The mindset

While the pressures of legal work are the same in Vancouver as they are in any other city across the country, Paul Heisler, an associate with Hunter Litigation Chambers and a Montreal native, says Vancouver’s vibe is less stressful and quality of life is valued. “I think Vancouver is a more relaxed city than Toronto,” he says. “When everyone, including senior partners, is eager to get outside and enjoy the mountains, water and beaches, it makes for a more relaxed atmosphere.”

Where to shop

Downtown on Robson Street, you’ll find chains like Zara and Banana Republic, while in Kitsilano and Yaletown, boutique Moulé offers designer options. Monique Orieux, a labour and employment associate at Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP’s Vancouver office, suggests Gastown for local shops, such as denim experts Dutil. Gravitypope is fantastic for footwear, Judith & Charles is ideal for dress wear and Orieux says Twist Fashions has new stock every couple of weeks, and “is sort of like a personal shopper.”

Where to live

Vancouver is notorious for having Canada’s most expensive real estate — and is the second-least affordable city in the world, with only Hong Kong ahead — but if you’re renting, prices aren’t that different from what you’d pay in Toronto, says Jennifer Hansen, who moved to Vancouver from Toronto to help open Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP’s West Coast office in 2012. Many lawyers live in the downtown core, or a bit further afield in Kitsilano, which she says has a lot of character. “If you’re closer to downtown, you’re more likely to be in a condo; if you’re outside downtown, people tend to be in houses or duplexes.” The West End is another option. Orieux says it’s affordable, with lots of heritage buildings. It’s close to downtown, but also to Stanley Park and multiple beaches, and “it has a great community feel.”

How to get around

With its electric trolleybuses, expanding SkyTrain system and the pedestrian-friendly nature of the up-and-coming Olympic Village area, Vancouver is an easy city to navigate without a car. If you do need wheels, shared transportation is taking off. “Car2Go is really popular,” says Orieux, “and there are plans for a bike-share program.” Beloved (and handsome) Mayor Gregor Robertson is a staunch supporter of cycling and has made it a priority to make the city’s bike lanes safer.

Where to eat and drink

Native Vancouverite Orieux calls the food scene “very dynamic.” She recommends the duck meatballs at Fable. Yun Li-Reilly, a litigator at Farris Vaughan Wills & Murphy LLP, recommends Phnom Penh, a Vietnamese- Cambodian restaurant in Gastown. “It’s a dive, but the food is great,” she says, and suggests the fish soup. For post-work drinks, head to The Winking Judge, one block from the courthouse, and Hotel Georgia is a great option for spirits in the sun.

The weather

While it’s known for rain, the city has mild winters (a chilly day might be 5 C, versus, say, −15). “When it’s raining in Vancouver, it’s snowing in the mountains,” says Heisler, offering a silver lining to all the clouds. And Orieux maintains that it’s sunny just as often as it rains. Still, pack an umbrella, a hooded jacket and, duh, rain boots. “You see a lot of Hunters here,” Hansen says.

Where to play

Hiking, cycling, skiing or surfing — Vancouver has access to it all. “If you ski, there’s Whistler. You can get to a smaller hill within 25 minutes of downtown, and there’s relatively easy access to Vancouver Island, including Tofino, where I like to surf,” Heisler says. He also plays beach volleyball at the Spanish Banks and Kits Beach. There are trails for hikers, runners and cyclists in the North Shore, near the UBC campus, and in Stanley Park. If you’d rather be a spectator, hockey fans have the Canucks, and Major League Soccer’s Whitecaps are an affordable option for footie fans. For an escape, head to the Gulf Islands, easily accessible by ferry or floatplane. Salt Spring Island has a thriving arts community and there are plenty of places to eat and stay.