Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in British Columbia

"First established in 1886, and dominating nearly a third of the land that makes up Vancouver’s downtown core, Stanley Park is an oasis of cedar, hemlock and fir trees flanked by the Pacific Ocean. You haven’t been to Vancouver until you’ve taken to the seawall, the 8.8 kilometre stonewall that circumnavigates the park. Join the locals and walk, run, blade or cycle your way around the park and enjoy a picnic lunch (available through in-room dining) at one of the many beaches."

"In fact, you just can’t visit Vancouver without spending time in Stanley Park. One of Vancouver’s most famous landmarks, Stanley Park is a 1000-acre oasis right in the city’s downtown. Stanley Park’s natural playground consists of the rainforest, with towering Douglas fir and Western red cedar trees, and the sea that laps the shores of the park."

"A little further east is Chinatown, the third largest in North America, and home to the tranquil, four-seasons Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Yaletown is also on the downtown peninsula and is a former warehouse district that has since been transformed into a chic residential area. Shopping is a big attraction, but so is the people watching – order a coffee and sit on the sea wall to watch the locals. The West End is a beachside neighbourhood at the foot of Stanley Park, and home to the city’s LGBT community – definitely worth a wander, or head down to English Bay Beach to take a paddle boarding lesson."

"It’s a spot rich in history as it’s the first Chinese garden built outside of China. It’s also National Geographic’s “Top City Garden in the World”. This an extremely celestial outdoor space, providing quiet respite from the bustling city and offering dozens of opportunities to photograph 150-year old miniature trees, a jade green pond, and famous koi fish."

"Surrounded by unassuming low white walls in Vancouver’s Chinatown, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden can be easy to miss. But trust us — you won’t want to. Described as an “urban oasis of tranquility and reflection,” it was named the best city garden in the world by National Geographic in 2011, and that’s an accolade that’s hard to argue."

"It’s not exactly overlooked, but we tend to forget the full scope of what’s offered at QE Park. The locals love it for the tennis and basketball courts, the dog park, the lawn bowling, the disk golf course and the Pitch and Putt, while tourists come to snap views of the city skyline, even if the vegetation is starting to crowd the shot. Stroll the quarry gardens and cross your fingers that the underappreciated Bloedel Conservatory will soon reopen so you can enhance your summer photo album with pics of exotic macaws and finches amid New Zealand tea trees and flamingo lilies."

"Situated in the heart of Vancouver, Queen Elizabeth Park is also the highest point in the city, boasting spectacular views of the downtown skyline. It's one of the best parks in Vancouver for gardens, and the free quarry gardens are in bloom virtually year-round and are truly spectacular. The park is also home to the "dancing fountains" (at its top), the Queen Elizabeth Pitch & Putt, and lots of open, green spaces for playing ball or just laying on the soft grass."

"One of the city’s main tourist attractions, Vancouver Aquarium is home to an array of aquatic animals, exhibits, and ecosystems. Located within the sprawling confines of Stanley Park, the marvelous marine center is a delight to explore due to all its incredible sea creatures both large and small. First opened in 1956, the aquarium now impressively houses over 70,000 animals with seals, sea otters, and penguins on show alongside vast shoals of shimmering fish."

"A collection of more than 50,000 aquatic creatures make Vancouver’s Aquarium the largest in Canada. Located in Stanley Park, the facility features extensive exhibits and displays along with daily dolphin and beluga shows, sea otter feedings, shark dives and “4D” film screenings. You can even book your own personalized Animal Encounters to get up close and personal with some of these amazing creatures."

"I’ve been told the Vancouver Aquarium is pretty impressive as well although that would require entering before the building’s 5pm closing time."

"This waterfront park is the gateway to West Vancouver, and a favored destination for off-leash dog walks. Spectacular views of Stanley Park and downtown Vancouver set the scene for seawall walks, and there are 3.5 hectares of dog-designated space – from grassy fields to sandy beaches – providing plenty of room for furry friends to roam free. Further along the seawall is the pet-free part of the park, with a beachfront playground for kids, a skate-park, a basketball court, and a concession stand for snacks."

