Vancouver, Canada, is known for its natural beauty and many outdoor recreational activities. There are many things to do year-round in the city, whether you want to come during the summer or winter. In this blog post, as a local to Vancouver, I’ll help you explore all the outdoor activities in Vancouver, whether you are looking for exciting adventures in the wilderness or local attractions.
This guest post was written by Kelena from The Travelling City Girl.
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16 Outdoor Activities In Vancouver For Your Bucket List
Here’s a list of all the outdoor things to do in Vancouver. I’ll also mention non-hiking things to do in Vancouver for those who aren’t into hiking or decide not to do it. Some locations also have year-round things to do, which I’ll also mention.
Strolling around Stanley Park
Stanley Park is one of the many places in the city that offers outdoor activities and viewpoints year-round. The Seawall built on the park’s circumference is a 9-kilometre greenway for people to walk, bike, or rollerblade along. Notable locations along the Seawall include Siwash Rock, the Nine O’Clock Gun, which goes off daily at 9:00 PM, and First Nations Totem Poles. You can extend your Seawall walk past Stanley Park if you want. Continue down the path, and eventually, you’ll end up in False Creek. You can also walk around False Creek and end your walk at Granville Island.
Besides the Seawall, the most popular tourist location in the park is the Vancouver Aquarium, which educates about marine life conservation. I’ve been to the aquarium many times growing up and have had school field trips in elementary school. Prospect Point Lookout offers panoramic views of the famous Lions Gate Bridge, the Burrard Inlet, and the North Shore Mountains. It’s also a popular location to watch the sunset in Vancouver.
Stanley Park is also home to two of Vancouver’s eight beaches, Second Beach and Third Beach. These are perfect for outdoor activities in Vancouver, enjoying sunsets or chilling on a hot summer day.
Enjoy the view from Grouse Mountain
Grouse Mountain offers different activities depending on the time of year. The easiest way to get up and down the mountain is using the Skyride, which departs every 15 minutes and can carry 100 people. Another way to get up the mountain in spring and summer is by hiking the challenging 2.5-kilometre Grouse Grind, also known as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster.”
Grouse Mountain has become a popular hub for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating, and the sliding zones (tubing) during winter. It’s the perfect spot for many great outdoor activities in Vancouver. There are also festive celebrations like the Peak of Christmas, where you can meet Santa. Grouse also has educational attractions such as The Theatre in the Sky, which talks about local wildlife and conservation efforts and The Refuge for Endangered Wildlife, to protect native species, including grizzly bears. If you’re hungry or looking for a coffee break, there are cafes and a fine-dining restaurant at the top of the summit for your convenience.
Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
In North Vancouver, British Columbia, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is a top tourist attraction in the forest. The 137-metre-long Capilano Suspension Bridge is suspended over the Capilano River and surrounded by forest. On the other side of the bridge, the park has other attractions, such as Treetop Adventures, which are smaller suspended bridges attached to Douglas Fir trees. Cliffwalk, a crescent-shaped bridge connected to the side of a massive rock and suspended over the forest floor.
You can also discover Indigenous history at the Story Centre, featuring a collection of Totem Poles. There are also cafes and a restaurant if you’re looking for somewhere to eat. Also, during the winter, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is decorated for the holiday season for an event called Canyon of Lights. Donations go towards the BC Professional Fire Fighters Burn Fund.
Explore Lynn Valley
Lynn Valley is home to a famous local smaller suspension bridge with a waterfall to the left of the bridge and, at the end of a small trail, a 30-foot fresh glacier water hole. Lynn Valley also has many hiking trails that connect to other trails between our mountains. As you enter, you can also check out the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre, which provides educational information on local ecology and wildlife, including birds and bears.
Go on a Seaplane Tour
Something that costs some extra money but is fun to do outdoors is taking a seaplane tour over Vancouver. You’ll fly over parts of Vancouver, where you can see the ocean, the city, the coast, and forest views. The seaplanes depart from Coal Harbour. In addition, if you’re looking for a unique way to explore or transport yourself out of Vancouver, seaplanes also offer plane rides to Whistler, Victoria, and other locations.
Whale Watching
British Columbia is part of whales’ migration path. They make pit stops off the coast to feed in our waters. The best way to experience whales in their natural habitat is to go on a whale-watching tour. While certain whales appear during certain times of the year— or sometimes not at all, you could see orcas, also known as killer whales (transient and resident species), grey whales, humpback whales, and other marine wildlife.
Whale-watching tours from Vancouver provide excellent and informative experiences with knowledgeable guides. Although whale watching is available year-round, the tours operate from April to October in Vancouver.
