Experience The Thrills

An outdoor adventure with Grouse Mountain Zipline

Mountains, forest and ocean as far as the eye can see–Vancouver is surrounded by a wealth of natural beauty and opportunities to immerse yourself in nature and get your heart racing. From zip lining across the forest canopy to bracing your kayak against the waves of the Pacific, Vancouver has something for every kind of outdoor adventure-seeker. Lace up your hiking shoes, grab a water bottle and head outside where adventure awaits!

Day One

THE DAILY GRIND

Kick off your adrenaline-packed weekend with a hike up the famous Grouse Grind on Grouse Mountain, only 15 minutes away from downtown Vancouver. Grab a hearty, healthy breakfast downtown at Cafe Medina, and don’t forget to pack snacks and water before setting out for the mountain. Known locally as “Nature’s Stairmaster,” your legs will thank you when you step on the Skyride back down the mountain after scaling 853 metres (2,800 feet) on the Grind–remember to buy your ticket for the journey down before you head out. 

At the summit, there’s no shortage of activities and entertainment, from the lumberjack show to seeing wildlife up close. The Lumberjack Show is a competition for top logger in an impressive outdoor set featuring two logging camps from the early 1900s. The show features log rolling, a 60-foot tree climb, axe throwing, and an exciting springboard chop. For wildlife enthusiasts, the Grizzly Bear Habitat and the Birds in Motion showcase are also a must-see. There’s food and drinks at the top as well, and after 2+ hours of climbing stairs, you deserve a treat! For adventurous visitors searching for an extra thrill, book a Grouse Mountain Zipline tour gliding over old-growth trees with an experienced guide.

Grouse Grind hikers on stairs in the forest

CYCLING STANLEY PARK

After a grueling morning at the Grind, rent a bicycle from one of the many bicycle rental shops downtown near the seawall like Ezee Riders and cycle on the seawall around the majestic 1,000 acre Stanley Park. Running 8.8km, the seawall is one of the most scenic cycling and walking routes in Vancouver. Hop off your bike when you feel peckish and enjoy cocktails and a view at The Teahouse in Stanley Park.

Cycle City Tours. Cycling along seawall.

Day Two

BRUNCH TO BRIDGE

Fuel up in the morning with a healthy brunch at Forage, where the menu is based on locally-sourced, fresh ingredients. From there, set out for a morning of “heightened” adventure at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Beware if you’re afraid of heights, the historic Capilano Suspension Bridge takes visitors above the rainforest canopy, rising 230 ft into the clouds. For another unique and thrilling view, try the Cliffwalk. It takes visitors onto a granite precipice along Capilano River on a labyrinth-like series of narrow cantilevered bridges, stairs and platforms through rainforest vegetation.

WAVE TO SHORE

Cool off in the afternoon by hitting the waves of Deep Cove. Rent a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddle board from Deep Cove Kayak and paddle up Indian Arm, a spectacular 25 km fjord surrounded by towering mountains, scattered with secluded beaches and filled with West Coast marine life. You may find yourself up close to some of Vancouver’s most treasured wildlife, like eagles, sea stars, and seals. After a day of adventure, satisfy your hunger at one of the many casual restaurants with patios along the water in Lonsdale Quay, like Tap and Barrel. There’s nothing like a burger and beer as you watch the sun go down after a day in nature.

Capilano Suspension Bridge, Cliffwalk

Day Three

SEA IT BY AIR 

See the wildest parts of Vancouver and its surrounding natural beauty by splurging on a float plane tour. Float plane companies like Lotus Land Tours offer panorama flights over the ocean, as well as land and sea tour adventures ranging from wine tasting to river rafting. 

WHALES IN THE WILD 

If you didn’t catch sight of any whales from the air, you’ve got another chance at sea. Book a tour with Wild Whales Vancouver on Granville Island and coast along the ocean searching for majestic marine life. The fresh ocean air would make anyone work up an appetite, luckily when you step foot on land again, you’ll be minutes away by foot from The Sandbar where you can enjoy a menu featuring fresh seafood and signature cocktails.

Harbour Air floatplane. Aerial views of Stanley Park

INSIDER TIPS

• For avid hikers, there are myriad hiking options in and around Vancouver. For hikers looking for a challenge and an unbeatable view, check out the hikes on Cypress Mountain or Mount Seymour.

Source Inside Vancouver