Zoe Grams

With its unparalleled views, nearby ocean and reflective glass skyscrapers, Vancouver really shines in summertime. When not on the beaches, much of the city sips a mojito or glass of the Okanagan’s finest on a patio. Here are some of the best summer staples and undiscovered spots for catching up on Vitamin D.

If Vancouver’s bar scene is too social or slick for your night-out requirements, these cozy nooks offer a relaxing alternative, and they’re the closest you can come to a true European pub experience on this side of the Atlantic. Check out these laid-back locals for a solo pint or a low-key get-together with friends. [Photo credit: iStock.com/gpointstudio]

Wheel around the alleys of East Van and it won’t be long before you stumble upon one of the city’s craft breweries: on par with yoga studios for their popularity. During Vancouver Craft Beer Week, you can sample more than 300+ different brews (and ciders) from around the world. Check out some of the Vancity breweries that’ll be pulling pints at the festival at the PNE from May 26 to June 4. [Photo via Doan's Craft Brewing]

What better way to stay cool on a summer day than with a refreshing, crisp and refined cocktail from Great Britain? These Vancouver bars and restaurants offer the finest Pimm’s Cups in the city. Pinkies up ladies and gents! [Image courtesy of Cactus Club Cafe]

With a remarkable selection of healthful, veggie-friendly restaurants to choose from, Vancouver is home to some of North America’s most mouthwatering vegetarian and vegan cuisine. When comfort food is more compelling than gourmet, this list offers the finest veggie burgers in the city. [Photo credit: iStock.com/cass greene]

Relaxing bath times or awakening morning regimes; your bathroom can be a place of function and fashion with the addition of a few decorative accessories. These Vancouver stores stock plush towels, gilded soap dishes, scented candles, beautiful glass vessels and a variety of practical accent pieces that can add style and flair your bathroom. [Photo credit: iStock.com/Anna Taschini]

Brunch on the West Coast is a hearty tradition, and these Vancouver restaurants know how to live up to the hype with their incredible eggs Benedict dishes. Topped with savoury meats (or fresh veggies) and covered in creamy hollandaise sauce, these crowd-pleasing breakfast Bennies are worth waking up for. [Photo credit: iStock.com/Nicole S. Young]

Wearing glasses need not be nerdy – nor a nuisance. Next time you need to upgrade your lenses, pay a visit to these independent optical boutiques in Vancouver, where fashion-forward frames, savvy staff and cozy environments combine to make shopping for specs as fun as hunting for a new pair of shoes. [Photo credit: Bailey Nelson]

Japanese cuisine is one of the most creative, healthy and flavoursome options to be found in Vancouver’s extensive multicultural restaurant scene. These local Jaoanese restaurants are particularly perfect for sushi-loving vegetarians who want to skip the meat without compromising on bold flavours.[Photo credit: iStock,com/AnikaSalsera]

Sweet dreams are made of this! When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, one should never underestimate the importance of beautiful bedding. We spend a third of our lives in bed; these Vancouver boutiques will help make the experience cozy and luxurious. [Photo credit: iStock.com/KhongkitWiriyachan]

Rainy evening or summer afternoon: it’s always a good time for a gin and tonic. Some of Vancouver’s finest establishments turn a classic G&T into an original masterpiece. If you’re looking for fizz and flavour, pull up a stool at these local cocktail bars. 

Deliciously fizzy, tangy and ever so good for you: kombucha is catching on for a reason. These Vancouver cafés and teahouses offer the finest selection of fermented tea in the city. [Photo credit: iStock.com/Global_Pics]