"Ambleside Park — don’t let the name fool you, this is not one but two beaches local to Vancouver. The beach is essentially split in half; one side is primarily for dog-owners to let their pooches run wild!. With some of the best views of the Lions gate bridge, this beach located on the north shore in West Vancouver, this beach is kid friendly and has features for all ages including golf, concession stands, and those handy washrooms."

"Located in False Creek, this is a great area to explore on foot, with plenty of benches, cute cafes and restaurants, and green spaces to keep you occupied for at least an hour or two. Aquabus to Granville Island"

"If you're walking to the island, catch a colourful mini-tugboat over False Creek Go straight to the Public Market to meet some locals and discover First Nations art"

"George Wainborn Park in Yaletown brings together Vancouver’s beautiful nature and it’s urban architecture in close proximity, delivering space to lounge around and bring a picnic, juxtaposed against the hustle and bustle of the city. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Won Kang (@urbansketcherwest)"

"This is one place you're going to want to keep in the back of your mind the next time you find yourself drunk and ravenously hungry at 3 am downtown."

"If you want to warm your belly with a luscious, authentic Japanese ramen, the best Vancouver spots are at Ramen Danbo and Marutama. When Danbo went international, it opened its first overseas diners in Vancouver. Unlike other ramen shops, at Danbo you have the power to uniquely customize your whole noodles (thickness and firmness) and broth (thickness, amount of lard, and spice)."

"We all scream for ice cream but sometimes it just isn’t right for your dietary requirements. Stuffies Pastries Cafe not only offers up the Asian dessert of stuffed pastries taiyaki, but fills it with vegan soft serve!. The pastry cone is also gluten-free!"

"If you’re looking for something a little less traditional and a little more diverse in style for your birthday celebrations, Remi Patisserie is definitely for you. This adorable bakery creates cakes where “you can find a little taste of France, Italy, and Asia in,” as quoted by the owner. We love his Cloud Cake but honestly, the entire menu is a must try and would work for a birthday cake, from rich Mango Sago cakes to elegant Thai Tea flavours, his cakes are almost too beautiful to eat, and the perfect gift for the birthday boy or girl in your life."

"Years ago, when he landed a summer job at a French Bistro, young and enterprising Remi Ho discovered the world of pastry making and was instantly inspired. His love for baking grew into a passion, and eventually resulted in a delightful bakery called Remi Patisserie located in Vancouver. This true success story melts our hearts, and the yummy treats Chef Remi concocts to perfection, keeps us going back for more."

"This waterfront park is the gateway to West Vancouver, and a favored destination for off-leash dog walks. Spectacular views of Stanley Park and downtown Vancouver set the scene for seawall walks, and there are 3.5 hectares of dog-designated space – from grassy fields to sandy beaches – providing plenty of room for furry friends to roam free. Further along the seawall is the pet-free part of the park, with a beachfront playground for kids, a skate-park, a basketball court, and a concession stand for snacks."

"Ambleside Park — don’t let the name fool you, this is not one but two beaches local to Vancouver. The beach is essentially split in half; one side is primarily for dog-owners to let their pooches run wild!. With some of the best views of the Lions gate bridge, this beach located on the north shore in West Vancouver, this beach is kid friendly and has features for all ages including golf, concession stands, and those handy washrooms."

"A post shared by Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ (@gyukakujbbq) on Jun 3, 2019 at 12:05pm PDT. Gyu-Kaku is a “yakiniku” restaurant franchise that was first established by Rex Holdings Japan. What makes Gyu-Kaku restaurants exciting is that they allow the customer to cook the BBQ food themselves."

"Photo: https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/2016/07/09/ history-of-metro-vancouver-city-hall-1936/. Since I live in Fairview, every time that I have to take the skytrain, I have to pass right in front of this marvelous Art Deco building that serves as city hall; its massive white structure is visible from all over Vancouver and it is still used today as the city’s council home. Located on 12th Avenue, the building was ordered by the Vancouver Civic Building Committee and designed by architect Fred Townley."