In this roundup, Vancouver has been named one of the world’s most relaxing cities, Fresh St. Market has announced plans to open a large store in Hastings-Sunrise, and a unique forested property in North Vancouver has been listed for $10 million.
Vancouver Named One of the World’s Most Relaxing Cities: What’s Behind the Ranking
Vancouver has once again proven that it can combine urban living with nature in a way that draws attention not only from locals but also from experts. According to a recent study conducted by Holafly in partnership with respected publication Condé Nast Traveller, this city on Canada’s west coast ranked fourth among the world’s top destinations for a relaxing holiday in 2026. For anyone who has visited Vancouver, the result is unlikely to come as a surprise: on one hand, there is a modern metropolis with well-developed infrastructure; on the other, breathtaking views are just a short drive away.
The ranking’s authors took a comprehensive approach, analyzing not only traditional tourist attractions but also specific, measurable indicators. The assessment considered population density, the number of natural areas and parks, the availability of spas and wellness facilities, air quality, hours of sunshine, traffic conditions and even the so-called happiness index of local residents. This approach makes it possible to assess not just the beauty of the scenery, but also how easy it is to breathe, get around and relax in a city. By these criteria, Vancouver genuinely stands out. Its biggest advantage is the remarkable accessibility of nature: more than 250 parks, including the famous 405-hectare Stanley Park and 860-hectare Pacific Spirit Provincial Park; 10 official oceanfront beaches; and a 22-kilometre seawall that is ideal for walking, running or cycling. And for those who miss the mountains, Grouse, Seymour and Cypress are always nearby, offering hiking in summer and skiing in winter.
Air quality also deserves special mention. Yes, last summer’s wildfires made their presence felt, but Vancouver is traditionally considered one of the large cities with the cleanest air in the world—a fact supported by data from Swiss company IQAir. In addition, the city enjoys long daylight hours during the summer, when the sun does not set until around 9 p.m., which also contributes to a greater sense of calm.
Vancouver also has a strong culture of self-care, with a reputation for spas and wellness centres. Visitors can choose from luxury options such as the Wedgewood Hotel Spa or Absolute Spa at the Fairmont, as well as more modern establishments inspired by Scandinavian contrast treatments. For example, just 20 minutes away by SeaBus is Tality Wellness in North Vancouver, where guests can enjoy saunas, cold plunges and a terrace overlooking the mountains. For a more unconventional experience, there is even the floating Hot Voyage sauna—a cedar cabin on the water from which guests can dive straight into the ocean in their bathing suits while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Significantly, Vancouver was the only Canadian city on the list. First place went to Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, which is recognized for its hospitality as well as its status as one of the happiest cities on the planet. Energetic Barcelona took second place while still managing to maintain a carefree atmosphere, and Vienna rounded out the top three, praised for its leisurely pace of life and abundance of greenery. Oslo, Miami, Munich, Singapore, Rome and Amsterdam ranked just below them. As noted in a report by Canada.com, the study reflects more than subjective impressions and is based on concrete statistical data, making it especially valuable for travellers planning future holidays.
It is important to understand that the concept of a “relaxing city” is much more complex than it may initially seem. It is not simply about palm trees and sandy beaches, although those are certainly pleasant. Rather, it is a combination of factors, from the amount of greenery and ease of getting around to whether residents themselves feel comfortable. The happiness index used in such studies is not an abstract philosophical idea but a practical indicator that directly affects how tourists experience an unfamiliar environment. If local residents are satisfied with their lives and are not under constant stress, that atmosphere inevitably reaches visitors as well. In other words, spending time in a city with a high standard of living and well-developed infrastructure is not merely a change of scenery—it is an investment in one’s own emotional well-being.
Ultimately, Vancouver’s recognition as one of the most peaceful places on the planet is not a marketing gimmick, but well-deserved acknowledgment of the city’s rare balance between urbanization and wilderness. For modern travellers increasingly tired of noisy megacities and searching for zen in the most remote corners of the planet, Vancouver may be the perfect compromise. There is no need to sacrifice comfort for beautiful views, because both are literally within reach. And that may be the main ingredient of a truly relaxing holiday: not having to make any effort to feel calm and happy.
Fresh St. Market to Open New Large Store in Vancouver: What It Means for Hastings-Sunrise
British Columbia continues to delight residents with news about growth in the food sector, and the latest announcement from local chain Fresh St. Market is no exception. The company, which has already become a public favourite thanks to its focus on fresh and local products, has confirmed plans to open its 11th store. The new location will be at 2585 Hastings St. in the lively Hastings-Sunrise neighbourhood, known for its unique atmosphere and strong sense of community. This will be more than just another supermarket: it will be the chain’s third Vancouver location and an important step in the company’s expansion strategy, which clearly emphasizes strengthening ties with local communities and producers.
According to Palle Knudsen, vice-president of retail operations and marketing at Fresh St. Market, it is extremely important that the new store become not merely a place to shop but a genuine gathering place for neighbourhood residents. He said Hastings-Sunrise has a deep sense of community and a love of fresh, farm-grown food—qualities that align perfectly with the brand’s philosophy. The opening is planned for fall 2027, but it is already clear that this will be a substantial project. The new store will cover 21,452 square feet, making it one of the key tenants in the Alba development, which will also house well-known pharmacy and retail giant London Drugs. The proximity of the two businesses is expected to create a powerful synergy, turning the site into a major shopping hub for the entire neighbourhood.
