Best Outdoor Activities in Vancouver

Vancouver’s mix of mountains, ocean, and forests makes it an outdoor lover’s dream, offering almost every outdoor activity you can imagine! From epic hikes and scenic bike rides to kayaking on stunning lakes or simply relaxing and soaking in the views, this city is a playground for anyone who loves being outdoors. In this blog, we’ll show you some of the best outdoor activities in Vancouver to enjoy and experience its natural beauty.

Read also:

• Best Places to Stay in Vancouver
• Things to do in Vancouver
• Top Restaurants in Vancouver
• Best Tours in Vancouver

Explore Stanley Park

• Address: Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4, Canada
• Open hours: 9:00 – 17:00 daily
• Website: vancouver.ca
• Contact: +1 604-681-6728

Stanley Park is Vancouver’s first and biggest urban park—a favorite among locals and visitors alike! This 400-hectare green oasis is right in the city’s heart, offering everything from lush rainforest trails to epic mountains and ocean views along its famous Seawall.

You can stroll along scenic paths, kick back on sandy beaches, spot local wildlife, and even grab a bite at some great spots around the park. Stop by the Brockton Point Totem Poles, Beaver Lake, and Lost Lagoon. The park is also home to Canada’s largest aquarium, so check it out if you love marine life.

Hike the Grouse Grind

• Address: North Vancouver, BC V7R 4K9, Canada
• Website: www.grousemountain.com/grousegrind 

The Grouse Grind is a tough 2.5-kilometer hike up Grouse Mountain in North Vancouver, known as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster.” It’s a steep trail that climbs from 300 to 1,100 meters, so it’s best for people in good shape. Most hikers finish it in about 2 to 2.5 hours, which varies based on fitness.

It’s a tough workout, but once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Vancouver and Burrard Inlet. Along with the Grouse Grind, you might spot some cool wildlife like black bears, deer, and owls. To end on a relaxing note, take the Skyride gondola back down, enjoying the views without the intense workout.

Kayak at Deep Cove

• Address:  2156 Banbury Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7G 2T1, Canada
• Open hours: 10:00 – 18:00 daily
• Contact: +1 604-929-2268
• Website: deepcovekayak.com

Deep Cove Kayak Centre is the go-to spot for paddling in Vancouver! They have one of the biggest kayak fleets in Canada, offering everything from single and double ocean kayaks to stand-up paddleboards (SUP) and surf skis, so there’s something for every level of paddler. 

Their kayak school offers awesome lessons, tours, and private bookings for family outings, office events, or school groups. They focus on safety and include all the gear you need, so you can just show up, paddle, and have a great time on the water!

Paddle Board at Buntzen Lake

Buntzen Lake Recreation Area is a fantastic spot for anyone who loves the outdoors. It is just a 45-minute drive from Vancouver near Anmore. With Eagle Ridge on one side and Buntzen Ridge on the other, the views are hard to beat! 

Thanks to the nearby Indian Arm Provincial Park and Belcarra Regional Park, there are plenty of hiking trails for all levels. The lake is also a local favorite for paddling—perfect for a relaxed day on the water with your kayak or paddleboard. The lake’s calm, clear waters are ideal for beginners and experienced paddleboarders.

Cycle the Vancouver Seawall

• Address: Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2, Canada
• Open hours: 24/7

Vancouver’s Seaside Greenway is the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path, stretching 28 km from the Vancouver Convention Centre to Spanish Banks Park. It includes the Stanley Park Seawall and is a top spot for locals and visitors to walk, bike, or jog along the city’s beautiful coastline.

The Seawall is set up perfectly, too, with one path for walkers and joggers by the water and a separate lane for cyclists and inline skaters. Cycling this route offers a mix of urban and natural scenery, with plenty of places to stop for a snack or enjoy beach time.

Take a Stroll Through Queen Elizabeth Park

• Address: 4600 Cambie St, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Y 2M4 Canada
• Open hours: 6:00 – 22:00 daily
• Contact:+1 604-873-7000
• Website: vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture

At 125 meters above sea level, it’s the highest spot in the city, giving you awesome views of downtown and the North Shore mountains. The park is perfect for snapping photos or hosting a wedding shoot.

The park covers 52 hectares and has a lot to check out! There’s the Bloedel Conservatory, a stunning quarry garden, a greenhouse with unique trees, and even some cool sculptures, including one by Henry Moore. For activities, you can play tennis, try lawn bowling, or hit up the pitch & putt course. It’s also a great spot for dining at Seasons in the Park, having a picnic, or stargazing on clear nights!

Whitewater Rafting Near Squamish

For an adrenaline-packed adventure, head to Squamish, about an hour north of Vancouver, for whitewater rafting on the Elaho or Squamish rivers. These rivers offer a thrilling combination of Class III and IV rapids surrounded by stunning landscapes of mountains, glaciers, and dense forests. Suitable for beginners and experienced rafters, whitewater rafting near Squamish offers a heart-pounding experience that showcases British Columbia’s rugged wilderness.

