I have to say that Vancouver is not always as friendly a place as other parts of BC.  There's the urban cool, smileless expression (usually accompanied by a cellphone, the urban tool for deterring spontaneous, in-person conversation and to imply an impossibly busy life) that so many people have, especially downtown.  

However, I think I've cracked the code.  Two words (prepare yourself, they're a little 'woo woo Vancouver') - smile therapy.  An Islander friend of mine was visiting me a few months ago and observed how I rarely noticed strangers, period.  I was aghast - I never used to be like this!  I remembered back six years ago when I moved into my first apartment in Vancouver (after eight years on the Island) and struck fear into the heart of my young Kitsilano neighbour for having the audacity to spontaneously introduce myself.  I think she thought I was crazy or on something...