“Everything we offer is grounded in our teachings and our favorite ways of connecting with the land.”

Boasting views of the Pacific Ocean and the North Shore Mountains, Vancouver, British Columbia, is a city where you want to maximize your time outdoors. Recently named Canada’s most walkable city, its compact center and accessible public transportation make it an easy place to ditch the car and explore by ​​foot, bike, rail, and boat. Here’s how to have a car-free weekend getaway in VanCity.

Day One: Arrival, the Seawall, and Tide-to-Table Oysters

From Vancouver International Airport in nearby Richmond, it’s a quick ride to your destination via the rapid transit SkyTrain. The network’s three lines have stops across Metro Vancouver, and the public transit system is moving towards a zero-emissions fleet.

After getting settled in, stretch your legs on the Seawall, the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path. To cover more ground on the 17-mile seaside greenway, which runs along the downtown waterfront and rims Stanley Park, rent an electric bicycle from City Cycle Vancouver. Along with rentals and self-guided bike tours, the downtown outfitter also offers guided bike tours led by friendly locals who can share more information about Vancouver’s history and scenic landmarks.

When you’re ready for refreshments, peel off the Seawall in the stadium district and pull up to the Michelin-recognized Fanny Bay Oysters, Vancouver’s only tide-to-table oyster bar and shellfish market. Oysters from this family-owned, fifth-generation operation are sustainably farmed using an innovative floating bag culture method, which allows Fanny Bay to reduce its plastic footprint, increase oyster seed survival, reduce shipping, and limit physical strain for employees. According to Malindi Taylor, Marketing and Sales Coordinator for Taylor Shellfish Canada, “We look at both the environmental and social aspects of sustainability to ensure our practices are well-rounded.”

Day Two: Stanley Park with Talaysay Tours, then The Acorn

No visit to Vancouver is complete without spending time in the 1,000-acre Stanley Park, which sits in Vancouver Harbour between downtown and West Vancouver. Covered by a temperate coastal rainforest laced with hiking trails, it’s an easy place to access nature in the midst of the city.

Talaysay Tours, a local tour operator owned by mother and daughter duo Candace and Talaysay Campo — who are Shíshálh (Sechelt) and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation members — shares Indigenous plant knowledge, art and design, and history on walking tours of the park. “Everything we offer is grounded in our teachings and our favorite ways of connecting with the land,” shared Talaysay Campo. “For us, the land is our first classroom, and it has always been that way for First Nations people.”

After exploring the park, experience a locally sourced, vegetable-forward meal at The Acorn. Located on Main Street, the fine dining restaurant delivers creative plates catering to vegan and gluten-free diners. Its zero-waste kitchen repurposes every part of an ingredient, including stems, pits, and skins, into Michelin-recommended dishes. “When you commit to using more of what you buy, you become more creative, more thoughtful, and more seasonal by default,” said founder Shira Blustein.

Day Three: Granville Island by ferry, food stalls, and a final pint

Hop aboard The Aquabus or False Creek Ferries and sail along the False Creek inlet to Granville Island, a popular shopping and cultural district, where the community is working to reduce, reuse, or divert 80 percent of its waste. Home to stores, breweries, galleries, performing arts venues, and a massive marketplace, it’s a great place to dine and shop.

Bring your appetite to Granville Island Public Market, where you can taste regional food traditions from over 50 vendors. One of the best ways to savor the market is by taking a food tour with Vancouver Foodie Tours, which introduces you to the folks behind Vancouver’s local flavors, like Benton Brothers Local Cheeses and fifth-generation charcuterie from Oyama Sausage Co.

Then, cap your trip with a pint at Faculty Brewing, near the Village ferry stop. From boiling the beer to heating the brewery, Faculty uses 100 percent renewable natural gas. The brewery also fosters education and accessibility by making its recipes publicly available for home brewers.

With ample access to the outdoors and a convenient public transit network, Vancouver makes car-free travel feel effortless. When you slow down and move by foot, pedal, or water, you’ll discover new ways to connect with a city that prioritizes sustainability.

Where to Stay

Built in 1956, the Burrard is a hip upgrade of a former motor hotel, with a central location in downtown. Soak up the mid-century atmosphere in its stylish 72 rooms or the restaurant, cafe, and garden courtyard. While it once ran on car travel, the hotel offers free bike and e-bike rentals today. 

For a more upscale stay, consider JW Marriott Parq Vancouver. A 329-room luxury hotel and spa set in the Yaletown neighborhood, this Gold LEED-certified property practices a host of sustainability initiatives, especially in its culinary program. Some ingredients for its four restaurants come from the rooftop garden and apiary, and the property reduces food waste through composting and donating surplus food to community organizations.