The Lower Mainland is located on the southwestern side of British Columbia. It is one of Canada’s most ethnically diverse regions and has a well-earned reputation as a thriving, entrepreneurial business environment. Nicknamed Hollywood North, this region is a hub for film, television and visual effects. World-renowned gaming and digital media disrupters are inspired in this place where new ideas, products, and services are born. Vancouver is the transportation and shipping hub for Western Canada: an integral part of the global supply chain bringing products into and out of Canada. Key sectors in this region include Aerospace, Agriculture, Food & Beverage, Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality, Digital Media & Entertainment, ICT and Life Sciences.
With 29 major marine terminals, three Class 1 railroads, and facilities to support international shipping, the Port of Vancouver is Canada’s most diversified port.
Ranked amongst the top three best airports in North America for 12-years in a row, YVR saw over 26 million passengers in 2019.
Located in Surrey, the institute works with universities and B.C. companies to focus on real world problems and support B.C.’s growing reputation in this field.
The Sea to Sky Corridor, which includes Squamish, boasts world-class green innovation companies in carbon capture, resource efficiency, green building and renewables.
Squamish is a destination, not only recognized for being situated along one of Canada’s most scenic routes, the Sea to Sky Highway, and in close proximity to Vancouver and Whistler, but for world-class recreational pursuits, with biking, hiking, backcountry skiing, wind sports, wildlife viewing and fishing all within minutes of one’s doorstep. Whether it’s the ocean-meets-mountain lifestyle, entrepreneurial spirit or strategic transportation network, more and more businesses are choosing Squamish as a home base for their operations. From clean-tech innovation, to sporting technology design, and tourism, we’re a vibrant community ready to support your business needs – no matter how big or small – and welcome you to discover the Squamish advantage for yourself.
Consistently rated as one of the world’s most livable cities, Vancouver is also an unparalleled place to work and invest. This dynamic metropolitan area offers economic opportunities, a mild climate, an active lifestyle and all the amenities of a vibrant urban centre. One of the most ethnically diverse areas in Canada, Mainland/Southwest is made up of the city of Vancouver and the surrounding metropolitan area (known as Metro Vancouver).
Surrey’s fast-growing and culturally diverse population, combined with our enviable Pacific Rim location for international trade to Asia and the United States, delivers substantial business opportunities. For the fifth year in a row, the Real Estate Investment Network has named Surrey the best place in British Columbia to invest. Surrey is a member municipality of Metro Vancouver, the governing body of the Greater Vancouver Regional District. It is the province’s second-largest city by population after the city of Vancouver. It is expected that Surrey will surpass Vancouver’s population within the next ten years, making it a good time to invest in Surrey.
Abbotsford is a complete city with a diverse demography, availability of land, affordability benefits, and an economy set to grow. The City’s close proximity to key transportation infrastructure including the Abbotsford International Airport, U.S. border crossings and the Trans-Canada Hwy (Hwy No. 1), make the City a prime location for growing businesses.
The Chilliwack area includes the municipality of Chilliwack, the rural Electoral Areas D and E of the Fraser Valley Regional District, the District of Kent, and multiple First Nations Reserves. It is equivalent to Statistics Canada’s Chilliwack Census Agglomeration. A superb quality of life, combined with a strong economy, a low cost of living, and proximity to a multitude of amenities, make Chilliwack a destination of interest for prospective residents, businesses and investors. Chilliwack is better for business and better for life.
With 2.8 million people — nearly 61% of the province’s population — calling this region their home, the wealth of opportunities for work and learning are substantial. Richmond, New Westminster, Burnaby, Surrey, Delta, and White Rock are communities around Vancouver that contribute to the urban experience and economic value of the region, the province, and the country. The Lower Mainland is one of the most dynamic and diverse economies in North America with an abundance of opportunities and all the amenities expected of vibrant urban centres.
Discover more facts and statistics about this region:
Regional Economic ProfileEconomic Development Organizations
With Vancouver serving as Canada’s primary trade gateway to Asia, the region serves as a hub for many forms of economic activity. Financial services, health care as well as professional, scientific and technical services are key sectors. There is significant growth in the information technology, cultural, and recreational sectors. Transportation, education, secondary manufacturing, and agriculture continue to be core economic pillars.
Development corporations— owned collectively by aligned First Nations or by individual First Nations— are the primary vehicles by which First Nations pursue and advocate for sustainable economic development.
Learn more about First Nations in BCEconomic Development Organizations
Simon Fraser University offers internationally recognized student co-op programs, cutting-edge researchers, and facilities in computing science, materials science, and clean energy.
BCIT offers diploma and certificate programs, and bachelor’s and master’s degrees covering subjects as diverse as applied and natural sciences, business and media, computing and IT, engineering, health sciences and trades.
Capilano University offers 97 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, post-baccalaureate and undergraduate diplomas, and certificates; as well as programs in business, paralegal, early childhood care and education, music therapy and design.
Emily Carr University (ECU) was rated as the top university in Canada for art and design and placed among the world’s top 50 universities for art and design.
Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) is Canada’s leading public safety educator with a mission to develop dynamic justice and public safety professionals through its exceptional applied education, training and research.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) offers a range of degree, diploma, certificate, and citation programs with hands-on experience and experiential learning opportunities.
The Vancouver campus of Nicola Valley Institute of Technology is a member of the Indigenous Adult and Higher Learning Association, created to work on behalf of Aboriginal-controlled post-secondary education institutes in British Columbia.
Vancouver Community College is the largest and oldest community college in British Columbia, offering certificate programs, diploma programs, and bachelor’s degree programs.
The University of the Fraser Valley offers over 100 programs, including master’s and bachelor’s degrees across more than 30 subject areas, including trades and technology programs.
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a global centre for teaching, learning and research, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world.
Douglas College offers bachelor’s degrees, general university arts and science courses and career programs in health care, human services, business, and the creative arts.
Langara College provides university-level programs and courses and offers a variety of qualifications, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, and citations.
Regional experts can help familiarize you with the amenities, infrastructure, and opportunities in each region. They can introduce you to the economic development offices and industry associations that will support the integration of your business into the province.