What Every Canadian Needs to Know About the West Coast of Canada

For many Ontarians, the idea of Canada is shaped by its historic cities, harsh winters, and prairie landscapes. But out west, British Columbia offers a completely different version of the country—a place where towering mountains rise from the ocean, rainforests stretch for miles, and the air carries the scent of salt water and pine. If you haven’t been, it’s time to experience this essential side of Canada for yourself.

Here’s what you need to know about the left coast, the west coast…maybe even the best coast.  

A Different Climate, A Different Way of Life

Vancouver’s climate is unlike anywhere else in the country. While Ontario deals with extreme seasons—sweltering summers and brutally cold winters—Vancouver enjoys a mild, ocean-moderated climate year-round. Winter rarely brings snow to the city, and summer days are warm but almost never humid, making outdoor activities pleasant in every season.

The presence of the Pacific Ocean and temperate rainforests creates a unique environment that shapes everything from how people dress to how they spend their time. Instead of parkas, most Vancouverites opt for light layers and a good (Arc'teryx, Northface, or Lululemon) rain jacket. Plus a pair of water-resistent Vessis, of course. 

Instead of waiting for summer to enjoy the outdoors, they hike, bike, and explore the mountains all year long.

Indigenous Culture and Pacific Influence

The West Coast is home to some of the most vibrant Indigenous cultures in Canada, and this deep connection to the land and sea is woven into the region’s identity. The Coast Salish, Haida, and Nuu-chah-nulth Nations have lived here for thousands of years, creating a rich artistic and cultural tradition that visitors can experience firsthand.

One of the most striking ways to engage with this history is by visiting the Museum of Anthropology at UBC, home to an extensive collection of Indigenous artifacts, including monumental totem poles from the Haida, Gitxsan, and Coast Salish Nations. The Bill Reid Gallery in downtown Vancouver offers a deeper look at contemporary Indigenous art, showcasing the work of one of Canada’s most renowned Haida artists. For those wanting to experience these masterpieces in other popular Vancouver tourist destinations, the totem pole sites at Stanley Park and Capilano Suspension Bridge Park provide a powerful connection to the land, where these incredible works of art stand as living stories, representing family lineages, legends, and historical events.

The influence of the Pacific also extends beyond Indigenous culture. Vancouver is Canada’s gateway to Asia, with a thriving Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian community. This connection has shaped everything from the city’s architecture to its culinary scene, which is considered one of the most exciting in North America.

A Food Scene Built on the Sea

Vancouver’s food scene is built on the freshest seafood in the country, with restaurants that rival the best in the world. From perfectly aged sushi to oyster bars serving the catch of the day, this is a city where the Pacific Ocean defines what’s on the plate. Here are a few of the restaurants in Vancouver that visitors to the city need to know about. 

1. Miku

Miku is the gold standard for sushi in Vancouver, famous for its flame-seared Aburi sushi that brings out the rich, umami flavours of the fish. Overlooking the waterfront, it offers a truly West Coast dining experience, blending Japanese precision with locally sourced seafood.

2. Fanny Bay Oyster Bar

For a more casual but equally refined take on seafood, Fanny Bay Oyster Bar is the city’s ultimate "tide to table" spot. Just steps from downtown’s stadiums, this lively oyster bar serves up freshly shucked oysters, buttery Dungeness crab, and the best seafood chowder in the city.

3. Bravo

Bravo, located in the heart of Vancouver’s thriving Fraser Street dining district, offers a rotating menu of seafood-forward dishes with bold, inventive flavours. The seared Hokkaido scallops with coconut and kuri squash are a standout, while the Humboldt squid bolognese brings a creative twist to a comforting classic.

4. Riley’s Fish & Steak

Last but not least. If you’re looking for an upscale but welcoming experience, Riley’s Fish & Steak is the place to be. Located along the downtown waterfront, it serves elevated takes on seafood staples like perfectly crisp fish and chips and a stunning seafood Louie salad featuring sweet lump crab and creamy avocado. The polished, nautically inspired interior adds to the charm, making it a must-visit for seafood lovers.

The Landscape That Defines the West Coast

Unlike anywhere else in Canada, the West Coast is a place where mountains, ocean, and rainforests collide. Vancouver is one of the only cities in North America where you can start your morning with coffee in a bustling downtown, stand on a suspension bridge in a rainforest by lunch, and watch the sun set over the ocean—all in the same day.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is one of the best places to experience this dramatic landscape. The 137-metre-long bridge sways high above the Capilano River, offering breathtaking views of the valley below. Treetops Adventure allows visitors to walk among centuries-old Douglas firs, while Cliffwalk takes you along the sheer granite cliffs above the canyon. And with a free shuttle from Canada Place, it’s one of the most accessible nature experiences in the city.

Beyond Capilano, the Stanley Park Seawall offers kilometres of waterfront walking and biking trails, where visitors can take in views of the mountains while breathing in the crisp ocean air. Cypress and Seymour mountains—both less than 30 minutes from downtown—offer year-round recreation, from skiing and snowboarding in the winter to hiking and mountain biking in the summer.

Why More Ontarians Are Choosing BC Over the U.S.

The appeal of the West Coast has never been stronger, and more Ontarians are choosing to visit British Columbia over U.S. destinations. With the current exchange rate making American travel significantly more expensive, it makes sense to explore one of Canada’s most stunning regions without the currency exchange hit.

Vancouver offers everything you’d want from a world-class city break—award-winning dining, top-tier cultural experiences, and easy access to nature—without the border hassle.

Instead of flying to Seattle or San Francisco, visitors can experience world-class dining, mountain landscapes, and oceanside living—all while supporting Canadian businesses.

Why Every Canadian Should Visit the West Coast

British Columbia offers a side of Canada that feels entirely different from Ontario, but equally essential to the country’s identity. Whether it’s the lush rainforests, deep Indigenous history, Pacific influence, or incredible seafood, the West Coast deserves to be explored by every Canadian.

For those who haven’t visited yet, it’s time to head west.

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