Have you been thinking about selling your Houston property and moving to Canada? Vancouver is one of the largest cities by area in Canada and the most populous city on the Pacific coast.  It is also among the worlds most beautiful and livable cities, with an enviable combination of warm weather, sea to sky scenery, endless recreational opportunities and a diverse population.

1. Come for the mountains, stay for the views

Vancouver, British Columbia is surrounded by what feels like endless kilometers of the spectacular Pacific coastline with hundreds of islands offshore - its no surprise the city is named after the rainforest-covered peak in Stanley Park, known as the City of Lions.

Vancouver is one of the only cities in Canada to enjoy a view of The Mountain, which at its summit boasts some of North Americas finest ski slopes and mountain climbing trails. The skiing season runs from June to October, with the best snowfall from November to April.

If you want to get a once-in-a-lifetime view, the city of Vancouver is also home to North Americas largest rotating observation wheel, the Vancouvers Harbour Centre Observation Deck. Downtown visitors can enjoy 360-degree views of the city and even catch a glimpse of Vancouver Island on a clear day!

The Wheel offers spectacular panoramic views of the city, the water and snow-topped Mount Baker to the south.

2. Spend your days beachside

With plenty of beautiful beaches such as rock-lined Kitsilano Beach and artsy Vanier Park with its old-fashioned carousel, its no wonder locals say Im on my way instead of Im just leaving.

The coastline is also home to several marine parks, including Spanish Banks and Locarno Beach. Several boat companies offer whale watching tours during the summer months.

There are 12 beaches in the Vancouver area. The beaches are very close to downtown, making them a popular destination for locals and tourists. The water is relatively cold most of the time, but this doesnt stop tourists from coming here with their bathing suits on. The sand is soft and golden, and people usually like to lay around it or play in it.

The temperatures in the summer are usually around 70 degrees during the day, which makes it much more enjoyable for tourists to swim in the water. There are also plenty of lifeguards at these beaches so that people feel safe while theyre swimming or sunbathing on the beach.

3. Enjoy the Wide Variety of Restaurants & Nightlife

Vancouver is home to a wide variety of restaurants featuring cuisines from all over the world. Youll enjoy the best seafood in Canada, fantastic Japanese food, and Mediterranean cuisine thats often said to rival even what you can find overseas. The city also has an excellent selection of steakhouses, French bistros, Middle Eastern establishments, and Italian eateries.

Whats more, Vancouver restaurants are very reasonably priced, meaning that you can eat out on a regular basis without breaking the bank.

The city also has a popular nightlife scene. There is no shortage of nightclubs in downtown Vancouver; furthermore, The Granville Strip (the entertainment district), is also home to a large number of bars and pubs.

Vancouver has a lot to offer to the party-goers amongst us: from intimate jazz clubs, where you can enjoy live music every night of the week, to mainstream nightclubs with famous DJs, Vancouver is a city that never sleeps.  

4. Incredible Nature Spots

Vancouver has a lot to offer when it comes to nature spots and the Vancouver Park Board manages more than 300 parks covering over 2,500 hectares of land within the city limits. Stanley Park is an outdoor lovers paradise with its breathtaking ocean views, forest trails and wildlife, not to mention all the waterfalls and bike paths youll discover along the way. Its also a great place to relax or host any special occasion.

Other notable parks include Queen Elizabeth Park and Pacific Spirit Regional Parks which might be smaller in size but are no less impressive overall. You can even book one of many prime picnic sites for family gatherings or company get-togethers at some of these locations, making it easy to host a special occasion in style.

5. Amazing Skiing And Snowboarding

The mountainous terrain of Vancouver makes this location an ideal destination for those who love winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, thanks to the abundant natural snowfall each year. Head to Grouse Mountain or Mount Seymour which are easily accessible from downtown Vancouver and offer some of the best views youll ever see as well as challenging slopes that will suit any skill level.

If downhill skiing doesnt interest you, take advantage of one of the telemark ski schools in town like North Shore Freestyle Centre where professional instructors will help you master these unique skills at your own pace. In addition to all this, theres also cross-country skiing when you want a change of pace or skate skiing if youre really adventurous.

Its no wonder that Vancouver is considered one of the best places to live in the world since this city offers adventure and fun for everyone! Whether you prefer urban life as opposed to a more sleepy rural town or are looking for an active outdoor experience with your family or friends, theres something here for everyone.