Best Outdoor Activities in British Columbia

"This popular Vancouver beach easily slots in virtually every Vancouver itinerary and gets absolutely packed in the summer – if you’re looking to do some people watching or meet some locals this is it. It’s also one of the best beaches for sports: whether you’re looking to set up a volleyball game (no net? there’s drop in games over summer from 6:30 pm) or shoot some hoops you’re guaranteed a game. Kits beach is also home to a 137 meter long swimming pool: Canada’s largest."

"One of the most sought-after beaches in Vancouver, Kitsilano Beach (known as Kits Beach to Vancouver residents) is not just a beach. There’s ample green space for sunbathers and several volleyball courts established on the sand. There’s also the Kitsilano Pool, which is Vancouver’s only saltwater swimming pool, and snack options, such as Starbucks, across the road."

"Facing English Bay, Kits Beach is one of Vancouver's favorite summertime hangouts. The wide, sandy expanse attracts buff Frisbee tossers and giggling volleyball players, and those who just like to preen while... Top ChoiceGardens in Fairview & South Granville"

"Spanish Banks is one of the Vancouver beaches that will simply amaze you!. Perhaps a favourite of locals, this beach will take you away from the busyness that you may find downtown and transport you somewhere that feels far away — even though you will still be able to see the stunning Vancouver skyline. For families, this is a great spot in the morning or early afternoon when the tide is far out, leaving extremely long stretches of sand with small tidal pools to play in."

"Set just fifteen minutes’ drive to the west of town are the scenic and serene sands of Spanish Banks Beach. Lying alongside the shores of English Bay, it has an outstanding array of outdoor activities, as well as epic views over both the nearby coastline and Vancouver in the distance. Aside from lounging on the beach and swimming in the sea, visitors can play volleyball or soccer, and there are cycle paths, picnic areas and park benches dotted about."

"Spanish Banks is nestled between Jericho and Pacific Spirit Park, near the University of British Columbia. It has both a rocky beach covered in logs, perfect for climbing on, and sandy flats accessible when the tide is out. Spanish Banks is for you if… you’re looking for a beach session out on the flats with bare feet."

"Jericho Beach is a lovely stretch of sandy oceanfront between the Kitsilano and West Point Grey neighborhoods—but it's so much more than that. It's home to some of Vancouver's posher facilities, like the members-only Royal Vancouver Yacht Club and Jericho Tennis Club, as well as tennis courts that are open to the public. While Vancouver's beaches can be enjoyed from shore or by taking a dip in the ocean, one of the most exciting ways to experience them is to get way out in the water."

"My all-time favourite place to photograph families in Vancouver. Jericho Beach gets truly beautiful light and has multiple places we can photograph until the sun is almost down, at which point we can move to the beach. Jericho is located on Vancouver’s west side, just west of Kitsilano and a short drive from downtown."

"An activity-lover's idyll, Jericho is great if you just want to putter along the beach, clamber over driftwood and catch stunning views of downtown. It's popular with locals on summer evenings, so expect..."

"Lined with logs for the sun spectators, this is the place to reflect on the day and take a few photos of some of the most vibrant sunsets you’ll probably ever see in your life. Sunset Beach Park is also home to an interesting art piece called Engagement, a 30 foot sculpture of two wedding rings. These were created by world famous artist Dennis Oppenheim, as part of the Vancouver Biennale."

"Sunset Beach is a popular destination, especially in the summer, but the green space behind the beach is equally as popular with locals looking for a place to play a game of soccer, meet friends and soak up the sunshine. Grab a drink from the concession stand and spread out on the grass - on a very hot day you might see someone bringing a slip N slide for everyone to slide down the hill."

"Sunset Beach Park does not put its name to shame, and the stunning sunsets you’ll see here while chatting with a friend over a few bites or brews will be worth the wait. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Kritsada Akkhapracha (@fedexfc)"

"Vancouver Lookout offers 360-degree views of Vancouver and beyond. Its observation deck is 169m (553ft) above Vancouver. The lookout’s UFO-shaped design is the main feature of Vancouver’s skyline."

"Gaze at the panoramic views of Vancouver from 30 storeys high. While tickets for the Vancouver Lookout are a little pricy for what it is, your ticket grants you admission all-day long."

"Just steps from the shopping corridor of Yaletown in downtown Vancouver, David Lam Park is a lovely green expanse that provides a taste of the great outdoors amidst the hustle of the city streets. Views over False Creek are framed by the glass condo towers that transformed the neighborhood in the 1990s. Grab a takeout from a local cafe for a picnic on the grass, and contemplate the journey this part of Vancouver has gone through since it was picked as the site for Expo ‘86."

"These Gardens are unique as they are a peaceful oasis within a busy shopping mall, but also draw avid gardeners to learn about plants suitable for their North Shore gardens. There is something of interest for everyone at any time of the year. Learn more about the gardens."

"The Olympic Village was built in 2010 and is considered one of the greenest communities in the world. Located in False Creek, this is a great area to explore on foot, with plenty of benches, cute cafes and restaurants, and green spaces to keep you occupied for at least an hour or two."

"A visit to this Main Street bakery will have you licking your lips in anticipation as you eye all the baked good treasures on offer. Lovingly handmade in small batches, the The Last Crumb serves Ginger Molasses, Oatmeal and Cranberry, and a gluten-free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip cookie, in addition to a range of scrumptious cookie sandwiches, like the Chocolate Chip Pecan with a vanilla bean buttercream. Cookies are priced at $2.95 each and $3.95 for the sandwich variety."

"Vancouver’s croissant-centric bakery Angus T opened back in 2018, and now the much-loved purveyor is gearing up for a second location. Address: Park Royal, West Vancouver"