For shoppers, the new Fresh St. Market will offer the full grocery experience that has already become the chain’s trademark. Customers will find a wide selection of local products, including fruits and vegetables from British Columbia farmers, Certified Angus Beef and an extensive range of fresh seafood. Prepared foods will receive special attention, with an in-house bakery, a deli offering premium cold cuts and chef-prepared dishes, freshly made sushi and the hugely popular doughnuts from local brand Peak Donuts. The latter are known for their unusual savoury cheddar-and-onion variety, which has created considerable excitement among food lovers. The chain also plans to offer cookies baked on-site, a burrito bar and a carving station where customers can order slices of roasted meat. For those looking for a quick and filling meal, there will be an expanded hot-food section with seating, making the store an ideal place for lunch or dinner after work.
It is important to note that Fresh St. Market is not limited to commercial activities and is also actively involved in social programs. The new store will continue the chain’s partnership with FoodMesh, an organization that redistributes surplus food. Through this collaboration, the chain has already helped redirect the equivalent of nearly three million meals to charities and people in need across the province. This underscores the company’s responsible approach to food security and food waste—an increasingly important issue in modern society. According to Knudsen, the team is looking forward to becoming part of everyday life in Hastings-Sunrise by offering not only quality products but also friendly service that reflects the character of the community itself.
This is not the only ambitious project in Fresh St. Market’s portfolio. The company is in an active phase of expansion: next year, a 26,000-square-foot store is expected to open at CF Richmond Centre, while a new Kitsilano location opened in late 2025. This rapid growth demonstrates the company’s confidence in market stability and strong demand for premium products with a local focus. For Vancouver residents, this is welcome news, as the arrival of another major competitor should increase competition and ultimately have a positive effect on prices and service quality. More details about the new store and its product selection can be found in the original Daily Hive report. Without a doubt, the 2027 opening will be a significant event for the neighbourhood. In the meantime, residents can follow the chain’s social media channels to keep up with further announcements and project details.
Rare Opportunity or Land Paradox: Undeveloped $10 Million Lot in North Vancouver
On a map of North Vancouver, this property looks more like a tiny patch of forest surrounded by typical suburban development than a luxury real estate asset. Yet this completely forested piece of land, with no buildings on it, has been listed for $10 million. Realtors are calling it a “once-in-a-generation opportunity,” emphasizing its uniqueness and scale. Lot 17 Riverside Drive consists of 15.1 acres of pristine nature located right in the middle of a residential neighbourhood—an anomaly in the North Shore, where land is worth its weight in gold. The listing describes it as the largest residential land offering on the entire North Shore, promising potential buyers not merely a home but a private empire complete with a helipad, vehicle facilities, a swimming pool, a spa, a soccer field and tennis, pickleball and basketball courts.
The impression is enhanced not only by drone footage showing dense forest with spectacular views of the ocean and mountains, but also by AI-generated images of the proposed estate, called “Riverside Manor.” Although the property is legally zoned for residential development, its actual building potential appears fairly modest compared with the marketing promises. Documents indicate that the site could accommodate one main home of approximately 10,000 square feet and two accessory buildings. But the main issue that has held back the sale for years is the lack of an approved access road. Without official permission from the District of North Vancouver to build a road, the entire property remained essentially an isolated piece of wilderness that could not be reached by car.
Real estate agent Pete Shpak, who is handling the sale, explains that the property was previously listed, but the road-access issue was the sticking point. Local authorities were reluctant for a long time to approve development of the land, making it unattractive to investors. The situation has now changed, however. District representative Justin Beddall confirmed that the administration is reviewing an application for a building permit covering not only a home with a garage but also the access road itself. According to Shpak, the approval process is nearly complete, and he is optimistic about the future: “Based on what I’m seeing from the work of the officials and architects, we’re at the final stage of getting approval for access.”
Interestingly, the current owner has already completed considerable work, including an environmental assessment and slope management—mandatory requirements for construction in this hilly area. Renowned specialist Robert Blaney has been brought in to develop the concept design for the future home, adding credibility to the project in the eyes of potential buyers. Nevertheless, at first glance it may seem strange that for $10 million, a buyer receives nothing more than a bare forested lot, albeit one with an extraordinary view. For true connoisseurs of privacy and exclusivity, however, it could be ideal: an opportunity to build a home from scratch without being constrained by existing structures, while remaining close to all of North Vancouver’s amenities.
Properties like this rarely appear on the market, since most land on the North Shore has long been developed and undeveloped parcels of this size are virtually nonexistent. If the sale goes through, it will be one of the region’s most significant land transactions in recent years. The only question is whether a buyer will be willing to pay such a substantial sum for the chance to create a private “nature reserve” overlooking the ocean, or whether this forested area will remain an untouched corner of nature within the city, waiting for its moment. As the listing itself says, this is truly a rare opportunity—one that may never come again. More details about this unique property can be found in the Vancouver Is Awesome report, which includes all the details of this unusual sale.
