Looking to explore Vancouver’s great outdoors? The city is famous for its beautiful natural views and many outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, kayaking, camping, fishing, golfing, and skiing. There’s something for everyone from mountains to ocean.
Vancouver is a top spot for nature lovers. It draws over 5.7 million visitors each year. Whether you want a peaceful day at the beach or a thrilling adventure, you’ll find it here. So, come and see what the great outdoors of Vancouver have to offer.
Whistler and Sea to Sky Gondola Tour
Join us on a special journey through British Columbia. You will glide high above the fjords, mountains, and coast. Marvel at Howe Sound and Whistler village from above. Feel the peace and beauty of the outdoors away from city life.
Scenic Journey Through Fjords and Mountains
The gondola ride is a key part of the adventure. It shows you amazing views of the natural world. Look out for bald eagles and black bears.
Explore Whistler Village and Surroundings
At the gondola’s top, dive into Whistler village’s charm. Stroll its quaint streets and enjoy the local scene. There’s also a full network of trails to see more of the area’s beauty. The tour lasts about 8 hours, starting from 9 am.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
The Capilano Suspension Bridge stands 230 feet above the river. It’s built from cedar planks and steel cables. This historic site is a top spot in Vancouver’s Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.
Walk Across the Historic Suspension Bridge
Walking on the bridge, you’ll feel it gently sway. It’s an exciting way to cross the Capilano River. The scenic design and setting make it perfect for all types of travelers.
Treetop Adventures and Nature Trails
The park offers more than just the bridge. Families can enjoy nature talks, cultural events, and walks among the treetops. Plan to spend a few hours soaking up the Pacific Northwest’s scenic beauty.
The park is open every day and charges between $60-$70 for adults. This fee lets you enjoy the bridge and its beauty throughout the year.
Wildplay Elements Park
Just outside Golden Ears Provincial Park is the Wildplay Elements Park in Maple Ridge. It’s a perfect spot for outdoor fun for those 12 and older. Here, you’ll find ziplines, hanging nets, suspended ladders, and even axe throwing.
Outdoor Adventure Courses with Ziplines
At the Wildplay Elements Park, you can enjoy a few hours or a day outside. The ziplines let you fly through the air, challenging nets and ladders test your skills. Whether you love thrills or prefer a calm time, this park fits everyone.
Axe Throwing and Other Thrilling Activities
There’s more than just ziplines and nets at Wildplay. How about trying axe throwing? This fun but safe activity checks your aim and coordination. The park also has many other exciting things to do, great for fans of the outdoors.
Lighthouse Park
In the lovely town of West Vancouver lies Lighthouse Park. It is a 75-hectare national historic site. Here, you can lose yourself in natural beauty. This spot is very famous for its photos. People come from all over for picnics, walks, and hikes.
You can get to Lighthouse Park by transit or car. It’s a great break from city life. The park has trails that go through thick forests and along the water. You’ll see amazing sights like the Burrard Inlet and the mountains.
Want to have a picnic, a walk, or a hike? Lighthouse Park is the place for that. It’s open from early in the morning till late at night. Plus, it doesn’t cost anything to get in. Everyone can have fun there, enjoying the outdoors.
Grouse Mountain
Grouse Mountain is a top spot in Vancouver all year. It has outdoor fun for everyone. You can enjoy a beautiful hike or exciting winter sports here.
Hiking Trails and Scenic Gondola Rides
In the warm times, the mountain is alive with plants and animals. It’s perfect for those who love to hike. The Grouse Grind is a tough hike but reaching the top is worth it. If you prefer something easier, try the gondola. It gives you amazing views of the city and mountains.
Winter Sports and Dining with City Views
Winter makes Grouse Mountain magical with its snowy scenes. There’s skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating to enjoy. After playing in the snow, have a fancy meal at The Observatory. You’ll love the food and the view of the city.
Vancouver Seawall
The Vancouver Seawall runs 28 kilometers along the city’s beautiful waterfront. It’s a top choice for those who love the outdoors. This walkway showcases Vancouver’s natural charm and is perfect for waterfront walking and waterfront biking.
