Activities
The land we now know as Vancouver is the unceded and ancestral territory of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh speaking peoples, the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, and has been stewarded by them since time immemorial.
A unique blend of urban sophistication and natural wonders makes Vancouver a diverse playground offering something for every visitor. Below you will find a variety of experiences that we tailored to different tastes, ranging from family-friendly activities to outdoor adventures and rewarding volunteer opportunities.
Vancouver Guide
To help explore the city, we pulled together a comprehensive Vancouver Guide full of the most innovative and inspiring examples of sustainability, innovation, and community engagement. The guide is divided into five sections, featuring both additional Champions Retreat activities, self-directed experiences, and local B Corps.
Tours
We organized a diverse range of tours, catering to various interests and schedules. Here’s a link to help you navigate through the available tours offered through Champions Retreat and find the one that aligned perfectly with a variety of preferences.
Service Opportunities
We organized several volunteer opportunities across Vancouver, allowing individuals to contribute to the community and make a positive impact while visiting.
Self-Guided Activities
Vancouver offers many indoor and outdoor adventures, allowing visitors to explore the city at their own pace and tailor their experiences to personal preferences.
Family-Friendly
Vancouver is a haven for children of all ages, offering all kinds of activities for families. Check out the many interactive museums, attractions, festivals, and parks.
Tours
Reviving Our Communities: Restorative Design for Vibrant, Engaged, and Sustainable Futures
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Cities across North America face unprecedented vacancies and disruptions in their social and urban fabric that in turn have broad consequences, leaving us with a critical question: How can we restore and breathe life back into our communities, fostering vibrancy and inclusivity, centered around human connection? We hosted a dynamic day starting with a panel discussion to inspire deeper conversation for a workshop activity and finishing with a guided tour of Vancouver’s Granville Island, led by one of the key designers. Our session explored what restoration and connection mean in a world that is rapidly changing.
Cost: $53 per person, included lunch and transport between venues.
Capacity: 50
Monday, March 18, 2024
4:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
This event was an exclusive visit to a working waterfront. Organic Ocean, a leading sustainable seafood supplier and B Corp, partnered with the Steveston Harbour Authority to provide a guided tour of Western Canada’s largest fishing port.
Chefs Robert Clark and Julian Bond presented an exceptional meal featuring sustainable Pacific Northwest seafood, in celebration of Canada’s environmental stewardship initiatives and First Nations partnerships.
Thanks to Organic Ocean, proceeds from ticket sales were directed to our salmon habitat restoration partners:
- Redd Fish Restoration Society
- Salmon Habitat Restoration Program (SHaRP) | City of Surrey
Pick up : 4:00 p.m. at Pan Pacific, 999 Canada Pl #300, Vancouver, BC V6C 3B5
Drop off: 4:30 p.m. at Steveston Harbour Authority, 12740 Trites Road, Richmond, BC V7E 3R8
Pick up: 8 p.m. at Steveston Harbour Authority, 12740 Trites Road, Richmond, BC V7E 3R8
Drop off: 8:30 p.m. at Pan Pacific, 999 Canada Pl #300, Vancouver, BC V6C 3B5
Cost: $54 per person
Capacity: 6
Talking Trees Tours in Stanley Park
Monday, March 18 and Tuesday, March 19, 2024
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Each plant, each tree has its own special story. On this nature walking tour, participants heard the stories of how shíshálh (Sechelt) Coast Salish and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish). People have been utilizing the land for food, medicine, and technology for thousands of years. A Talaysay cultural ambassador guide shared their ecological practices, long-practiced and contemporary history, legends, and Indigenous ways of living (knowing) with you.
Cost: $63 per person
Capacity: 18 per day
Talking Totems
Monday, March 18, 2024
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Park totem poles represent many purposes and values amongst our peoples. They showcase a rich, eclectic representation of Coast Salish peoples and their art forms. Stories and worldviews of Salish peoples’ Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations who have lived in this region from time immemorial.
Cost: $56 per person
Capacity: 18
Spoken Treasures – Historical Walking Tour Through Indigenous Eyes
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Talasay Tours also offered an experience highlights stories, oral history, and perspectives of their ambassadors’ unique experiences with colonial explorers, traders, settlers as well as the current settlers aspects of their communities today.
Cost: $60 per person
Capacity: 18
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Veritree and tentree, alongside Cariboo Carbon Solutions, partnered to restore Indigenous land through assisted natural regeneration in Squamish, B.C. This project, located in the UNESCO-designated Howe Sound Biosphere Region, incorporates smart technology like tree vision and bioacoustics monitors for real-time ecosystem mapping. Participants visited the Smart Forest which offered attendees insights into the impact of deforestation and the role of technology in reforestation monitoring. Educational sessions, including tree monitoring and data collection, will be followed by a lunch with field experts presenting initial project results. This 6-hour experience combines environmental education, innovation, and a unique connection to Indigenous culture.
