Nestled among snow-topped mountains in the north, rolling green landscapes in the east, and immaculate seashores in the west, Vancouver offers a combo of city benefits and job prospects. Over recent periods, this scenery has transformed the city into a cosy haven for Irish expats.
Life in beautiful British Columbia, and an alluring North American alternate to the invigorating lure of Australia, has charmed the Irish immigrants to swap the Emerald Isle for Vancouver. The accessibility of the city, just a brisk nine-hour flight during the summer, and its geographical proximity to the US prompted me to apply for a visa. A year later I descended on Vancouver, an untouched paradise for nature enthusiasts.
Neither the picturesque landscapes nor the inundation of outdoor activities during the summer months hindered a fulfilling life in Vancouver; three months of sunrise plunges, mountain climbing, and camping trips ensued.
But why is Vancouver so appealing to the Irish diaspora? A question that springs to mind as the tranquil autumn season fades into winter. Following the working day, a short trip to the mountains allowed for an evening of skiing bordered by the distant sparkle of city life. Even the commonplace tasks in Vancouver were made spectacular by the city’s natural beauty, with mountain vistas peeking out on daily commutes and the relaxation of watching seaplanes cascade in the harbour during lunch breaks. Evenings were accompanied by strolls on the beach with companions.
However, such an abundant gathering of nature’s gifts seemed captivating enough to overshadow Vancouver’s social life at times. Given that each season promises a diverse set of outdoor activities, Vancouverites tend to spend their leisure time by a campfire or skiing, rather than bar-hopping. The growing Irish community in the city has only increased the demand for a good pint of Guinness, leading to an inflow of authentic Irish pubs sprinkled throughout the city.
Outside of the pubs, the lively Irish population has curated a spirited lifestyle, reflecting the cultural atmosphere of their homeland in the city. The array of GAA clubs has risen dramatically, complemented by Irish running clubs and meetups for the Irish-speaking community. Frequently, artists and comedians like Joanne McNally and the 2 Johnnies are drawn to the city, driven by the enthusiastic Irish crowd.
The suburban district of Kitsilano in Vancouver, overflowing with young Irish people, has been lovingly dubbed ‘County Kits’. The prevalence of this demographic was most conspicuous during a midsummer outdoor festival. Following a music set, the merry crowd broke out into spontaneous renditions of the ‘Fields of Athenry’, and ‘Olé Olé Olé’, leaving the local residents taken aback.
However, Vancouver does present downsides that echo their homeland experiences. The picturesque beaches, mountains, and lush parks limit the space for housing. Rental prices compete with those in Dublin, and connections are often key to obtain a satisfactory living arrangement.
The degree of homelessness in the city is profoundly unsettling. Certain city centre roads are almost entirely occupied by makeshift tents and those without homes.
The cost of living in Vancouver can be extremely high. Even supermarket own-brand essentials such as dairy, bread, and meat are at times astonishingly expensive.
Famously known for its showers, Vancouver earns its nickname of ‘Raincouver’, weather conditions that Irish citizens can identify with, especially during late spring. On days like festival occasions or when voicing complaints over rent costs against the backdrop of a grey, rainy day, it’s easy to forget that you’re on a different continent to Ireland.
However, reminders of the gulf between Vancouver and Ireland are plentiful. When purchasing food or drinks, one must perform intense mental calculations to add the taxes, levies, and expected gratuity. Vancouver natives are also known to stick to the rules fervently – simple acts such as cutting in line, even accidentally, can provoke the ire of usually polite locals.
However, it’s important to note that this snapshot doesn’t represent the experience of every Irish individual who settles in Vancouver.
While I ended up becoming a stereotype of an Irish person living overseas, others have integrated into Canadian society more seamlessly. They regularly turn out at Rogers Arena to support the Vancouver Canucks during the ice hockey season, savour local dishes like poutine – a mix of fries, cheese curds, and gravy – and have even adopted Canadian lingo such as appending ‘for sure’ to every sentence.
But for those seeking familiarity, Vancouver makes for a convincing replica of Ireland.
Aoife O’Dwyer, originally from Tipperary, relocated to Vancouver, Canada in February 2023 where she spent 18 months employed with a finance firm. She has recently returned home to Ireland and is presently in the process of job-hunting.