Few things are more satisfying than a warm summer’s day in Vancouver. After long bouts of rain and cold, watching the city come alive again in the sun is a sight to behold. There’s no shortage of ways to experience Vancouver at its very best, but if you’re looking for an in-land alternative to the popular destinations along the Sea Wall, Riley Park’s rich character and family-friendly atmosphere make it worth the trip. Here are some of the best ways to explore this charming Vancouver neighbourhood. 
1. A morning on Main Street
For those looking to spend a leisurely morning in the sun, Main Street’s stretch between 19th and 33rd Avenues is a wonderful area to explore as you catch up with friends or family. Grab a treat from Liberty Bakery, Coco et Olive or Foglifter. Each has its own distinct personality and bustling queues out their front doors as hungry locals make important decisions regarding pastries and dairy-free milk alternatives. Along the street, you’ll find established names, such as Aesop and Formula Fig, peppered amongst independent favourites like Welk’s, a general store where you’ll want to spend hours, the Soap Dispensary, a bulk refill shop for eco-friendly home and kitchen essentials, and Trendybucks, a value store that has one of the best selections of house plants in the city. Take a short walk east of Main Street and discover Marché St. George, a small French grocer serving rustic crepes from a heritage building on a lush residential street corner.
2. A baseball game at Nat Bailey Stadium
While Vancouverites may be divided by their loyalties to various major league sports teams, they can all agree that an evening at Nat Bailey Stadium is always a good idea. Home to the minor league Vancouver Canadians, Nat Bailey is a nostalgic escape loved by many. Think frothy beer served out of plastic cups, foot-long hot dogs, cotton candy, and sunburns that serve as a warm reminder of a weekend well-spent. If you’d like to treat your best friend to an outing, plan to visit on June 27th, the one day of the season when dogs are allowed to visit the stadium and be amazed as they join together to howl along with the national anthem.
3. A visit with the birds at the Bloedel Conservatory
Nestled atop Queen Elizabeth Park— the city of Vancouver’s highest point— is the Bloedel Conservatory, a lush and humid glass dome filled with more than 100 exotic birds and 500 tropical plants. This family-friendly habitat demonstrates the value of conservation by allowing visitors to experience controlled tropical and subtropical ecosystems in the middle of the city. Bring your children— or a date— to relish the beauty of rare, colourful plants and free-flying birds within this airy space. Pack a picnic to enjoy amongst the surrounding green area, or make a reservation at Seasons in the Park for an elegant lunch on the patio to cap off your visit. 
4. A social game at the Vancouver Lawn Bowling Club
Also located in Queen Elizabeth Park is the Vancouver Lawn Bowling Club. While this 52-hectare green space is likely better known for its pitch and putt course, the Lawn Bowling Club offers an approachable alternative to socializing while playing what can be loosely defined as a sport. Lawn bowling is similar to bocce; only it uses bowls that are weighted to one side, thus requiring some additional strategy to toss them along the green. In addition to non-member drop-in days, the Club is open for private events where guests can bring food and drink to enjoy on the clubhouse patio adjacent to its well-manicured lawn.
5. A movie at the Park Theatre
Vancouver is not a city known for its easy access to air conditioning, so movie theatres have long served as a reliable refuge from the heat. Although no longer independently run, the Park Theatre is one of the last remaining neighbourhood cinemas, serving up buttery popcorn and soft drinks alongside Hollywood blockbusters and independent films. Located in the vibrant Cambie Village, one can easily round out a trip to the Park with dinner and stroll through its leafy residential streets with an ice cream cone in hand.
Many have been charmed by Riley Park’s infectious atmosphere. If you happen to be one of them, there are a variety of new communities for you to consider calling home. 
Soto on W28th
Boasting sweeping views of the Vancouver skyline, Soto’s boutique collection of three- and four-bedroom homes offers a serene lifestyle inspired by Japanese minimalism. With luxurious details like private elevators and simple, sophisticated finishings, this new community blends seamlessly into Cambie’s lush green space. 
King and Columbia
With its sturdy brownstones and thoughtful design that prioritizes indoor-outdoor living, King & Columbia is an appealing option for families looking to elevate their lifestyles in this charming neighbourhood. Sitting at only thirty units, this exclusive collection of one-, three-, and four-bedroom is soon to become a timeless classic in the centre of Riley Park.
If you’re looking to buy a home or learn more about the Riley Park neighbourhood, contact a rennie advisor to begin your search.
