5 Eco-Friendly Ways To Enjoy Vancouver

Vancouver is a popular choice for anyone taking a vacation in Canada. It has a great reputation as both a modern city with fantastic attractions and facilities and a green city. In fact, it is often ranked as not just the greenest city in Canada but one of the greenest in the world.

Each year, around 8 million people come to the city to enjoy the scenic locations and see what makes this place so special. So, what is it about Vancouver that makes it so green and so popular as an eco-tourism destination? Here are some of the city's credentials and 5 eco-friendly things to do.

Why Is Vancouver Such A Green City?

Vancouver's green reputation comes from various aspects of its culture and lifestyle. For a start, there is the fact that the city is literally very green. The local population is only ever a short distance from an urban green space. There are 230 parks and 22km of waterfront to enjoy on foot or by hiring ebikes.

Vancouver also strives to be a clean city, desiring to cut down on waste and emissions as much as possible. There is a plan to get 100% of their energy from renewable sources by 2050 and to achieve zero waste by 2040. There will always be challenges because of the large population of this urban city and the need for diverse industries. Still, Vancouver is ambitious and on its way to success.

5 Eco-Friendly Things To Do In And Around Vancouver

1) Take a hike in the great outdoors

Vancouver has a wide range of hiking spots in the city and further afield. The close proximity to the mountains and forests means it doesn't take long to travel out of the city for a nature walk. The city's public transport system also means you can get pretty far without needing a car, too. If you prefer to explore the greener areas within Vancouver, you could take a walk around one of the many parks. Stanley Park is a popular choice because of its scenery and attractions. You can start in the West End, head over to Third Beach, get some photos of Prospect Point Lookout, and travel around to the seawall.

2) Enjoy the view from the treetops

Most of the hikes and scenic routes around Vancouver encourage people to look up at the beautiful mountains and forest canopies. But what about looking down from the treetops? The Capilano Treetops Adventure offers amazing views and the chance to get back to nature without being too difficult to handle. It can get busy at peak times, but it also takes advantage of its popularity in winter with festive lights. After walking the treetop route, visitors should also try the Capilano Suspension Bridge. The height above the gorge means it's not for the faint-hearted, but it's pretty impressive.

3) Travel around the city on ebikes

You don't have to travel outside of Vancouver to enjoy some beautiful scenery and exercise. The location of this waterfront city means there are plenty of scenic routes and places to explore. Some like to get out on the water and get a different perspective from the bay. Others prefer to hike a bike and try out one of the many routes. There are various cycle routes mapped out in the city, and it's easy enough to pick a starting point and get exploring. Some areas are more difficult than others, and you may have to watch out for shared paths and the odd goose, but you can tailor your ride accordingly.

The best part is that you can hire ebikes in Vancouver rather than your average bicycle. This green way to travel makes it easier to handle those extra miles without getting tired because the bike will help you out along the way. This opens up longer routes to interesting areas and parks around the city. You can hire an ebike for a set period, plan out your itinerary, and enjoy the adventure.

4) Visit the local aquarium

If you do decide to walk or ride ebikes around Stanley Park, you can also spend some time at Vancouver Aquarium. This aquarium has a good record for conservation and animal rights. They vowed to ban the introduction of new whales and dolphins in 2017, following concerns over their welfare. They also worked to make the facility as sustainable as possible and created the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society. Visitors can learn more about the sea otters that are native to British Columbia and see some of the rescued animals. There are also sharks, all kinds of fish, and other marine species.

5) Enjoy farm-to-table dining

After all of this exploration around Canada's greenest city, you're going to need to refuel with a hearty dinner. The good news is that this city is full of fantastic places to enjoy local produce. Many establishments pride themselves on bringing in ingredients with as few road miles as possible and forming strong connections with local suppliers. This extends to the many farmer's markets that pop up in the city, which is great for those staying in Vancouver self-catering accommodation rather than its hotels.

On top of that, you're in luck if you're not a meat-eater. A survey from 2018 found that 8.6% of respondents in British Columbia were vegetarian, and 3.9% were vegan. That number is sure to be even higher now, with veganism so fashionable and accessible. Naturally, this is reflected in the independent restaurants and cafes across the city. Whatever you're in the mood for, there's sure to be something out there.

Vancouver Is The Ideal Green Destination

Whether you want to spend your time exploring Vancouver by ebikes, enjoying the tourist attractions, hiking the trails, or a little of all three, it couldn't be easier. This city absolutely deserves its eco-friendly reputation and should be on the must-visit list for any green-minded traveler. Take a look at the different parks and cycling routes, check out the different attractions in the local countryside, and see which of those vegan restaurants catches your eye.

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