Have fun at Deep Cove
Deep Cove, located in North Vancouver, offers many outdoor water activities. The Indian Arm inlet provides kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, and small boating opportunities, and there are rental options at the beach. Panorama Park is the beach area where you can sit on the grass, enjoy a picnic, or eat lunch on a bench.
There’s also the popular easy hike to Quarry Rock. At the end of the hike, you’ll be standing on a massive rock with beautiful views of Deep Cove. Parking has recently become much more strict for those driving to Deep Cove. There are more resident-only parking signs, which limits parking. I recommend public transit even though it will take longer to reach Deep Cove.
Visit Queen Elizabeth Park
Queen Elizabeth Park is a beautiful, beloved local park in the heart of Vancouver. “Queen E” (as we locals call it) has well-maintained landscaped gardens, such as the Quarry Gardens and the Rose Garden, and recreational activities like tennis courts, pitch and putt, lawn bowling, and disc golf. At the top of the park, a glass-dome aviary known as the Bloedel Conservatory is home to thousands of tropical plants and rescued parrots and birds. It’s a beautiful space that feels like you’re in a tropical environment.
I’ve been inside the conservatory, and it’s always fun trying to spot the one bright yellow chicken-looking bird running around. At the top, you can also take pictures of the city and mountain views from the viewpoint. The Seasons in The Park restaurant has beautiful views if you sit near the window or outside on the patio.
Snowshoeing
Vancouver’s local mountains, Cypress Mountain, Grouse Mountain, and Mount Seymour, are popular destinations for snowshoers. These mountains have snowshoe trails that cater to every skill level, from easy, family-friendly routes to more challenging terrain for experienced snowshoers. There are many well-marked and groomed trails so you won’t go off-path. Be sure to always be prepared, and please stick to the paths. Don’t go into the backcountry if you don’t have experience.
Many tour companies in the Vancouver area or the mountains offer guided snowshoe tours for those new to snowshoeing or looking for a guided tour. Additionally, dressing in layers to stay warm and wearing the proper gear for snowshoeing is ideal for keeping warm and comfortable. It’s much colder in the mountains than in the city.
Snowmobiling In Whistler
Whistler is worth visiting for many reasons. Not only is the journey to Whistler ranked as one of the best scenic routes in Canada, but the Sea to Sky Highway also offers many outdoor stops (Squamish, Sea to Sky Gondola, and Stawamus Chief, to name a few).
While exploring Whistler is another outdoor activity year-round, snowmobiling is an exciting adventure during the winter if you’re not looking to ski or snowboard while you’re up there. Whistler has well-maintained snowmobile trails that traverse through snow-covered forests, meadows, and summit views. Snowmobiling in Whistler is accessible to beginners and experts. Guided tours or backcountry areas are available for more experienced riders who can also do self-guided adventures. Most of the rental companies in Whistler provide the necessary snowmobile gear, including snowmobiles and safety equipment. All you have to do is be prepared to stay warm.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is one of the best outdoor activities in Vancouver. Again, our mountains have mountain biking trails that you can bike along. Whistler is another popular location for mountain bikers during the summer, as many competitions are held yearly. Mount Seymour is known for having the most mountain biking trails, as are Mount Fromme and Cypress Mountain. Squamish is also a popular location for mountain bikers.
Enjoy Summer Lakeside Activities
There are many lakes where you can swim, kayak and paddle near Vancouver. I’ve swum in a handful of these lakes, which are around an hour or two from Vancouver. Alouette Lake is a popular location in Golden Ears Provincial Park, where swimming, kayaking, and picnicking are popular. Another destination is White Pine Beach at Sasamat Lake in Belcarra Regional Park. Surrounded by tall trees and trails, the lake is a local favourite for swimming and a beach perfect for picnics.
Harrison is a few hours’ drive from Vancouver. Harrison Lake offers swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities. To the right of the lake, there are natural hot springs that you can check out. It may be too hot to sit in, but you can try. You can also opt to try the hot springs pool at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort. Remember that these lakes can or may have an undercurrent, so stay safe and don’t swim past the designated swim zone.
Visit Pacific Spirit Regional Park (UBC)
Pacific Spirit Regional Park, located near the University of British Columbia’s campus, is another massive park near the city. It covers 90 hectares and features old-growth forests, winding trails, and wildlife. These multi-trails are perfect for walking, cycling, and even horseback riding. Interpretive signs offer insights into the park’s ecology. Some trails also connect to Spanish Banks Beach for a much longer walk. The entrance is free and easily accessible by transit. The park is open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and the trails are dog-friendly.
