5 Ways to Unwind and Destress Around Vancouver

If you’re visiting Vancouver for business, your busy schedule may leave you feeling a little overworked. Luckily for you, during your stay you will be in close proximity to an abundance of relaxing and stress-relieving activities. Whether you’re looking for something soothing, amusing, or educational, we’ve compiled a list of five different ways to unwind during your stay.

Get Outside

When in doubt, go find yourself in nature! Studies show that “forest bathing” (or simply walking through wooded areas) can lower stress hormones and your blood pressure. In Vancouver, you have plenty of nature to choose from. Grab a coffee nearby Vancouver Extended Stay, and head towards Stanley Park or the Sea Wall for a convenient break outdoors. A little further away in Downtown Vancouver’s Chinatown, you could opt to press pause in the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, a small and quiet unexpected oasis. If the weather isn’t ideal, you could visit the Bloedel Conservatory in Queen Elizabeth Park. Only 15 minutes away by car or 20 by transit, this covered dome features hundreds of exotic plants and birds in a temperature-controlled environment.

[source: City of Vancouver]

Sweat It Out

Another way to increase relaxation, reduce stress hormones, and increase endorphins is to spend time exercising. In Downtown Vancouver, you have so many great options for fitness! As a resident at Vancouver Extended Stay, you have free access to our in-building gyms, with all the strength and cardio equipment needed for a great workout session. For yoga, group classes, personal training, and other fitness facilities, visit our Fitness Studios blog for more options nearby during your stay.

[source: One Yoga Vancouver]

Float Away

For a memorable relaxation experience, try a spa or floatation tank nearby Vancouver Extended Stay. Floatation Tanks suspend users in ambient-temperature water in complete darkness, and have been shown to reduce mental stress, soothe symptoms of joint and muscle pain, and even improve creativity and feelings of wellbeing. Pure Float is a Downtown Vancouver option that’s 6 minutes away by car, or 15 by transit. Alternatively, why not visit a spa for a massage or esthetic treatment? Smile Thai Wellness is a popular experience for both Western and Thai-style massages, and facial and body treatments. This spa’s decor and ambiance will transport you far away, but it’s only 6 minutes away by car.

[source: Pure Float]

Evening Entertainment

If you’re looking to de-stress after a long workweek, maybe a night out is in order! Gastown’s Guilt & Co. is known for its nightly live music performances, unique, tavern-like aesthetic, as well as its food and beverage services. Alternatively, head to karaoke and perform live music for yourself! Fantacity Karaoke can accommodate small or large groups, is only a 6 minute walk away from Vancouver Extended Stay, and is nearby to other restaurants and bars for a guaranteed fun evening.

[source: Guilt & Co.]

Look And Learn

Looking for more educational ways to unwind? You’re in the right place. The Vancouver Art Gallery is a pleasant 10-minute walk away from Vancouver Extended Stay, and offers rotating exhibitions and collections of both historical and contemporary art. Vancouver is also home to multiple interesting and informative museums. For example, to learn about Vancouver’s diverse communities and histories, pop into the Museum of Vancouver in Kitsilano, or the Museum of Anthropology at UBC to take in cultural works from indigenous communities across the world.

[source: Trip Advisor, Museum of Vancouver]

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