Hello, CARE Travel’s Office Administrator, Rebecca, here. The fantasizing city of Vancouver is at the very top of my “Bucket List” travels. Over the past two years I have studied the ins and outs of this vibrant city and hold my Vancouver Specialist Certificate. There are so many reasons to love Vancouver, from the idyllic cost-meets-mountains location, to the tasty culinary scene, to the endless activity possibilities. The reason I personally have fallen in love with Vancouver is for it’s “Greenest City Innovative” and all the proactive steps it has taken to take the title of “Greenest City in the World” by 2020. I find it simply brilliant the efforts to join these small communities to find a mutual understanding of environment values, diversity and culture, and overall security.
Tastes of Vancouver
Vancouver is known for its multicultural inspirations in cooking. You’ll find a range of flavors including Indian restaurants, Peruvian, Japanese, Belgian and Middle Eastern flare.
“Fusion is the operative word in restaurant-rich Vancouver, where Northwest meets Japanese meets Indian meets Chinese.” – National Geographic Traveler
As part of the Vancouver’s Greenest Cities Initiative, they have strategized to double city-wide and neighborhood food assets (ASSETS: produce stands, community kitchens, farmers markets, garden plots, urban orchards…). But what the heck does that mean? It means, city-wide, restaurants and markets will adapt the farm to table concept as a standard. Vancouver has also made it easier than ever to access LOCAL food, with a “Local Food Plan” in place to ensure that wherever you are in the city you’ll have a 5-minute OR LESS walk from accessing fresh, locally grown produce.
YEAH THAT IS PRETTY COOL!!
See The City
Explore this active city from the air, land, or sea. Make your way to Vancouver’s harbor and enjoy a boat ride with views of the mountains, harbor seals, and historic landmarks that dot the shoreline. One Vancouver company also offers a “Hop On Boat Tour” with multiple destination stops between the north and south sides of Vancouver. For history buffs, the Museum of Anthropology at UBC is a not-to-miss stop. The exhibit “In a Different Light” hosts more than 110 historical Indigenous artworks of British Colombia. Head up to Grouse Mountain, by bike or by foot. Explore these well marked trails and scenic viewpoints. Guided tours are available May to September.
#1 Recommendation
There are so many cool things to see, do, and eat in Vancouver, so I’d recommend at least a week in this unique city to visit the different districts. However, if you are only in town for the day (maybe pre or post cruise) my number one recommendation is to make a stop at Granville Island. Mixing arts, craft, and culinary adventures, Granville Island is a must-see destination while visiting Vancouver. Known for its Public Market, which is open 7 days a week, this indoor market features venders selling goods from the ocean, the oven, and the fields. There is something for everyone in this “most visited” attraction.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, Vancouver is a city like no other. If you are at all interested in learning more about their brilliantly composed efforts to go green, I’d recommend browsing through the GOALS of their city-wide action plan to become the Greenest City by 2020. Ready to start planning your Vancouver Vacation? CARE Travel is a quick phone call away!
Happy Travels! – Rebecca Barrett
