If you had one day in Vancouver before you get on a cruise ship for 11 days, what would you do? Run it of course! Having never been to Vancouver before, I had no idea where to run on my own. I was elated to find that there was a City Running Tour available in the city. Having done one in San Francisco last year, I knew I would be in good hands.
What’s a City Running Tour? Exactly, what it sounds like. City Running Tours are available in 14 cities currently. They provide a guide that runs with you giving you history and information on the city you are in while running. Group and individual tours are available complete with photo stops along the way. Doesn’t get much better than that does it?
Run Vancouver with City Running Tours
I signed up for a private running tour last Friday morning for a 5 mile run. I was met by my guide, Charles, right on time in the lobby of my hotel. We set out on our run and chat. Charles, a professor at the University, was very knowledgable about the history of Vancouver and showed me many of the artistic and natural landmarks.
Having never been to Vancouver, I was amazed by how American it felt. I guess I expected it to be more European like. There was an interesting mix of modern architecture coupled with the old world frontier feeling. I almost felt like I was in “Frontier Land” of Disney World at times especially in the air port.
My 5 mile run gave me just a taste of this vibrant and fun city. I’d love to have the chance to come back and spend some more time here again. Sea Wheeze Half marathon is now a definite on my list for next year.
Next time you find yourself in a new city with time on your hands, check out City Running Tours. It’s a safe way to see a new city, at your own pace, while learning some fun historical facts along the way.
Have you done a city running tour? Favorite way to explore a new town?
Linking up
Coach Debbie Runs, Running on Happy, Train with Marc
Totally the best way to see a city! I’ve thought about being a running tour guide, alas I live nowhere near the city. Haha! Can’t wait to head to Vancouver for Sea Wheeze!
You are going to love it there! Wish we had scheduled a longer stay ourselves
I’ve never done a professional running tour, but I’ve certainly run my share of cities, making sure to see the sights! How fun!
So fun-I would certainly do it again if I had the chance. Better than running alone for sure
I’ve never done a City Running Tour but running is my favorite way to explore a new town.
It certainly is a fun way to see a new town
I assumed you would have done this in a group so it’s cool to hear you can sign up for a private tour! I’m totally going to have to keep this in mine for the next time I’m traveling somewhere and can’t explore on my own.
Did you have time to stop at different landmarks to take pictures if you wanted to or was it on a semi strict schedule?
You can do a group or a private tour. The group times did not work for me that day. They have scheduled spots they like to stop for photos but if you are on your own you can stop anytime
I’ve run races in cities, but never a running tour. I did wonder about Amsterdam since I’m planning my next cruise in a couple years. They have bike tours but I haven’t found running tours yet.
Biking in great in Amsterdam. I do bet they have some kind of running tours there worth checking into for sure.
I think we used City Running Tours at the conference I attended. They had multiple guides and broke us into small groups. It was great!
They do a great job!
I did a city running tour in Denver and NYC. I loved them. I highly recommend them. It s great way to learn about the city and run.
I know it’s so much fun! I was thinking of doing it in NYC in November when I am there for a weekend. I should check to make sure you are not there that weekend!
I would totally be on board for a tour like this!!! What fun! Was it a little weird or awkward to just be the two of you, though, and not a group?
No not awkward at all! He was so nice and just chatted the whole time. Both times I’ve done it it has been fabulous
That is so cool! What a great way to see a city.
Yes sure is I would definitely do it again if I have the chance
How fun! This really does sound like a great way to check out a new city. I’m going to have to look for them the next time we’re on vacation somewhere.
This sounds like the perfect way to tour a city. I like that it takes all the guesswork out of picking a route and what highlights to see.
Their public art looks amazing!
It really was incredible!
Being a running tour guide sounds like a fun job! Glad you had the opportunity to tour Vancouver via your running shoes and had such a great guide.
I highly recommend it if you ever have the chance it was lots of fun