/r/askvan

Photograph via snooOG

Need to know something about Vancouver? Need travel tips? Need to find a hairdresser? Want to know the best sushi in Chinatown? This is your place!

See something requiring attention? Please use the report button and then message the Moderators.

Please note that this community requires that you have a verified email in order to post or comment.

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Rule #1 - Civility

We encourage users to be positive and respect one another. This means being kind to those you disagree with, and attacking arguments, not people.

Behaviors such as shaming, mocking, ranting, advocating violence, and threatening (including threats of self-harm) other users, third parties, groups, or businesses will be met with removals and bans. This includes content that leads to or promotes on- or off-site witch-hunting, abuse, or harassment in any way.

Be excellent to each other.

Rule #2 - Inclusivity

Respect others' differences, be they race, religion, home, job, gender identity, ability, vulnerability, or sexuality. When faced with a removal or ban, "I was just joking!" or "it was obviously sarcasm" are not acceptable excuses.

Dehumanizing language and slurs are instant permanent bans.

Rule #3 - Accuracy

Moderators reserve the right to remove posts about extreme experiences at the team's discretion if the information or source is unverifiable and/or sensationalized.

Please avoid posting information that can be easily proven false, including science denial like anti-vaxx messaging or disputing climate change.

Rule #4 - Relevancy

All posts must contain a question relevant to Metro Vancouver and the surrounding areas. Questions about British Columbia or Canada may be allowed at the mod team's discretion.

AskVan is not a substitute for speaking to a legal professional and does not allow posts that are seeking legal advice. This non-exhaustive list includes employment law, tenancy law, and immigration law.

News, images, and giveaways should be posted to /r/Vancouver, not /r/AskVan.

Rule #5 - Spam, Selling, and Self-Promotion

No unsanctioned self-promotion, buy/sell posts, referral links, crowdfunding campaigns, surveys, or petitions. This subreddit defines spam as more than one self-promoting submission for nine unrelated pieces of content. Moderator discretion may be used when proactively identifying astroturfing and/or stealth promotion.

We automatically remove low-quality domains, and tracking or affiliate links.

Abide by Reddit's content policy, found here.


Vancouver QuickLinks:

Moving to Vancouver
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Transit in Vancouver: A Guide
Low-Income and Free Resource Guide
Related subreddits
How do I start hiking?
Landlord help

/r/askvan

20,385 Subscribers

1

Best all you can eat place in Vancouver?

Also are there any all you can eat places that don’t do just Asian foods?

3 Comments
2024/12/04
08:33 UTC

0

What is the best online school that I can finish courses fast on?

I’m in Grade 11 and have to take French 11 and BC First Peoples online, as I do not have space to take them in person. I started BC FP on SAIL, but the course is very time-consuming and I do not have enough time in my day to finish it. Every single section of the unit (4 sections per unit) is a written essay and I do not have time on top of my regular class work. Are there any other online schools you would recommend that have less rigorous and easier courses? (This isn’t me being lazy but I genuinely do not have enough time to do it, and summer school is not an option).

3 Comments
2024/12/04
06:43 UTC

2

Grouse mountain

I have never been to grouse and just got a ski pass because a friend did. Is the gondola scary? Roughly how long is it?

3 Comments
2024/12/04
06:23 UTC

0

Labour and delivery

What was your experience with labour and delivery in Vancouver or Vancouver greater area? I’m super nervous to have my baby here. I just found out that hospital I was supposed to give birth at (Burnaby general hospital) doesn’t even have an on hand anesthesiologist for labour and delivery so if I need an emergency c section I will have to wait until someone is available and put on waiting list for anyone else receiving surgery that same day 🙁 due to my bmi they said they can refer me to another hospital that does have one on hand just for labour and delivery which I’m happy about because I was already wary of giving birth there and after reading about some horror stories to. Not sure if another hospital would be any better. No offence but in comparison to Alberta the healthcare is just awful as we know since nearly 1 million people looking for a family doctor in bc alone. Is there any tips to be aware of or hospitals I should consider then others? I would really appreciate any insight for parents who just recently had a baby within the year. I’m due in January, the doctor didn’t realize they weren’t equipped for me until I mentioned my weight… I’m genuinely so terrified even when I spoke to the anesthesiologist at burnaby they said it wasn’t safe for me to deliver there

5 Comments
2024/12/04
06:22 UTC

5

Only in Vancouver tomorrow after 330. What is the best way to spend my time?

I'm visiting for work and have the evening off tomorrow. I don't know the city very well and I'm looking for the best way to spend an afternoon out. I am by myself and planning on taking the SkyTrain into the city.

30 Comments
2024/12/04
06:04 UTC

1

Stores which sell Japanese construction/woodworking tools

I'll be visiting later in the month and wondering if anyone knows of a shop which carries tools imported from Japan - hammers and such. Searching for gift items. Any leads? Not having much luck with search engines.

5 Comments
2024/12/04
06:04 UTC

1

Lobster shells

Hi everybody, I'm new here, any idea where can I buy lobster shells?

