It's been a blinking cold Chinook when I've been there then! Even in the summer it's been a blinking cold wind - maybe it's comming from a different direction???????

I can only speak for the Vancouver area as I don't know Alberta at all. Obviously, crime exists. We see it on the news, we hear all about the drug problems, we can drive through the downtown eastside - Vancouver's very own skid row.

But, to be honest, crime has absolutely no impact on my life whatsoever.

There must be some level of crime that is endemic in any society. In my experience this seems to be lower here than in the UK, but then I live in a nice middle class area.

Vancouver's particular crime issues revolve around drugs and as I don't take them I don't come into contact with these problems. The gangs that control the drug trade kill each other over turf but unless you are very unlucky you are unlikely to be affected - involving "civilians" is very bad for business. Where there are drugs there are drug addicts and there is low level property crime that users indulge in to support their habits. So, you lock your valuables in the trunk when you park downtown.

Unless you intend to set up an illegal drug distribution business or take up a drug habit, the street smarts you use in the UK will be far more than adequate here. I would look at other lifestyle issues to make your choice.

I spent my first year in Vancouver and am now in Calgary. Calgary winters are fine because of the dryness (as other people say). You only have to look at the condition of the cars to see that the the weather has less impact on them than in the UK. The only real problem is that the winter lasts for a long time - if snow and cold make you miserable you might prefer BC. Vancouver is beautiful, but more expensive. It is a little more social and classy, but very cliquey. The people in Calgary appear to be a little more laid back and friendly. It is also much easier to find a house in or near the city at a reasonable price, and there are so many more jobs available. I prefer Vancouver, but we are going to enjoy Calgary for a few more years before we return.

Many are talking in terms of Vancouver/Calgary - the choice really isn't that narrow - BC's climate is vary varied, from the costal rainforests to the dry arid interior. Housing, crime, job opportunities, lifestyle all differ depending on location. Do you want big city life, a home in the 'burbs, somewhere that's smaller, but offers all the services you need on a day-to-day basis, or rural?

Until you've addressed those questions and many more, it'll be nigh on impossible to start narrowing down your choice.

Here's a summary of where I live, Kamloops:

Dry, hot and arid in the summer.
Mild temperate spring/autumn
Crisp dry powder snow in the winter, rarely more than a few inches fall at any one time.

Snow skiing within 45 minutes drive (Sun Peaks).
100's of lakes nearby for fishing, skiing, canoeing, boating.
Relatively affordable housing (compared to Vancouver and Kelowna)
Low crime rate (can't remember the last time I worried about locking my door)
Great transport links
Lots of commercial and residential growth

Watch this for a flavour of the community: http://www.kamloops.ca/media/placeinthesun.shtml

Thanks again for the replies. The comparison of the weather has certainly got me thinking.

One particular issue I haven't mentioned which is a major pull for us is the amount of things to do on weekends etc. As I mentioned before I currently live on an island with very little to do. I have three young children of 3 (twins) and a five year old.

The Vancouver/Lower Mainland seems to have a lot of things to do such as the parks, science museum, aquarium and also the option of travelling over the border to the Seattle area which seems to have a lot things to do also. In fact, the list seems endless.

Through my research, it seems that the Vancouver area does have the edge over other areas for things to do. How does other areas in BC/Alberta/Calgary or compare for family things to do?

If you are looking for 'laid on' entertainment then the bigger cities will have more to offer, if you are happy to amuse yourselves with walking/skiing/boating/ice skating and the like, then both Provinces will be able to provide your needs.

Ask yourself - do you spend every weekend going to the Zoo/Museum etc in your local area or is it an occasional outing? If it is every weekend then I would say Vancouver or Toronto would be better for you.

All Canadians seem to pack in a hell of an amount into the weekends! Have a look at www.findfamilyfun.com for ideas of things in the Vancouver area.

In the Metro Vancouver area there are wonderful trails etc if you are into walking, then we are coastal (so swminng etc) and then in the summers all the provincial camp grounds (which your kids will love! I especially recommend porpoise bay on the Sunshine coast for the youngsters)

Alberta had it's one hundredth anniversary celebrations in 2005!

The Chinooks are simply amazing, it can easily go from -25 to +15 in a few hours! We don't get much slush .... the snow just vapourises!

Quite!!!!

... and if grey skies and rain make you miserable you might prefer AB!!!