Have you traveled to Vancouver?
Vancouver , host of the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games, is one of traveling greener’s favorite destinations. In the Pacific Northwest, this stunning, Canadian city has friendly, laid-back residents who can easily enjoy active lifestyles in surrounding parks, beaches, the ocean and mountains year-round.
What we especially love about Vancouver is the access to organic food and products and green spaces like Stanley Park and Pacific Spirit Park. Whether you’re a visitor or local, the coupon book to healthy and sustainable living, Green Zebra Guide, is an easy way to “think green, shop local and save money”.
Here are some of our fave Vancouver places to go, eat and stay:
GO - North Vancouver
Lush rainforest, mountains and charming neighborhoods always bring us back to North Vancouver or “North Van” as locals call it. On the North Shore, Grouse Mountain (above photo), Mount Seymour and Cypress Mountain feel like home for any mountain lover who hikes, mountain bikes, skis, boards or simply admires them. The cottage community of Deep Cove is a big draw, especially in the summer, because of its boating, kayaking culture and scenic waterfront park. Stroll the lively, multicultural Lonsdale Avenue and take time out for the city’s best, Italian organic coffee at brazza coffee and gelato.
EAT – The Noodle Box
Wandering along West 4th in hip Kitsilano, you’ll find Vancouver restaurant The Noodle Box. Owners Jodi Mann and Nick Crooks opened The Noodle Box in 2001 when they ran the business from a refurbished hot dog cart they had purchased with the last of their savings in Victoria, BC. From these humble beginnings, The Noodle Box has grown to 3 locations – 2 in Victoria and the Kitsilano spot in Vancouver.
This popular, Southeast Asian noodle bar becomes a fast favorite for travelers because of its extremely fresh, flavorful and affordable dishes that always please. Try the Teriyaki Box with thick Japanese udon noodles, wok fried with garlic, peppers, Asian greens, sprouts, green onion and a sweet and mild teriyaki glaze. This dish is served with chicken, pork, beef, tofu or prawns or a combination and a rice option.
STAY – The Century Plaza Hotel and Spa
Isn’t a hotel with a great spa the best place to stay? That’s what we’re thinking about The Century Plaza Hotel and Spa. After visiting Absolute Spa at the Century, you’ll feel rejuvenated by their packages like the Organic Green Escape which includes: Absolute Signature Massage; Organic Luffa Body Buff; Absolute Prescription Facial; Absolute Organic Pedicure and Absolute Organic Manicure.
Photo credit: Tourism Vancouver
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Planning to move to Vancouver this year and reading this makes me just that much more excited!
Thanks Dona, Vancouver is a truly lovely place to live.
Another greener aspect of Vancouver is the multitude of tourist buses and shuttles and even water taxis – all eliminating the need to drive from point to point in a car to see the attractions.
In Vancouver’s Stanley Park, I like the free shuttle bus that goes all around the park. Stanley Park is a huge, huge park with beaches, aquarium, petting zoo, gardens, pool, and a whole bunch of other fun stuff. It would be easy to spend the whole day in the park.
DH Wall @ Vancouver’d´s last blog ..Forget the Olympics, try Vancouver TheatreSports League