Vancouver is a beautiful city in Canada that’s perfect for learning English. Mountains and the ocean surround it, with many parks and outdoor activities. You can explore the city, visit famous places like Stanley Park, and practice your English with friendly people. Vancouver is a great place to learn English and have fun at the same time.
Must-See Sights and Travel Essentials
Located in British Columbia, Vancouver offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. With so much to see and do, you’ll learn in the classroom and through your experiences around this stunning West Coast city. Additionally, the city is surrounded by mountains and ocean, providing ample opportunities for recreation.
Climate
Vancouver enjoys the most temperate climate in Canada, characterised by mild, rainy winters and warm, dry summers. Winters are typically wet, with rain being more common than snow in the city, though the nearby mountains offer excellent skiing conditions. Summers are warm and pleasant.
Money
Canada’s currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD).
Major credit card companies in Canada include American Express, Visa, and Master Card.
Standard banking hours are Monday through Friday from 9:30 to 16:30. Some banks and specific branches may be open later and even on Saturdays and Sundays.
Telephone Country Code
The country code for Canada is +1
Electricity
110 V; 60Hz – 2 flat-pin plug
Tap water
Tap water in Vancouver is safe to drink unless there are signs to the contrary, and it is of very high quality.
Medical
If you have a medical emergency, go to the hospital’s emergency department closest to you. Take some identification and your insurance policy number. Some hospitals may ask you to pay a fee. Keep the receipt to send to your insurance company for payment. For emergencies, call 911.
Go to a walk-in medical clinic for medical problems that are not emergencies. You do not need to make an appointment; you can simply see a doctor. The closest walk-in clinic to EC Vancouver is Coal Harbour Health Centre, 622 Bute Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 3M1. Call (604) 558-3313.
Transportation
Vancouver is known for its efficient and eco-friendly transportation system, featuring a combination of buses, SkyTrain (light rail), SeaBus ferries, and West Coast Express commuter trains. The TransLink system provides comprehensive coverage throughout the metropolitan area. The city is also very bike-friendly, with designated bike lanes throughout. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available as well.
Public Transport Info
Transit costs vary depending on time of day, day of the week, and distance of travel. Vancouver’s transit system is divided into three zones. Students can purchase a Compass Card, which allows for easy access to all public transit. The SkyTrain is a fast and convenient way to travel across the city and into the surrounding suburbs. Buses cover extensive routes across Vancouver.
Public holidays falling on a weekday
2025: 01 Jan, 17 Feb, 18 Apr, 19 May, 01 Jul, 04 Aug, 01 Sep, 30 Sep, 13 Oct, 11 Nov, 25 Dec & 26 Dec
To study in Vancouver, you may need a study permit or a visitor visa. Please get in touch with us for more information.
Legal Driving Age
In Vancouver, the legal age to drive is 16, but the minimum age to rent a car is 21. Additional charges may apply to drivers 21 to 24 years of age. Most rental companies require an international driving license, a second form of identity, and a major credit card.
Alcohol Age
The legal drinking age in British Columbia is 19. You must present identification when purchasing alcohol, and this applies to bars, restaurants, and liquor stores across the city.
Smoking Laws
The legal age for smoking in Vancouver is 19. Smoking is prohibited in public indoor spaces, including restaurants, bars, and workplaces. There are also restrictions on smoking near entrances and exits to public buildings and bans in some outdoor areas, such as beaches and parks. If you smoke in a ‘smoke-free’ place, you may receive a fine of up to CAD$2000.
Insurance
All EC Vancouver students must have health insurance for the entire length of their stay. EC can help students purchase insurance upon arrival at the school. The cost of insurance is CAD$18 per week. Students who do not purchase insurance through EC will be asked to show proof of coverage on arrival.
Cost of Living
Bottle of water / soda (0.33 litre)
Around C$3.00
Coffee/Cappuccino (Starbucks)
C$7.00-C$10.00
Fast-Food combo meal
C$10.00-C$15.00
Meal, inexpensive restaurant
C$25.00- C$50.00
Fitness club (monthly, 1 adult)
C$25.00-C$50.00
Public transport (local transport)
C$5.00
Public transport (monthly pass)
C$85
Walking or cycling along Stanley Park’s Seawall offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, mountains, and city skyline. This path wraps around the park and provides a scenic and relaxing way to experience Vancouver’s natural beauty, with plenty of spots to stop for photos or a peaceful moment by the water.
Granville Island is a lively hub for art, food, and culture, located just a short ferry ride from downtown Vancouver. Home to artisan shops, galleries, and the famous Granville Island Public Market, it is a perfect spot for sampling local cuisine and buying handmade crafts.
Experience the excitement of crossing the Capilano Suspension Bridge, which crosses the Capilano River. Surrounded by lush rainforest, this park also features treetop walkways and a cliff walk for an unforgettable adventure.
