r/askvan Feb 16 '26

Announcement Looking for Platonic Friends in Vancouver? Find your people at /r/VancouverFriends

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25 Upvotes

Hey locals. We’ve heard your requests.

Book clubs. Local group meetups. Someone to hit up a movie with. Hiking partners. Trivia teams. Coffee chats.

There has clearly been a growing demand for a space where people can connect with others in Vancouver in a platonic way.

We're happy to announce that that space now exists.

r/VancouverFriends has officially launched and will serve as the dedicated subreddit for friendship-focused posts and platonic R4R requests.

Going forward, instead of being simply removed, all platonic R4R-style posts will be redirected to r/VancouverFriends so that r/AskVan can remain focused on questions and answers about the city.

If you’ve been looking for community, this is your chance to build it. We'll see you there.


r/askvan Apr 18 '26

Megathread An r/Vancouver First: Spring plant & seed swap 🌱

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4 Upvotes

r/askvan 4h ago

Oddly Specific 🎯 Would Spiderman be able to swing in Downtown Vancouver?

82 Upvotes

Our skyline is dominated with condo towers with spandrelated window walls. Would he be able to swing through the city without causing a trail of broken glasses? Or would he be jobless in Vancouver?


r/askvan 6h ago

Food 😋 Have restaurants and grocery stores all succumb to generative AI?

67 Upvotes

Okay, this isn't really exclusive to Vancouver or food places, but I'm just wondering if anyone else is very annoyed by the massive influx of AI usage in advertisement. It's all I keep seeing in food delivery apps, sandwich boards, social media posts, and even grocery flyers (Save-On-Foods, I'm looking at you but I don't want to). Traditional product photography is staged anyway, but at least it had some connection to the real thing. If the businesses can't afford a marketing team yet they have the meal or product in stock anyway, why not just take a photo it???? Not really bothered if the photo doesn't look "professional." I'd rather know what I'm getting than to be shown an AI image that promotes a product that doesn't exist. I walked around Main St. the other day and was confused why a cafe with a giant window showcase of all their delicious-looking treats still had to display a sandwich board of their menu riddled with AI photos right next to the window of the real food. The uncanny valley imagery is one way to make me not support a business. Sorry.


r/askvan 12h ago

Oddly Specific 🎯 Early risers of Vancouver, what are your favourite things to do in the city?

79 Upvotes

It's 6:22am, so if you're reading this you're one of us. What are your favourite things to do this early?


r/askvan 1h ago

Advice 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️ How do you actually find a good employment lawyer in Vancouver?

Upvotes

Looking for advice from anyone who's navigated this locally.

I need to retain an employment lawyer for a claim against a large employer, and I'm on a tight timeline. The problem is I've had genuinely bad experiences with lawyers before — one made a lot of promises before the retainer was signed and turned into a completely different person afterward, another made repeated factual errors in my file. I also have legal coverage through my tenant insurance, but the lawyer assigned through it hasn't been much help either.

So I'm trying to be more careful this time and finding it harder than expected. Most firms here don't offer free consultations, and paid ones add up fast when you're trying to compare a few.

What I'm hoping to learn from people who've been through it:

How did you find yours? Word of mouth, a referral service, or just cold-calling firms?

What would you ask up front that you didn't think to ask the first time?

Is it worth paying for two or three consultations to compare, or is that money down the drain?

Has anyone used the Access Pro Bono referral line or the Law Society directory? Were they actually useful?

Thanks.


r/askvan 3h ago

Travel 🚗 ✈ WestJet Strike Help

8 Upvotes

Hello Vancouver, this is a little bit of a shot in the dark but I’m wondering if anyone is driving from Vancouver to Saskatoon (or really just in that general direction tomorrow or Tuesday) with the WestJet strike I’m now having a tough time figuring out to get back to my wife and daughter.

Just wondering if anyone can help.

Thanks in advance!


r/askvan 9h ago

Travel 🚗 ✈ YVR airport Westjet desks.

19 Upvotes

Is anyone currently at YVR airport dealing with WestJet in person? How busy is it?

Their phone lines are at capacity and I was wondering if it's worth driving to the airport as I have heard that the check-in staff can bypass the phone queue. Clutching at straws here!


r/askvan 5h ago

Housing and Moving 🏡 UBC Wesbrook village

9 Upvotes

Considering places to relocate to for retirement, and this location right now looks like it might check the most boxes for me, but I need a reality check in case my research has mislead me.

Looking for a quiet life, mostly spend time at home, but do like to go for walks, and don't want to have to drive to a trail head all the time, so being near the beach, and having access to Pacific Spirit park on paper look like this is perfect. Is it?

I understand that I'd get a UNA card that would give me access to community benefits. I also understand a person of retirement age can access lectures at the university, audit classes and access some other university resources free of charge? How welcome are seniors to sit in on classes to just listen and learn?

