Vancouver Things to Do

Summertime in the majority of Canada is the best time to visit, the weather is nice, the streets are alive with people, the produce is fresh and Canadians are all around happier and nicer in the summer. Vancouver is definitely at its best this time of year, there is less rain in the summer in Vancouver than almost every other city in the country, the temperature averages around 77°F (25°C) and there are so many activities for you to do and things to enjoy.

Almost 200 cruise ships visit Vancouver each year and it must be for a good reason. Whether you are on your way to Alaska or taking a trip down the west coast of North America, I can bet that Vancouver will be one of your favorite ports of call.

With over so many wineries, Vancouver is a premiere wine destination for grape-hounds all over the world. The Thompson Okanagan region has loads of vineyards to visit and can be explored by car, bike, or professional tour. Nearby award-winners include CedarCreek Estate Winery, Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, and Summerhill Pyramid Winery.

Vancouver’s stunning vistas and laidback lifestyles won hoards of new admirers back in 2010, when the Olympic Winter Games descended on the city and turned the world’s spotlight onto the mountain-lined port town. Constantly topping the ranks as one of the world’s cleanest, most livable cities with a high quality of life, Vancouver’s blend of beachside parks, modern urban landscapes and alpine backdrops certainly make a tranquil setting. Nestled at the foot of the North Shore Mountains, the surrounding countryside and inner city parks offer plenty of outdoor activities, and the cosmopolitan mix of lively cafés, gourmet eateries and vibrant nightlife offer a range of urban entertainment.

With over 60 breweries participating, the third annual Vancouver Craft Beer Week (May 18-26, 2012) will give visitors more opportunities for tasting and soaking up the B.C. beer experience than they’ll know what to do with. Here are five reasons to get excited – and to get to Vancouver this May!

Beer-lovers are never short of reasons why the Pacific Northwest has so many great microbreweries and brewpubs: the coastal breeze, the pure waters from the Rocky Mountains – heck, maybe even the pleasant demeanor of the brewers themselves. While Portland is undoubtedly the microbrewery all-star, Vancouver has a few brewpubs of its own that are absolutely worth a visit if you want to get away from the big-name bottle brands that are boring your taste buds. Tip: arrive hungry and ask your server to help you pair your pint with some nibbles.