Cost: $80 per person
Capacity: 43
Historical Walk & Dim Sum Lunch
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
10:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Website
This Historical Chinatown Tour offered explorations of Vancouver’s vibrant Chinatown, the largest in Canada. Hosted by Judy Lam Maxwell, known as Chinatowngirl, the tour aims to educate, enlighten, and entertain visitors about Chinatown’s rich history and culture. Judy serves as the owner and guide, sharing her passion and knowledge. Unique to these tours is the special access to several heritage buildings. These tours not only inform and entertain but also support local businesses and contribute to the restoration of the neighborhood.
Cost: $111 per person
Capacity: 23
Historical Walk & Talk
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Website
This Historical Chinatown Tour offered explorations of Vancouver’s vibrant Chinatown, the largest in Canada. Hosted by Judy Lam Maxwell, known as Chinatowngirl, the tour aims to educate, enlighten, and entertain visitors about Chinatown’s rich history and culture. Judy serves as the owner and guide, sharing her passion and knowledge. Unique to these tours is the special access to several heritage buildings. These tours not only inform and entertain but also support local businesses and contribute to the restoration of the neighborhood.
Cost: $92 per person
Capacity: 23
Friday, March 22, 2024
9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. & 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Website
Meeting Point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2zk3aukWTK8QNfNn6
When we connect with nature, we connect as one. The full value of the experiences and knowledge gained during the Champions Retreat can only be realized through proper integration. To achieve this, we used an experiential approach in our natural rainforest. This approach allows participants to take what they have learned from the retreat experience and transfer it to their everyday lives.
The tour took us through mossy rain forests and fern beds, across a suspension bridge, floating 160 feet above Lynn Canyon with stunning views of waterfalls and alongside the river to hidden pools that offer the perfect place for a snack of Salmon and Cedar tea. As we meander through our lush rainforest, we take the opportunity for stops to learn about the forest’s flora and fauna, their symbiosis, and how the coast indigenous peoples connected to the land and thrived in our ecosystem. On this tour, we also took the opportunity to reflect on the Champions Retreat, express key takeaways, and connect with each other to integrate and absorb what was learned and experienced at the retreat.
The journey was approximately 3mi/5km long and includes short, steep sections with well-made wooden steps and three moderate-length staircases. The tour took approximately 3-3.5 hours to complete.
Cost: $56 per person
Capacity: 8 attendees per session
Service Opportunities
Food Stash Foundation, powered by a dedicated team and a fleet of three food rescue vehicles, salvages 120,000 pounds of surplus, perfectly good food monthly. Operating seven days a week, they collect from various sources and distribute to 35 charitable organizations, serving over 10,000 people weekly in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Food Stash’s inclusive programs include home deliveries, a weekly market, and a 24/7 community fridge. Volunteers are essential to their work, ensuring fresh food reaches the community. From sorting to assembling food boxes, volunteers make a significant impact in connecting food to those in need.
Food Sorting with Food Stash Foundation
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Food waste comes in many shapes and sizes, from a variety of sources, be it supermarkets, cafes, bakeries, or farms. The good is often mixed in with the bad, so it’s important to sort through all donated items thoroughly and discard what is unusable or unsafe to eat. It is only after all the items are sorted and stored properly that the Box Assembly Team can start creating our lovely grocery boxes. Thus, the Food Sorting Team sets the foundation for the entire operation!
Lunch was provided by Chef Tj Conwi Ono Vancouver Food Solutions, honored as one of six distinguished Canadians making the country a better place
Cost: $85 per person (this included a donation to Food Stash, lunch, and transportation)
Capacity: 23 attendees per morning and afternoon shift
Food Boxing with Food Stash Foundation
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Lunch was provided by Chef Tj Conwi Ono Vancouver Food Solutions, honored as one of six distinguished Canadians making the country a better place.
The Rescued Food Box program aims to support people with a low income who identify as disabled or have a disability or chronic health condition that prevents them from accessing traditional food banks or other food services. Volunteers help run the program by packing rescued food for the individuals and families in the Food Stash community and helping keep the warehouse space clean. The Rescued Food Boxes are delivered in partnership with Fresh Prep. Fresh Prep has achieved net-zero emissions for deliveries by offsetting its fleet’s carbon emissions and working with electric e-trikes.
Cost: $85 per person (this included a donation to Food Stash, lunch, and transportation)
Capacity: 23 attendees per morning and afternoon shift
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Website
Support invasive species management and the stewardship of Stanley Park alongside a group of like-minded volunteers. Participants learned about local ecology and conservation issues, took part in hands-on invasive species removal, and made an important contribution to habitat conservation and restoration in Stanley Park.
Duties
Working alongside other committed EcoStewards, volunteers:
- Removed targeted invasive species from selected areas in Stanley Park;
- Had the opportunity to support other relevant Stewardship projects;
- Maintained a positive attitude and contribute to a positive volunteering experience alongside fellow EcoStewards;
- Interacted with the public about ecology and invasive species in the Park, as needed.
Training was provided on:
- Identification of invasive and native plant species;
- Safe and effective techniques for invasive species removal;
- General outdoor safety practices.
