There's something simply magical about Canada's west coast. Anchored by the Pacific Ocean, add in some lush forests and epic mountain ranges, and the world-class city of Vancouver makes for a pretty spectacular place.
Eat + Drink
There's no shortage of amazing coffee in Vancouver. Independent cafés line almost every popular street in the city. Pictured above are a couple of offerings from The Birds & The Beets.
And if you prefer something sweet to go along with your caffeine boost, Milano Espresso Lounge is your spot.
If you find yourself downtown at brunch time, Honey Salt has got one guaranteed to satisfy no matter what you're craving. Located inside Parq Vancouver, they've also got a happy hour worth checking out.
Feeling something with Eastern influence? Anh + Chi has an impressive menu of Vietnamese dishes at great prices. They've also got interior design on lock, and patio perfectly suited for summer eats.
And for those warm Vancouver days, ice cream is always in order. Earnest Ice Cream consistently earns the title of best ice cream in the city, and for good reason.
Shop
Independent design-forward shops nestled along cobble-stone streets. This is one part of the city where character meets creativity.
Located in Gastown, Six Hundred Four is a premium sneaker brand out of Vancouver that partners with local artists to create limited-edition sneakers. Each pair only having 604 pairs manufactured.
In another heritage building filled part of the city, Yaletown, you'll find a good mix of shops, restaurants, and cafés. Check out The Corner Store for an authentic collection of streetwear and accessories.
Open since 2000, Dipt has been the longest-running streetwear and sneaker boutique in Vancouver and is a staple in the scene. Located downtown, hit them up to catch all the latest drops.
Explore
The beach. You're on the Pacific Ocean, it's summer, it just makes sense. A couple of fan favourites include Jericho Beach and Third Beach. And for those feeling a little more adventurous, there's always Wreck Beach - the city's well-known nude beach.
You could stay in the city and just look at the mountains the whole time. Or you can take a short drive out of the city and get in them. The area surrounding Vancouver offers a huge number of hikes for all experience levels.
If hiking isn't your thing, you can also check out the city from above by way of plane. A number of operators depart from the Coal Harbour area daily.
And then there are the music festivals. If you're in Vancouver during the summer, chances are there's at least one on the go while you're there. Jazz, folk, EDM, indie, you name it. There's something for everyone.