Outdoor Things to Do in Vancouver

Vancouver is a spectacular coastal city situated on the western coast of Canada in the province of British Columbia. From its temperate rainforest climate and stunning mountain backdrop, to its urban attractions and lively arts and culture scene, Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Boasting endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, from skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in the winter to hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking in the summer, Vancouver is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best outdoor activities and natural attractions Vancouver has to offer for tourists visiting for the first time.

A Brief History of Vancouver

Vancouver is an ancient city, first inhabited by indigenous peoples thousands of years ago. The Spanish explorer José María Narváez was the first European to sail into the area in 1791, naming the region “Vancouver” after his friend, the British Royal Navy commander George Vancouver. The city was officially incorporated in 1886 and quickly grew into a major port and trading hub, becoming an economic powerhouse of the Pacific Northwest. Today, Vancouver is the largest metropolitan area in Western Canada and the third-largest city in the country. It is home to almost 2.5 million people and is one of the most diverse cities in Canada.

What Makes Vancouver Unique?

Vancouver is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and incredible outdoor activities. Located on the shore of the Pacific Ocean, it enjoys mild weather year-round and offers countless opportunities for adventure. From lush rainforests and snow-capped peaks to pristine beaches and sparkling ocean waters, there’s something for everyone in Vancouver. The city is also renowned for its vibrant arts scene and thriving culinary culture. With its mix of cultures, international cuisine, and vibrant nightlife, Vancouver is a destination like no other.

The Best Outdoor Activities in Vancouver

Vancouver has something for everyone. Here are some of the best outdoor activities to enjoy in this beautiful city:

Hiking

Vancouver is home to some of the most spectacular hiking trails in the world. The Grouse Grind is one of the most popular trails in the city, offering an intense 2-hour climb up Grouse Mountain with breathtaking views of Vancouver from the top. For a more leisurely hike, head to one of the many trails in Stanley Park, where you can explore lush forests and take in stunning views of Burrard Inlet. Other popular hiking spots include Lynn Canyon Park and Quarry Rock Trail, both of which offer beautiful views of the North Shore mountains.

Mountain Biking

When it comes to mountain biking, Vancouver has it all. From beginner trails to challenging downhill runs, there’s something for every level of rider. Stanley Park is a great spot for beginners and has a variety of trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. For more experienced riders, Mount Seymour offers some of the most challenging downhill trails in Vancouver. Other popular mountain biking spots include Cypress Mountain and Whistler Mountain Bike Park.

Kayaking

Vancouver’s waters are perfect for kayaking, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline and lush islands. Jericho Beach is a popular spot for kayaking with its calm waters and beautiful views of Vancouver’s beaches. Deep Cove is another great spot for kayaking and offers a chance to explore the Burrard Inlet with its many coves and islands. For a more challenging experience, head to Granville Island where you can explore the False Creek Inlet and take in some of Vancouver’s most iconic sights.

Fishing

Vancouver’s waters are teeming with life, offering plenty of opportunities for fishing enthusiasts. From chinook salmon in English Bay to cutthroat trout in Indian Arm, there’s a wide variety of fish to be caught. For a more challenging experience, head to Deep Cove where you can find halibut, rockfish, and cod. Fishing licenses are required for all recreational fishing so make sure to get one before heading out on your fishing trip.

Surfing

With its long sandy beaches and warm waters, Vancouver is a great place to try your hand at surfing. Wreck Beach at UBC is a popular spot for beginner surfers and offers plenty of waves for those looking to learn. Kitsilano Beach is another great spot for surfing with its long sandy beach and gentle waves. For more experienced surfers, head to Jericho Beach where you can find some bigger waves and take on some more challenging breaks.

Skiing & Snowboarding

Vancouver offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Canada with its many ski hills located just outside the city limits. Grouse Mountain offers great terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders as well as some incredible views of Vancouver from the top. Cypress Mountain is another popular spot with more challenging terrain as well as beginner runs. For a truly unforgettable experience, head to Whistler Blackcomb where you can take on some of Canada’s best ski slopes.

Popular Tours

To really get the most out of your visit to Vancouver, why not book one of the many popular tours available? Here are two popular tours that will help you make the most of your time in this beautiful city:

Granville Island Tour with SeaBus & Food Tasting

Make your way around Granville Island on this 3-hour tour that includes a SeaBus ride across Burrard Inlet and a food tasting experience at some of Vancouver’s best restaurants. Start your tour by hopping aboard a SeaBus from downtown Vancouver across Burrard Inlet to Granville Island where you will explore this vibrant destination full of art galleries, theatres, shops and more. After exploring Granville Island, you will indulge in a food tasting experience at some of Vancouver’s best restaurants where you can sample unique dishes from around the world. This tour includes round-trip SeaBus tickets as well as a food tasting experience at some of Vancouver’s finest restaurants. Book your Granville Island Tour with SeaBus & Food Tasting here.

Sea-to-Sky Gondola Adventure

Explore one of British Columbia’s most spectacular landscapes on this 4-hour Sea-to-Sky Gondola Adventure. From downtown Vancouver, make your way up along Howe Sound through stunning coastal forests and majestic mountains to reach the summit of Sea-to-Sky Gondola at 885 metres above sea level. Here you can take in breathtaking views of Howe Sound while exploring some of the nearby trails or grabbing a bite to eat at one of the restaurants located at the top station. This tour includes round-trip transportation from downtown Vancouver as well as admission to Sea-to-Sky Gondola so you can get up close and personal with nature while taking in some spectacular views along the way.Book your Sea-to-Sky Gondola Adventure here.

Conclusion

Vancouver is an amazing city full of outdoor adventure and natural beauty that can be enjoyed year-round. From hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, fishing and surfing to ski trips, gondola rides and food tours, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city by the sea. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure or a more leisurely exploration of nature, you’ll find it in Vancouver!