Whole Story

Traveling on vacation this summer? Don’t forget that many of our stores are around the corner from some of your favorite summer destinations. This is our last vacation destinations post — it’s been a blast traveling with you this summer! Going north? If you’re seeking slightly cooler temperatures while you’re traveling this summer, Canada is the place to go, eh! Kidding aside, we’re incredibly proud to have our stores in Vancouver and the Toronto area. I’ve always enjoyed summer visits to Canada not only for the cooler weather, but for the cool attractions and even cooler people I’ve met along the way. Summertime in Canada makes for fantastic traveling weather and there’s plenty to explore! If you’re visiting our neighbors to the north this summer, check out our store list and stop by while you’re there. You’ll find some familiar favorites from home as well as some new Canadian counterparts!

Vancouver

Surrounded on three sides by water and the other by mountains (many a site of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games), Vancouver is a scenic city with a mild climate that’s perfect for enjoying the outdoors. Stanley Park, a 1,000 acre stretch of green park near downtown, is an urban sanctuary full of gardens, wildlife and people enjoying the park. Try renting a bike or a pair of rollerblades to cruise along and take in the scenery. Since Vancouver has one of the biggest Chinatowns in North America, a visit to the Chinatown Night Market on the weekends is a fun place to shop and try some street cuisine. For an adventure out on the water, try taking tours to check out orcas, porpoises, sea lions and bald eagles. Local Whole Foods Markets: West Vancouver, Robson, Kitsilano, Cambie

Toronto

Toronto is the most populous city in Canada and is also known as one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the world. I’ve also heard Toronto called “The New York City of Canada,” and with its bustling sidewalks, shopping opportunities and fantastic people-watching, it’s easy to see why. There’s even an underground walkway with 17 miles of shopping and entertainment — incredibly helpful in the snowy winters! In the extreme opposite direction, travel upwards to the CN Tower, where you can look down 342 meters from a glass floor and participate in the EdgeWalk, the world’s highest full circle hands-free walk on a 5 ft wide ledge encircling the top of the CN Tower’s main pod, 116 stories above the ground. If you’re looking for something a little more grounded, tread over to The Bata Shoe Museum, sure to put any shoe collector in awe. To see the city in 3-wheeled, fuel-free vehicles (they’re powered with electric and pedal power), join EcoCab Tours to tour the city with a guide. Local Whole Foods Market: Yorkville, Oakville What are your favorite Canadian destinations? Leave a comment to clue us in on the coolest places in Canada!