Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/394183
10 Photography: Photography: TVan/Al Harvey; TVan/Coast Mountain Photography; TVan/Clayton Perry; TVan Flickr/Jay Siggers; TVan/Canadian Tourism Commission; TVan/Coast Mountain Photography; TVan/Canadian Tourism Commission; Edible Canada; TVan/Grouse Mountain Green to the Core Culinary Creativity Instagrammers take note: Vancouver is internationally lauded for its natural beauty, postcard- worthy mountains and sprawling green space. In fact, the city already ranks among the greenest in the world – the City of Vancouver has pledged that by 2020 Vancouver will be the greenest – and is a front-runner in green building (LEED), planning and technology. Your clients can bask in the lush surroundings by enjoying a heart-pumping run or cycle around the 22-kilometre (13.5-mile) Stanley Park seawall, relaxing on one of the many stretches of sand, park-hopping (the city has more than 200) or taking to the water for an invigorating bout of kayaking. Active Vancouverites and visitors alike gather in droves for the annual BMO Vancouver Marathon in May, lauded by Forbes.com as one of the world's top 10 destination marathons. A Boston Qualifier, the picturesque route winds through 42.2 kilometres (26.2 miles) of seawall, beaches and parks to reach the street festival waiting at the finish line. Race organizers have added even more entertainment for 2015, including 20 bands and musicians to serenade the 90,000-plus enthusiasts expected to attend. And in true Vancouver style, the lululemon SeaWheeze half-marathon in August treats runners and spectators to a massive group yoga session and a musical concert among the post-run festivities. There's no better way for first-time visitors to get the lay of the land than by joining a walking tour. ToursByLocals offers private, THE CITY BY FOOT Vancouverites love to eat – and the city's myriad of savoury dining experiences and festivals proves it. From gourmet food carts to retro hole-in- the-wall eateries, casual ethnic joints to five-star restaurants, there's a meal to suit every palate. Local chefs advocate the use of seasonal and sustainable ingredients (advise your clients to look for the Ocean Wise ™ symbol on menus that denotes environmentally responsible seafood choices), pairing traditional techniques with multicultural influence. Not surprisingly, Vancouver is home to Canada's largest restaurant festival, the Dine Out™ Vancouver Festival, and other feasting frenzies like summer's weekly Food Cart Fest. And no visit to Vancouver is complete without sampling the seafood – think wild salmon and buttery spot prawns – or quirky delights like bee pollen donuts and tea-infused cocktails. On Two Wheels Cycling is one of the best methods of exploring Vancouver with more than 400 kilometres (250 miles) of dedicated bike routes crisscrossing the city and an array of guided tours. Local cycling company Cycle City Tours pairs biking and themed sightseeing with rides focused on Stanley Park, craft beer and – for private bookings – local art. The Art Wheelers Public Art Tour rides past the city's extensive collection of outdoor art with guides providing commentary on the historical, social and cultural inspirations. For more on cycling adventures, see page 24. customized tours led by Vancouverites who have a passion for sharing their city with visitors. Whether it's city highlights, Vancouver's most admired gardens, or a tasting tour of the city's craft beer scene, your clients are sure to find an itinerary to suit. Find more unique walking tours on page 25. Finish Line Frenzy