Canadian tourism reached 21.13 million arrivals in 2018, which is the highest so far. British Columbia also has over six million overnight international visitor arrivals, mostly from the US.
If you’re planning a long-weekend getaway in Canada, include Vancouver to your itinerary to maximize your stay. The city in British Columbia is a place of “plenty” due to the abundance of activities you can do here, whether you want a relaxing trip to the beach or need to satisfy your cravings for authentic Canadian dishes.
A Travel-Friendly City
Vancouver is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The city features countless scenic views, including majestic mountains, sparkling ocean, and rainforests you can admire on any season.
Apart from its breath-taking views, Vancouver also caters to visitors with different interests. If you love to eat, the city is full of dining places that offer diverse food selections, from New York-style pizza to Asian food. You won’t also run out of places for world-class shopping, live entertainment, sporting events, outdoor adventure, and other exciting events.
Although Vancouver has public transport, the city is walkable, which allows you to explore it easily. Residents keep their streets safe and clean. Canadians are also naturally friendly and welcoming to all — families, couples, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and people with special needs.
Experience the City of Plenty
The list of activities you can do in Vancouver is endless. It may be difficult to try them all in one weekend. If it’s your first time in the city, these three activities should be on the top of your list:
Explore the city’s buzzing food scene
Vancouver is a top destination for gastronomic travelers because of its diverse and vibrant culinary scene. Make sure to try poutine, a famous Canadian dish, which is french fries topped with cheese curds and brown gravy.
The city also prides itself for producing high-quality seafood, and it’s also where Ocean Wise, a sustainable program, originated. Local restaurants incorporate seafood varieties, together with other locally produced ingredients, to their menus. Make a trip to Granville Island Market, if you want to more food options and shop arts and crafts.
Engage in outdoor recreation activities
The city’s proximity to mountains and ocean allows you to enjoy outdoor recreation and adventures. Spend your weekend with your family and friends doing outdoor activities, like skiing, kayaking, camping, or hiking, depending on the season you plan to visit the city.
Relax in the city’s beautiful beaches
Complete your Vancouver trip by visiting one of the beaches within the city. Kitsilano beach, for example, is popular for its natural beauty and facilities. It also has the longest swimming pool in Canada, and it has volleyball courts, restaurants, and playground, making it an ideal destination for a fun weekend getaway with your family.
You can visit Vancouver any time of the year, depending on the activities you want to do in the city. But consider coming here during the summer-autumn months (between June and September) for excellent weather. Talk to the people you know had been to Vancouver to give you ideas on other things you should try while in the city.
