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Five things to love about Van – Metro US

Five things to love about Van

As the mercury claws its way up the thermometer and Vancouverites crawl cautiously out of their confines and into the summer sun, Metro looks at five of the greatest activities the city has to offer this season.

1-Hitting the beach
Perhaps the most popular way to revel in summer stimuli while doing little to nothing at all is to flop at one of Vancouver’s many beaches.

“Chill vibes, good people; it’s an awesome environment,” said Aurin Savoie, sitting with friends at English Bay, surrounded by volleyball players, sunbathers and random folks sprawled on the grass. “It’s a place to relax and get away from the bustle of the city.”

Arthur Sapounas, another beachgoer, has gone skimboarding twice in the past week.

“I like Kits and Jericho because they’re a bit more mellow,” said Sapounas. “I love going for a quick dip to cool off, I love skim-boarding. I love the hippie culture at Kits where everyone brings their own things, like volleyballs, skimboards.”

Deep Rangi also digs it for the view and relaxed vibe, along with the much-needed vitamin D.

“We only get a couple months of the year that we can really enjoy like this,” he said.

Also worth noting are the ever-present buskers at English Bay, the pool and pro tennis players at Kits Beach, the pool and playground at Second Beach and the clothing-free option at Wreck.

2-Drinking on a patio
Few things epitomize summer better than knocking back a frosty beverage on a sun-drenched patio. Some of Vancouver’s finest include the Galley Patio and Grill on Jericho Beach and Bridges Restaurant on Granville Island.

3-Outdoor sports
One of the city’s most prized offerings is its wide range of outdoor sports, several of which can be tackled in a single day. Easily accessible activities like swimming, kayaking, cycling and hiking are a big part of why Vancouver has been called the healthiest city in Canada.

4-Eating
With high-end restaurants like Lumière, Cioppino’s and Blue Water Café, cheap classics like 99 cent pizza and hot dogs from Japa Dog and the overwhelming variety of cuisine in between, Vancouverites are never too far from good food, no matter what the craving.

5-Going to the PNE
Every summer, nearly a million people flock to Hastings Park for the Pacific National Exhibition, now in its 99th year. Highlights include the concerts, the nightly fireworks and, of course, Playland.