Photo Credit: COURTESY OF VANCOUVER WATER ADVENTURES
Located on the West Coast and surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, beach-inspired cuisine and seaside activities are essential to the culture of Vancouver. Experience the essence of coastal culture combined with the culinary benefits of a major city by immersing yourself in the untamed beauty of the waves and exploring the adventurous side of the sea, from watching marine wildlife up-close to dining on world-class sushi. Spend a weekend diving into adventures by the seaside.
Day One
OAR TO SHORE
From downtown, grab a coffee and walk down to the seawall where you can hop aboard one of False Creek’s ferry services (either the False Creek Ferries or the Aquabus) to Granville Island and take a tour of the city from the sea by stepping on board a zodiac from Sea Vancouver. Launching from Granville Island, their open-air zodiac vessels are Vancouver’s fastest (and safest) way to view the city from the sea.
SEASIDE SNACKS AND KAYAKS
Grab a bite at the famous Granville Island Public Market for tons of culinary options, from local delicacies to international delights. Nab a seat on one of the public benches by the water and chow down. Once you’ve fueled up, set out for the sea again by visiting Vancouver Water Adventures to rent a kayak or paddleboard for the afternoon and test your mettle against the waves of False Creek.
Day Two
A WHALE OF A TIME
Whale watching is an absolute must for any ocean adventurer visiting Vancouver. Experience the majesty of the region’s most celebrated marine life up close by booking a tour with one of the local whale watching companies, like Vancouver Whale Watch, Prince of Whales Whale and Marine Life Adventures or Wild Whales Vancouver.
TASTE THE OCEAN
Step back on land and continue your appreciation of the ocean by dining on seaside-inspired Mediterranean cuisine at Hydra Estiatorio Mediterranean & Bar, located downtown, a short walk away from Coal Harbour, the restaurant is named after the beautiful culinary Greek island in the Aegean Sea, a features a gorgeous 40-foot cocktail bar.
For innovative seafood and West Coast cuisine, the menu at Blue Water Cafe + Raw in trendy Yaletown showcases local fin and shellfish. They’re famous for their seafood tower.
Photo Credit: COURTESY OF Hydra Estiatorio Mediterranean & Bar
Day Three
CYCLE TO THE SEA
Cycling is one of the best ways to see the beaches of Vancouver, whether you’re visiting Wreck Beach and Spanish Banks on the West Side of Vancouver, touring by Ambleside in West Vancouver or renting a bicycle from Cycle City and pedalling around Vancouver’s iconic seawall from downtown. Park the bike and grab a cocktail and some oysters at Papi’s Oyster Bar and enjoy the view of English Bay.
SUSHI AT SUNSET
Kick back and watch the sun go down in Coal Harbour at at Miku, and try their signature flame-seared sushi, or visit one of Vancouver’s many celebrated sushi restaurants, like the world-famous Tojo’s or Minami in Yaletown.
INSIDER TIPS
- If your trip takes you to North Vancouver, explore Deep Cove by water by renting a kayak or paddleboard from Deep Cove Kayaks.
- Whale watching season operates from May through October. Many companies also offer shuttle services from Downtown Vancouver.
