For many living in the UK, the “Great Canadian Dream” is a persistent allure. We imagine vast open spaces, snow-capped peaks, and a lifestyle that trades the grey drizzle of a typical Tuesday in Manchester for the crisp, pine-scented air of the Pacific Northwest.
While Toronto and Montreal have their charms, for British expats, British Columbia (BC) is usually the crown jewel. With its mild climate (by Canadian standards), stunning coastline, and relaxed pace of life, it is the closest thing Canada has to a paradise.
However, the reality of emigration involves more than just booking a flight to Vancouver. The city of Vancouver itself is notoriously expensive, with housing prices often rivalling London. Consequently, the smartest move for new arrivals is to look beyond the downtown core to the thriving satellite cities and valleys that offer a higher quality of life, more square footage, and a genuine sense of community.
If you are considering swapping the Tube for the trails, here is a guide to settling in British Columbia, with a spotlight on two of its most desirable regions: the booming metropolis of Surrey and the scenic haven of Chilliwack.
Why British Columbia?
Before diving into specific towns, it is worth noting why BC remains the top choice for UK immigrants.
1. The Climate: Unlike the rest of Canada, which spends six months in a deep freeze, the Lower Mainland of BC has a temperate rainforest climate. It rains—something Brits are well accustomed to—but it rarely snows heavily in the cities. You get the beauty of the seasons without the brutal -30°C winters of the prairies.
2. The Lifestyle: The “West Coast” lifestyle is real. It is a culture that prioritizes work-life balance. It is normal to go skiing in the morning and golfing in the afternoon. The proximity to the ocean and the mountains means that weekends are spent outdoors, not stuck inside.
3. The Economy: BC is a hub for technology, film (often called “Hollywood North”), and green energy. For skilled professionals from the UK, the job market is robust.
Destination 1: Surrey – The Future Metropolis
Twenty years ago, Surrey was considered a quiet suburb of Vancouver. Today, it is set to become the largest city in the province by population within the next decade. Located south of the Fraser River, roughly 40 minutes from downtown Vancouver and right on the US border, Surrey is dynamic, diverse, and rapidly modernizing.
The Vibe: Surrey is a city of distinct neighbourhoods. You have the ultra-modern “City Centre,” which boasts skyscrapers, a university campus (Simon Fraser University), and high-tech libraries. Then you have areas like South Surrey and Crescent Beach, which feel like affluent seaside villages with promenades and fish and chip shops that rival Brighton’s.
Why Expats Love It:
- Green Space: It is officially known as the “City of Parks.” Despite its growth, Surrey has protected thousands of acres of forest and parkland. You are never more than a short walk from a green belt.
- Diversity: Surrey has a massive South Asian community, alongside large Filipino, Chinese, and European populations. This results in an incredible food scene and a culture of inclusivity.
- Housing: While prices have risen, you can still get a detached family home with a garden in Surrey for the price of a two-bedroom flat in Vancouver proper.
The Logistics of Moving to Surrey: Moving to a rapidly growing city presents its own logistical challenges. The traffic can be heavy, and the layout is sprawling. For new arrivals looking to plant roots in this bustling metropolis, finding reliable Moving services Surrey based is the first step to navigating the city’s diverse neighbourhoods. Whether you are moving into a high-rise condo in the City Centre or a family estate in Fleetwood, navigating the density requires local expertise.
Destination 2: Chilliwack – The Outdoor Adventure Capital
If Surrey is the bustling alternative to Vancouver, Chilliwack is the escape. Located further east in the Fraser Valley, about an hour and a half from the coast, Chilliwack was once a purely agricultural farming town. Today, it is one of the hottest real estate markets in the province, attracting young families and retirees who want mountains in their back garden.
The Vibe: Chilliwack feels like a proper Canadian town. It is surrounded by towering peaks (Mount Cheam dominates the skyline) and lush green farmland. It offers a slower, more rural pace of life but has all the modern amenities—shopping centres, breweries, and leisure centres—that you need.
Why Expats Love It:
- The Great Outdoors: This is the playground of BC. You have Cultus Lake for swimming and boating, the Vedder River for world-class fishing, and endless hiking trails. If you moved to Canada to be “in nature,” this is where you go.
- Community Feel: People in Chilliwack still say hello to each other in the supermarket. It has a small-town charm that can be very comforting for expats leaving close-knit communities in the UK.
- Affordability: Your pound sterling will go much further here. It is possible to buy a large property with land—perhaps even enough for a hobby farm—for a reasonable price.
The Logistics of Moving to Chilliwack: Relocating to the valley often involves moving different types of assets. People here tend to have “toys”—kayaks, mountain bikes, ATVs, and heavy workshop tools. Whether you are bringing kayak equipment or setting up a retirement property near Cultus Lake, specialized Chilliwack Moving teams are essential for navigating the rural-residential mix of the area. The terrain here can be varied, from riverside properties to homes perched on steep hillsides, requiring movers who understand how to handle heavy loads on variable gradients.
The Practicalities: From The UK to BC
Making the leap across the pond is a massive undertaking. Here is a checklist for the British expat.
1. The Visa Puzzle Before you pack a box, you need your paperwork. For younger Brits (18-35), the IEC (International Experience Canada) program offers a two-year working holiday visa, which is the easiest route in. For skilled professionals, the Express Entry system is a points-based immigration system similar to Australia’s.
2. The “Stuff” Dilemma: Shipping vs. Selling One of the biggest questions is: Should I bring my furniture? Shipping a container from Southampton or Liverpool to the Port of Vancouver takes anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks.
- Sell: Electrical appliances. The voltage in Canada is 110V (UK is 230V). Your kettle, toaster, and television will not work without expensive transformers. Sell them in the UK.
- Keep: Sentimental furniture, quality linens, and winter clothes.
- Local Logistics: Once your container arrives in Vancouver, you cannot simply drive it to your new house. You will need a local logistics partner to offload your goods and transport them to your final destination, be it Surrey, Chilliwack, or beyond.
3. The Credit Score Reset Be aware that your UK credit score does not travel with you. When you land, you are a “credit ghost.” Open a Canadian bank account immediately (banks like RBC or TD often have newcomer packages) and get a secured credit card to start building your Canadian history. This is vital for renting a property or buying a car.
Cultural Adjustments: A Few Notes for Brits
While Canada is a Commonwealth cousin, there are subtle differences that can trip you up.
- Tipping: Unlike the polite 10% in the UK (if the service was good), tipping in BC is mandatory social etiquette. Expect to tip 15% to 20% for almost everything—waiters, barbers, and taxi drivers.
- Driving: You drive on the right. You can turn right on a red light (unless a sign says otherwise). And, crucially, distances are vast. A “short drive” in BC is two hours.
- Healthcare: The system (MSP in British Columbia) is publicly funded like the NHS, but it is not identical. Prescriptions and dental care are generally not free, so most employers provide private insurance to top this up.
Conclusion
Moving to British Columbia is more than a change of address; it is a change of perspective. It is a place where nature is not something you visit, but something you live in.
Whether you choose the dynamic, multicultural energy of Surrey or the tranquil, mountain-shadowed beauty of Chilliwack, the province offers a quality of life that is hard to beat. The key to a successful transition lies in preparation—sorting your visas, understanding the geography, and hiring the right professionals to help you navigate the physical move.
The rain might remind you of home, but when the clouds part to reveal the snow-capped Lions overlooking the ocean, you will understand exactly why so many people make the journey and never look back.
