Cyclists on the Stanley Park Seawall. Photo: Destination BC/Heath Moffatt
You don’t have to go far in Vancouver to experience nature. In fact, you can hike, bike, run, paddle, watch for wildlife, and more without leaving the downtown core.
Go For a Hike
The beautiful forested interior of Stanley Park is perfect for hiking. Follow trails past towering trees to several gorgeous viewpoints. Use our Stanley Park hiking guide to explore an 8 km loop route.
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Photo: Destination Vancouver/Kindred & Scout
Hit the Beach
Downtown Vancouver is home to several beaches. They are great for swimming in summer and picnics year-round. Second Beach is great for families, thanks to the heated outdoor pool (summer only) and grassy picnic area. English Bay has amazing people-watching. Third Beach in the heart of Stanley Park is easiest to reach by biking the seawall, making for a fun multi-sport adventure. And Sunset Beach lives up to its name, serving up great colours each evening.
Picnic on Third Beach in Stanley Park. Photo: Destination Vancouver / Hubert Kang
Try Geocaching
Have you heard of geocaching? You use a phone app or GPS device to find hidden treasures all over the city. There are dozens of geocaches around Stanley Park and downtown Vancouver to discover. Read our beginners’ guide to geocaching to learn how to get started.
Photo: Settergren/Pixabay
Watch for Wildlife
Despite being a busy urban centre, downtown Vancouver has lots of wildlife. Head to the seawall to watch for waterfowl and sea birds bobbing in the ocean. Or walk the trails in Stanley Park where you can spot squirrels, raccoons, and even beavers.
Go For a Bike Ride
You can find some of Vancouver’s most scenic bike routes in the downtown core. Explore the car-free bike paths on the Stanley Park, False Creek, and Coal Harbour seawalls. Or if you are looking for a workout, take on the loop around Stanley Park Drive, a favourite amongst local road cyclists.
Biking on the seawall at English Bay. Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Cycle City Tours
Try Forest Bathing
Forest bathing is a Japanese form of nature therapy where participants spend time mindfully experiencing nature. The quiet trails in Stanley Park are a perfect place to try it. Read our guide to forest bathing in Vancouver to get tips for first-timers.
Photo: Jachan DeVol/Unsplash
Paddle a Kayak or Stand-Up Paddleboard
You can paddle a kayak or stand-up paddleboard through False Creek in the heart of Vancouver. Head to Vancouver Water Adventures on Granville Island to take a tour or book a rental. Note: They re-open for the season in April.
Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Rishad Daroowala
Learn About Nature at an Ecology Event
The Stanley Park Ecology Centre offers regular events where you can learn about nature. Take a guided tour to learn about trees, volunteer to help remove invasive species, or join a bird-watching outing. See their website for the full event schedule.
Workout Outside
If you want to work out for free while enjoying the fresh air, check out the outdoor fitness equipment in Stanley Park. The metal callisthenics structure at Second Beach has a pull-up bar, rings, and a trapeze bar for body weight workouts. Or head to the workout area behind the fieldhouse at Brockton Oval. It has pull-up bars, angled monkey bars, parallel bars, and a sit-up board.
Go For a Run
According to Runkeeper, Vancouver is one of the best cities for running in North America. The Stanley Park Seawall and False Creek Seawall are both spectacular places to run, with incredible views around every corner. Walkers and runners get their own lane, separated from cyclists.
Photo: Destination Vancouver: Kindred & Scout
By Taryn Eyton
Source Inside Vancouver
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