Photo: Tourism Vancouver/VanDusen Gardens
Victoria Day weekend is a great time to get outside as the cooler spring weather transitions to summer temperatures (fingers crossed!) Here are our picks for the best things to do outdoors in Vancouver on the 2022 holiday weekend.
Take a Hike
This winter saw lots of snow in the mountains and it is still sticking around, so choose a hike closer to sea level this Victoria Day weekend. Check out our May 2022 Vancouver hike of the month, the Stawamus Chief, or pick a trail from our lists of spring hikes.
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Hiking the Stawamus Chief in Squamish. Photo: Tourism Squamish
Attend the Fort Langley May Day Parade and Celebration
Each year Fort Langley welcomes spring with its annual May Day event on May 23rd. In 2022, this historic event celebrates its 100th anniversary. Enjoy a pancake breakfast at the Lions Hall in the morning, a parade on Glover Road starting at 11 am, and a community celebration at Fort Langley Community Park in the afternoon. More info:Â May Day Fort Langley
Bike, Walk, or Run the Stanley Park Seawall
The Stanley Park Seawall is one of Vancouver’s iconic attractions, with incredible views along its 10-kilometre length. Last winter the Stanley Park Seawall suffered extensive storm damage. But after lots of repairs to a 3.5 km section, the entire loop back open again. Celebrate with a walk, run, or bike ride.
Walkers, runners, and cyclists on the Stanley Park Seawall. Photo: Destination BC/Heath Moffatt
Go Fly a Kite
If the weather cooperates, why not try flying a kite? In spring the warming weather creates winds that will send your kite soaring. Check out our guide to the best places to fly a kite in Vancouver.
Photo: Aaron Burden/Unsplash
Get Out on the Water
Take on a water adventure this Victoria Day long weekend. Rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards and paddle along the shoreline. Or book a whale-watching tour and look for orcas, grey whales, humpbacks, seals, dolphins, sea lions, eagles, and more.
Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Rishad Daroowala
Attend a Nature Program
Metro Vancouver Regional Parks has several nature programs running this Victoria Day long weekend. On Saturday, May 21 attend the Forest Fairy Gathering at Burnaby Lake Regional Park. Head to Lynn Headwaters Regional Park on Sunday, May 22 for the Wilderness at Your Doorstep event. Both events are free and open to drop-ins. Or you can register for the Time for Turtles workshop at Minnekhada Regional Park on May 23rd. More info:Â Metro Vancouver Regional Parks.
Photo: Metro Vancouver Regional Parks
Go for a Bike Ride
With lots of bike lanes and separated bike paths, Vancouver has lots of places to cycle. Use our list of easy bike rides around Vancouver to get you started. This might also be the weekend to try an e-bike. If you want to get off the pavement, see our recommendations for the best places to mountain bike and where to try gravel biking.
Photo: Pitt River Regional Greenway
Enjoy No-Sweat Mountain Views
You don’t have to be an expert hiker to enjoy mountain views in Vancouver. Let the Grouse Mountain Skyride and the Sea to Sky Gondola whisk you right up to the peaks. Keep in mind that it’s still winter in the mountains, so bring warm clothing and appropriate footwear.
Photo: Sea to Sky Gondola
Visit a Garden
Spring is in full swing. Vancouver has over two dozen beautiful gardens where you can enjoy gorgeous spring flowers. Explore rose gardens, Asian gardens, botanical gardens, walled gardens, and lots more. Pro tip: Some gardens require tickets and advance booking.
Century Gardens. Photo: Burnaby.ca
Explore a New-to-You Park
Vancouver is full of green spaces, with pockets of nature tucked into nearly every neighbourhood. Walk on to the ferry to visit Crippen Regional Park on Bowen Island, stroll the trails and gardens at Deer Lake Park in Burnaby, or enjoy the rushing waters at Capilano River Regional Park in North Vancouver. Find even more suggestions in our park guide archives.
Photo: Burnaby.ca
By Taryn Eyton
Source Inside Vancouver
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