11 Random Reasons Why I Love Vancouver

It’s crazy to think that it’s been nearly two months since I moved to Canada and started my new life here in Vancouver. In a way it feels like I arrived just yesterday, but then again, the deep connection I feel to this city is unlike anything I have ever experienced before. As I continue to cross items off my summer bucket list, I can’t help but fall more in love with Vancouver by the day… I had no idea a city could give me butterflies.

Over the weekend, I was biking around Stanley Park with my friend Jenna when I suddenly screamed, I LIVE HERE. It was like I had a mini epiphany – a moment of pure bliss – I actually live here. As we continued along the Vancouver Seawall, taking in the downtown skyline and the snowcapped mountains, I realized how truly lucky I am to call this city my home.

The secret is out: I love Vancouver. Here are eleven somewhat random reasons why.

1. Farmers markets make it easy to eat local.
Since 1995, local food and local folks have come together at the many farmers markets around the city. All summer long, artisans, farmers, fishers, and more gather in Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, Main St. Station, Downtown, Riley Park, Trout Lake, and West End to sell their produce. It’s amazing to see communities supporting their local farmers and I absolutely love contributing to that community.

2. The people who live here are very outdoorsy.
There is no shortage of outdoor activities or outdoor enthusiasts in Vancouver. The 28-kilometer seawall is always busy with walkers and joggers as well as cyclists and inline skaters, free outdoor yoga classes are held daily during the summer months, and the mountains provide a perfect weekend getaway for all types of adventurers.

3. Granville Island is a cultural hub with a zero waste initiative.
Once an industrial wasteland, Granville Island has transformed into a vibrant public space for locals and tourists to enjoy. Over 300 businesses make the island operationally self-sustaining, among them, a fabric and quilting shop called The Cloth Shop, a mystical store called Dragonspace, and a bead boutique called Beadworks. In addition, the island offers bicycle valet and hosts a number of performing arts and cultural festivals all throughout the year.

4. Vegan options are easy to come by.
Vegan-friendly establishments are scattered all around town with several plant-based options to choose from. I usually spend my weekends sipping on oat milk lattes, devouring açaí bowls, munching on avocado toast, and scarfing down vegan ice cream… please don’t judge me.

5. Stanley Park is like Central Park, just better.
Not only is Stanley Park 10% larger than New York City’s Central Park, but it is also filled with sandy beaches and colorful totem poles. Oh and it’s surrounded by a breathtaking 9-kilometer long seawall. Take that, New York!

6. Locals honor and respect First Nations culture.
I was vaguely aware of Vancouver’s aboriginal history and heritage before moving here, but I only recently realized just how prevalent First Nations culture is throughout the city. During the first lecture for my creative writing class at UBC, the professor said the following: I would like to acknowledge that we are gathered today on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. Since then, I have learned about the art galleries, culture centers, totem poles, and cedar carving demonstrations that strive to keep the ancient stories and traditions of First Nations alive.

7. Pacific Spirit Regional Park makes for the perfect playground.
This 1,850-acre park offers a large network of trails that weaves through forests and runs along beaches, lending itself to bird watching, hiking, trail running, cycling, horseback riding, photography, and more.

8. There are so many unique festivals.
From the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival and the Capture Photography Festival to the Vancouver Fringe Festival and the Talking Stick Festival to the Vancouver Mural Festival and the Vancouver International Bird Festival, this city will find any reason to bring the community together and celebrate.

9. Wreck Beach encourages nude recreation.
This 7.8-kilometer long clothing-optional beach is the largest naturist beach in North America, a place where the free-spirited promote body positivity. Everyone is invited to partake in the naturist culture and enjoy an afternoon of skinny dipping, in fact, it’s highly encouraged.

10. The city is incredibly diverse and accepting.
No matter your ethnic background, cultural upbringing, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, and so on, there is a place for you in Vancouver. In case you would like a couple of fun facts about the city, Vancouver is said to be the most Asian city outside Asia and is home to the largest LGBTQ2+ population in Western Canada.

11. No one can ever make me leave.
Having lived in the United States for most of my life on G4 and F1 visas, there was always that feeling of uncertainty as to how long I would be able to stay. Knowing that I will always have a home here in Vancouver, independent of work and school, is something that I am so grateful for. I know this may not apply to all of you, but I am truly proud to be Canadian!

With ♡, Julia Elizabeth