Mindful Travel in Vancouver

Slow down and connect more deeply with Vancouver's nature and culture. Taking a mindful approach to travel enhances health and wellness while leaving you rejuvenated.

Try Forest Bathing

The mindful practice of forest bathing involves slowing down and engaging your senses in nature. You can experience the rejuvenating benefits of forest bathing by sitting quietly or doing a slow walking meditation. With pockets of forest all around Vancouver, you don't have to leave the city to try forest bathing. The trails between the towering evergreen trees in the centre of Stanley Park are a great place to start. Or head to Pacific Spirit Park on the city's west side to explore winding paths through the forest.

Take Part in a Tea Ceremony

Learn about the ancient practice of the tea ceremony at one of Vancouver's two serene Asian-style gardens.

Find Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Gardens in the Chinatown neighbourhood in downtown Vancouver. This tranquil garden was the first Ming Dynasty-style garden to be built outside of China. Their authentic Chinese tea ceremony experience includes two different types of tea, so you can compare flavour profiles.

You can also experience the meditative practice of the Japanese tea ceremony at Nitobe Memorial Garden on the UBC Campus. The ceremony is held in a specially designed tea house pavilion in the garden. The building has traditional Japanese features like wood sliding doors, tatami floor mats, and rice paper wall panels.

Connect with Indigenous Culture

The Indigenous Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh, and Squamish Nations have lived in what is now Vancouver since time immemorial. Learn about their history and culture on a walking tour through Stanley Park with Talaysay Tours. They have several different tour options with themes like ethnobotany, history, and totem poles. If the tour schedule doesn't work for you, download the Talasay Tours App to take a self-guided tour at your own pace.

Shop Local

Connect with Vancouver's community and support local, independent businesses by shopping locally. The Vancouver Farmers' Markets are a great place to start. There are seven markets across the city each week. Each one has a variety of stalls selling locally grown produce, baked goods, preserves, crafts, jewellery, and more.

Granville Island is another great place to buy from Vancouver's artisans. The Public Market houses local bakeries, delis, and more. Explore the Net Loft and other buildings across the island to buy from artists and craftspeople.

Vancouver also has a thriving zero-waste and thrifting scene. Head to neighbourhoods like Mount Pleasant and Commercial Drive to browse eco-conscious boutiques.

See the City By Bike

Skip the car. Seeing Vancouver by bike lets you slow down and interact more meaningfully with the city. There are bike rental shops scattered around the city. Or you can use Mobi, Vancouver's bike share program, which has both classic and e-bikes.

Vancouver has hundreds of kilometres of designated bike routes that include both painted bike lanes and fully separated, car-free bike paths, so it's easy to get around to every neighbourhood on two wheels. If you want to see the sights by bike, you can't miss the Seawall, which is the world's longest uninterrupted waterfront bike path. It loops around Stanley Park and passes landmarks like English Bay Beach, Science World, Granville Island, and Kitsilano Beach.

Take an Ocean Dip

An invigorating cold plunge can enhance circulation, mental clarity, and immune system function. You can take an ocean dip at beaches around the city. Kitsilano Beach, Third Beach, and Whytecliff Park are popular options with gorgeous views of the North Shore Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Continue the zen feeling after your plunge with a cup of hot tea at a local cafe or a chill walk through nearby trails.

Practice Yoga Outside

Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy mountain and ocean views while you flow through your asanas. There are lots of places to do outdoor yoga in Vancouver. If you've got your own mat, you can roll it out at popular spots like Sunset Beach or David Lam Park. You can also sign up for an outdoor class. Mat Collective organizes inclusive, low-cost outdoor classes at parks across the city. The Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish offers yoga classes on their stunning summit deck so you can enjoy jaw-dropping mountain and fjord views during your practice.