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As an international student in Vancouver learning English, you’re about to step into one of the most rewarding and exciting times in your life. Vancouver is the perfect place for an international student, with its natural beauty, stunning cityscapes, and vibrant multicultural neighbourhoods.
At ILAC IC, learning English goes beyond the classroom. This guide will show you how to explore Vancouver while studying English through fun activities, local events, and everyday conversations. Plus, we’re giving some tips and resources for sticking to your budget while exploring everything the city has to offer.
| Explore Vancouver While Studying English with ILAC |
Why Study English in Vancouver?
Vancouver is one of Canada’s top destinations for international students to learn English. Learning English at ILAC IC’s Vancouver campus will take your language skills to the next level and personally enrich you through interaction with this multicultural city.
Still not convinced? Here are a few reasons why you should study English abroad in Vancouver.
A Mix of Nature and City Life
Vancouver is the perfect place to be if you like a blend of nature and urban landscapes. There are many things to do in the city year-round, including festivals, meetups, and simply walking around the downtown core.
Although it rains a lot in Vancouver, the temperature doesn’t normally drop below freezing, making it a perfect destination for international students to explore all the city has to offer.
A Multicultural, Welcoming Environment
Being British Columbia’s biggest city, Vancouver has a vibrant, multicultural population with diverse ethnic communities and neighbourhoods. They offer a welcoming, inclusive environment where you can experience new cultures, foods, and traditions. As Vancouver is heavily influenced by different cultures, you can find several festivals celebrated year-round, including Lunar New Year and Italian Day on the Drive.
High-Quality Education & Quality of Life
Vancouver is consistently ranked one of the most liveable cities in the world, with world-class education, jobs, and opportunities for professional growth. The city is home to some of the best educational institutions in Canada, including the University of British Columbia (UBC), Simon Fraser University (SFU), and ILAC International College.
English Immersion
Vancouver is one of the best cities in Canada to learn English, whether you’re chatting with other international students, newcomers, or locals. With the activities and destinations mentioned in this blog, you’ll have plenty of chances to expand your vocabulary, improve your communication skills, and apply what you’ve learned in class while enjoying the city.
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Best Places to Explore in Vancouver
Vancouver is one of the best destinations in Canada for exploring and learning English. Here’s the ultimate bucket list of the best places to explore in Vancouver as an international student.
Granville Island
Only ten minutes from Vancouver, Granville Island is one of the most well-known public markets in British Columbia. It has products of all kinds—local produce, flowers, freshly baked goods, and locally caught seafood. Explore the market, try new foods, ask about ingredients, and practice your English in conversations with vendors.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Located in North Vancouver, the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is one of BC’s most popular attractions. Cross the bridge 70 metres above the river either by yourself or on a guided tour. Going in a group provides opportunities to talk about natural beauty, practice descriptive vocabulary, and ask the tour guides questions in English.
Stanley Park & the Seawall
Stanley Park is Vancouver’s first and largest urban park. You can walk, jog, or bike around the 10-km seawall and enjoy scenic views of the mountains, water, sky, and nature. Explore on your own or with friends, or join a group tour to discuss nature vocabulary and strike up casual conversations with fellow tour members.
Kitsilano Beach
Kitsilano Beach is one of the best places to hang out in Vancouver, especially during the summer when the weather is good. All beaches in the city, including this one, are well-positioned to see the skyline, mountain, and forest.
Join a beach volleyball team or create one with other international students to be active, have fun, and learn sports-related vocabulary. Or, join a group picnic, conversational meetup, or study group to practice speaking with others in a low-pressure environment.
Science World
Under the famous dome at the end of False Creek is Science World, with its many hands-on, interactive exhibits and live science demonstrations. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn about science and practice your English with friends by discussing the exhibitions.
Grouse Mountain
Located 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Grouse Mountain is a great day trip from the city. In the summer, you can hike up the 2,830 stairs of the Grouse Grind, and in the winter, you can ski down the mountain. Practice your vocabulary by describing the scenery, discussing the gondola ride and wildlife, or talking to a park ranger.
Sea to Sky Gondola
The Sea to Sky Gondola is another top destination to explore in Vancouver all year round. In the summer, you can explore the walking trails, cross the suspension bridge, or go rock climbing. Winter offers different activities like skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, and skating. Ask for directions or information from staff about the different trails, and use the panoramic views as inspiration for writing in English.
Visit Free Museums
Vancouver has many museums where you can practice your English while learning about art, science, and history for free. A few top museums include:
- Contemporary Art Gallery
- Vancouver Art Gallery (free admission on the first Friday of every month)
- Vancouver Maritime Museum (pay what you can on the first Sunday of every month)
Gastown
Gastown is the heart of downtown Vancouver, with a rich cultural history. It’s a one-of-a-kind neighbourhood with cobblestone streets, home to some of the best restaurants, independent cafes, and boutique shops in the city.
Order a coffee in English or converse with the shop owners. Many free walking tours pass through Gastown, making it a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the city’s history while practising your English comprehension skills.
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Practice English with Fun Activities in Vancouver, Canada
Here are some fun and effective ways to practice your English beyond the classroom as an international student in Vancouver.
