Vancouver

The Nine Best Nature Attractions in Vancouver

Are you unsure about what to explore in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia? Don’t worry, as Vancouver’s varied landscapes hold some of the finest nature attractions in the region.

Many people visit Canada in the winter to take advantage of the skiing conditions. But no matter when you visit Vancouver, there’s always something amazing to see in the great outdoors.

The nature attractions are among the most popular in the country. But if you can book a trip during spring or summertime, you might get to see something even more special.

1. The Massive Stanley Park

If you want to see something beautiful, visit Stanley Park. Vancouver has no shortage of natural attractions and this one is often at the top of any list.

The park spans 1,001 acres and offers ocean views, ancient forests, and so many trails. It’s also abundant in animal and birdlife.

There are also a couple of unique gardens in the park, like the Shakespeare Garden and the Rose Garden. Within the park, you can also go on bike rides along the Stanley Park seawall. And lounging at the beach is always an option if you want to simply relax.

It’s a massive natural complex filled with photographic opportunities, majestic trees, and entertainment choices.

2. Inside the Bloedel Conservatory Dome

Sure, it’s not an outdoor destination, but it still is an amazing space that’s perfect for showcasing the beauty of nature.

The Bloedel Conservatory is an indoor tropical garden that’s a perfect destination and natural attraction. The conservatory houses over 500 exotic plants and more than 200 birds that fly freely. These birds help bring the garden alive.

Another reason why it’s one of the best nature attractions in Vancouver is the fact that you can get much closer to the birds than you could on the outside.

3. The UBC Botanical Gardens

If you want to talk about nature attractions, you can’t afford to miss the UBC Botanical Gardens tour. Over 30,000 plant species make this place their home.

You’re free to roam the garden grounds at your own pace. But you can also join a guided tour if you want to learn a bit more about the different species.

The Canopy Walkway is worth experiencing as it takes you well above ground on suspended walkways. If you’re a fan of walking through treetops, be sure to stop by the UBC Botanical Gardens.

4. Cherry Blossom Festival

The Cherry Blossom Festival is a seasonal event that happens everywhere that has one. And Vancouver is one of the best cities to see it in person.

You don’t have to go out of your way to find things to do in Vancouver. Visiting in the spring allows you to see breathtaking nature attractions like this festival in various neighborhoods around the city. Use a map to identify the best spots, plot a course, and take a stroll.

5. April Means Tulip Festival Time

Vancouver is quite famous for its flowers, particularly tulips. And attending the Abbotsford Tulip Festival can give you a unique sight of the Lower Mainland.

Here you can see rows after rows of blooming tulips in a spectacle of colors. You can also tour most of the local farms at any time. But there’s something special about doing it during the festival in April when the tulips are at peak bloom.

6. Queen Elizabeth Park

A unique location, Queen Elizabeth Park is among the best nature attractions in Vancouver. It’s initially a rock quarry that sits on the highest point in the area, Little Mountain. It has since been converted into a city park with flower gardens, gorgeous panoramic views of the city below, and public art.

This park also has unexpected pathways, sculptures, and a varied collection of native and exotic trees. You can also engage in some other recreational activities if sightseeing isn’t enough.

There’s no denying that this plateau garden is among the most visited in the area.

7. VanDusen Botanical Garden

A trip to the VanDusen Botanical Garden on a sunny day will put a smile on your face. After all, the place is always teeming with birds and lined with amazing trees and ponds.

You can also visit some waterfalls or stroll through a variety of themed gardens. There’s a lot to admire – from the flowering plants to the impressive landscaping and artwork. Some of the hottest attractions within the gardens include the fern grotto, the rose garden, and the Redwood trees.

8. Lynn Canyon Park

In the Northern District of Vancouver is where you’ll find Lynn Canyon Park. You can walk the suspension bridge that puts you at over 160 feet in the air. It’s worth conquering your fear of heights, as you’ll be met with a terrific view of the park and the canyon.

Alternatively, you can take on a variety of hiking or walking trails to get even closer to nature. The park also has a waterfall and tons of birds and animals.

It’s by far one of the greenest places in Vancouver.

9. Grouse Mountain

Regardless of the season, a trip up Grouse Mountain will give you some mesmerizing views. The abundance of wildlife, tall lush trees, and excellent viewing points make it a popular natural attraction.

Of course, the mountain also offers varied entertainment options such as disc golf, skiing, and so on. But, if you’re more of an explorer, spending at least a day on the mountain is bound to give you an unforgettable experience.

A True Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts

It’s mind-boggling how diverse the landscape is in and around Vancouver.

After all, it’s where you can see everything from waterfalls to canyons, mountains, and everything else in between. The regional and national parks cover thousands of acres and house an amazing variety of animals and plants.

Vancouver makes for an ideal vacation spot for people traveling on a tight budget. It has much to offer in terms of natural beauty, and visiting many of its top outdoor attractions doesn’t even cost a penny.

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Dining Out in Vancouver? Check Out These Restaurants

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Dining Out in Vancouver? Check Out These Restaurants

Dining Out in Vancouver? Check Out These Restaurants

While not known as a foodie capital, Vancouver has its fair share of variety when it comes to modern cuisine.