1 Comment
2024/12/04
05:20 UTC

1

Tennis Leagues/Practice Classes?

Looking to pick up tennis again (3.5/4.0)

I live in North Van, so the go to is NVTC. NVTC is really great but all classes are full, and booking courts can be difficult if you don't have a booking card and work a regular hours (8-5).

I know there are private clubs but they seem to be all quite pricey. Are there any other leagues or group practice classes aside from NVTC?

1 Comment
2024/12/04
04:35 UTC

1

Best place to sell used books

I have a lot of used books I want to get rid of, to become more minimal. Stuff like Nick Hornby, Lena Dunham, Canadian literature,

What’s the best place to sell my used books of that genre?

6 Comments
2024/12/04
04:17 UTC

8

When is the best time to buy a used car in Vancouver?

I've been thinking about buying a car for a few months now but every time I check online, the price of used cars is crazy! I've set myself a budget of $4,000 and ideally looking for something with under 200k on the clock. I don't really have a preference on a particular make/model/colour, just something to get from A to B with minimum maintenance.

Is Facebook Marketplace the best place to look? What time of the year is best to buy? Thanks in advance!

18 Comments
2024/12/04
03:24 UTC

17

Why was West Vancouver separated from North Vancouver?

What was the reasoning behind this?

29 Comments
2024/12/04
02:50 UTC

3

Air inspection and moldy window replacement - any reputable services that offer this in the lower mainland?

I need a moldy window to be replaced appropriately and also want to have the air quality of one room tested. Anyone know of good service that deals with this stuff?

1 Comment
2024/12/04
02:40 UTC

1

Should I continue ski lessons for my 11-year-old this season?

Hi everyone,

My 11-year-old son has been taking ski lessons on and off since he was 5. He’s not an expert, but he can manage advanced slopes. He didn’t ski at all last year, but this season, I’m planning to take him on a 2-day, 1-night ski trip with his classmates and their parents. Some of his friends are taking lessons, while others aren’t.

The cost of lessons is a bit of a burden for us, so I’m wondering: should I invest in lessons again, or would it be okay for him to ski without formal instruction this year? What’s the best approach to balance skill improvement, safety, and finances?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

3 Comments
2024/12/04
02:11 UTC

2

Elopement wedding place, pls give me some advice!

I’m planning to have a simple elopement wedding on the afternoon of January 12 in Vancouver, but I haven’t decided on the location yet. I’d love to have it outdoors, but I’m worried it might be too cold. I’m considering a park, but it seems like I’d need a permit, which could cost a lot. The ceremony will only take around 15-30 minutes. Does anyone have any good ideas or experiences to share? Thank you so much!

4 Comments
2024/12/04
00:39 UTC

1

Tips for this winter

I live on the bottom floor of a north facing apartment here in Vancouver , I get very little sunlight into my windows because of the surrounding buildings blocking it from coming in. Now that winter is settling in it's harder to be in the dark everyday . I bought a sad lamp as well. Any tips from someone else who has experienced this?

2 Comments
2024/12/03
22:43 UTC

19

Jury duty excusal rejected

Hi I am not sure if this is the right place, i received a letter for jury duty in Jan however due to my grandparents illness in Asia i have to fly back and help, I am already in Asia and need to be there until February at least. On top I have a young toddler that my wife has no way of handling all by herself (she also has to help her parents during this time)

I asked for an excusal explaining the situation but it was rejected… does that mean I have to buy a plane ticket and fly 14 hours each way back and forth just for this?

62 Comments
2024/12/04
00:22 UTC

45

Anyone else get suspicious phone calls from numbers similar to yours? They are in the format 778###AAAA where only AAAA is different from your number.

The calls are always silent if you pick up.

18 Comments
2024/12/04
00:16 UTC

5

Peppermint twist

Hi! I’m hoping someone can help me in my search! Has anyone has seen Smirnoff peppermint twist vodka in any liquor store anywhere near Vancouver area? (Bottle looks like a candy cane!) I’ve been hunting for days and can’t seem to find it anywhere in the city - my sister loves it and I want to buy it as a Christmas present. Willing to drive for a while!

6 Comments
2024/12/04
00:16 UTC

5

Seaplane

Hello everyone, thinking about doing a seaplane tour with my gf this Friday but it's supposed to rain, do you guys think the view still be good? Anyone had a similar experience?

6 Comments
2024/12/03
23:45 UTC

1

Condo owners/renters: how much do you pay/charge for renting out a parking spot in your building?

Looking to rent out my parking spot and want to be fair to both parties. I live in east van on a well connected street.

11 Comments
2024/12/03
23:41 UTC

1

Airport Study Spots?

Anyone know any good study spaces inside YVR airport pre-security? I know there’s the observation deck, but was wondering if there was any other seating places that have outlets.

3 Comments
2024/12/03
23:38 UTC

1

Dollar Tree minimum is now $1.75 per item, when did this happen?

Just bought a paper notebook and a lint roller. Both items with tax came up to $3.80. Wow, when did this happen?

