Add a Sense of Wellness to Your Vancouver Trip

June 14, 2016
DV
By Destination Vancouver
4 min read

If you put together Vancouver’s mild climate, amazing outdoor activities, an enlightened approach to sustainability, and lots of great healthy food, what do you get? The perfect city for a wellness getaway, that’s what! And with summer almost here, even those visitors who would never think of planning an entire trip around health and wellness will still find themselves researching ways to enjoy active pursuits, culinary adventures and relaxation while they’re in Vancouver.

We reached out to a few of Vancouver Specialist travel advisors from the Virtuoso global luxury travel network for their tips on how to slip a little wellness into your visit, while still making sure you check off your destination must-sees and must-dos.

Bella Gelateria

Relaxing at Nitobe Memorial Garden

Beth Purcell
Luxury Seekers Travel, Baltimore MD

The fact that Vancouver is so walkable is something that Beth highlights to her clients, which means that even if they’ve spent the day shopping, visiting attractions and strolling the waterfront, they’ve probably still managed to get in enough exercise to justify indulging in the city’s culinary hotspots. “For an amazing dinner and incredible cocktails, I love Market by Jean-Georges,” says Beth. “And whenever I have a craving for sweets, Bella Gelateria is my “go to” for their award-winning pecan and Canadian maple syrup gelato.”

Beth also told us that her clients love that Vancouver’s spring climate means that half the group can head up to one of the city’s local mountains to ski, while those less crazy about powder can head out on the water for a day of sailing instead. Whether hitting the slopes or working the sails, everyone gets some fresh air, exercise, and just as importantly, experiences a little more of Vancouver.

Breakfast with the bears at Grouse Mountain

Relaxing at Nitobe Memorial Garden

Kimberly Georgi
For Travelers Only, Memphis TN

Kimberly also loves how easy it is to get around Vancouver on foot, telling us that the city’s neighbourhoods and the Stanley Park seawall are her favourite spots for a stroll. But for her more active clients, she suggests taking on more of a challenge! “Try the Grouse Grind, followed by Breakfast with the Bears,” she suggests. “In addition to the calories burned, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views from the top and a fascinating experience observing grizzlies Coola and Grinder.”

Cycling the Seawall at Stanley Park

Relaxing at Nitobe Memorial Garden

Shelby Bethke
Cruise and World Travel, Fairfield CT

Before tackling an energizing stroll through the city’s neighbourhoods, Shelby recommends that visitors take a trip up to the Vancouver Lookout for a bird’s eye overview of the city and to get their bearings. “The plaques explaining what you’re looking at are very helpful in planning your walk through this amazing city!” For those looking for a more nature-oriented walk, she’s quick to recommend spending some time in Stanley Park: “It’s an amazing way to spend a day with a walk, jog or bike ride around the Seawall.”

Beth, Kimberly and Shelby are Vancouver Specialists, meaning that they can offer some great inside info on how to get the most out of the city when you are here, as well as booking your flights and hotel. In addition, Virtuoso travel advisors can help you score access to exclusive activities, behind-the-scenes experiences and even upgrades, making your Vancouver escape even better than you dreamed. Virtuoso has Vancouver Specialists Travel Advisors located throughout North America – just click here to find the one closest to you.

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