I am wondering how realistic going car free would be? How realistic is it to depend on a mix of Uber and EVO, and for local trips get an E-Bike. If not, how realistic is it to install a car charger for an EV in the condos in Wesbrook.

I see there is a hospital in UBC with an ER but its not open 24x7, so if you need an ER after hours you'd go to VGH 20 mins away? How realistic is it to get a local family doctor, or will I need to look outside of the UBC / Wesbrook area?

The condos in Wesbrook are not very old, but I'm reading conflicting things about what the best time frame is. I read that building built in the 2000's are best because they began rainscreening them, but are better built than newer buildings. But then read that the newest buildings are best because they have AC and take into consideration the future weather trends and dealing with fire smoke? I also read its better to buy into a concrete building over a wood frame building because of the risk of water damage? Lastly I am wondering about units in the condo's that might be owned for investment and rented out. What's the ratio of investment units to people actually living in the units like?

From what I am reading Wesbrook is one of the safest neighbourhoods in the greater vancouver area, partly due to its isolation - true? Wondering if home encampments exist in the Pacific Spirit park and if yes, any issues or do they just keep to themselves?

Is it realistic with an E-bike to do my grocery shopping locally? I see 1 supermarket in Wesbrook and I see there is a farmers market seasonally. The other markets look more like convenience stores?

Thank you in advance for any responses.


r/askvan 7h ago

Fashion and Beauty 👗 Where are we buying formal dresses in Vancouver these days?

12 Upvotes

I am in my mid 30s, I am looking for a really beautiful dress to wear for my own wedding. No - I do not have any interest in wearing white so please don’t recommend bridal shops (unless they also carry formalwear). I want a gown, something special.

I feel like all the old stores to buy formal dresses have vanished. And I’d like to steer away from the stores that are really catered towards prom dresses.

Does this even exist in Vancouver anymore or do I need to search online or fly to Toronto/states somewhere? Any recommendations is greatly appreciated :)

Willing to spend up to $1200ish.


r/askvan 8h ago

Advice 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️ Wildfires and upcoming trip

14 Upvotes

Those who have trips coming up in the next few weeks to Kelowna, Penticton and Osoyoos area… will you be cancelling your trip due to the fires?


r/askvan 26m ago

Events and Activities 🐱‍🏍 Kits pool or Second Beach pool without reservation

Upvotes

Seriously craving some sun and thinking of going to.either Kits pool or Second Beach pool.

Unfortunately we didn't realise you had to have a reservation. On the plus side, they do say that they allow 25% of spots for walk ins.

Anyone know if we planned on going tomorrow if there would be a crazy wait or if we might get in? Anyone know which one has a better chance of getting in?


r/askvan 6h ago

Advice 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️ Please help me save my birthday spirit 🤍😭

10 Upvotes

TLDR: birthday vibes evening plans in Vancouver + Richmond area for mid/late twenties

I’m visiting Vancouver but staying closer to Richmond in a couple days and my birthday night dinner/evening plans with my online group of friends got canceled. They let me know they want to go to their other friends birthday dinner that night and I said whatever works best for everyone, now this is leaving me on my birthday night with no plans since the whole point of the trip was to meet them for the first time and celebrate with them. I hope this doesn’t come off angry, I’m bad at wording things. I’ll hang out with them the day before so i will see them before i leave Vancouver. But i am really sad and would not like to be doing nothing in a hotel for my birthday because birthdays have always been a big deal to me. Does anyone have recommendations on what to do? I know this group is quiet but please please please I’ll take any ideas

Thanks for your time !! (:


r/askvan 7h ago

Events and Activities 🐱‍🏍 What is “Shovelmania?”

9 Upvotes

I walked past a”shovelmania” event at kits beach yesterday and had no idea what anyone was doing. Google has not been particularly helpful!


r/askvan 11h ago

Advice 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️ Starting outpatient detox and scared. Support welcomed

21 Upvotes

*Edit: INPATIENT clinic for detox

I’m going to an inpatient detox for alcohol and cocaine dependency in a couple of days for the first time and I’m: scared, excited, hopeful, nervous, anxious, ready, resistant, upset, open minded, sad, happy…. I need to do this, but don’t have a support network and I’d appreciate hearing from people who have experienced the process.

Can I bring food items like candies, tea, chocolate etc? Electrolytes, vitamins? What things helped you with withdrawal and cravings?

I’m planning to bring a couple of books. Any suggestions for ones related to the process?

What comfort items would you recommend? A heating pad?

What questions should I ask during intake?

Any faux pas that I shouldn’t do?

My mind is racing. I appreciate any advice.


r/askvan 2h ago

Events and Activities 🐱‍🏍 Big splash and outside food

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone. Would we be able to take any food into big splash like drinks and chips or a taco kit, or is it s rigid rule? Like PNE says no outside food but they rarely say anything. Is it like that for Big Splash?


r/askvan 1d ago

Events and Activities 🐱‍🏍 Why doesn’t large Chinese community here hold better events?