Cost: $40 per person (this cost is a donation to the Stanley Park Ecology Society)
Capacity: 28
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Website
This was a female only volunteer opportunity as the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre provides a drop-in space for women.
DEWC, located in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, provides a safe, comfortable drop-in space for women who live and/or work in the community where they can access essential basic needs services such as food and clothing, participate in cultural programming and receive specialized supports and housing assistance. Beyond these offerings, DEWC acts as an information source for various supportive services and actively advocates for and supports the women it serves.
Duties
Working alongside DEWC’s staff, participants provided assistance for basic needs such as making cups of coffee, re-stocking condiments and serving food. In addition, help with sorting the clothing donations received at the Drop-In, in preparation for the clothing room to open. General tidying and cleaning duties as required to ensure a comfortable and clean environment for the Women of the DTES. Includes 30 minute orientation.
Video about our celebrations on Indigenous Peoples Day in June: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUlYp5UZALQ
Video from International Women’s Day 2021: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heXHffQObgg
Red Women Rising: https://dewc.ca/dewc-news/red-women-rising/
Cost: $42 per person
Capacity: 18
Self-Guided Activities
As a true culinary destination, Vancouver’s dining scene offers quality, diversity, innovation, and value. Whether dining on a budget or exploring the city’s Michelin-rated establishments, there’s no shortage of incredible dining experiences. By combining the freshest local ingredients with the culinary talents of the city’s chefs and artisans, Vancouver offers a gastronomic experience that truly celebrates the region’s bounty. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast, a craft beer lover, or simply someone who appreciates great food, Vancouver’s dining scene will surely delight your taste buds.
Explore the culinary scene of some of Vancouver’s favorite neighbourhoods Chinatown, Coal Harbour, Commercial Drive, Gastown, Granville Island, Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, Robson Street, Lower Lonsdale, and Yaletown.
We recommend Indigenous restaurant – Salmon N’ Banncock, vegan restaurant – Nightshade, The Acorn an award-winning vegetable-forward restaurant, and sustainable restaurant – MILA.
Discover Vancouver’s B Corps
Spend the day indulging in shopping and exploring Vancouver’s diverse neighbourhoods, with a special emphasis on visiting well-known B Corp retailers:
- Begin your day in the charming Kitsilano community, making stops at:
• Poppy Barley
• Frank & Oak
• Fable
• Lover’s Tempo - Journey through the picturesque False Creek, where you can explore the exquisite handmade jewelry at Pyrrha. If you would like to schedule a tour of their beautiful space, reach out to Kristin Anton – kristin@pyrrha.com or 604 968 7578 to find a time.
- Make a stop in trendy South Main neighborhood for a visit to fashion retailer, Kotn.
- Make sure to drop by the Naturally Urban Pet Store in historic Chinatown to find a thoughtful gift for your best friend.
- Travel over the historic Lions Gate Bridge to West Vancouver home to the breathtaking Ambleside Park and a visit to QE Home;
- Port Moody is home to the beautiful Rocky Point Park and Brewery Row, make sure to check out Eco-Collective by Tru Earth if you find yourself in the area.
These establishments collectively contribute to shaping the city’s conscious consumer landscape, encouraging visitors to shop with purpose.
Granville Island: Located under the Granville Street Bridge, this peninsula is a haven for arts, crafts, and local produce. The Granville Island Public Market is a must-visit, offering fresh food, artisan products, and unique gifts.
Kitsilano (Kits): Famous for its beautiful beaches, Kitsilano offers a laid-back vibe with a mix of boutiques, cafes, and outdoor recreational activities.
Mount Pleasant: Main Street is a trendy area known for its indie boutiques, craft breweries, and eclectic eateries. It’s an artsy neighborhood with a creative and youthful atmosphere.
Robson Street: Robson Street is undoubtedly one of Vancouver’s most famous and bustling shopping and entertainment districts. Located in the heart of the city, it offers a mix of retail shops, restaurants, cafes, and cultural attractions.
Lower Lonsdale: Lower Lonsdale is a vibrant and dynamic neighborhood located on the waterfront of North Vancouver. It offers a stunning backdrop of Vancouver’s downtown skyline to the south and the majestic North Shore Mountains to the north.
Yaletown: Yaletown is a vibrant neighborhood with a fascinating history and a stylish, contemporary atmosphere. Its transformation from a former industrial and railway area into one of the city’s chicest neighborhoods began with hosting the World’s Fair, Expo 86, which took place along the north of False Creek.
As Vancouver’s most popular attraction, Grouse Mountain is a four-season destination in the lower mainland. It features a wildlife refuge, vast selection of dining options, thrilling outdoor adventure, the best in local snow sports, and much more. Most of Grouse Mountain’s activities are complimentary with a Mountain Admission ticket: use CHAMPIONSRETREAT24 for 10% off.
To learn more about Grouse Mountain’s social and environmental commitments, check out their
Blue Grouse Sustainability program.
