Story by @viranlly
There is nothing quite like summertime in Vancouver! Sunshine, blue skies, (mostly) moderate temperatures, and outdoor activities make the city one of the most beautiful places to be on this side of the globe.
While skyscrapers and multi-million-dollar apartment buildings (with multi-million-dollar views of the water and mountains) crowd the downtown core, Vancouver is also surrounded with lush urban parks and beautiful beaches. Parks and beaches create the perfect backdrop for picture-perfect picnics, which, undoubtedly is one of the best and most delicious ways to spend the summer.
As scrumptious as it sounds, getting ready for a picnic can be a very tedious and time-consuming process. Planning the menu, figuring out where to shop, how to keep everything nice and cold, and oh, of course, what wine to pair with these delicious snacks with (now that it is legal to drink in some parks).
The good news is, Urban Fare, Vancouver’s destination for groceries and ready-to-eat meals, has launched a new picnic kit just in time for the peak summer season!
Urban Fare Picnic Kit. Photo: @viranlly for Urban Fare
The kit itself includes not only healthy, locally-made snacks and dip, but also includes fresh, seasonal, and locally-grown produce. Selections will range from stone fruits to Heirloom tomatoes, and cucumbers to crunchy and colourful bell peppers, and of course, it wouldn’t be a summer picnic without corn on the cob.
With all the fresh ingredients in this package, it really is up to you to create your version of a perfect picnic. Whether you’re in the mood for a simple crudité, or a bright summer salad (yes, it comes with plant-based salad dressing too), you can get them all as one kit from Urban Fare.
It doesn’t stop there! The kit also come packaged in a temperature-controlled cooler backpack that keeps all your fruits and veggies cool, crisp, and fresh throughout the day. Attached to the bag is a chic picnic blanket, which includes a full set of plates, cups, and cutleries.
To top it all off and tie everything together, the Urban Fare picnic kit comes with a bottle of wine, created exclusively for Urban Fare by a local B.C. winery.
Third Beach, Stanley Park. Photo: Unsplash.
When it comes to locations, Urban Fare has several outposts strategically located in Vancouver’s most coveted neighborhoods.
In the downtown core, you can find an Urban Fare in the luxurious Alberni Street and another in the charming Coal Harbour. Pick up your kit and set up a great picnic at the iconic Stanley Park or get it ready for a beach day at Third Beach.
If you happen to be in the Yaletown area, Urban Fare has a location right by the Roundhouse Community Center and next to the water. A picnic at the ever-so-lively David Lam Park is a no brainer. People watching while sipping wine and snacking on fresh summer produce? Doesn't get more Vancouver than that!
Finally, you can also find an Urban Fare in the heart of Olympic Village. Pick up a kit and walk down to Charleson Park, where you can enjoy the spectacular view of the water and downtown Vancouver, while enjoying a breezy, quiet afternoon.
These are only some suggestions for picnic spots around Urban Fare locations. You can take your picnic kit pretty much anywhere you like (thanks to the cooler backpack) and enjoy them anytime.
Urban Fare has everything that you need for a perfect summer picnic beyond what’s provided in the kit, including ready-to-eat meals, sweet and savory snacks, fresh summer produce, and baked goods. Not to mention, they have an incredible cheese and cured meats section if you’re in the mood for a charcuterie board.
With only a couple of weeks left of summer in Vancouver, there’s no better time than now to get your hands on this exclusive picnic kit at your closest Urban Fare. You have enough time to squeeze in at least one or two more park hangs and beach days before this glorious season ends, so why wait?
Urban Fare’s picnic backpack is available while quantities last and can only be purchased in store. You can purchase your pack loaded with seasonal local items or grab the bag itself to keep or to give to a friend!
For more info on Urban Fare, visit urbanfare.com.
