Vancouver Outdoor Activities

Vancouver outdoor activities are perfect for adventurous travelers that want to enjoy the fruits of nature during all seasons. Vancouver is constantly rated as one of the top outdoor travel destinations in the world. Travelers staying in one of the Vancouver hotels that are located near the ocean wake up to crystal blue water, while other Vancouver tourists prefer to stay on the edge of the Canadian wilderness. Whichever you prefer, there are plenty of Vancouver hotel options to choose that provide the best access to any of the Vancouver outdoor activities.

Water Sports

Vancouver is home to almost every sport a water enthusiast can imagine. The best Vancouver outdoor activities near the water are sea-kayaking, every type of fishing imaginable, nature watching tours, and scuba diving. Sea kayaking in False Creek and the Indian Arm are world renowned stretches that border the mountains, and it is highly recommended to take one of the guided trips offered from the Deep Cover & Kayaking Centre. This guide service offers trips of various lengths, no matter if you want to go for the afternoon, day, or even week. Fishing in Vancouver consists of fly, spin, and bait choices that allows tourist to go after local favorites such as salmon, trout and halibut. Many visitors love to relax on the water while traveling on a boat or ferry looking out for whales, dolphins or sea lions. Wild Wales Vancouver is the most popular ferry tour because of the price and variety of different viewing experiences they offer travelers. Though the city of Vancouver is surrounded by water, many visitors to this British Columbian city walk out the front door of their hotel right onto one of the many hiking and biking trails.

Mountain Activities

Activities such as hiking, camping, biking, and eco-touring are some of the most popular outdoor activities in Vancouver. Hiking areas and trails such as The Stawamus Chief reaches over 2,000 feet high and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. This is a great spot to take friends or that special someone on a romantic picnic. If you are looking for something with a little more risk and excitement for your Vancouver outdoor activity, then be sure to visit the biking trails located in the North Shore. Mountain bikers come from all over the world to stay in one of the Vancouver hotels located near the North Shore because many consider the North Shore to be the birthplace of freestyle mountain biking. Do not be afraid to try this popular Vancouver outdoor activity because bikers of all skill levels are welcome, and there are plenty of beginner and intermediate options. For visitors that enjoying being in nature while learning and seeing new eco-climates, then an eco-tour with Landsea Tours or Lotus Land Tours is highly recommending for a trip through the mountains, valleys, waterfall, gardens, and dynamic landscape.

Winter Activities

Not to be forgotten, winter activities such as skiing are some of the most popular Vancouver outdoor activities, and tourist come back to the British Columbia region annually to hit the slopes. Home to some of the best winter outdoor sports in the world, skiing in Vancouver is the perfect place to come with family and friends if you love cruising some of the best snow in North America. Vancouver hotels are located throughout the city and provide easy access to the main ski resorts. Home of the 2010 Winter Olympics, the city of Vancouver is a winter sports paradise that offers skiing and snowboarding on Grouse Mountain, Cypress Mountain, Mount Seymour, and is located just two hours from the popular Whistler resorts. For more details of these popular winter activities, please see our Vancouver Skiing Guide.

Vancouver outdoor activities offer a utopia for any traveler that loves being active and surrounded by nature. Many of the Vancouver hotels can offer suggestions about which activities might suit your travel needs depending on time of the year and people you're traveling with. Nonetheless, no matter when you make the trip, the choices for Vancouver outdoor activities are rich and varied—you're sure to find one that you enjoy and remember.