Join a Free Walking Tour
Joining a free walking tour is a great way to get to know your surroundings while learning about Vancouver’s history, neighbourhoods, and culture from fluent local guides. It’s also a good way to practice your English listening and comprehension skills. To go even deeper, ask the tour guide questions and introduce yourself to fellow travellers and students.
A few great walking tour companies are Toonie Tours and Guru Walk. Remember that even though they’re “free,” you should tip or donate a few dollars at the end!
Attend Language Exchange Meetups
Language exchange meetups are among the best ways to meet fellow students and locals who want to swap languages. You can practice English in a relaxed setting, building conversation skills and confidence.
You can find language exchange meetups on Meetup.com, local Facebook groups, or through your school. ILAC IC also hosts various monthly student activities where you can practice English.
Explore Markets & Festivals
Visit farmers’ markets, craft fairs, and food festivals to see how people naturally speak English. You can practice making small talk with vendors by asking how much something costs, what ingredients are in a certain product, or about their handmade crafts.
Some popular markets include:
- Granville Island Public Market
- Riley Park Farmers Market
- Trout Lake Farmers Market
- Richmond Night Market
Attend Local Festivals and Cultural Events
Vancouver hosts many festivals and cultural events each year where you can practice your English listening and conversation skills. With many things going on, it’s easy to find something to talk about—the music, food, performances, and more.
Some of the most popular festivals and events in the city include:
- Vancouver International Film Festival
- Khatsahlano Street Party
- Powell Street Festival
- Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival
- Vancouver International Jazz Festival
- Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
Volunteer in the Community
Vancouver has many volunteer opportunities to help you learn English, from neighbourhood enhancement to public safety. You improve your language skills and give back to the community simultaneously—a win-win situation.
Some places to volunteer include libraries, food banks, festivals, community centres, and hospitals. You can find these volunteer opportunities through your school, local bulletin boards, or websites like Volunteering Vancouver and the city’s official website.
Take Part in Outdoor Activities
Vancouver has no shortage of outdoor activities you can join while practicing your English with other nature lovers. Join a hiking group, run club, yoga in the park session, or bike tour. Meeting new people and practicing a new language is less intimidating when you’re doing something active, so don’t be shy and give it a go!
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Tips to Build Confidence with English in Vancouver
Exploring a new city like Vancouver is exciting, but practicing and remembering everything you’ve learned in class can be challenging. The good news? Vancouver offers opportunities to improve your English in real-life settings.
Here are some top tips to help you build confidence in your English while exploring the city:
- Carry a small notebook or use the notes app on your phone to write down new words or phrases you learn throughout the day (research shows that physically jotting things down might be better for your memory).
- Practice asking locals, market vendors, or tour guides for directions or recommendations. Asking even small questions helps reinforce what you’ve learned in class!
- Watch local news, YouTube channels, or podcasts focused on life in Vancouver to familiarize themselves with the accents and slang Canadians use.
- Set daily or weekly speaking goals. For example, you can aim to speak to one new person every day or participate in a local meetup once a week.
Don’t worry, it’s okay to make mistakes—it’s how you learn best. The important thing is that you’re willing to put yourself out there and at least try!
Tips & Resources for Exploring in Vancouver
As an international student in Vancouver, sticking to a budget is important. But that doesn’t mean you need to miss out on the fun! There are plenty of fun things to do in Vancouver for international students that are affordable and easy to access.
Budget-Friendly Student Spots in Vancouver
From beaches and nature activities to enjoying the city, here are some of the best budget-friendly spots in Vancouver:
- Free museum days (Vancouver Art Gallery with free admission on the first Friday of every month, the Vancouver Maritime Museum with a pay-what-you-can on the first Sunday of every month, etc.)
- Free markets (Richmond Night Market, Granville Island Public Market, etc.)
- Local parks and beaches (Stanley Park, Trout Lake, Kitsilano Beach, etc.)
- Cheap bars (The Cambie Bar & Grill, The Pit Pub, etc.)
As a student, you’re also eligible for student discounts on public transport and some attractions, like the Vancouver Lookout and Capilano Suspension Bridge.
Recommended Apps & Resources to Make Exploring Easier
Here’s a list of apps and resources to make exploring the city easier, fun, and educational as an English student in Vancouver.
Transit & Navigation:
- Google Maps & Citymapper (real-time transit updates)
- Moovit (great for navigating public transit with step-by-step guidance)
English Learning Help:
- HelloTalk & Tandem (language exchange apps where you can talk to native English speakers)
- Duolingo (quick English lessons)
- Quizlet (make custom vocabulary flashcards based on what you see or learn)
Social & Meetup Apps:
- Facebook groups (search for groups like “Vancouver Language Exchange” or “International Students in Vancouver”)
- Meetup.com (events like language exchange, game nights, hiking, etc.)
- Eventbrite (cheap or free local events, festivals, and talks)
Study English and Explore Vancouver with ILAC International College
Learning a new language is more than just studying from a textbook or watching lectures in a classroom. It’s about connecting with others and experiencing the city. Whether greeting a vendor at the market or joining a walking tour with friends, these small interactions help you build your English skills and feel more at home in Vancouver.
At ILAC International College, we believe in learning by living. Our supportive environment and flexible programs are designed to help you explore Vancouver while studying English, allowing you to use what you learn in class in the real world.
Learn more about ILAC IC’s Vancouver campus and apply now!