What Makes British Columbia a Great Place to Live?

Canada's westernmost province sits between the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean and its largest city, Vancouver, is consistently ranked among the very best cities to live and work. Just recently, out of more than 230 cities across the globe, it was listed at No. 3 for its quality of living by Mercer, one of the largest human resources consulting firms in the world. 

High Standards of Living

It's not just Vancouver that offers a great quality of life. The standard of living is high throughout British Columbia. People from all over the world feel safe and comfortable living in B.C. with its rich ethnic mix that offers diverse cultural experiences including everything from the cuisine to arts and entertainment. There's a high value on both healthcare and education, with the province boasting some of the highest overall life expectancies and education levels in Canada. The low crime rates result in secure, safe communities across British Columbia.

Jobs and the Economy

A higher standard of living usually means a strong economy, and British Columbia has one of the country's most prosperous. Vancouver hosts multiple industries like software development, biotechnology, and alternative fuels, only to mention a few. There are several major international companies here too, like Microsoft, Intel, and IBM, while MacDonald, Dettwiler, and Associates (MDA) are one of the province's largest firms, employing more than a thousand who work in satellite and information systems technology.

Outdoor Adventure

Enjoy easy access to one of the world's best places for snow sports, or perhaps purchase one of the Whistler homes for sale so that you can be in the heart of it all. Whistler Blackcomb is North America's largest winter sports area, made up of two mountains with the combined skiable terrain providing over 200 runs that are accessed by 37 lifts. On a clear day, expert skiers can take in views that stretch all the way to the Pacific. Those who live in the city of Vancouver can reach it with just a two-hour drive. 

Those soaring mountains found throughout much of the province mean fun all year-round. When the snow melts, the hiking is fantastic. Of course, along with the coastal areas, opportunities for water sports like kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and even surfing are all popular pursuits. 

Wildlife

If you enjoy wildlife, you'll love British Columbia. It has an abundance, from grizzly bears to whales like orcas and humpbacks - in fact, it's one of the top spots for whale watching in the world. Inland, there are bighorn sheep, mountain goats moose and more. The province is home to over 1000 vertebrate species that include more than 140 different types of mammals, nearly 500 bird species, and hundreds of saltwater and freshwater fish species.