10 Reasons Why You Should Consider Moving to British Columbia

British Columbia is the westernmost province in Canada with a population of around 5.3 million people and is located between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains. Its largest city is Vancouver and it is the third-largest metropolitan area in Canada.

Victoria, British Columbia’s beautiful capital, is situated on the scenic Vancouver Island just a short ferry or seaplane ride from the mainland.

The province’s location on the west coast gives it a temperate climate with warm dry summers and the winters are milder than most parts of Canada. There are over 80,000 job available currently across British Columbia, according to Indeed.ca. Consistently voted as the most liveable city in Canada, Vancouver is a thriving economic hub with excellent career prospects and business opportunities. Families moving to British Columbia have a variety of excellent school options and outdoor activities in both summer and winter to keep people of all ages active and healthy.

There are numerous reasons why moving to British Columbia is an excellent choice, we have selected the top 10 reasons to pack your bags!

Make Your Move to Canada

10 Reasons to Move to BC, Canada

British Columbia is one of the most popular places to live in Canada due to its robust economy, excellent education system, and stunning natural environment. Let's look at ten reasons why you should consider moving to British Columbia.

Job Opportunites and Industry

British Columbia has a thriving economy with Vancouver as its commercial hub. Vancouver boasts Canada's largest port and handles almost $200 million worth of cargo daily. The city is home to many industries such as biotechnology, alternative fuels, and software development, among others. Many foreign technology companies like IBM, Intel, and Nokia have set up shop in Vancouver. The province also has a large number of mining and forestry companies, including MacDonald, Dettwiler, and Associates, which employs over 1000 people working in satellite and information systems technology. Discover BC's in-demand occupations. 

Education

British Columbia has 11 public and five private universities, including the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Simon Frazer University, which is ranked 10th in Canada. UBC was ranked second out of Canada's top universities behind the University of Toronto, which is ranked 31st in the world. Additionally, the British Columbia Institute of Technology offers polytechnic education, and there are many community colleges available, such as the Emily Carr University of Art and Design and the Vancouver Film School.

Outdoor Activities

British Columbia has a dramatic landscape that makes it one of the best places in the world to live, with outdoor adventures ranging from sailing and golfing in the summer to skiing and ice climbing during the winter months. Whistler-Blackcomb boasts some of the best slopes in Canada and North America. The Glacier National Park is one of the most ecologically significant regions in Canada, and it offers spectacular scenery, rock climbing, and hiking. For a more relaxed natural environment and intimate encounters with nature, people can visit the naturally warm pools and incredible horseshoe caves of the Ainsworth Hot Springs in the southwest of the province.

Healthcare

As with all parts of Canada, British Columbia has a universal public funded healthcare system, whereby basic health care services are provided to all citizens and legal residents in Canada at no cost. The province of British Columbia allocates nearly 21 percent of its budget to healthcare.

Culture and People

The communities in British Columbia are culturally and ethnically diverse, with immigrants making up nearly 27% of the province's overall population. An additional 5% of the population is made up of indigenous Aboriginal peoples. Apart from the country's official languages of English and French, people in British Columbia also speak a number of Aboriginal languages as well as Chinese, Punjabi, and Korean, among others. The people of British Columbia are friendly and welcoming, creating a diverse and vibrant environment that is also attractive to international students.

Plenty of Travel Options

British Columbia has many alternative modes of transport to help with getting in and around the beautiful province. British Columbia's public bus system is the most commonly used mode of transport as it services most of the areas. Taxis are also considered fast and a convenient way of travel, and there are many taxi companies available in and around the cities. For a pleasurable and fun way of travel, the ferry is a very good option as it enables travelers to experience the breathtaking views of the ocean and it is a fun way to get to the beautiful Islands.

Wildlife

Wildlife in British Columbia is abundant, with visitors and residents alike enjoying the serene scenery, bird watching, whale watching, and if you are lucky, enjoying an incredible sight of grizzly bears pawing salmon. Hiking is known to be a great way to see wildlife in the mountains. Across the inland, the parks, grasslands, and forests are alive with moose, mountain goats,

Opportunities for Adventure Sports

British Columbia offers a wide range of adventure sports that cater to different skill levels and preferences. For those who love water sports, kayaking and white water rafting are popular activities on the province’s many rivers and lakes. Surfing is also possible on the west coast, with Tofino being a popular destination for surfers.

For those who prefer to stay on land, there are many options for hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing in the province’s mountains and forests. The iconic West Coast Trail is a popular multi-day hiking trail that offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and rugged coastline.

Low Crime Rates

British Columbia is known for being a safe place to live, with low crime rates compared to other parts of Canada and the United States. The province’s government and law enforcement agencies are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors.

Environmental Awareness

British Columbia has a strong culture of environmental awareness and conservation. The province’s government has taken steps to protect the environment, such as creating new parks and protected areas, and promoting sustainable development practices.

Many residents of British Columbia are also environmentally conscious, and there are many initiatives and programs aimed at reducing waste, conserving energy, and protecting the province’s natural resources.

There are many compelling reasons why you should consider moving to British Columbia. The province offers a prosperous economy with many job opportunities, high-quality education, a diverse and welcoming culture, and a wide range of outdoor activities and adventures. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed and peaceful lifestyle or an action-packed adventure, British Columbia has something for everyone. With its stunning natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and strong commitment to environmental conservation, it’s no wonder that British Columbia is considered one of the best places to live in Canada.

Immigrate to British Columbia

British Columbia (BC) may be an excellent destination for you. BC is known for its natural beauty, mild climate, and strong economy, which make it an attractive place to live and work. In this blog section, we'll discuss two of the most popular pathways for immigrating to BC: the Express Entry program and the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP).

