Recently, Canadian social media has been abuzz with debate over which city is the ultimate liveability benchmark. When North Vancouver was named the most liveable city in Canada, many long-time Vancouver residents were immediately thinking: Are you kidding me? How can a place with a blocked bridge, excessive rain causing mold, and outrageously expensive rents be number one?
Reporter Morgan Leet returned with this very question in mind to prove them wrong. A seasoned mover who had relocated countless times, she initially had no fondness for North Vancouver. Previously, when living in downtown Vancouver, she always felt that North Vancouver, while close, lacked character. But after living there for a while, she was completely “cured,” and even considered moving back. According to Morgan’s experience, North Vancouver’s reputation for being “liveable” is well-deserved.
The most magical moment happened the instant she crossed the bridge into North Vancouver. She said it felt like a pressure valve in her body had suddenly been turned off. The pace of downtown Vancouver always carries a strange anxiety; everyone is rushing around. But in North Vancouver, the air is filled with openness and tranquillity.
The atmosphere here isn’t “Run, you’re going to be late,” but rather “Let’s go get some coffee after we climb the mountain.” This sudden reduction in sensory pressure genuinely slows down the pace of life. Greater Vancouver has become the pinnacle of liveability! Vancouver’s relaxed atmosphere is all thanks to it! North Vancouver strikes a perfect balance between the most agonizing questions of “space” and “convenience.” Want to commute downtown? Take the SeaBus! This mode of transport is practically a dream come true for Vancouver’s working class: no more getting stuck in traffic on the bridge, just a leisurely 10–15-minute ride with the sea breeze on your way to work. And looking back at North Vancouver, there are charming cafes and stylish shops, so you don’t need to cross the bridge every day—it truly has the best of both worlds.
Not to mention the “backyard forest” that outdoor enthusiasts go crazy for. In North Vancouver, nature isn’t a weekend destination requiring a drive; it’s an everyday reality, easily accessible. Morgan remarked that before, after hiking in Vancouver, his biggest fear was getting stuck in traffic on the bridge on the way back—the stress he’d just washed off would instantly return. But in North Vancouver, Lynn Canyon Park is just a short walk from get off work. That ability to instantly switch into “escape the city” mode is truly irreplaceable. Of course, North Vancouver has its drawbacks.
The endless rainy season and the heartbreaking rent starting at $3,000 a month remain real challenges. But Morgan believes that true liveability is having a place where you can truly breathe deeply after a busy day, seamlessly switching between nature and the city. That sense of security—being able to let your guard down simply by crossing a bridge—is expensive, yet incredibly luxurious. If you’re also struggling with mental exhaustion, why not take a trip to North Vancouver? Perhaps you’ll discover that life is no longer a sprint, but a gentle, deep breath.