by Megan Jones
From sliding down a 1,000-foot slip-and-slide to taking in a sunset and snorkelling in Howe Sound, these 10 activities are must-dos for anyone’s summer season in Vancouver. Complete them before the end of August for bragging rights – and memories that will last a lifetime. [Photo credit: Tourism Vancouver/Dannielle Hayes]
This gruelling hike extends up the face of Grouse Mountain for about three kilometers. Known (and perhaps feared) as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster” you’ll climb 2,830 stairs to get the top, where stunning views of the city and a scenic ride down on the gondola are ideal rewards. Already checked the Grind off your list? Time yourself and try for a new personal best.
Why not discover an entirely new place to go swimming this summer? Mystery Lake on Mount Seymour has a secluded swimming hole only accessible by hiking, which makes it the perfect spot for dipping into. Directions here – psst! Don’t share!
Been dying to try something new? Vancouver’s booming culinary scene gives way to new restaurants on a weekly basis it seems. Most locals are super excited about Bells & Whistles on Fraser Street, due to open this summer. Headed up by restaurateurs Josh Pape and James Iranzad – the pair behind Wildebeest and other hip spots – Bells & Whistles is a unique twist on a sports bar, a place where fans can watch their favourite teams in a refined, yet relaxed setting.
Ever wondered what it’s like to speed down Lower Lonsdale on a slip-and-slide? Find out August 12-13 during North Vancouver’s Fun City Festival. Slide the City is a highlight of this free summer festival each year, offering kids and families the chance to slip down a 1,000-foot slide in the sunshine. When you’re done, check out the festival’s food and performers before heading back for another round.
Head to Stanley Park around 9 pm this July or August and get ready to view the most spectacular sunset of your life. Vancouverites are known for posting epic sunset photos on Instagram – and Stanley Park offers the best vistas from which to snap a pic. From Third Beach to English Bay, there’s a beach for every blanket – and with plenty of food trucks around, it means you won’t get hungry as you wait for that spray of pink and yellow.
New to Vancouver for 2017, Dinner in the Sky is a Belgian-based company offering unique culinary experiences around the world – and always 150-feet off the ground. Taking place July 1-31 in Vancouver, “sky chefs” will cook spectacular meals for guests strapped safely into comfortable seats around a communal table. Between looking down at the city below and watching culinary art unfold, you’ll have plenty to feast your eyes on during this spectacular experience.
Theatre Under the Stars returns to Stanley Park this summer for another season of heartwarming musicals. 2017 shows include Mary Poppins: The Broadway Musical and The Drowsy Chaperone: A Musical Within a Comedy. About one hour before each showtime, make sure to stock up on delicious snacks from The Garden Café, where you’ll find anything from grilled salmon to popcorn and crackerjacks.
There’s no better year to discover all the cool, wacky and inspiring things Canadians have created than during the country’s 150th anniversary of confederation. Until August, Science World is hosting Made In Canada: Inspiring Creativity and Innovation for Canada 150. Learn about robots and electric cars, bobsleds and Canadian tunes. Get your hands dirty with plenty of hands-on exhibitions!
In beautiful Lions Bay, tall cliffs are thrilling to jump from, but also very safe – which makes them fun for all ages. This is the perfect locale: it’s warmer than most other cliff-jumping spots and the flat rocks are ideal for sunbathing. Ask around and go with a friend who’s already been, as this oasis can be tricky to get to – and those in the know prefer to keep it that way!
Twenty minutes from downtown Vancouver, Howe Sound is home to a diverse and colourful ecosystem of underwater life. Get up close and personal with sea cucumbers, sparkling coral reefs and bright yellow rockfish while on tour with Sea Dragon Charters. Operating out of Horseshoe Bay, this charter service offers guided snorkeling tours of Howe Sound for beginners and intermediates alike.
Not sure where to start? Try out the item that seems easiest to you first, such as exploring a new restaurant or taking in a sunset, and work up from there – Grouse Grind, anyone? With the support of your summer crew behind you (and plenty of sunscreen), you’re bound to complete your summer bucket list by the end of August.
