[QUOTE=jerry brewer;7831057] We do need it and apparently some forest is on fire somewhere too

Even though it was frikin cold this winter, I actually liked it. the snow was a welcome change to the rain (although vancouver was completely unprepared for it).

I wonder if it will be like that again this year?

It truly is a remarkable place and I don't think anyone from the north west would have any real issues with the weather. Very safe place as well, without the yob culture (at least for the most part). We also get coronation street - although the rest of the telly is not very good - hence why I seem to be on here so much!

My three year old nephew was here in may - he loved the beaches and parks - all he said " goin' park" or goin beach"

Great place for a family - although cost of housing can be an issue - work situation is getting dire - and to have a decent life style here a decent wage is needed.

Here is a write up I did on vancouver - all very subjective of course:

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showt...al#post7662107

What are those gyro things - I thought they were kebabs - i can't eat them anyway. Yes the beaches here are nothing like blackpool with kiss me quick hats, donkeys, hen and stag dos and pissed up scots all over the place. Have to say though, I've had some right real piss ups there!

Meat raffles - forgot about them and the fella selling crab sticks out of a basket! I do miss the pub culture - although I complained that was all anyone did when i lived there.

Over all my main bitches are:

over priced real estate, wet winters, and no decent pubs -

this guide will give you a rough idea of the different neighbourhoods

http://www.vancouveruserguide.com/ne...s/westend.html

Spot on really, no not much to worry about when you way up the positives.

Booze is spendy but that's Canada not just Vancouver. Apart from the Lions Gate, I think the bridges are ugly but that's really getting picky. Also, I like to go crabbing and pawning, it would have been nice if there were lobsters out there too.

Dont you mean FROM October to April?

Summer more than makes up for it. And the OP is from Manchester so its not like their used to it.

That's what I said, between October and April. October 1 to April 30 if you need a more simple definition.

Actually October can be really nice when the seasons really turns, I can also remember more than a few years still having sunny weather - for me the real grinder is nov through the start of april. I actually like the rain we get in april, since it tends to be a real turning point in the seasons, all the flowers are blooming, especially the cherry blossoms.

This year has been very unusual. We have had very little rain. I'd say the weather we are having now is worse than we have seen since march.

edit - noticed you lived on the north shore - rains more there you know.

It's kind of akin to saying gonorrhea's better than syphilis

Love crab, but really dislike lobster for some reason. Not really sure why.

Like RICH said, be careful of the Crabs

Not sure what that means - I guess there's one in every village.

There's a sense of humour in the mail to you. I actually like Vancouver.

Nothing better than eating large dungeness crabs cooked on the dock, drinking beer and chucking the shells in the water.

RAIN - how much yesterday - but better today -sun is trying to get back out and my garden looks a lot better for it