Summer Fun in Vancouver

Image: Vancouver Stanley Park (photo via abdullahecirli / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Image: Vancouver Stanley Park (photo via abdullahecirli / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Eric Bowman
by Eric Bowman
Last updated: 12:45 AM ET, Fri May 18, 2018

Summertime travel is all about warm sunshine, beach hangouts and days full of fun.

Travelers who love the city life but also don't want to miss out on the beach this summer should make their way to Vancouver.

You can save money when you fly with Air Canada. They recently added daily, non-stop flights from Boston to Vancouver throughout the summer, but you can fly into Vancouver from most major U.S. cities.

Vancouver is also a terrific connecting point for Air Canada flights from the United States to Asia and Australia. Explore the city for a few days and then journey out to Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore or Sydney.

But Vancouver alone also makes for a remarkable getaway.

There's a great sense of excitement in the city, with plenty of places to dine on delicious meals and party the night away. Plus, Vancouver is an ideal destination for anyone who loves the outdoors.

Go for a hike on one of Vancouver's many challenging trails, walk or bike across the 230-foot-high Capilano Suspension Bridge or go for a walk or run in Stanley Park.

The 1,000-acre park is among the best in the world. Stroll through dozens of trails and marvel at the beautiful West Coast nature. The seawall pathway here provides travelers with incredible sea-to-sky mountain views. The totem poles, Prospect Point lookout and the nearby beaches all make for awesome photo spots.

Once you've experienced Stanley Park, rent a bike and ride over the bridge to Granville Island. What was one an industrial land has since been transformed into an arts and cultural district. Explore the public market here for local produce, cheeses, meats, chocolates and so much more.

Of course, those who just want to spend their summer day at the beach and on the water are still in good hands.

English Bay is a popular spot for many, as is Kitsilano Beach, which is referred to as Kits Beach by the locals. There's also Jericho Beach, Second and Third Beach, Wreck Beach, Ambleside Beach and the Spanish Banks, which is typically the least crowded of Vancouver's beaches.

So, whether you want to put your toes in the sand and relax, spend the afternoon paddle boarding, kayaking or sailing, Vancouver has you covered. All of these beach areas are good places to have a picnic with the family as well.

Summer weather also makes exploring Vancouver's coolest neighborhoods much better. Historic Gastown, laidback Kitsilano and artsy Main Street all have unique qualities that make them great.

There are also plenty of fun festivals throughout the summer in Vancouver.

Kick off the summer with The International Jazz Festival and Vancouver Craft Beer Week in June, join the Celebration of Light for fireworks in July, Vancouver Pride Festival in August and party the days away at the SKOOKUM music, art and food Festival in September.


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Eric Bowman

Eric Bowman

Editor-in-Chief

Eric Bowman is the Editor-in-Chief of TravelPulse. A graduate of The University of Georgia, Eric has been working in online media, radio and TV for over a decade. He currently lives in Georgia with his wife, daughter, and son. 

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