It's a matter of perspective I guess. I've lived in Kits and love being close to the beach. I have property near Kananaskis, K-country trails/hiking is equally beautiful scenery, just different scenery. Amenities; in my opinion, there isn't much you can find in Vancouver that you couldn't find in Winnipeg, Edmonton, etc. Climate; fair point, Vancouver has relatively mild climate. That's said, having experienced prairie winters, I'll take minus 20 and snow over Vancouver's December rains
. Not saying you're one of these people, but a lot of Vancouervites in my opinion use mountains/oceans as an excuse to tolerate some of Vancouver's less desireable qualities like high cost of living and lower salaries, simply to justify their desire to not leave. I always tell younger Vancouverites "what do you have to lose, Vancouver and it's mountains and its oceans will always be there...you can always go back."