Explore False Creek by Kayak

False Creek is a scenic inlet right in the middle of Vancouver, perfect for a day of kayaking or paddleboarding. Paddling here gives you a front-row view of some of the city’s landmarks, like Science World, BC Place, and Granville Island. It’s a unique way to take in the city from the water!

There are plenty of places along False Creek where you can rent a kayak or paddleboard. Don’t miss a stop at Granville Island—it’s packed with markets, artisan shops, and cozy cafes, making it the perfect spot to take a break and explore.

Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

• Address: 3735 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4J1, Canada
• Open hours: 10:00 – 17:00 Monday, Tuesday and weekends
• Contact: +1 604-985-7474
• Website: www.capbridge.com

The Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver is a cool spot to check out. It’s 137 meters long and 70 meters high, giving you amazing views of the forest and Capilano River below. Once you cross, you can relax by the totem poles and learn about Indigenous art.

It’s only a 20-minute drive from downtown Vancouver, and if you don’t want to drive, there’s a free shuttle that runs every 15 minutes from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It arrives at Canada Place, Hyatt Hotel, and Blue Horizon Hotel. Plan to spend about two hours here exploring!

Relax at Kitsilano Beach

• Address: 1305 Arbutus St., Vancouver, BC V6J 5N2. Canada
• Website: vancouver.ca

Known as “Kits Beach,” this is one of Vancouver’s favorite summer hangouts. Kits Beach has volleyball courts, grassy picnic areas, and the Kitsilano Pool, Canada’s longest saltwater pool. With views of the mountains and ocean, it’s an idyllic spot for swimming, sunbathing, or just people-watching. Kitsilano is also home to plenty of nearby cafes and eateries, making it easy to enjoy a full day by the water.

Discover UBC Botanical Garden and Canopy Walkway

• Address:  6804 SW Marine Dr, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
• Open hours: 10:00 – 16:30 Tuesday to Sunday
• Contact: +1 604-822-4208
• Website: botanicalgarden.ubc.ca

UBC Botanical Garden is Canada’s oldest university botanic garden, founded in 1916 by John Davidson, BC’s first provincial botanist. What started as research into local plants has grown into a space for education, conservation, and showcasing temperate plants worldwide.

One of the coolest things to check out here is the Greenheart TreeWalk. It’s a fun, family-friendly adventure where you can walk through the treetops on a 310-meter-long trail between huge Douglas firs, cedars, and grand firs. You’ll be 23 meters above the forest floor at its highest point with amazing rainforest canopy views!

Walk or Bike Through Pacific Spirit Regional Park

• Address: 5495 Chancellor Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1E4, Canada
• Open hours: 7:00 – 17:00 daily
• Contact: +1 604-224-5739
• Website: metrovancouver.org

Pacific Spirit Regional Park, established in 1989, is a lush forest preserve near UBC and Vancouver. The park stretches over 750 hectares and offers everything from dense forests to beautiful shorelines, including the famous Wreck Beach along Point Grey Peninsula.

There are 75 kilometers of trails here, making it a popular spot for walking, running, cycling, and horseback riding. The foreshore is great for nature lovers and beachgoers. With its mix of beaches, forests, wetlands, and meadows, the park’s different ecosystems provide a home for plenty of local wildlife.

Lighthouse Park

• Address:  4902 Beacon Ln, West Vancouver, BC V7W 1K5, Canada
• Open hours: 7:00 – 22:00 daily
• Contact: +1 604-925-7275
• Website: westvancouver.ca/parks-recreation

Lighthouse Park is a must-see in West Vancouver, offering some of the best natural beauty. It’s home to the largest uncut rainforest in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver’s last first-growth Douglas fir forest. The park is perfect for enjoying the sound of crashing waves, lush greenery, and scenic views.

With over six miles of trails, it’s a great spot to explore any time of year, whether hiking, stargazing, or just soaking in the beauty of nature. Pack a picnic and enjoy the ocean views.

Whale Watching in the Strait of Georgia

To see marine life up close, head on a whale-watching tour in the Strait of Georgia. These tours operate from Vancouver and nearby Richmond, offering an opportunity to see orcas, humpback whales, gray whales, and various seabirds. The best time for whale watching is from April to October, making it a memorable way to connect with the Pacific Northwest’s wildlife.

Snowshoe or Ski at Cypress Mountain

• Address: 6000 Cypress Bowl Rd, West Vancouver, BC V7V 3N9, Canada
• Open hours: 9:00 – 17:00 Wednesday to Sunday
• Contact:  +1 604-926-5612
• Website: www.cypressmountain.com

Cypress Mountain is a fantastic outdoor destination for snow sports for those visiting Vancouver in winter. Just a 30-minute drive from downtown, Cypress offers snowshoeing trails through serene forests and skiing and snowboarding runs with stunning views over the city and coastline. It’s an ideal spot to experience Vancouver’s winter wonderland, whether you’re an avid skier or simply want to try snowshoeing for a peaceful adventure through the snow.

In conclusion, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best outdoor activities in Vancouver. We hope this guide helps you plan your next adventure and inspires you to get outside and experience Vancouver’s natural beauty. Enjoy!