Vancouver is one of the top 10 most walkable cities in the world, according to a Frommer’s Travel Guide ranking.
The city placed sixth, following behind cities like Sydney, Boston and Edinburgh, but beating out New York, Paris and Florence.
For Vancouver, the guide recommends walking the picturesque False Creek shoreline and the 9.5-kilometre stroll around Stanley Park. West Vancouver’s Ambleside Park is also singled out as a walker’s hot spot.
Frommer’s says the combination of water, mountain views and art work helped put Vancouver on the list of cities it says are “a paradise for two feet.”
But while the scenic hills and seaside breeze certainly help make the city a good place to walk, city councillor Andrea Reimer, who is also chair of the city’s planning and environment committee, said a lot of effort has gone into design.
“Many cities that have beautiful coasts put private housing there,” said Reimer. “I can walk out my front door and be shopping for my groceries in 10 minutes. They have to walk a long way to get anywhere.”
Vancouver has rated high in other websites that measure walkability as well.
On Walk Score, a website that scores cities out of 100 points based on walking difficulty and access to amenities, Vancouver is given a score of 90.
Reimer said she’s encouraged by the ranking considering the priority the city’s placed on making Vancouver a safe walking city.
“We’re excited and honoured.”
