Best Outdoor Activities in Downtown Vancouver

"Located around the corner from the Museum of Vancouver, Kitsilano Beach is one of Vancouver’s most popular beaches. Walk from Kitsilano Beach to Vanier Park to enjoy the greenery and skyline views. If you search enough, you’ll be able to find the Kitsilano Beach Swing (we couldn’t find it), and you can feel like you’re in Hawaii."

"Known to locals as Kits or Kits Beach, Kitsilano Beach is where you will find a lot of residents in the summertime. There’s ample park space around the beach for picnics, plus volleyball nets and Kitsilano Pool. The 137m (450ft) outdoor pool is Vancouver’s only saltwater swimming pool, open from mid-May to mid-September."

"Kitsilano Beach is one of Vancouver's favorite summertime hangouts. The wide, sandy expanse attracts buff Frisbee tossers, giggling volleyball players and those who just like to preen while catching the rays. The ocean is fine for a dip."

"Tucked away from the hustle bustle of city life the Spanish Banks Beach is one of the quietest beaches in Vancouver and the best place to take a stroll and if you are visiting Vancouver with your beloved this is your escape from the world. The name ‘Spanish Banks’ honours the time when Spanish and English met on the shores back in 1792 and that adds a historical touch to this place. If you know optimal tidal conditions well, this beach is the best place for skimming."

"Located on Northwest Marine Drive about 8 km west of downtown Vancouver, Spanish Banks is possibly the most beautiful sandy beaches in the area. The beach is sandwiched between Locarno Beach and the University of BC and a cycling/walking trail connects them. It has three distinct areas: east, west and extension."

"Located west of Kitsilano, Jericho Beach is well liked by swimmers and sailors. The beach’s east side caters to beachgoers, while its west side is for sailboats and windsurfers. Besides swimming, picnicking and enjoying the Vancouver views, there are a lot of fun recreational activities to enjoy at Jericho Beach, including soccer, volleyball, tennis and baseball."

"Home to the Jericho Sailing Centre a great spot for a cheap lunch with an amazing view —and Jericho Park, this beautiful beach is ideal for sailing, walking and biking along the park's pathways, and playing tennis. It's the perfect place for a sunset stroll. Jericho Beach is also the venue for July's annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival."

"Located just west of Kitsilano, Jericho Beach is a well-used sandy beach and grassy park in Vancouver. It's a great place for a picnic overlooking the water and watching sail boats in the waters of English Bay from the local Sailing Centre. The beach is named after Jeremiah Rogers who ran a logging camp… read more »"

"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)"

"Enter through Robson Street’s entrance to wander around the American luxury department store Nordstrom and admire the most fashionable high-end goods, including Jimmy Choo shoes, Louis Vuitton handbags, and designer clothing. Then leave Nordstrom for the mall to admire the innovative designs at Kate Spade, Banana Republic’s business attires, and Brown’s unique footwear. Next, head over to the Hudson’s Bay store in search of deals at Ted Baker, BCBG Max Azria, Lord & Taylor, Calvin Klein, and more."

"The Pacific Centre covers three city blocks and offers an indoor shopping experience that comes in handy on those notoriously wet days in Vancouver. With some familiar brand names like The Gap, Guess, Hollister, Coach, Michael Kors and Sunglass Hut, mixed in with Canadian companies like The Hudson Bay Company's department store, there's no shortage of choice."

"Opened in 1971, this mall is home to various stores including kate spade new york, Nordstrom, AllSaints, Michael Kors, Sephora and Ted Baker London. It also has a lottery ticket center, restaurants and services outlets. There is also a Four Seasons Hotel at Pacific Centre, making it popular to tourists."

"Kids Market is a shopping mall focused on children (and the kids at heart). Toys, children’s wear, party supplies, costumes, dance clothing, candies, gifts and other specialty items fill the shops in this warehouse-styled mall. With a play area, arcade and caboose, it is definitely a child’s paradise."

"I passed by the hole in the wall while on a walk to explore the neighbourhood. Dine in is still closed because of COVID, but was curious enough after see..."

"The third sight-seeing location was Lighthouse Park along the coast and displayed Vancouver city in the distance. At last, our final, spur of the moment location was a view of BC Place (Vancouver’s Whitecap’s Stadium). We walked around Vancouver and ended up overlooking a gorgeous nighttime view of the cityscape. Most of Day 2 was spent with our friends, taking photos and playing tourist throughout Vancouver."