Coal Harbour is conveniently tucked between downtown Vancouver and the 405-hectares of green space that is Stanley Park. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the natural beauty of BC without ever having to leave the city! With its prime waterfront location, luxury shops and waterfront restaurants, expansive local parks, and chic coffee shops, Coal Harbour’s got everything you need to have a great day. Here are our top 5 things to do in Coal Harbour.
Chart A Pub, Cafe, or Restaurant Crawl
With so many incredible Vancouver restaurants within walking distance, it can be tough selecting where to have lunch in Coal Harbour. So, why not try a few? Choose a theme and then make a list of the restaurants in the area – the best waterfront patios in Coal Harbour, pubs and breweries in downtown Vancouver, artisanal coffee shops, or even a specific type of cuisine; Coal Harbour is home to several seafood, Asian, and comfort food establishments. With the diverse selection of upscale restaurants, casual cafes, and local pubs in the area, you’re sure to find a “food crawl” that suits your tastes and budget.
See our Top 5 Restaurants in Coal Harbour
Check out some cool art at Jack Poole Plaza
The site of the opening ceremony for the 2010 Winter Olympics, Jack Poole Plaza is a bustling hub of activity. Home to the Olympic cauldron, artist Douglas Coupland’s “digital orca” sculpture, the Vancouver convention centre, and popular eateries such as Tap & Barrel, Cactus Club, and on any given day, several Vancouver food trucks, this downtown Vancouver hot-spot is the perfect place to cruise the seawall and take in all the sights of the city.
Spend A Day in Stanley Park
With over 400 hectares of green space, Stanley Park lives up to its reputation as the “top park in the world.” Rent a bicycle from one of the shops along Denman or Georgia Street, strap on a helmet, and be sure to ask the shop what to do when you hear someone call “on your left!” If cycling isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the day here. Wander the many walking trails in Stanley Park, or make your way to Second Beach or Third Beach to take in the spectacular ocean and North Shore mountain views. Stanley Park is also home to The Vancouver Aquarium, The Stanley Park Train, pitch & putt, first nation’s totem poles and artwork, tennis courts, water parks, and horse and carriage rides. If you get hungry mid-park adventure, fuel up at Prospect Point Cafe, The Teahouse Restaurant, or Stanley Park Brewpub.
Shop ‘Till You Drop
With designers flocking to open flagship stores in Vancouver, Alberni Street is considered to be one of the most prestigious retail addresses in North America. And it’s within walking distance of the entire Coal Harbour neighbourhood. Whether you’re interested in window shopping or picking up the latest fashions, Coal Harbour shops in Vancouver’s “Luxury Zone” will help you look your best. Retailers include Tiffany & Co, Hermes, Valentino, Fendi, Rolex, Louis Vuitton, De Beers, Jimmy Choo, Versace, Escada, Burberry, Prada, and Saint Laurent, just to name a few. If you find yourself a bit parched as you shop, don’t worry – there are plenty of fantastic restaurants in the area to grab a quick bite or a glass of champagne. Try Black & Blue, Coast, or if you’re in the mood for something sweet, 49th Parallel Cafe & Lucky’s Doughnuts
Hit the Seawall
Vancouver’s 28 km Seaside Greenway is the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path, extending from the Vancouver Convention Centre in Coal Harbour all the way to Spanish Banks Park in West Point Grey. Coal Harbour’s seawall stretch is where it all begins, and there are accessible bike rental shops right before you hit the marina. The seawall isn’t just for bicyclists, either: it’s perfect for sunny day strolls, rollerblading, and people watching, too.