Finding a tantalizing restaurant in Vancouver is one of the easiest tasks you can take on during your vacation. The city has tons of local and international-inspired eateries available. It also does a great job of balancing out affordable and upscale restaurants, so everyone can enjoy a memorable dining option.

Check out some of the best restaurants in Vancouver where both tourists and locals can discover their new culinary favorites.

Café Medina

Café Medina is on many lists of favorite downtown Vancouver restaurants. It has a Mediterranean-inspired menu and arguably the best waffles in town.

But what sets Café Medina apart from other places is the fact that it only serves brunch. This makes it a trendy and also a busy spot.

From 8 am to 3 pm during weekdays and 9 am to 3 pm on weekends, you can sample an eclectic menu and pair your waffles up with innovative house sauces.

Glowbal

The restaurant has a welcoming ambiance and American-style cuisine, so don’t be surprised to see most of its loyal patrons eating there instead of using the delivery service.

Some of the favorite menu items include the sirloin steak, tuna poke, scallops, or watermelon salad. It also offers plenty of vegetarian-friendly dishes inspired by local and American cuisines.

Miku Restaurant

Miku is one of the best restaurants in Vancouver that specialize in Japanese cuisine. In particular, Miku serves aburi-style sushi that’s become a hit. This sushi involves some searing, which creates a distinctive smoky taste. Red Wave Rolls filled with crab and prawn or salmon sushi are top items on the menu.

The mouthwatering food and proximity to the cruise terminal make Miku Vancouver a busy place, perhaps more so than the Yaletown location.

Chambar

Another top choice is Chambar on 568 Beatty Street. The restaurant is a classic Vancouver venue with an upscale diner menu and a Belgian-inspired brunch menu.

Whether you’re looking for breakfast bites or something to really tickle your taste buds, Chambar is sure to meet your needs. It’s one of the best restaurants in Vancouver after all.

Basil Pasta Bar

If you want a taste of Italy, Basil Pasta Bar offers a build-your-own approach.

All the pasta is fresh made right there at the restaurant. You can then either sample classic recipes or select your own pasta, sauces, and protein and vegetables choice. There are also interesting house specials you could try, such as the smoked salmon fettuccine, or perhaps something Canadian-inspired like the maple bacon conchiglie.

What’s even better is that this restaurant has two locations – on 636 Davie Street and 1602 Yew Street.

Brix & Mortar Restaurant

At Brix & Mortar, the central theme is all about fresh seafood choices. However, the menu also includes alternative protein choices such as lamb shanks and duck breast.

It’s a rather upscale place with prices to match. That said, the food and the wine bar can satisfy even those with the pickiest taste.

Sai Woo

Sai Woo offers an Asian menu that’s heavily influenced by Chinese cuisine. Peking duck and Chongqing ribs are the house specials.

Although it looks somewhat upscale on the inside, Sai Woo doesn’t have high prices for the quality on offer.

Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar

Fans of oysters know how amazing they taste. That’s why this little place is a popular date night spot with locals and visitors.

The vintage-style interior promotes a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of European bistros. Meanwhile, the seated oyster bar adds another dimension to the restaurant.

The restaurant is part of the Sutton Place Hotel. It also features a roomy champagne bar and an outdoor patio.

Forage

Appropriately named, Forage is a local favorite. The menu has a wide choice but locally-farmed ingredients tie them together.

The seasonal dishes always taste amazing and you can pair them with British Columbia wines, cocktails, and beer. Some of the items on the menu are also very innovative – bison heart tartare, homemade Nutella, bison risotto, and so on.

It’s also a unique place in terms of operations, with zero-waste policies and eco-friendly energy efficient kitchen appliances.

Thierry Café

On 1059 Alberni Street you can find Thierry Café. This is a dessert restaurant that serves impressive cookies, tarts, cakes, and a wide range of seasonal treats.

Not only is it one of the best restaurants in Vancouver, but it’s also a paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth. Even better, the place doesn’t close until midnight, seven days a week.

The Wine Bar

Granted, most people visit TWB for its wine selection. But it’s still one of the must-try restaurants in Vancouver.

You can pair any of the roughly 200 wines with some Provencal-inspired bites. There’s also an impressive cheese selection to really satisfy your palate.

Botanist

Having lunch or dinner at the Botanist is likely to be a terrific experience, starting with the fact that the restaurant features some of the most photogenic food in the city.

Most of the dishes are mid-priced, although there are pricier options, too.

The overall aesthetics, both on and off the plate, have Botanist as a highly ranked eatery. It’s all about combining perfect taste and innovative presentations.

Wildebeest

If you’re not in the mood for food from all over the world, try Wildebeest. It’s as Vancouver as it gets in terms of menu, practices, and style.

You can sample sustainable and local seafood, seasonal dishes, and protein from organic-raised animals. The nose-to-tail cooking approach sits well with the locals and impresses any carnivorous visitors. It’s also a surprisingly affordable spot considering the high quality, hearty portions, and presentation.

You’ll Never Have to Taste a Bland Meal

The food scene in Vancouver is nothing short of competitive and may give most places in the world a run for their money. You can always enjoy the presentation of food as well as the taste.

Many restaurants choose to take advantage of the plentiful local seafood and other foraged ingredients. But the freshness of the food is what sets many of the restaurants apart.

There’s a good degree of innovation too, thanks to some very talented chefs who made Vancouver their home.