If there’s one thing I learned from my recent trip to Vancouver is that the city has so much to offer it’s basically impossible to get bored, even more so if you’re the outdoors-y type and love nature. To put it simply, it’s an outdoor playground. Whether you’re interested in winter sports, hiking, being surrounded by nature, exploring and wandering the city, admiring breathtaking views, or just any type of recreational activity (cycling, rock-climbing, camping, kayaking, you name it!), Vancouver has it.
I thought I’d share with you this 2-day hiking itinerary in case you ever need ideas as to what to do and how to organize your day. From the best spots to fuel you up before your hike to some great trails to do on the same day, below you’ll find one way to fill two days of adventure 🙂
DAY ONE:
Have breakfast at Pure Bread Canada (see here for all locations, but for reference, the one in Olympic Village is way bigger than the one in Gastown) and grab a Go-Go Bar (made of nuts, seeds and dark chocolate, it’s perfect to boost your energy levels!) to take with you to snack on your hikes.
On your way down and before you head out of town, make sure you walk around the marina and stop at the coffee shops for a break and some treats. We made a quick stop at Honey Doughnuts & Goodies because they are famous for their freshly baked doughnuts, and then took a longer break at Cafe Orso (I heard that their waffles are a big hit!) before wandering around town with coffee and tea in hand.
After getting your energy back, drive to the Grouse Grind and take the BCMC trail which is known to be less busy but just as difficult (approximately a 3km hike with 853m of elevation). Once you’re at the top at the Grouse Grind Chalet, catch a breath, maybe a drink, wander around and then take the gondola on your way down to avoid the lengthy and steep descend 😉
Before calling it a day, I highly recommend grabbing a delicious (and well deserved) meal at any of these restaurants: Heirloom, Buddha Full, Tacofino (sooo good!) or Tractor (ate there way too many times during my stay!)
DAY TWO:
Rise bright and early and make your way to Savary Island Pie where you can grab some mouthwatering baked goods (the cinnamon rolls are enormous!) or a delicious breakfast while getting a peek at how pies are assembled one after another (I found this to be the best part and what makes the whole experience truly unique!).
