Summer in Vancouver: Outdoor Activities
Looking to get active outdoors this summer in Vancouver? Guest contributor Alex K has suggestions!
Summer is here and this means that it is time to take advantage of the many outdoor activities that are available in the Lower Mainland. We’ve compiled a list of parks, trails and beaches where you can walk, hike or bike throughout the summer. There is a lot of variety and different levels that will sure to challenge you for the whole summer in Vancouver!
Get Active Outdoors this Summer in Vancouver
Take a Hike
There are many options for hiking in Vancouver as we are blessed with a variety of great hiking trails from the popular Grouse Grind to less strenuous hikes and nature walks that are great for kids.
The Grouse Grind trail is 2.9km long up the face of Grouse Mountain. If you’re looking for a tough workout then this is one hike you want to try. Hiking up is free and there is also a gondola ride down if you are tired.
Lynn Canyon Park has its own suspension bridge, waterfalls and a swimming hole that are all connected by hiking trails. There are also longer trails that pass through Lynn Canyon, including the Baden Powell Trail, which crosses the North Shore mountain range.
Some easier hikes include longer walks along the coastline. This includes a walk starting at Vanier Park and along the water through Kits Beach, Jericho Beach, Locarno Beach and ending up at Spanish Banks Beach. There are paved walkways all along the shore which will help make this an easier hike.
There are also some easier hiking trails at the following locations:
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- Pacific Spirit Regional Park – walk or cycle through trails near UBC
- Burnaby Lake – 11km trail around the lake
- Deer Lake – 5.7km trail around the lake and park
Step it up a Notch
Some intermediate and difficult hikes include:
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- Mount Seymour Hiking Trails
- Hiking Black Tusk at Garibaldi Provincial Park
- Eagle Bluffs near Cypress Mountain
Cycle the Seawall at Stanley Park
One of the most famous places in Vancouver to bike, walk or jog is the Stanley Park Seawall. The route loops around the park and into downtown Vancouver. It also has views of the city, mountains and Lions Gate Bridge. The seawall is just under 9km long and can provide an opportunity for a great workout. In addition to the Seawall there are over 27km of trails that wind through the park’s forest.
Walk through Queen Elizabeth Park
Queen Elizabeth Park offers a lot of free things to do and see including viewing its beautiful gardens. There are many pathways, bridges and waterfalls set amongst the many plants and flowers. It’s a beautiful place to visit during summer in Vancouver.
Head to the Beach
The beaches in Vancouver boast soft sand, mountain/city views, and opportunities for outdoor sports and adventures. Some of these beaches include English Bay Beach, Kits Beach, Spanish Banks, and Jericho Beach.
English Bay Beach is located in the West End on the edge of Stanley Park. There is lots of sand and restaurants/shops along Denman. Kits Beach is one of Vancouver’s most glamorous beaches. The scenery is gorgeous and many people come here to see and be seen. It’s also family friendly too. The water is calm which is great for swimmers and there is also a pool in the park. Spanish Banks stretches along the west coast of Vancouver. It is great for family barbecues as well as walking/jogging. Jericho Park is great for walking and biking along the park’s pathways and playing tennis. It’s also the ideal spot for a sunset stroll.
Try one of these options each week throughout the summer in Vancouver and you’ll find a great variety of outdoor workouts that will help you stay in shape all season long!
Alex K is an online Fitness Professional providing health and wellness to the world through his online workout program Cardio Blast. Members of www.Cardioblast.com receive new cardio workouts every week, strength training programs, 50 page meal plan, fitness tracking and personal training included with their membership. Find him on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Pinterest.
