Vancouver is celebrating its 129th birthday by asking residents what they love the most about the city.
The city asked 1,160 Vancouverites to describe the city in three words. The top responses included “beautiful,” “expensive” and “green,” followed by “active,” “healthy” and “ocean.”
Residents also noted the soggy climate: “Rain,” “rainy,” “wet” and “water” topped the word list as well.
And when it came to the best and worst types of Vancouver rain, 56 per cent of respondents said rain that blows sideways is their least favourite, followed by torrential downpours (22 per cent). Thirty-five per cent of people said gentle spring rain is their favourite, followed by mist, at 24 per cent.
However, people in the City of Glass also said they’re ready for whatever rain hits them: 23 per cent own two umbrellas, and another 20 per cent said they own more than four.
When it comes to beaches, Kitsilano was rated tops for people watching (40 per cent) and swimming (17 per cent), while English Bay was rated the best place to go on a date (26 per cent). Favourite beach overall went to Spanish Banks (24 per cent) and also the best place to take kids (22 per cent).
According to the survey, Vancouverites are pretty righteous about living here. Seventy-five per cent said they like to remind others that they love living in Vancouver, and 56 per cent agree with the statement “Toronto: Ugh.”
They also agree with common Vancouver stereotypes. The majority, 55 per cent, said they like the Vancouver Canucks – provided they’re winning – and 55 per cent have taken a picture of cherry blossoms and posted it on social media.
Have your say: What do you love most about Vancouver?