I thought items in Dollar Tree were $1.50. Now Dollar Tree stuff is almost as expensive as Dollarama.

8 Comments
2024/12/03
23:35 UTC

4

Am I right to think my landlord is biased??

Hi Vancouver,

Short backstory I moved into my apartment in 2021 and it’s managed by let’s call it Mountain Properties. I was alone back then and was only 24 years old with bad credit but good income! I got my apartment in downtown Vancouver with my very nice landlady who works for “Mountain Properties”.

My landlady quit 2 years ago and now I have a new one. I got married and I’m looking to move into a 2 bed in our building. I love our building and all the amenities and my husband does too. We want to stay here and we have looked at other places.

So here’s where I think the new one is biased: We applied for an apartment in June (not our building) but different rep. We got approved pretty much immediately even though it was super hard to get and such a good deal. Even though we got approved we declined it because an apartment opened in our building finally. The rep was my landlady and I was happy ! Since I had perfect on time rent payments for 4 years and my credit score is so good now (800) and now we have a double income. My husband is a lawyer I’m a marketing director. We just had a newborn so were desperate for a 2 bed.

When I messaged her on liv.rent she didn’t respond to me. That listing got rented. Again another opened in the summer, this time I emailed her: she got back to me right away and scheduled a viewing. When I met her, I literally came out from the elevator to the lobby she goes “oh you live here?” I said “yes, and you’re my property manager”. She goes “oh I searched you in our database, I didn’t have you”. I was like I got married my name changed. She goes “ohh that’s why”.. and kind of looked weird.

I viewed it told her we wanted to apply. I applied, sent my paystubs, bank statement etc and got declined! I was shocked.

I emailed her and said please let me know if anything else opens up. She said I will.

Fast forward last month - I had my inspection. She comes in and sees my newborn and we’re running tight on space, mind you my apartment is sparkling clean with beautiful furniture not that it should matter.

She asks “any plans on moving ?”?? I said “yes I’ve asked and applied for 2 beds here many times. She also has been doing hard credit checks which affects my scores.

So she goes “oh another 2 bed is open, ..” I asked for the link and she sends it. We apply again, she does a hard credit check, asks for paystubs etc. Followed up multiple times she barely responds.

Last week I told her we’re okay with paying 6 months of rent upfront if the landlord would prefer that for a tenant.

Today she just responds “unfortunately another tenant was approved”.

I’m fed up with her now, and think she has something against me.

Am I wrong to think this? Or does this sound like she is?

Any advice on what to do? Should I reach out to her manager ?

8 Comments
2024/12/03
23:25 UTC

0

Hey looking for friends who is learning & studying for ICBC jobs..

Hello Fellas I m looking for friends who is studying for L1 jobs on icbc to get along and study together… pls hmu it can be more lucrative for me if I m studying this with one friend. I m 23

1 Comment
2024/12/03
23:18 UTC

0

Printing large scale photos

Hey guys, can anyone recommend a company that will print large scale photos for me? I’m thinking 8 x 12 inches. I’m looking for good quality prints. Let me know!

3 Comments
2024/12/03
23:07 UTC

9

Personal stylists for men?

I realized I don’t have the best choice in outfits and want to get things that compliment my physique

Anyone know how to find stylists that can help pick out clothes and maybe beard/haircut recommendations?

What kind of costs am I looking at?

I’m looking to spend about $2000 on a new wardrobe (casual clothes, collared shirts etc)

I’m an early 30s guy

20 Comments
2024/12/03
21:38 UTC

23

how the hell do I get rid of bear spray without just randomly spraying it in a park?

I'm leaving the country and have two unused canisters, I've rang recycling and a fire station who were no use, there's a private company that will charge for the privilege and is difficult to get to without a car. Most other advice I've seen is "spray it in a controlled way and then recycle the can" which just seems dumb and unnecessary?

73 Comments
2024/12/03
21:37 UTC

3

What is there to do that's open on Boxing Day?

So, my birthday is on Boxing Day and I have never had a proper birthday party as a result, as folks are usually busy or away, and businesses are usually closed - I've finally decided to organize something this year but I'm unsure what will open or happening that isn't Christmassy (HUMBUG!)

Does anyone know of any neat/nerdy/fun themed bars? Or exciting things for a bunch of queer, late-30s nerds to do? I was considering one of the walking tours, but I don't want to force some poor sod to walk around in the slush and smudge and cold for what is certainly not enough money; Capilano Suspension Bridge is too rich for my poor ass at $80; are there any neat raves/shows/tiki bars open that day/evening?

7 Comments
2024/12/03
20:58 UTC

13

We already hit $2,500 within 24 hours of launching the Greater Vancouver Food Bank fundraiser!

1 Comment
2024/12/03
20:26 UTC

18

Anyone go to the North Van Christmas Market this past weekend?

I think this was it's first weekend. I'm wondering what people thought of it. I'm interested in going, but would like to hear some reviews first since I'm from the Tri-cities and it's quite a trek to the north shore.

14 Comments
2024/12/03
20:17 UTC

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