My favourite places, activities, and routines around Vancouver that help me unwind after a shift in pediatric psychiatry—everything from outdoor spots to low-stim spaces and cozy treats.
Sections
6
Food & Treat Yourself Spots
Sunset + Scenic Views
Walks & Low-Stimulation Outdoor Spots
Nature & Trails
Quiet Indoor/Low-Stim Places
Mindful Solo Activities
Food & Treat Yourself Spots
Places I love grabbing a cozy drink or light treat after work—low-stimulation cafés and snack spots perfect for decompressing without committing to a full meal.
Some of my favourite food comes from the market!
Granville Island + People Watching
A great quiet café moment
Jubilee Menu - La Foret
Such a good spot for sweet treats
Dessert Stop on Commercial Dr.
Walk around the sea wall! Don't forget your jacket though, the water can make it windy.
Coffee/Tea & Walk By Canada Place
Amazing snack places
Cafés in Yaletown (Vancouver)
Sunset + Scenic Views
My favourite golden-hour spots around Vancouver. Peaceful views, ocean breezes, and places where you can sit, breathe, and reset your nervous system after a long day.
sometimes in the warmer months, they have a pop-up pizza truck!
Cypress Mountain Lookout
Go to sunset hill for a view of Downtown!
Queen Elizabeth Park
Stunning at golden hour!
Jericho Beach
Another fantastic viewpoint!
Kitsilano Beach - British Columbia
Such a stunning sunset walk!
Ambleside Park Loop
Walks & Low-Stimulation Outdoor Spots
Gentle outdoor routes that don’t require much energy—just easy movement, quiet scenery, and space to unwind after shift stress.
Do the walk all the way around to English Bay!
Stanley Park Seawall Walk
Great way to meet some furry friends!
Hinge Park at Olympic Village (off-leash dog park), Vancouver, BC
Another great viewpoint
False Creek Loop
Walk through Stanley Park to Lost Lagoon
Lost Lagoon, Stanley Park
Another great stroll + stops along the way for bathroom or food.
North Shore Spirit Trail
A waterfront walk + donut shop!
Deep Cove
Nature & Trails
For days when I want to fully disconnect: shaded forests, easy trails, and nature escapes close to the city but far from the chaos.
A great free alternative to the Capilano Suspension Bridge
Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge: Lynn Canyon Park
Tons of trails here!
Lighthouse Park | West Vancouver
Easy and accessible trails - harder ones along the riverbed too.
Cleveland Dam
So stunning in the warmer months + you can cool off in the water!
Capilano River Regional Park
Lots of trails with viewpoints - some are harder than others though so plan ahead!
Burnaby Mountain Biking and Hiking Trails
Quiet Indoor/Low-Stim Places
Low-noise indoor spaces where I can sit, think, edit, journal, or exist alone without sensory overload. Perfect for rainy or emotionally heavy days.
Some fantastic study spots with large windows!
Vancouver Public Library - Central Library
One of my favourite places to browse!
Indigo
They have covered seating as well if it's raining!
The Shipyard Commons
Main street is famous for them!
Vancouver's Best Independent Book Stores
Mindful Solo Activities
Intentional, grounding moments that help me recenter—solo rituals, silent walks, and reflective practices that soothe the mind and body.
