Adventure Activities and Fun things to do in Vancouver

Vancouver is a city you can easily get lost in; the countless hiking trails, national parks and adrenaline pumping activities will keep you entertained and on your feet for any length of stay in the beautiful Canadian city.

If you’re looking for things to do in Vancouver or Whistler then look no further than this extensive list. From exploring the waterfronts to cycling a gorgeous park in the middle of town; Vancouver has so much to offer whether in sunshine or snow.

Stanley Park, Vancouver

Stanley Park is a lush, green 400-hectare urban park in Vancouver.

There are gardens, walking trails, beaches, mountain views and more. You could easily spend an entire day in Stanley Park and not see it all. Given its size, the best way to explore all of it is by bike. There is an 8km seawall around the perimeter of the park that is perfect for cyclists.

You can easily rent a bike from a local bike rental shop (like Yes Cycle Adventures on Denman St) and head into the park for the day.
Just one word of advice. The bike track is one way. You can only cycle counter clockwise around the park so once you start, you are committed.

There is so much to see and do in Stanley Park. On the north side at Prospect Point Lookout, there are fantastic views of Lion Gate Bridge and Grouse Mountain.
On the South side, you will enjoy views back over Vancouver Harbour towards the shimmering skyscrapers of downtown Vancouver.

Don’t miss the National Totem Poles or the Vancouver Aquarium, especially if you are looking for things to do in Vancouver with kids.

Stanley Park is great to visit all year round but in the summer months, it’s the best place to come and escape the heat of the city. There are a number of beaches in Stanley Park and even an open-air pool at Second Beach if you fancy a dip.

If you’ve worked up an appetite from your cycling efforts, stop in at Prospect Point café in the centre of the park where you can grab a quick bite. 

Hiking The Chief, Squamish

Hiking the Chief in Squamish is a must-do activity for anyone who loves the great outdoors. Located just a 1 hour drive from Vancouver, Squamish is known as the adventure capital of Canada and attracts those looking to explore some of the beauty that BC is known for. 

The Stawamus Chief hiking trail is one of the best hikes in Squamish and is a challenging yet rewarding experience. 

This hike in Squamish takes you up the Chief which is a massive granite rock that looms over the town and is an iconic landmark of the area. 

Your hike starts with a lot of stairs that will definitely get your heart rate up, before transitioning to more rugged terrain where you’ll need to use ropes, ladders and chains to climb up. 

The trail has three peaks, but the first peak is the most popular and provides a breathtaking view over downtown Squamish, the Howe Sound, and out towards the Tantalus mountain ranges. The view from the top is definitely worth the effort and will leave you in awe of the natural beauty of the area.

After completing the hike, be sure to head to Fox and Oak in Squamish for the best doughnuts and coffee. Another great option is Fergie’s Cafe, which serves delicious food in a super cute treehouse setting. 

Whistler

Visiting Whistler is a must once in British Columbia. As a day trip or as part of a longer British Columbia itinerary from Vancouver, the popular destination is great in summer or winter.

Indeed, Whistler is a famous winter destination with prime skiing and snowboarding, but the summer months are also the perfect seasons for adventurous activities. Located between Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Peak in the Pacific Ranges, Whistler offers fantastic hiking opportunities as you reach the top of the mountains and can appreciate 360˚ views of the range thanks to the popular PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. Indeed, the park offers over 30 miles of trail options across the Blackcomb and Whistler mountains, plenty of choices for all fitness levels and difficulties. In summer, the tickets for the Gondola sell out quickly, so make sure to book your tickets ahead of time.

Other fun outdoor activities include mountain biking, especially the incredible Whistler Mountain Bike Park, ziplining, white water rafting down the nearby Squamish River, or trying SUPing or kayaking one of the Whistler Lakes.

Whistler can be reached via the Rocky Mountaineer train from Vancouver, a fantastic ride thanks to the train’s see-through ceilings. To return to Vancouver, a seaplane ride offers breathtaking views from high above as the plane flies over hidden lakes and far-away valleys. Of course, simply driving from and to Vancouver is also possible, a 1:30-hour drive over the 75 miles that takes you through stunning scenery.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is located in the District of North Vancouver and is a top attraction in the city that you must include this in your Vancouver itinerary, especially for first-timer. 

The Capilano Bridge is a simple suspension Bridge but is the world’s longest and highest pedestrian suspension bridge. The bridge is 140 meters long and 70 meters high, straddling the Capilano River. The historic bridge was built in 1889 and the bridge offers a stunning view of the surrounding nature that changes colors in different seasons. 