Science World is an interactive science museum that is fun for all ages. Located on the edge of False Creek, it houses hands-on exhibits, live science demonstrations, and an IMAX theatre. It’s a great place to learn about everything from physics to biology in an engaging way.
Robson Street is Vancouver’s go-to destination for shopping and dining. It is home to numerous fashion boutiques, flagship stores, trendy cafes, and international restaurants.
This scenic ferry ride across Burrard Inlet offers incredible views of the skyline and mountains. On the other side, you can explore Lonsdale Quay Market or head to nearby parks and trails.
Find out how our international students turned their first steps in language learning into important achievements that changed their lives.
EC Vancouver is ideal for the modern English learner. We offer a wide array of courses, including General English, English for Work and Cambridge Exam Preparation. We have classes for all language levels. Our experienced English instructors use National Geographic Learning materials to create interesting lessons. Through our collaboration with NGL, students learn about the world by experiencing it: lessons cover cultural topics, social issues and current events amongst many other relevant topics.
General English is our most popular English courses. It has a one-week minimum duration. Choose from these four options depending how much lesson time you want. 20 lessons is the foundation with additional language lessons available:
General English 24 = 18 hours per week
General English 26 = 19.5 hours per week
General English 30 = 22.5 hours per week
Match lessons to your learning style for maximum progress – whichever you choose the learning outcomes are guaranteed. Study GE 24/26/30 and you get a choice of elective classes to focus on the areas most important to you. These dynamic classes are available all year!
Our Cambridge Exam Prep course will fully prepare you for your English test.
Try English for Work if you want to learn if you want to learn English for international business settings or Business English.
One-to-One lessons are also available; you can combine these private English classes with any other EC course.
There are no average students, that’s why we have English language courses for everyone from Beginners to intermediate level and advanced learners.
Language immersion with EC means English programs that focus on giving you the skills you need to succeed in the global community.
Whatever your English language requirements we have a course to help you achieve your objectives. We are committed to giving you the best possible educational experience abroad.
Vancouver is a picturesque waterfront modern city with breathtaking scenery and amazing landscapes. It’s a fantastic location at any time of year – it’s the place to bring dreams to life. In summer you can relax at the beach with friends after class (English Bay and Sunset are two very popular public beaches). In winter, the popular ski resorts nearby make it the perfect escape for snow lovers. Vancouver offers a great mix of city life and nature, making it a top choice for English learners.
Vancouver is a beautiful city in British Columbia on Canada’s west coast known for its natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and dynamic cultural scene—making it an ideal destination for international students on their English language learning journey.
You can explore Stanley Park, a lush urban forest park perfect for walking trails, biking, or joining outdoor activities with fellow students. Visit Canada Place, the iconic landmark and cruise ship terminal, or experience Fly Over Canada for an interactive film adventure showcasing breath-taking scenery across the country.
Vancouver also offers access to nearby mountains for skiing, snowboarding, and hiking, plus amazing beaches where you can relax with friends. Arts events, music festivals like the Fringe Festival, and street performers provide plenty of opportunities to practice your English communication and practise everyday topics in real-life situations.
In addition to our General English programme, EC Vancouver offers a range of special courses to help you improve your English to succeed at school and in the global workplace. These include English for Work, an intensive English course that helps you develop career skills; EC x FutureLearn, which combines immersive EC English language lessons with online courses from leading universities; Writing with AI, designed to help you use AI to improve your written English; and Cambridge Exam preparation.
Our language school in British Columbia offers homestays or shared student residence/apartment accommodation. If you choose a homestay option, you will live with a family in Vancouver. This is a great choice if you want an opportunity to practice your English with a local family over home-cooked meals. If you’re looking for more independence, you may want to consider a shared student residence/apartment.
A coastal city, Vancouver is one of the warmest cities in Canada because it is protected by mountains and kept warm by Pacific Ocean currents. Temperatures are usually mind year-round: around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (low 20’s C), and in the mid 40’s (0-5 C) in winter. It rains in winter but snows.
Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to study in Vancouver—but in general, Canadian visa programs are free of excessive red tape. Contact us to learn more.
Vancouver is the perfect location for an exciting language trip. This major Canadian city has beautiful landscapes, friendly locals and endless opportunities to immerse yourself in English outside of the classroom. It’s no wonder that it is consistently ranked one of the most liveable cities in the world—and one of the most student-friendly, too. With two universities in the city, Vancouver attracts international students from all over the world.
The nearby mountains offer you opportunities for hiking, skiing, snowboarding and mountain biking.
Get ready for an amazing experience in an amazing city! Vancouver hosts fun year-round festivals and art events, offering you an exciting way to experience Canadian culture while improving your English level. Highlights include the Celebration of Light fireworks event and the Vancouver Fringe Festival. The annual arts and cultural events are an excellent opportunity to practise your communication skills, spend time with fellow students and enjoy this beautiful city.