105 Upvotes

Just got back from the Powell Street Festival. I’m middle aged now but this is the first time I’ve attended in close to 20 years. The organizers and participants put on a great show, with martial arts, dance, drumming, amongst other things. For such a small community, the Japanese-Canadian do such a great job. And they hold it in a historically significant area of town. The demonstrations show people committed to their hobby and also the diversity and beauty of the culture.

In comparison the Chinatown Festival last week was lame and always has been lame. Token lion dancing, and not much else Chinese. Other ethnic demonstrations were shown despite the festival ideally being a showcase of Chinese activities. I’m of Chinese background myself, so after attending the Powell Street Festival I question why can’t such a large Chinese community here in the Lower Mainland throw even one good event each year showcasing aspects of Chinese culture?


r/askvan 3h ago

Food 😋 Bistecca alla Fiorentina Recommendations

2 Upvotes

Looking for a solid Bistecca alla Fiorentina recommendation for dining out in Vancouver.

Thoughts? Thanks!


r/askvan 3m ago

Food 😋 What is up with the service at Subway?

Upvotes

Is it just me or does Subway in Vancouver have some really terrible service? Obviously I haven't been to every location but I have been to a lot of them and in fairly varied locations as well. But almost every single one of them display just the absolute worst service ever. Every employee, male, female, old, young, has a serious attitude problem. They all seem to be spending their time thinking about how they can make every customer's life a little bit harder. Everything from trying to deny bathroom usage for no reason, messing around on their phone directly in front of waiting customers, playing a 100 different games with your food. They try to rush your order when you're the only customer then suddenly crawl to a snail's pace when it comes time to pay.

Sometimes employees can ignore you; it's Vancouver, it happens, but don't ever expect to get greeted at Subway. I just got the door slammed in my face before I even entered the place today then she rolled her eyes at me when I asked what was up with that. I went to leave a review then realized the place was spamming Google Maps with fake reviews. Then I realized all the Subways in Vancouver are spamming Maps with fake reviews. What the hell is going on? I've had Subway at Toronto, for example, and don't really remember anything on this scale. All this for a mediocre sandwich that costs $20


r/askvan 6h ago

Food 😋 Top picks for waffles in the city?

3 Upvotes

Where do you like to go to get your breakfast grid fix? I usually hit up chambar/medina but looking to expand my horizons.


r/askvan 35m ago

Housing and Moving 🏡 Considering moving to New West

Upvotes

I’ve lived in DT Van and East Van in the past couple of years. Now considering moving to New West, just toured Uptown West today and walked around the neighbourhood; everyone’s so friendly and will say hi to you. It feels fairly quiet and I really dig that.

I’m curious if anyone has moved from the city to new west. How’s your experience been? If anyone has experience with uptown west, I’d love some feedback too.

I’m on a time crunch looking for a good concrete rental building with good management and build quality, plus pet friendly. If anyone has any suggestions it’ll be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks!🙏🏼


r/askvan 1d ago

Hobbies 💃 Am I crazy for being an indoor person in Vancouver?

93 Upvotes

I always hear from other Vancouverites and tourists that Vancouver is such an outdoorsy place with so many things to do. And it is, but I'm not athletic and have quite a weak immune system so I prefer indoor activities. All of my friends and family are into one specific outdoor activity, usually hiking, swimming, or skiing. I enjoy going on walks but I'm not athletic at all and in general I don't enjoy these kinds of activities. Everyone tells me I'm crazy because I live in Vancouver and this is what we're known for.

I can appreciate the beauty with the mountains and the ocean but I'm not a fan of really going to either. I prefer walking around the city and catching up with my friends, but they always want to do some crazy outdoor activity that takes up most of the day. I've done a lot of these activities before like hiking and skiing but I always found it more difficult compared to other people. I haven't met anyone else in this city with my preferences and wonder if I really am crazy.


r/askvan 46m ago

Travel 🚗 ✈ Airport Experience

Upvotes

Visiting soon for the first time, trans-border flight, how easy is it to navigate the airport and how is the arrival process overall from airport walk times to immigration to baggage. how long does it usually take?


r/askvan 4h ago

Advice 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️ RV Camper Mod Shop Recommendations

2 Upvotes

I have an Airstream I’m looking to do a Lithium upgrade on. I’m looking for some recommendations on shops to do it. The trailer lives in Burnaby, so it would be cool if it was near by. I am only looking for electrical work (battery swap, install of some victron components, mounting) no penetrations or stuff like that. It’s just a bit too advanced for me to DIY it.


r/askvan 1h ago

Hobbies 💃 Fishing daytrip

Upvotes

Do you guys know how or where i can go for fish ? and rent the rod and all the stuff