Sitting on the West Coast of Canada, Vancouver is surrounded by tall mountains, blue ocean and deep hues of green. While it's best known for abundant surrounding nature, it’s the west-coast lifestyle that keeps most people longer than expected. It's the home of LuluLemon Athletica, a lot of green juice, and some amazing workout spots.
A city much like Sydney, the differences can be found in the weather. It is said to rain an average of 168 days a year! But don’t fret, to live a day like a healthy Vancouverite, you can embrace the rain while enjoying all this city has to offer.
Healthy Eats
The Juice Truck
With two locations, a food-truck parked in Gastown and a storefront near Olympic village, The Juice Truck is well-known for it’s original cold-pressed juices, yummy smoothies and healthy food menu. If you need a nutrition boost, they’ll make a custom order juice for you on the spot!
Aphrodites Cafe & Pie Shop
Located in Kitsilano and minutes from the beach, Aphrodites quickly became a brunch favourite with it’s well-crafted organic food menu and delicious treats. If you want to satisfy your sweet tooth post meal, this cafe is known for it’s delectable home-made pies.
Le Marche St George
A quaint cafe and eclectic shop located near 28th and Main Street. With it’s pretty outdoor lighting and unique decor, you’ll feel like you just fell onto the page of a European romantic novel. A great place for brunching or lunching, or just to grab a coffee and sit and read a book. Located away from the hustle and bustle of Vancouver, Le Marche St George is a personal favourite.
Pic credit: The Juice Truck
Get your sweat on
Tight Club
If you want to fit a workout in and actually enjoy it at the same time, check out the Tight Club. Classes offer a variety of high intensity cardio, strength, high intensity interval, and functional training. All the classes are awesome - you’ll sweat, socialize and get tight!
All City Athletics
A fun and accessible approach to fitness, these classes are inspired by both coaches boxing backgrounds. Classes are styled to be challenging and fun, with a mix of padwork and cardio. You’ll leave feeling like a true fighter!
Pic credit: Tight Club Athletics
Take a hike
Lynn Valley
Located in North Vancouver, this area is said to experience the most rainfall in the region. Open to the public free of cost, there is a suspension bridge that takes you over a fast running stream 100 feet below. You’ll walk through dense forest on well maintained paths, experience several waterfall views, and see canyons full of ice cold water. A must-see!
Quarry Rock
Also in North Vancouver, a forty-five minute hike to the top will provide you with stunning ocean and mountain views of the scenic Deep Cove inlet. An accessible hike for anyone, you’ll pass through densely wooded areas on a well-maintained trail. On a sunny day, pack a lunch and grab a friend and enjoy a picnic on the flat rock-face at the top.
Crown Mountain
This challenging 8-hour hike takes you down the back of Grouse Mountain, through a valley below, where you hike up the entirety of Crown Mountain to get to the top. And then you hike the whole thing back! Wear hiking boots, bring lots of water and snacks, go with friends, and give yourself lots of time. Expect somewhat unmarked trails, slippery rocks, and the most spectacular view at the top that you may have ever seen. You’ll feel on top of the world (literally)!
Pic Credit: Nicola Anderson
Hop on a bike
Stanley Park
A unique aspect of Vancouver, Stanley Park is a large forest that has been preserved directly beside it’s downtown area. There is an 9km walk and bike path (the sea wall) around it’s perimeter, with options to explore paths throughout the forest in the middle. You’ll see stunning ocean and mountain views, while biking past some of Vancouver’s well-known beaches.
Granville Island
Hop on your bike, and hop-off to explore the iconic Granville island. Known for it’s gigantic food market and hub of locally owned businesses, it’s a great place to get lunch and go for a stroll.
The Beaches
If you want to experience the city like true Vancouverite, take your bike to chill at the beach. Just follow the sea-wall, and you’re bound to encounter a beach eventually. Some personal favourites include: Third Beach, Spanish Banks, and Wreck Beach.
Pic Credit: Nicola Anderson