Shipyards Night Market; Destination Vancouver/Vision Event Photography Inc.
Spend an amazing summer day soaking up the sunshine in Vancouver on patios, at the beach, on a paddleboard, and at outdoor markets.
Brunch on the Patio
Start your summer day with brunch on the patio in Yaletown. For French cuisine head to Provence Marinaside to try decadent takes on brunch classics like croque monsieur Benedict or French toast baguette. They also offer four types of mimosa. If you have decision paralysis, don’t worry – you can try them all in a mimosa flight. Enjoy incredible views of False Creek while you eat.
If you’re after a farm-to-table experience, try OEB Breakfast, a few doors down. With a focus on breakfast, their menu includes lots of omelettes, fun takes on eggs Benedict including a Korean Bulgogi version, breakfast poutine, and lots of sweet options like french toast and waffles. They also have a great patio overlooking False Creek.
The patio at Provence Marinaside in Yaletown. Photo: Provence Marinaside/Instagram
Go Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Next up, make your way to Vancouver Water Adventures on Granville Island to go stand-up paddleboarding. You can book a stand-up paddleboard tour, or rent a board and go out on your own. You’ll cruise along the sheltered waters of False Creek and enjoy great views of Science World, Olympic Village, and the glass skyscrapers of Yaletown from the water.
Stand up paddle boarding in False Creek. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Tanya Goehring
Lunch on Granville Island
After you’ve worked up an appetite paddleboarding, grab some lunch on Granville Island. Wander the stalls at the Granville Island Public Market to try food from around the world. Try German sausages at Kaisereck Delicatessen, vegan Vietnamese food at Chau Veggie Express, and tacos at Alimentaria Mexicana, among dozens of options. Don’t forget to pick up some famous Lee’s Donuts for dessert. Take your food to the outdoor tables overlooking False Creek for great views while you eat. But watch out for marauding seagulls!
Enjoying Lee’s Donuts at Granville Island Public Market. Photo: Destination BC/Hubert Kang
Hit the Beach
Known locally as “Kits Beach”, Kitsilano Beach is one of the best beaches in Vancouver with lots of sand and great views of the North Shore Mountains. The beach stretches for half a kilometre along the shoreline and there’s lots of grassy space for picnics too. Kits Beach is also a popular spot for beach volleyball with seven courts to choose from. If you want to take a dip, there’s a designated swimming area and a raft for cannonballs. Or swim in the heated saltwater Kitsilano Pool at the west end of the beach.
Kitsilano beach in Vancouver. Photo: Destination BC/Grant Harder
Dinner at a Night Market
On Friday nights, head to the Shipyards District in North Vancouver, just east of the Lonsdale Quay for the Shipyards Night Market. Grab dinner from one of the on-site food trucks, then browse the stalls at the artisan market while enjoying live music. There’s a beer garden too. Afterwards, walk a few blocks to grab some of Vancouver’s best ice cream. Earnest Ice Cream is a Vancouver stand-by with lots of classic and and creative flavours. Or check out Dolce Amore, a popular (and delicious) gelato spot with a new North Vancouver location.
Or visit the Richmond Night Market on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. It’s easy to get there on the Canada Line Skytrain. Inspired by outdoor night markets in Hong Kong, the Richmond Night Market is the largest in North America. For dinner, visit the food stalls to try street food from all over Asia and around the world. You can also explore booths selling fashion, crafts, electronics, and lots more.
Shipyards Night Market. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Vision Event Photography Inc.