Discover Vancouver

Vancouver kits beach

Vancouver

Vancouver is the largest city in British Columbia and the third largest city in Canada. The population, over 2.3 million people in the metro Vancouver region, is ethnically, racially and religiously diverse. Vancouver’s proximity to the ocean and to the mountains attracts residents and visitors from around the world.

Check out Vancouver

Specifically, Langara is located in the Oakridge neighbourhood. Explore Oakridge and the surrounding neighbourhoods to see what they have to offer.
City of Vancouver

Pre-Arrival Guide

Written by international students for international students, this guide contains detailed information to prepare you for travel and studies here in Canada.
Download the Guide

WelcomeBC

Start your life in BC: Get the information you’ll need to prepare for your arrival. Find out what steps to take in the first few days to help you settle in.
Learn about BC

Transportation

It’s easy and convenient to get around Vancouver without a vehicle. Public transportation system is managed by TransLink and includes:

  • Bus
  • SkyTrain, an elevated and underground light rail train
  • Seabus, a commuter boat connecting downtown Vancouver and North Vancouver

You can visit the TransLink to find schedules, plan your trip, and determine fare costs.

Students enrolled in Regular Studies (University transfer and Career studies) are eligible for a U-Pass Compass Card. The U-Pass Compass Card allows unlimited use on all Translink bus, SkyTrain and Seabus services.

All eligible students are required to participate in the U-Pass program, regardless if they use transit or not. Fees for the U-Pass program are automatically included with registration.

 

Everyone has a right to be safe when using public transit. If you witness or experience a medical emergency, violence, or any type of sexual assault or harassment, including unwanted touching or gestures, please report it. You can text the Metro Vancouver Transit Police at 87.77.77 or phone 604.515.8300. In an emergency call 911.

If you are new to Canada, get familiar with the currency right away so you can pay with the correct amount and receive the correct change.

Canadian paper bills are in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. Many businesses will not accept $50 bills or higher. Coins are in denominations of:

  • 5 cents = nickel
  • 10 cents = dime
  • 25 cents = quarter
  • $1 = loonie
  • $2 = toonie

All stores accept purchase payments using Canadian currency. In addition, most stores accept credit cards or debit cards and will have signs indicating which cards are accepted.

Do not carry too much cash as it cannot be replaced if lost or stolen.

When you make a purchase, keep a copy of the receipt in case you need to return or exchange the item (policy varies by store, terms are often printed on the receipt).

Specialty Stores

Supermarkets – largest variety of food and household items with many locations. You can meet most of your grocery shopping needs at these stores.

Shopping mall – different stores at one location, the closest shopping mall is Oakridge Centre (Canada Line station: Oakridge-41st).

Convenience stores – small family-owned businesses or national chains located on street corners. Relatively expensive, but convenient.

Bulk and discount stores – least expensive shopping alternative, but a membership fee may be required. Shoppers may be required to buy large quantities of individual items.

Major grocery stores