Scenic Waterfront Walking and Biking Trail
Are you into easy walks or cycling adventures? The Vancouver Seawall is ideal for both. It goes through downtown, offering amazing views of Stanley Park, the harbor, and mountains. Plus, you’ll find various parks and attractions to enjoy as you go.
Beaches, Parks, and Attractions Along the Way
Besides the beautiful views, the Seawall links to green spaces and attractions. You can see Stanley Park, enjoy beaches, and visit places like the Vancouver Aquarium. This route makes it easy to breathe in Vancouver’s natural beauty and have fun.
Stanley Park
Stanley Park is among Vancouver’s standout places. It covers more than 1,000 acres (400 hectares) of a lush rainforest. This spot is perfect for those who love outdoor adventures and also want to explore the city. It features the famous Vancouver Aquarium, historic monuments, pretty beaches, and a charming lighthouse.
Explore the Urban Rainforest
Walking through Stanley Park lets you enjoy its beauty up close. Broad trails pass under towering cedar and fir trees. You’ll spot many different plants and animals. There are paths for easy walks and more challenging hikes, fitting everyone’s abilities.
Vancouver Aquarium and Other Attractions
Stanley Park is also packed with cool things to see and do. The Vancouver Aquarium is a top pick, home to lots of sea creatures and fun displays. And don’t miss the park’s historic monuments, pretty beaches, and amazing lighthouse views. Whether you enjoy learning about marine life or just want to relax, the park has it all.
Locarno and Jericho Beaches
Locarno and Jericho Beaches sit by Vancouver’s scenic coast. These peaceful places escape the city’s rush. Locarno Beach and Jericho Beach are placid spots, ideal for unwinding, picnics, and all kinds of water and beach fun.
Sandy Shores and Picnic Areas
Take 2-4 leisurely hours for a beach walk. These sandy shores have breathtaking Pacific Ocean views. Along the beach, you’ll find cafes and food stands. It’s the perfect spot to picnic. Lay a blanket, open your basket, and enjoy a meal out in the sea breeze.
Water Sports and Beach Activities
For those wanting to be more active, there’s plenty to do at Locarno and Jericho. You can rent kayaks, paddleboards, or enjoy sailing. Volleyball or frisbee is great land fun. Or just sit on the picnic side and enjoy the sunshine.
What outdoor activities can I do in Vancouver?
Vancouver is full of fun outdoor activities. There are lots of hiking trails and cycling routes. You can also find adventure parks like Wildplay Elements Park. The Grouse Grind is great for hikers, and the scenic Vancouver Seawall awaits cyclists.
Hiking, Cycling, and Outdoor Adventure
Hiking in Vancouver lets you enjoy the city’s green and natural beauty. There are easy walks and harder hikes for everyone. Plus, cycling in Vancouver means you can see more and enjoy the water views.
Water Sports and Beach Days
Vancouver is perfect for water sports. You can try kayaking and paddleboarding at places like Deep Cove. Or, just chill at Locarno and Jericho beaches. They are peaceful, unlike the busier beaches in the city.
Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler Blackcomb is a top ski resort in Canada. It’s perfect for people who love the outdoors. This resort is between two high mountains.
It has over 200 trails. Skiers and snowboarders of all levels can have fun here. In the summer, it’s great for hiking and biking. The views are breathtaking.
Many people like to visit for a weekend. They stay for 1 to 2 days and try all the activities. There’s something for everyone at Whistler Blackcomb.
Cypress Mountain
Cypress Mountain is a top pick for those who love the outdoors near Vancouver. It is one of the largest winter sports resorts in the region. It has many trails and activities for skiers and snowboarders of every level.
In addition to the exciting downhill runs, it has perfectly groomed cross-country skiing trails. This offers a tranquil option for those who enjoy winter sports.
The resort is only a 30-minute drive from Vancouver. Another option is taking public transport to get there. This makes it perfect for a quick day trip or a fun weekend adventure. Many visitors stay for 1-5 hours. The cost for a full day of skiing or snowboarding is between $130 and $160 for adults.
No matter if you’re experienced or just love to snowboard, Cypress Mountain has something for you. You’ll find great slopes and quiet trails for cross-country skiing. It’s a place where you can have an amazing time in the beautiful nature of British Columbia.
