Newcomers

West Vancouver is a growing community with a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and identities.

Socially Active Lounge

Join us for a get-together for newcomers and meet new friends in your new community.

Volunteer mentors will welcome you and answer any questions you may have about your new neighbourhood or activities available to you in your new community. Every Lounge get-together has a different theme, engaging participants in fun conversations with one another. Participants will be invited to additional occasional group activities by email.

Some activities include Cooking, Intro to Camping, Career Coach Workshops, and Rhythm and Restore Dance classes!

This program is proudly funded by Enhance West Van.

View all Socially Active Programs

Discover the power of theatre, find your voice, gain confidence, and make friends.

Weekdays
August 10–14
1–4 p.m.
$120 | 222232

Weekdays
August 24–28
8:45–11:45 a.m.
$120 | 222233

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Cultivate your understanding of Indigenous culture!

Indigenous Arts and Culture programs are proudly funded by Enhance West Van. Enhance West Van gratefully acknowledges the support of the District of West Vancouver through their Community Grants Program.

As we respectfully acknowledge the Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, and Musqueam, and all Indigenous peoples of the Northwest Coast, on whose traditional and unceded territories where we live, work, and play, join the amazing opportunity to learn about Indigenous cultures, values, and arts.

View all Indigenous Culture Workshops

Are you a newcomer learning English as your second language? If you need some help with following instructions in our registered fitness and art classes—we are here to help! 

After you register for a program, contact Tina via email with your program information and your first language, and you will be teamed up with a learning buddy who speaks your language to help you in the class.

This initiative is available for all registered classes and private training and lessons, except for swimming lessons and drop-in activities.

For more information, contact Tina via email or 604-921-3403.

This program is proudly funded by Enhance West Van.

Learn a new language or improve your language skills in writing, reading, listening, and speaking in the following classes.

This program is proudly funded by Enhance West Van.

English Class for Second/Third Language Learners
Join these classes to improve your English conversation, writing, and reading skills and learn all about Canadian culture and the West Coast lifestyle! Morning, afternoon, and evening classes are available.

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French Classes
Learn or expand your French language skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

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Korean Language for Everyone
Learn basic Korean communication skills with instructor Barbra Jeong! Familiarize yourself with the Hangul (Korean alphabets) and elementary skills of Korean language in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

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Mandarin Chinese Classes
Whether you have no knowledge of Chinese language or you or your children speak Mandarin at home, we have classes for children and adults to learn the language through fun activities.

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Farsi with Bita
Learn how to communicate with other Farsi speakers. While teaching you the language, Bita will bring Persian culture, tradition, and food to life.

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Spanish
Choose from a variety of Spanish classes!

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Welcome all newcomers to our Fitness Centre! 

Whether you're looking to improve your overall health, achieve a specific fitness goal or simply get more comfortable in the gym, we are here to help. Our Fitness Centre Attendant will explain etiquette, provide an overview of how to use the equipment, and answer any fitness-related questions you may have.

Take the first step toward your fitness goals with confidence and support.

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Introduction to Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP)

Join our spring and summer Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP) sessions and learn how to paddleboard at Ambleside Beach! If you’d like to give paddleboarding a try—with the support of a certified SUP coach—this workshop is for you. Learn all about the sport of SUP and the required safety equipment. All SUP gear will be provided.

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Join an upcoming tour to learn about the West Vancouver Community Centre facilities and how to find and register for activities. Tour participants will receive a Newcomer Pass* with some free admissions. A virtual tour is also available, contact Tina for more information. Language support is available upon request.

*Limit of one Newcomer Pass per person.

This program is proudly funded by Enhance West Van.

Register for an upcoming tour

Are you a new or expectant parent in West Vancouver? We have a number of programs designed to help you stay active and meet other new parents in your new community!

Mom and Baby Fitness 

Early Years Music

Parent and Tot Art Classes

Are you or your family members over 55-years-old and new in West Vancouver? We offer several amazing activities and programs at the West Vancouver Seniors’ Activity Centre (SAC)!

If you would like to learn more about the SAC, call 604-925-7280 to arrange a tour in English, Farsi, Cantonese, or Mandarin.

Seniors' Activity Centre Tour Information (PDF)