VIDEO: Five Things to Do in Vancouver

This Canadian city is both an outdoor lover’s paradise (ski mountains in the distance, botanical gardens downtown) and a culture mecca (contemporary art galleries and a shrine to Jimi Hendrix). If you’ve been wondering what to do with your visit to Vancouver, relax. We’ve got you covered.

Start a trip to Vancouver by heading straight to the Seawall: the world’s longest, uninterrupted waterfront path. Here, you can admire the coastline while taking a walk, riding a bike, or going for a jog. Haven’t had your fill of the water? English Bay and Stanley Park are two popular beaches downtown.

Vancouver is often deemed Canada’s culinary capital, so you won’t have any trouble finding something to eat or sip. Check out the thriving microbrew scene at any of the breweries, like Storm Brewing, which may be serving an unforgettable Apple Pie Ale.

For dinner, order wild British Columbia salmon, Lingcod, or local oysters. The coconut oysters from Arms Reach Bistro also come highly recommended, as does the sushi and sashimi from The Daily Catch. It’s not difficult to find dinner for two in Vancouer for less than $50.

Embrace your wild side, and you’ll find countless fun things to do in Vancouver. Cyprus and Grouse Mountain are two popular resorts just a stone’s throw from downtown, and can be enjoyed year round. After ski season, the mountain remains open for hiking (try The Grind, or the 2 mile hike known as Mother Nature’s Stairmaster, which goes straight up the mountain face) a zipline, and an observatory.

Thanks to its mild, year-round weather, scuba diving is a popular sport in Vancouver. Head below the ocean’s surface to spot cold-water anemones, Dungeness crabs, and even an occasional sea lion.

• By Travel + Leisure
• By Travel + Leisure Staff