23 awesome reasons Vancouver is the perfect city for a plant-based vacation
Nestled in betweens mountains, forests, and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver, BC really puts the “beautiful” in “Beautiful British Columbia”. And this must-see Canadian city just happens to be a goldmine for plant-based living, too!
Ready for an adventure in the Great White North? Here’s your official checklist for the best vegan Vancouver vacation!
Why Vancouver’s a great place to be plant-based
Every eco-friendly, plant-based traveller should take a trip to Vancouver!
- Vancouverites are very pro-vegan. In fact, Vancouver ranked 4th worldwide for online searches on veganism.
- Vancouver is widely recognized as one of the greenest cities in the world; it’s actually the birthplace of Greenpeace. The city even has an action plan to achieve zero waste by 2040.
- There are endless ways to enjoy nature in Vancouver. Go for a swim, hike in the mountains, go snowboarding at one of the nearby hills, or take a kayaking tour. With so much natural beauty surrounding the city, no wonder it’s such an eco-friendly place!
Where to eat and drink
Vancouver is all about foodie culture, and vegan restaurants are a big part of the equation. While you can find good vegan options at most restaurants in the city, these are our must-try spots:
- The Acorn is a gorgeous, veggie-focused spectacle located on Vancouver’s hipster-ish Main Street. Local, fresh produce is the delicious highlight of every single one of The Acorn’s dishes. Plus, they have a super fancy cocktail menu. While The Acorn isn’t 100% vegan, it did just get named the best vegan restaurant in the world. So there’s that.
- Meet is all-vegan comfort food, all the time. From veggie burgers and taco salad to classic Canadian poutine, there truly is something for everyone at Meet. Plus, they’ve got locations in multiple neighborhoods, so you really can’t miss it!
- Virtuous Pie: Plant-based pizza. Need we say more?
- Craving brunch? Of course you are; you’re in Vancouver. Make sure to check out Heirloom on South Granville!
- Got a sweet tooth? Edible Flours is the perfect stop for vegan baked goods.
- The Juice Truck: Vancouver’s original cold-pressed juice company. If you’re looking for something healthy and easy to take on the go, The Juice Truck has tons of delicious juices, smoothies, and bowls at several locations throughout the city.
- Wander down into Indigo Age Cafe and find yourself in a plant-based paradise. If you’re staying downtown, this whimsical (and delicious) spot is the perfect place to grab lunch.
- Need coffee ASAP? While Vancouver is home to a gazillion incredible coffee shops, a few of our favorites are Nemesis, Coco et Olive, Timbertrain, Matchstick, and 49th Parallel.
Where to stay
For eco-friendly hotel options, look no further:
- The Blue Horizon: This boutique hotel is conveniently located on Robson Street, meaning there’s no shortage of restaurants and shopping nearby. The Hotel Association of Canada awarded The Blue Horizon a 4-green key eco-rating in acknowledgement of their sustainable practices.
- The Westin Grand Vancouver: Right in the middle of downtown, the Westin Grand has a master power switch in every room to cut down on wasted energy and they even have a “Shower Cling” which encourages guests to watch their water consumption.
- If you’re looking to save a few bucks, there are tons of Airbnb rentals with eco-friendly amenities!
Where to find all the essentials
While basically every Vancouver grocery store has a robust vegan section, there are a few specialty stores worth checking out:
- Nada, Vancouver’s packaging-free grocery store, is as beautiful as it is green.
- Get all the self-care essentials you need (or just really, really want) at The Soap Dispensary. Remember to bring your own containers – this place is all about refills and cutting down on waste!
- You can’t do a vegan Vancouver vacation without stopping by Blue Heron for some incredible vegan cheese. They’re only open on Saturdays and Sundays, so don’t be surprised if there’s a line out the door!
- We love Eternal Abundance’s hippy vibes – and their incredible vegan grocery options.
What to do in Vancouver
As far as activities go, Vancouver’s got it all. It’s just as outdoorsy as it is artsy! Take your pick from these awesome activities:
- Go consignment shopping on Main. There are tons of high-quality shops where you can find gorgeous, pre-loved pieces. Consignment shopping is a great way to cut down on clothing pollution!
- The Vancouver Vegan Festival is on July 27. There will be yoga, live music, and over 70 vendors!
- If you’re willing to travel slightly outside the city limits, visit or volunteer at an animal sanctuary such as RAPS Cat Sanctuary.
- Go for a walk! Whether you take a stroll around the Seawall or tour Vancouver’s many diverse, personality-packed neighborhoods, you’ll find Insta-worthy moments around every corner.
- Take a yoga class. Vancouverites are often stereotyped as yoga-loving hippies, so it comes as no surprise that Vancity is home to tons of incredible studios!
If you’re looking to take a vegan-centric vacation, Vancouver is a must-see. It’s hard not to fall in love with a city that’s so breathtaking – and so green!
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