If you are like me, and the prospect of spending the day mooching about the great indoors excites you: hello, pleased to meet you, my indoor brethren. However, as my friend says, “we must touch some grass.” She is right. So, to make the most of the sunny days we get in Vancouver, we should go out exploring, and maybe even venture out beyond the two kilometer radius of your house. Let this be your sign to get out, grab a cold drink, sunglasses, and… WAIT! Don’t forget your Compass Card!
Here are 4 places that will be worth leaving the comfort of your bed:
1. Steveston Village
This little fishing village is one of the neighborhoods in Richmond. It is home to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery, where you can learn about salmon, the canning process, and the West Coast fishing industry. Consider walking through Fisherman’s Wharf, buying some Spot prawns (typically in season from May to late June), strolling all the way along the boardwalk, and spending some time learning about the Murakami House. Near the end of the boardwalk, on the south arm of the Fraser River, there is the Britannia Shipyards, which is a National Historic Site. And while you are in the neighborhood, check out the Steveston Tram. Where should you eat, you ask? Well, why not stop for lunch at Dave’s and treat yourself to some good ol’ fish and chips, and– my favourite– calamari! A lovely place to go to regardless of if it is sunny or cloudy, Steveston is full of history, with numerous spaces meant to take you back in time.
Rating: 5/5 (a perfect little day trip)
2. Queen Elizabeth Park
Queen Elizabeth Park is a 130-acre park located at the top of Little Mountain. It is a lovely picnic spot, with a rose garden which is stunning when in bloom. There is also a nice Pitch and Putt, and disc golf course for those who want to try to take a swing! If wandering through beautiful flowers piques your interest, you could also visit the Bloedel Conservatory, where there are numerous species of birds, koi fish, and plants, all in a tropical environment.
Rating: 4/5 (the Conservatory is definitely a highlight)
3. Deep Cove
The Quarry Rock hike is located in Deep Cove, North Vancouver. To preface this, I must note that I am, by no means, a hiking enthusiast, nor am I remotely athletic, but even I have been able to complete this hike. The view from the top is stunning, even on a rainy day. There are a number of nice waterfalls along the way as well. And, at the end of the hike, you can reward yourself with donuts, sandwiches, and coffee from Honey’s Donuts!
Rating: 3.5/5 (this requires the most effort)
4. Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre
Had enough of the outside world and ready to retreat? The Nikkei National Museum in Burnaby is a great place to spend some time learning about Japanese Canadian history, and you can walk through their Japanese garden. The museum is home to over 3000 objects, 52,500 photographs, 50 meters of textual records, 670 oral history recordings, and 191 film reels of historically and culturally significant items. While you are in Burnaby, you could also check out the Burnaby Artisan Farmer’s Market which runs from May 4 to October 26.
Rating: 4/5 (the museum is fascinating + the fresh loaves of bread from the market beckon me in my sleep)
I hope that these ideas were tempting enough to coax you out from under the covers. Which place will you choose? Let us know in the comment section below!
