This city with lush forests and beaches is among BC's best spots to live, according to locals

This city in B.C. delivers on the promise of West Coast beauty, and then some. Rolling mountains enclosing forests filled with ancient trees, all alongside the sparkling ocean. It blends the fast-paced city vibe with the slowed pace that nature requires, creating the perfect recipe for a balanced lifestyle.We asked B.C. locals on our Narcity Canada Facebook page what the ideal place to live in B.C. is, and North Vancouver stood out among the rest as a top choice. Locals tend to know best, but further solidifying its dreamy reputation is the fact that it was recently ranked as the most livable city in all of Canada, by The Globe and Mail.See on InstagramBefore you get too excited and start booking a U-Haul, it does come at a price tag, like most things in B.C. do. According to Liv.rent North Vancouver is the second most expensive city in the country, in terms of rent prices. An unfurnished one-bedroom here will cost you around $2,552, which is just ahead of Vancouver's $2,490. If you're willing and able to pay the price though, there's a reason why people love this place. See on InstagramWhile it's just a drive over the bridge from Vancouver to the North Shore, there's a reason why locals specifically named it as the ideal place to live. It manages to feel removed from Vancouver, without the hectic vibe of the downtown core. You still have the bustling energy with restaurants, bars, shops and a busy waterfront area known as the Shipyards, but it feels almost quaint. See on InstagramIn the summer you'll find a lively night market, fun events, and thrift pop-ups here. It's all with the backdrop of the ocean and mountains in the distance, making it that much better. See on InstagramThe coastline is dotted with beaches, and it's right beside West Vancouver, which is filled with beautiful areas like Ambleside Beach and Whytecliff Park. One of the most famous waterfront areas of North Vancouver though is Deep Cove, a small village tucked away in a calm inlet. This community goes to show how you can get a small-town vibe with a tight-knit feel right in this city, which is pretty unique. See on InstagramGalleries and quaint shops line the streets in Deep Cove, and kayaks are regularly launching off from the shore as people head out to explore the calm waters. It's an idyllic spot that makes it hard to believe you're still within a city. There are tons of spots to check out here, but Honey's Donuts is a local legend.See on InstagramYou can spend an afternoon here wandering in and out of the stores and gazing out onto the water, and probably never want to leave. See on InstagramMoving away from the shore you have the legendary mountains and lush forest areas of North Vancouver. It's what really makes living in this city unique — being perched on the edge of the wilderness. See on InstagramTake your pick of Cypress, Grouse or Mount Seymour in the winter months for some skiing or snowboarding. They're all open for night skiing too, so after a day of working in the city you can wind down on the slopes. See on InstagramIn the summer months, the snow melts and makes way for some of the best hiking trails in the area. You climb up to unreal lookouts, with breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding mountain peaks. See on InstagramYou don't have to gain lots of elevation to escape into nature though. There are lots of trails right on the doorstep of the city that will surround you with lush greenery during any season. Lynn Valley is a popular area, nestled at the foot of the North Shore Mountains and ripe for exploration. Lynn Canyon Park is within the neighbourhood and is known for its suspension bridge that takes you over a rushing creek. See on InstagramDense forests also fill the park and are so vibrant that you only have to take a few steps within to feel like you're far from the city. See on InstagramThere's a wide network of trails but heading down to the 30-foot pool here is a go-to for many, especially in the summer. The bright emerald pool has massive boulders alongside it that you can stretch out on and enjoy the sounds of nature. If you're willing to brave the cold water you can also take a dip into the clear pool. See on Instagram The city has lots of other neighbourhoods too, from more bustling ones like central Longsdale to the charming streets of Edgemont. The theme that's consistent among all of the areas of North Vancouver though, is how easy it is to escape into nature. It takes minutes to feel like you've retreated into the great outdoors, far away from the sounds of the city. Whether it's hiking up to a mountaintop, swimming in the ocean, kayaking along the shoreline, or making the journey to a hidden waterfall – this is an adventure-lovers paradise. See on InstagramYou still get all of the perks of urban life and the benefit of being right next to one of Canada's major cities, but don't have to compromise on natural beauty. As long as you can deal with the price, North Vancouver really is an ideal spot to call home.