Conscious Traveling in Vancouver
Vancouver is a city where you can really have it all! Modern skyscrapers surrounded by Olympic-worthy slopes and scenic waterways allow you to answer Mother Nature’s beckoning call while enjoying the urban sprawl. Outdoor enthusiasts have a bevy of activities on their doorstep and a thriving art & music scene spices up the nightlife.
One of Canada’s most diverse and densely-populated cities, it consistently ranks among the 10 most livable cities in the world.
Recommended Hotel: Vancouver Fairmont Waterfront
With impeccable mountain scenery and a five-minute stroll from the harbour, the Fairmont Waterfront is a splendid base for a luxurious stay in Vancouver. Guests are treated to world-class, tailored service inside capacious rooms with ravishing décor. Have your morning coffee with a glorious view of Burrard Inlet while smelling the aroma of the curated gardens.
Fairmont Waterfront has received praise for its sustainable philosophy to treat guests with tranquility and solace. All rooms offer breathtaking panoramas of snow-lined peaks or Vancouver’s marvellous skyline. Glamorously-designed bathrooms, revitalizing showers and eye-pleasing colours accentuate the modern design of every room.
Day One: Stanley Park
Tabbed as the best park in the world, Stanley Park is a heavenly forest on the outskirts of downtown Vancouver. The 400+ hectare park was designated as the city’s first park in 1886 and is remains a local favourite nature retreat.
Walking trails and bike paths meander through the lush forests until reaching the rocky, sandy shoreline. Lazy beach days become exciting with the sightings of sea lions and orcas or discovering the Totem Poles of the First Nations.
Image from Montecristo Magazine
Day Two: Granville Island
Ride a colourful tugboat ferry and witness the transformation of this popular shopping centre. Industrial plants and sawmills dotted the area a century ago but food markets, yachts and artistic workshops now frequent the cultural hub.
Foodies migrate to the Public Market to taste organic fruits and vegetables, delicious chocolates, baked goods and fresh seafood. Those in the mood for culture can take in a show at a nearby theatre or peruse through art collections.
Image from Getty Images
Day Four: Sunshine Coast
Located just north of Vancouver, the enthralling Sunshine Coast is a coastal paradise with an idiosyncratic charm. Only reachable by air or ferry, this peaceful stretch of British Columbia mainland is a haven for artistic types and nature lovers.
Secluded beaches, verdant forests and enchanting lakes offer splendid hiking and kayaking opportunities. See where creative minds congregate at the Sechelt and Gibsons communities before continuing a mesmerizing drive around the coastline.
Image from Travel British Columbia
Night Four: Dinner at Forage
Forage prides itself on a stylish atmosphere, warm hospitality and locally-sourced ingredients to provide an exceptional British Columbia dining experience. Chef Welbert Choi creatively blends his culinary expertise and his nurturing relationships with local farmers to promote community togetherness.
The dinner menu reflects a commitment to family values and strengthening bonds between customers and producers. Prepare for land & sea delicacies including smoked duck breast seasoned with rutabaga & pumpkin seed butter or pan roasted sablefish. Savvy sommeliers and brewers exquisitely craft delectable wines and flavourful craft beers on tap. Highly praised BBQ duck & shrimp chowder and Haida Gwaii halibut cakes are tasty alternatives on a relaxed brunch menu.