If you are staying in the city of Vancouver, embark on your journey driving through Stanley Park and the Lions Gate Bridge. The Bridge Park is about 4 kilometers away from Lions Gate, and the park has more than one bridge for visitors to spend a day in there. Wobbling your way across the suspension bridge is an adventurous experience, in fact, a number of celebrities were once a guest of the site, including Margaret Thatcher, Marilyn Monroe, Bruce Springsteen, and the King of Yugoslavia. 

At the entrance of the park, take pictures of the impressive totem poles that represent the heritage of the natives in Canada. Join a guided tour to learn about the ecosystem of the temperate rainforest, and interact with the adorable domestic birds. You may feel inspired strolling on one of the many hiking paths in the parks as it did for many artists, writers, and musicians in the last hundred years.  

Paddle Boarding and Kayaking in Vancouver

As a coastal city, it’s a good idea to explore Vancouver from the water. Because the area is protected from big Pacific Ocean waves by Vancouver Island, the water is relatively calm. The average summer ocean water temperature is around 12°C (about 54°F); it’s chilly, but no wetsuit is necessary if you fall in. All of these characteristics make water sports like kayaking and paddle boarding a fun activity in the city.

Close to downtown, the artsy Granville Island is an ideal departure point. False Creek is a happening place with yachts, houseboats, and dragon boats, and it’s so much fun to join in with a kayak or paddle board. My favourite is to pass under the Granville and Burrard Street bridges and paddle all the way to the beautiful Stanley Park. On Granville Island, there are outfitters with seasonal (usually April or May to October) gear rentals and tours, including half-day guided tours around Bowen Island. 

Jericho Beach, near Kitsilano and the University of British Columbia endowment lands, offers spectacular views of Stanley Park and downtown. Outfitters there provide seasonal kayak rentals and year-round guided tours, as well as courses for those who wish to further develop their skills.  The charming village of Deep Cove in North Vancouver is another beautiful option. Seasonal rentals and guided tours for both kayaking and paddle boarding offer a chance to explore the calm waters of Indian Arm.

Hiking Mount Garibaldi

If you’re on the lookout for an outdoor adventure activity just north of Vancouver, consider making the trip to Garibaldi Provincial Park to hike the incredible Mount Garibaldi. Rising to a towering 2,678 meter peak, Mount Garibaldi is filled with stunning views of its bright blue glacial lake, tall evergreens, and endless Coastal Mountains on every side.

There are various hiking trails along Mount Garibaldi, according to length and difficulty level. To get to Garibaldi Lake you’ll be up against an 18.2 km (11.3 mi) hike that takes at minimum 6.5 hours out and back. While the hike is long, it’s suitable for non-experienced trekkers who are physically fit enough to endure the distance. Just be prepared for lots of switchbacks up the mountain! 

Hiking up Mount Garibaldi is fairly popular, so there’s a good chance you’ll encounter other hikers often along your hike. Start your day early enough that you’ll have time to explore around Lake Garibaldi and get in some needed rest breaks. You can also choose to backcountry camp at the various campsites throughout the park to get in some more summit hiking.

Garibaldi Provincial Park is located just 1.5 hours north of Vancouver, between Squamish and Whistler. Hiking here is not for the faint of heart, but comes with the incredible payoff of views you may only see on postcards, calendars, and other Canadian souvenirs showcasing BC’s mountains. 

Consider spending the night after your hike in nearby Whistler and relaxing in the jacuzzi of one of the luxurious ski resorts. Your legs will thank you later!

Hiking Grouse Mountain

Grouse Mountain is one of the North Shore Mountains and is located close to Downtown Vancouver, inside the city. There are a lot of activities and entertainment on top of the mountain all year round. In winter many people ski, snowboard and do other snow sports while hiking and running are popular on the mountain in summer.  The Grouse Grind hike is a steep, challenging hiking trail with more than 3000 stairs that climbs  853 m (2800 feet) in 2.9 km to the summit. This short, steep hike is often called “Mother Nature’s StairMaster”.

Locals speak about ´The Grind`, and it is a popular trail for running. Grind timer tags are available and your exact time will be measured and displayed on a website. The Grouse Grind trail is well marked with signs showing distance, elevation and how you are progressing. This is a one way trail, you are only allowed to walk up. The most common way to go down is by taking the Skyride gondola, which is a $15 ride. There is an alternative hiking trail, the BCMC trail which can be used to hike up or down Grouse Mountain. The BCMC trail is a steep, narrow and difficult descent.

The Grouse Grind Trail is closed in winter because of snow on the trail. It is usually open from May to October every year. On top of Grouse Mountain you will find a Starbucks, the Grouse Mountain Coffee Bar and the acclaimed Altitudes Bistro. The trailhead for the hike is at 6400 Nancy Greene Way in North Vancouver. A Skyride Gondola ticket includes transfer from Canada Place in downtown Vancouver to Grouse Mountain and back. From Downtown Vancouver you can also get to the trailhead by public bus using Bus #236