Photo: Destination Vancouver/Albert Normandin
Each year renowned travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler runs a reader’s choice survey. This year, they named Vancouver one of the best cities in the world alongside heavy hitters like London, Sydney and Tokyo. In explaining Vancouver’s win, Conde Nast Traveler called out our city’s unique mix of proximity to nature, vibrant creative arts scene, and diverse foodie culture.
Proximity to Nature
With mountains, ocean, the Fraser River, and dozens of parks, C0nde Nast Traveler‘s readers loved that Vancouver is enmeshed in nature. The magazine called attention to the incredible views of the city and mountains at Grouse Mountain as well as the convenient access to kayaking from downtown. But of course, there are many other ways to experience nature in Vancouver.
Kayaking near Granville Island. Photo credit: Tourism Vancouver / Rishad Daroowala
It’s easy to enjoy outdoor activities without leaving the city. Locals and visitors alike love the 10 km Seawall cycling and walking path that loops around the outside of Stanley Park in the heart of downtown.
People walking and biking along the Stanley Park Seawall. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Alex Strohl
If you want to go deeper into nature, the North Shore Mountains are just 30 minutes away across Burrard Inlet. Of course, you can ride the gondola up Grouse Mountain. But you can also peer down into the depths of a raging river canyon and walk through the rainforest canopy at the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Or explore the dozens of hiking trails that meander along rivers, through the forest, and to the top of mountain peaks.
Treetops Adventure at Canyon Lights, Photo: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Vibrant Creative Arts Scene
Conde Nast Traveler also recognized Vancouver’s creative arts scene when including our city on their 2024 list of the best cities in the world. Vancouver has a dedicated arts culture with many long-running festivals including the Vancouver Writers Fest (Oct 21-27), Vancouver Folk Music Festival (mid-July), Vancouver International Film Festival (Sept 26-Oct 6), Vancouver Fringe Festival (early Sept), Vancouver International Jazz Festival (late June), and the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival (late Jan-early Feb). Many of these festivals have been running for over 40 years.
Photo: Michael Levy/Vancouver Fringe
You can also visit diverse galleries year-round. The Vancouver Art Gallery showcases historical and contemporary art from British Columbia and around the world. Or visit the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art to explore local Indigenous art.
Photo: Sama Jim Canzian/Bill Reid Gallery
Diverse Foodie Culture
As an ethnically diverse city, Vancouver celebrates food from around the world. Conde Nast Traveler highlighted Vij’s for innovative Indian food, Savio Volpe for rustic Italian and Bao Bei for modern, elevated Chinese cuisine.
Photo: Vij’s
But these three recommendations are just the tip of the iceberg: our city is home to 74 Michelin guide restaurants. The list includes restaurants like Farmer’s Apprentice and Fable Kitchen. Both are Bib Gourmand award-winners and capitalize on Vancouver’s proximity to both the ocean and farmland by specializing in local ingredients.
Photo: Fable Kitchen
Vancouver’s commitment to sustainability is also on display at vegan and vegetarian restaurants like Folke and The Acorn, both of which are featured in the Michelin guide.
Photo: The Acorn