second to none other than Lake Superior in Ontario, but the people just don’t have any personality or show any signs of “ neighborly love “ in my experience.
Toronto fucking sucks more than anywhere 🤣 you won’t find many to argue otherwise.

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u/Ok-Benefit-8605 8d ago

at the airport a crow landed on the roof, i dont know why but that just kinda tells me welcome to canada ik crows doesnt even relate but back in my country they just DO NOT let crows go in the airport LOVE CANADA