Go on a Camping Adventure
Many locals love camping in or near Vancouver. Many camping spots and RV trailer parks are only a few hours away. Campgrounds like Golden Ears Provincial Park, Harrison Hot Springs, or Hope offer many beautiful spaces. If you have an RV or camper, you can opt for more in-city glamping at Burnaby Cariboo RV Park and Capilano RV Park.
If you’re into glamping, many cabins around the city also exist. One of my favourites, which I visit almost every year, is the Porteau Cove Olympic Legacy cabins. There are also many camping locations outside Vancouver, such as the Okanagan, Whistler, Squamish, Sunshine Coast, etc.
Hang At The Beach
Vancouver has eight beaches that locals flock to every summer or any sunny day. English Bay Beach is the closest beach to Downtown Vancouver. It’s one of the more popular beaches because it’s easily accessible, and there are also more local events at English Bay. As I mentioned previously, Stanley Park has Second Beach and Third Beach. Second Beach and Third Beach tend to be less crazy than the others because it’s further into Stanley Park. However, you can find more families at Second Beach because it has an outdoor pool.
Kitsilano Beach, also known as Kits Beach, is known for having more space for outdoor sports courts, an outdoor saltwater swimming pool, and a playground. Because of the outdoor pool and playground, it’s also a popular location for families, and you’ll tend to see more locals here. Further out (the three beaches I grew up going to the most) are Spanish Banks, Jericho, and Locarno. Spanish Banks is known for having beach volleyball courts. Locarno is next to Spanish Banks, and many locals like going here more because there’s more parking. Jericho Beach is known as the area with all the boats, as it’s home to the Jericho Sailing Centre and Royal Vancouver Yacht Club.
Explore Richmond Night Market
The Richmond Night Market is a popular spring/summer event in Richmond. You can find different types of Asian-style food, including skewers, hurricane potatoes, calamari, desserts, drinks, and more. The night market also has many small businesses and stalls that sell accessories, socks and clothing, trinkets, stickers, and other random items. In addition to shopping and dining, the Richmond Night Market provides entertainment through live performances on the stage next to the entrance and fair games on the far side of the night market.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Vancouver?
The best time to visit Vancouver will depend on what activities you plan to do. However, the best time to visit Vancouver is between May to September. Prices may increase, but in terms of weather, those months will be the best.
- Outdoor Activities: Spring and early fall are suitable for milder temperatures. Summer brings more outdoor events, but accommodations are more expensive.
- Budget Travel: Fall and winter are when accommodations may be more affordable, but there may be more rainy weather.
Vancouver’s weather can be unpredictable. Depending on the year, it could rain one moment and be sunny the next. I’d check the weather in advance to make sure that you have ideal weather on the day you plan to explore the outdoors.
How Many Days Do I Need In Vancouver?
A weekend or three to four days will be ideal if you plan to stay only around the city or visit a few popular tourist locations. But plan on venturing outside the main city for outdoor activities such as day trips to Victoria. One week in Vancouver will do. However, if you plan to go further for outdoor activities, such as the Okanagan or other locations on Vancouver Island, I suggest two weeks.
Local Tips And Suggestions
Here are some tips that may help you when travelling around Vancouver.
Public Transportation: Vancouver has an extensive network of ways to get around the city by buses and SkyTrains. While using another city or country, public transportation is not everyone’s first choice for getting around. However, in Vancouver, it’s worth it. The SkyTrain connects to many high-traffic areas, such as Granville Street and Waterfront (where Gastown is). Buses connect to many neighbourhoods and other locations around Vancouver and the Lower Mainland (outside Vancouver), such as ferry terminals and the airport. Walking is another option instead of public transportation. Downtown Vancouver’s core area is relatively easy to get around by foot, and you can walk between neighbourhoods within 10 to 20 minutes.
Pack For The Weather: Vancouver is known for having a lot of rainfall. During the summer, there’s little rainfall to worry about. However, if you’re visiting during spring, fall, and winter, it’s best to prepare to bring a raincoat and rain boots. You can also buy small portable umbrellas; sometimes, hotels may have umbrellas you can use. Also, dress in a couple of layers, as it can be chilly while walking around in the rain.
Final Words on the Best Outdoor Activities in Vancouver
As you can see, there are many outdoor activities in Vancouver and around the city, the mountains, and the water. Also, now you know some activities that don’t include hiking. However, I recommend going on at least one hike, easy or hard, because Vancouver is a beautiful outdoor location.
Don’t forget to save this post for your next outdoor activities in Vancouver!
