Every city has its own quirks and stereotypes, like "Torontonians are always working" and "Montrealers are bad drivers." Vancouverites are no different (actually, they are, but in their own way).
Vancouver's list of oddities might seem strange and possibly wild to everyone but those living here. But if you do identify as a Vancouverite, here are some things that may seem completely normal to you that your friends and family in other cities can't wrap their heads around:
Vaping like no one is watching
If Vancouver was imagined as a candle, it would be cotton candy or fruit punch scented. It seems like wherever you step foot in Vancouver, be it a park or the SkyTrain station, someone is hitting their vape. Vaping has become a distinct part of Vancouver's culture, just as much as smoking weed.
Nightlife has a curfew
Big cities never sleep, and neither does Vancouver; it just likes to power nap between three and six in the morning. Though it was ranked the best city in Canada for its nightclubs (someone even designed a real-time live service to make nightclub lines less agonizing), most nightlife shuts down between two and three in the morning.
Paying ridonkulous amounts of money just to live here
To Vancouverites, paying nearly $2,500 for a one-bedroom, unfurnished apartment is expected, but if you have a budget that isn't prepared for Vancouver's expensive housing market, lowering your expectations may help with the confusion.
Polite friendliness
Perhaps the most well-spread rumour about Vancouver is how difficult it is to make a friend (not plural, because making even one friend is already challenging). An observation made by many visitors, both Canadians and international tourists alike, is how generally polite yet unfriendly this city is. Vancouverites will warmly smile and help a stranger, but no more than that.
Follow an umbrella etiquette
It's only customary in a city dubbed "Raincouver" to abide by unspoken umbrella rules. That includes adjusting your umbrella to the height of the oncoming umbrella (lower if theirs is taller, higher if theirs is shorter), not taking up space under covers with an umbrella, and being mindful when shaking off droplets. Even if Vancouverites aren't the friendliest, they still have manners.
