Toronto vs. Vancouver: What Surprised Me Most on My First Visit West

I thought I knew Canada. Then I went to Vancouver.

I’ve lived in Toronto for over a decade—long enough to know where to find the best roti in Scarborough, how to time my TTC transfers just right, and why everyone loses their minds when the Leafs win a single playoff game (you’ve got to enjoy the wins because unfortunately…we know our history). 

I love the city. But when I finally booked a trip to Vancouver last summer, I wasn’t expecting to come home with a full-on case of West Coast envy.

Here’s what caught me off guard (in the best way possible).

The Nature Isn’t Just Close—It’s Everywhere

Toronto has green spaces, sure. High Park is great, and the Islands are a summer classic. But Vancouver feels like it’s actually in nature, not just near it. I walked from my hotel downtown to Stanley Park in under 15 minutes and felt like I’d stepped into a rainforest…I think technically, I did? The air even smelled different—fresher, cleaner, like cedar and ocean had a baby. 

Then there was Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. I thought it would just be a quick stop and a few selfies. Instead, I spent over half the day there, completely in awe. The bridge was thrilling, but to be honest I had been somewhat primed to expect that part of the visit from what I’d seen online and heard from my brother. It was the walk amongst the trees that really got me. 

I knew BC had big forests and old growth, but I didn’t expect to feel so small—like truly humbled—standing beneath those towering evergreens. Trees so big that four of me couldn’t wrap our arms around one. 

It’s the kind of place that makes you want to whisper instead of talk, if that makes sense. And it’s literally a free 15-minute shuttle ride from downtown Vancouver. 

People Actually Slow Down (They Don’t Even Jaywalk)

I didn’t realize how fast I move until I got to Vancouver. On day one, I was dodging people on the sidewalk, mentally checking off to-do lists like I do back home. But within a few hours, I noticed something: nobody else seemed in much of a rush. People stroll. They stop for ocean views. They drink their coffee sitting down (a wild endeavour by my standards). By day three, I was doing the same. And I didn’t miss the hustle for a second. It might have been one of my favourite parts of the whole visit, I actually relaxed in a city. 

You Don’t Need to Plan Every Minute

In Toronto, I feel like I always have to book, schedule, reserve. In Vancouver, I just… wandered. I walked the seawall, took the Aquabus to Granville Island, browsed market stalls, then ended up in a hammock chair eating fish tacos with a view of the mountains. I didn’t even know that was on my itinerary. Turns out spontaneity is easier when the city itself is stunning.

The West Coast Energy Is Real

It’s not just a stereotype. Vancouverites genuinely seem more relaxed, more outdoorsy, more present, even. I saw couples cycling along the beach at sunset, families picnicking under trees, and locals bringing reusable containers to the farmers market like it was second nature. It made me want to live a little lighter, too.

And no, I didn’t get tired of the rain. It only fell on one of the days I was there, and it was actually kind of cozy. Plus, the clouds cleared by the afternoon.

I came back to Toronto with muddy hiking shoes, a full camera roll, and a fresh perspective. Vancouver surprised me in all the right ways—from the scale of the trees to the pace of life. If you’ve been thinking about heading west, don’t wait. There’s something grounding about the West Coast that every Ontarian deserves to experience. Though I have to admit, I’m still jaywalking.