Tourist in Your Own Town: Vancouver.
February 08 2021, Mercedes-Benz Vancouver
These days, we’re all spending more time in our own pockets of the city—walking familiar streets, frequenting the same shops, and gazing upon the same static views. To mix it up, and safely socially-distance, why not explore some new urban terrain? Here, we’ve put together three Vancouver walking route recommendations to balance the mind, body, and soul.
Start your day at the Museum of Vancouver to take in their latest exhibition, A Seat at the Table. This compelling exhibit explores historical and contemporary stories of Chinese Canadians in B.C., zeroing in on the food and restaurant culture to showcase the diversity of immigrant experiences, struggles, and contributions. Next, stroll waterside around Kits Point toward the sands of Kits Beach, then divert uphill along Yew Street to West 4th Ave. For an energy boost, pop into Fig. for a B12 shot; it takes 15 minutes and is easily administered to your upper arm or thigh—the popular facial bar also happens to be an interior design dream. For dinner, book into Maenam to feast on Executive Chef Angus An’s award-winning Thai cuisine. Throughout February, until March 7, the restaurant will be participating in Dine Out Vancouver, so look up their special tasting menus and be sure to reserve in advance.
There’s a wonderfully strollable stretch of Fraser Street that starts just below King Edward Street, around East 23rd Avenue. Among other restaurants, it’s where Bâtard Bakery is situated, as well as Earnest Ice Cream. Line up to grab some take out—a Hibiscus Pear Frangipane Tart at the former, a scoop of Salted Caramel at the latter—then snack and stroll through the surrounding neighbourhood’s mix of heritage homes, schools, and gardens. This growing neighbourhood is packed with character and all the interesting shops to fill your weekend. Stop in at Bloom Room Botanical Gallery to tend to your green thumb or Harlow Atelier for some self care. Finish your adventure with either an omnivore’s tasting menu at Ubutu Canteen—a hip, organic eatery that turns out artful plates like Risotto with Apple, Duck Proscuitto, and Parmigiano–or opt for a hearty meal of Italian-American barbeque at Say Mercy! For those who wish to dine outside, Say Mercy! also has an outdoor picnic area called B-Side, which serves sandwiches, beer, and natural wine.
Start your stroll by walking right into the Fairmont Pacific Rim with an expert massage at the Willow Stream Spa to set the ‘vacation’ mood, then jolt yourself awake afterwards with a caffè al pistacchio from Giovane downstairs—or an Aperol Spritz, if you’re so inclined. Next, head out the door for a vigorous seawall walk, heading west along the water in the direction of Stanley Park and watching the seaplanes land on the water as you go. Turn back whenever you choose, then head up to your dinner reservation at Five Sails restaurant in Canada Place. Normally quite touristy, the to-die-for water views and white tablecloth service are bound to make the whole experience feel like a celebration. After, stroll around the exterior of Canada Place to see the sails lit up at night—and very few people in sight.
Supporting Our Neighbours
There are so many fabulous neighbourhoods in our fair city, featuring passionate local businesses that can only thrive through continued community support. We hope that these three routes help to invigorate your daily experiences and introduce you to some new local gems along the way.
