I wonder if you were in heavily Asian areas of Vancouver? It's my impression that smoking is most popular these days in Asian countries, so more recent arrivals would be more likely to still be smokers.
I have never noticed a particularly large rate of smoking in the areas of BC I've been to.
Less cigarette smoke is definitely a perk of living in the US. I was shocked to see the amount of smoking in Switzerland when I visited recently. I'd put it at the same amount as in India (where I am from), probably. I also remember a lot of smokers in Germany when I lived there for a couple of months in 2010.
I have never noticed a particularly large rate of smoking in the areas of BC I've been to.