Express Entry

The Express Entry program is a federal immigration system designed to attract highly skilled workers to Canada. It manages the applications of candidates for three federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.

The Express Entry system uses a points-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to assess candidates' profiles. Candidates are awarded points based on factors such as their age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other criteria. Candidates with the highest scores are invited to apply for permanent residency. Use our CRS calculator to find out your score. 

To be eligible for the Express Entry program, candidates must meet certain minimum requirements, such as language proficiency and education level.

The Express Entry program is a competitive system, and the selection process can be challenging. However, successful candidates will have the opportunity to live and work anywhere in Canada, including British Columbia.

BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)

The BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is a program that allows the province of British Columbia to nominate candidates for permanent residency in Canada. The BC PNP is designed to attract and retain skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates who have the skills and experience that BC needs to grow its economy.

The BC PNP has several categories that candidates can apply under, including the Skilled Worker Category, the International Graduate Category, and the Entrepreneur Category. Each category has its own eligibility requirements, but in general, candidates must have a job offer from a BC employer or meet certain criteria, such as having a degree from a BC post-secondary institution.

The BC PNP also uses a points-based system to assess candidates' profiles. The system awards points based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other criteria. Candidates with the highest scores are invited to apply for a provincial nomination.

One of the benefits of the BC PNP is that candidates who receive a provincial nomination have a higher chance of being selected for permanent residency. In addition, candidates who are nominated by BC may be eligible for expedited processing times.

British Columbia is home to some of Canada’s most vibrant cities, each with its own unique charm and opportunities. From the bustling metropolis of Vancouver to the quaint coastal town of Victoria and the world-renowned ski destination of Whistler, there’s no shortage of exciting places to call home. Let's take a closer look at each of these cities, including their population, what they’re known for, and the job prospects you can expect to find there.

The Best Cities in British Columbia

Vancouver

Vancouver is the largest city in British Columbia with a population of 662,248. Vancouver is often referred to as a “city of neighborhoods” due to its diverse range of communities, each with its own distinct character. It’s known for its stunning natural beauty, with mountains, forests, and the Pacific Ocean all within reach. The city is also a hub for culture and the arts, with a vibrant music and theater scene. Job prospects are plentiful in Vancouver, with opportunities in tech, healthcare, and tourism, among other industries.

Victoria

Victoria is a a charming city on Vancouver Island with a population of 91,867. Known for its historic architecture, picturesque harbor, and lush gardens, Victoria is a popular destination for tourists and retirees. The city is also home to a growing tech industry, as well as opportunities in healthcare, government, and education. With a mild climate and a laid-back lifestyle, Victoria is a great place to call home for those seeking a slower pace of life.

Whistler

Whistler is a small resort town nestled in the mountains with a population of 13,982. Whistler is a world-renowned destination for skiing and snowboarding, with two major ski resorts attracting visitors from around the globe. In addition to winter sports, Whistler offers a range of outdoor activities year-round, including hiking, mountain biking, and golf. While job opportunities are largely centered around the tourism industry, there are also opportunities in construction, trades, and service industries.

Whether you’re looking for the excitement of a big city, the charm of a small town, or the thrill of outdoor adventure, British Columbia has something for everyone. Consider making one of these top cities your new home and start exploring all that this beautiful province has to offer.

Did you Know About Snug Cove, Bowen Island?

Quick Facts

• Province: British Columbia
• Population: 3,680
• Livability Score: 85/100

Major Attraction: The Saint Marks Summit is part of the Howe Sound Trail that leads to breathtaking views of the Gulf Islands. According to an article by the Calgary Herald, “Bowen Island is like being in another time and place.” If you want to live in a suburb in Canada that’s off the grid, you'll love Snug Cove. Situated at the heart of Bowen Island, Vancouver, this small maritime community is where the ferries arrive and depart and where scenes of the popular Netflix hit, Virgin River, were filmed! The Great Outdoors really show off in this part of the island with a large sparkling lake, thick forests filled with long hiking trails, and mountains surrounding you on all sides. What’s more, the town center takes you back in time with cottage-style shops selling artisanal products and delicious baked goods.

The Best Route to British Columbia

If you're considering moving to British Columbia, you may want to consider using the services of a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC). An RCIC can guide you through the complex immigration process and help make your move to BC as smooth as possible. They are licensed by the Canadian government and have the expertise to help you with everything from filling out forms to representing you in front of Canadian immigration officials. With the help of an RCIC, you can ensure that your application is accurate, complete, and meets all the necessary requirements for a successful move to BC. Trusting an RCIC to assist you with your immigration process can save you time, money and give you peace of mind knowing that your application is in good hands.

Talk to an Expert

FAQs

How are the Winter Conditions in BC?

Winter conditions in BC can vary greatly depending on the region. Coastal regions such as Vancouver and Victoria tend to have milder winters with less snowfall. However, inland regions such as the Okanagan and the Rocky Mountains can experience heavy snowfall and colder temperatures. It's important to research the specific region you plan to move to and prepare accordingly.

Does BC Have Easy Access to the Great Outdoors?

Yes, BC is known for its beautiful natural landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. Whether you enjoy hiking, skiing, snowboarding, camping, or water sports, there are plenty of options available throughout the province. Popular outdoor destinations such as Whistler are great for family get-aways

How Do I Find a Job in BC?

There are a few ways to find a job in BC. You can search online job boards such as WorkBC or Indeed, network with local professionals through LinkedIn or industry events, or work with a recruitment agency. It's also important to have a well-written resume and cover letter tailored to the specific job you're applying for, as well as any necessary certifications or qualifications.