The city oasis that is the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden | Photo: VancouverChineseGarden.com
Travelling anywhere, whether by plane, train, automobile, or boat, can involve a lot of hustle and bustle. When you get to where you’re going, you might want to have a little bit of peace. Vancouver has some incredible and unique ways for you to get some rest and relaxation as the weather gets warmer – perfect for some self and family care!
Stop and Smell the Roses or Relax by the Pond
Is there anything more relaxing than wandering through a quiet space that is a garden? Possibly not. Named the World’s Top City Garden by National Geographic, the oasis that is the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden was the first of its kind in Canada. The pavilions and covered walkways provide cooling shade from the sun and the beauty of its traditional architecture, koi pond, and plants provide a peaceful getaway from the city noise. There is a public area that is free for wandering around or reading a book by the pond, and also charged admission to view the full garden and receive a guided tour with some calming Chinese tea.
Two other beautiful garden options are the UBC Botanical Garden and VanDusen Botanical Garden. Both are located outside of the Downtown core and provide a view of two of Vancouver’s most beautiful areas.
Take in the view at Mt. Seymour | Photo Credit: Mark Newman
Take a Hike
Hear me out. I’m not saying run up a mountain (though for those who DO find that relaxing, the Grouse Grind is now open for the season!) Vancouver and it’s surrounding areas have some of the best hiking in the world. And there is nothing quite like wandering along a path of incredibly tall trees and feeling and hearing nature around you. And the views are what makes the work of the hike so worth it – whether from the base or the top! Dog Mountain at Mt. Seymour and Quarry Rock are particular favourites of mine.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””] Top Tip: Try to get your hike in earlier in the morning so you can avoid the crowds and the heat. [/perfectpullquote]
If an urban hike is more your speed to chill out with, our Seawall (also a favourite) is just the ticket. Check out more info on the Seawall and some other scenic city strolls here.
Find your zen at one of Vancouver’s yoga studios | Photo: Semperviva and GloriaLatham.com
Find Your Zen
Vancouver, Kitsilano in particular, is a yoga hub and we are home to several world-class studios, including the home of the ‘yoga rave’ (also continuously voted one of Vancouver’s top 3 studios): Semperviva Yoga. Taught by Semperviva owner and Global lululemon Ambassador, Gloria Latham, this Kundalini yoga class is a fun and unique way to let off some steam – dance it out! A variety of yoga styles are offered around the city, with affordable drop-in rates. Other studios include YYoga and One Yoga.
If you’re looking for something that involves nothing but sitting down and finding some quiet, we enjoy the honour of having the first Bodhi Meditation centre outside of China in nearby Richmond. Bodhi Meditation Vancouver is located a 20 minute Canada Line (you possibly took this from the YVR Airport!) ride away from the Downtown core, and is an amazing way to wash away your travel woes. If you’re more keen to stay closer to town, a meditation pod at the Fairmont Pacific Rim just might be the ticket!
Scandinave Spa | Photo: Chad Chomlack
Take a Dip
The beauty of Vancouver’s location is that you are a short drive a away from some perfect day trips that will involve nothing but soaking your tired bones while surrounded by what gives British Columbia its tag of #supernaturalBC. Harrison Hot Springs Resort provides its natural hot springs surrounded by our beautiful greenery and Whistler’s Scandinave Spa gives a chic experience with popular Whistler and its epic mountain views as a backdrop. Both are worth the day trip, but if you’re short on time in Van City, be sure to visit one of our spas that provide some treatments that are unique to BC!
Get Sand in Your Toes
Does anything feel better than taking off your shoes and feeling sand between your toes? Or watching the sunset over the water? Possibly. But not while in Vancouver. All our beaches provide a scenic view that is second to none, and they are the perfect place to kick back and rest your laurels after a long day’s travel. Grab a book and a picnic and check one out!
Are you ready to relax? We’re here for you!
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