11 Spots to Unwind With A Book in Vancouver

September 7, 2016

5 min read

Person with hair tied back reading a book near a window with bright light outside.

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September 8th marks World Literacy Day and what better way to to highlight the importance of literacy around the world than by sitting down with a book in this fine city of ours! Here are a few places in Vancouver that you can curl up with a book:

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11. Hotel Lobby

In Vancouver, the majority of hotel lobbies have a fireplace and comfy seating – perfect for curling up with a book whether or not you’re a guest. Just play it cool, walk on in and open up that book.

Shiny abstract metal sculpture resembling a twisting ribbon on grass near water with mountains and boats in the background.

10. Vanier Park

Calm and quiet, Vanier Park is a great public destination to spend some time with your nose in a book while surrounded by one of the most scenic views in the city.

Crowded sandy beach with people walking, sitting on logs, and enjoying the sunny day near a body of water and trees.

9. Second Beach

There are many factors that make up a good beach but when it comes to selecting the perfect sandy location to sprawl out with an addictive read, Second Beach is our go-to location.

Bare feet on sandy beach with two large driftwood logs and ocean in the background under a blue sky.

8. Wreck Beach

Reading at Wreck Beach feels kind of like you’re on a mini vacation. A nice private (somewhat) getaway where you can immerse yourself within the pages of a good book. The decision to strip down or stay clothed is all yours.

Modern bar area with high stools, round tables, and cushioned seating in a spacious indoor setting.

7. Nordstrom/Pacific Centre

Working in the mall and with a limited lunch break? Or perhaps you need a time-out from all that shopping? Pacific Centre has several open areas throughout the mall where you can hunker down for a bit and get some reading in, including cafes with seating.

Park with green lawn, flower beds, walking paths, benches, and a waterfront with mountains in the background.

6. Harbour Green Park

Bring a blanket and find a spot on the grass at Harbour Green Park in Coal Harbour, located next to the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Urban plaza with a large domed structure, people sitting on benches and walking, surrounded by trees and buildings.

5. Robson Square

Despite it being an area with lots of traffic, there are plenty of areas in Robson Square that offer immediate privacy from the bustle and hustle of downtown Vancouver, making for an ideal reading area.

Waterfront with boats docked, wooden pier with benches, and city skyline with high-rise buildings and a bridge under cloudy sky.

4. Granville Island Dock

Get comfortable on a bench (you may have to share with the seagulls), take in the city views and West Coast breeze, and get to reading. When your hunger starts to kick-in, just make a quick trip into the Granville Island Market food court. When your hunger starts to kick-in, just make a quick trip into the Granville Island Market food court.

Waterfront scene with a red spiral staircase tower featuring a large Q sign, a white building, and people on a wooden pier.

3. Lonsdale Quay

A popular tourist destination due to its public market and waterfront views, Lonsdale Quay is lined with benches to sit on and a nice water fountain to sit around and get a few pages in. Just a quick drive over the Lions Gate Bridge or as we prefer, a scenic boat ride from Waterfront Station on the Seabus.

People walking and sitting in a park with green grass and trees, city skyline with tall buildings under a cloudy sky.

2. Crab Park

The most eclectic hangout, Crab Park just on the outskirts of town is a relatively private area to go for a stroll, walk the dog, have a picnic, or as is the topic of this list – R&R with a novel.

Person holding and reading an open book with visible text and a blurred background.

1. Vancouver Public Library

And if you don’t have any books of your own or if you’re looking to get lost in aisles and aisles of literature, look no further than the VPL on West Georgia.

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