Six Ways to Beat the Autumn Chill in Vancouver

November 5, 2020

5 min read

People walking and biking along a curved path by water with trees showing autumn colors of red, orange, and yellow.

It’s getting brisk out there, but there are plenty of ways to warm up in the city. These include going for a walk and “travelling” to warm-weather inspired restaurants. Beat the autumn chill with us!

Person wearing white sneakers and black leggings standing on wet pebble pavement with scattered autumn leaves.

When you moved to Vancouver, you learned something very quickly — and if you grew up in the area, you already knew this: It rains a lot, and that brings a completely different feeling of cold — even when it’s sunny. But not to worry, there are many ways to beat the chill!

Hands holding grilled quesadillas and corn on the cob with sour cream and spices, surrounded by chips, salsa, cherry tomatoes, lime, and drinks on a wooden table.

“Travel” at a warm-weather inspired restaurant

Let your dinner take your imagination to the beach. Think Hawaiian poke, Mexican cuisine, vibrant Caribbean fare, hearty Lebanese food and tasty Indian curries. And if you’re staying close to home, there’s always takeout/delivery so the warm weather food can come to you!

Person rolling up a black yoga mat on a wooden floor, barefoot and wearing a bracelet.

Go to class

If you’re a yogi like me, you know a flow can be fiery whether it’s practiced at a regular temperature or in a heated room. That really goes for any form of exercise. Warm yourself up from the inside-out at YYoga on Burrard or Yaletown, One Yoga in Gastown, or your local studio*.

*Note: As studios and gyms have closed their change rooms, be prepared to arrive and leave in your gear. As it’s gotten chillier out, remember to bundle up in a coat and toque and to change right when you get home!

Hand holding a white cup while milk is poured to create latte art on coffee.

Have a cuppa

While a cup of tea or coffee can’t fix everything, they can 100% warm you up. To augment that experience, settle in for a cuppa and a freshly baked pastry at Beaucoup Bakery or any of the city’s quaint cafes and coffee shops.

If you’re on the go, Murchie’s on West Hastings downtown or any of Vancouver’s coffee shops have your back. And for a coffee with aloha vibes, visit Honolulu Coffee (888 Nelson Street & 2098 West 41st Avenue).

Three people walking on a paved path along a rocky coastline with a large rock formation in the water on the right.

Get stepping on the Seawall

Did you know that you burn more calories and fat when you run or walk in a cold, wet environment that in a warm one? So not only are you warming your body with exercise and getting happy endorphins, you’re getting more physical results!

Person standing on a wooden bridge surrounded by dense green tropical plants and trees.

Visit the rainforest

Offering a welcome respite from a rainy day, the glass dome of the Bloedel Conservatory at Queen Elizabeth Park gives visitors a taste of the tropics. A visit with the birds and butterflies in their very warm climate is a nice way to warm up and also feel like you’ve travelled to another part of the world.

Two people sitting near a fire, one holding a cocktail glass with a red garnish.

Get cozy by the fire

When all is said and done, there’s nothing quite like cozying up by the fire with a cocktail or hot beverage in hand. Make a dinner reservation or plan a weekend staycation at one of these restaurants and hotels with fireplaces!

Things to keep in mind:

Check for establishment hours, reservations, ticketing and other policies, etc.
Masks are mandatory at most attractions; eateries will ask you to wear a mask until seated.
Staff is working hard in a “new normal” — please be kind and patient.
Respect the policies of establishments you visit.
Wash or sanitize your hands often and well.
We’re all in this together!

warm-weather restaurants

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