One Amazing Summer Day in Vancouver

June 3, 2024
TE
ByTaryn Eyton
5 min read

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.

Provence Marinaside patio in Vancouver

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 paddleboarding in False Creek

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!

A couple eats Lee's Donuts outside at Granville Island in Vancouver

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.

Groups of people at Kitsilano Beach in Vancouver

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.

Food trucks at the Shipyards Night Market.

Shipyards Night Market. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Vision Event Photography Inc.

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Vancouver patios
Vancouver beaches
paddleboarding Vancouver
outdoor markets Vancouver
summer activities Vancouver