Best Outdoor Activities in Vancouver

"More popular by the name “Kits” this is one of the best beaches in Vancouver, Canada and the people in Vancouver often refer to it as their version of the famous ‘Venice Beach’. Known to be as one of the most glamorous beaches in Vancouver the Kitsilano Beach is home to the longest and the only saltwater pool in Vancouver and offers spectacular views of the city, mountains and the ocean. Not just that but you will find a grassy area and can be a part of some really exciting outdoor activities."

"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."

"Kitsilano Beach offers a host of dynamic and appealing reasons to visit. From the luscious white sand and gorgeous scenery, to the family friendly section outfitted with a park and outdoor swimming pool, Kitsilano beach is one you’ll want to visit. This is very much one of the Vancouver beaches most popular with the locals, and while you will find a lot of younger adults; the pool and park available for kids are top notch."

"With views of the city skyline, Spanish Banks Beach is similar to Kits Beach and Jericho, but tends to be quieter due to its location in a more residential area. It's the optimal place to stake out a picnic table to host an impromptu barbecue, with unreal views over the water and of the city. With the Seawall stretching from one end of the long beach to the other, Spanish Banks is the ideal beach for a quiet stroll, set to a spectacular backdrop of squeaking seagulls and sailboats drifting along the water."

"This tree-backed public beach is a popular locals' hangout; they're the ones jogging past in Lululemon outfits. It's also a good spot to unpack a picnic and enjoy some sigh-triggering shoreline vistas. It was named after English Bay's 1792 meeting between British mariner Captain George Vancouver and his Spanish counterpart Dionisio Galiano."

"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."

"Jericho Beach is one of the more active of Vancouver beaches, but if you are up for some fun activities then it is a great spot to visit. With the Jericho sailing centre right there, this beach is the perfect place for sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing. If you’d rather stay on dry land, there are long stretches of sandy beaches to sit, relax, and build sand castles on!"

"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)"

"A post shared by Glory Juice Co. (@gloryjuiceco) on Nov 22, 2018 at 9:46am PST. Glory Juice Co, offers organic bowls, soups, smoothies, and treats, among an awesome selection of juices and cleanses out of several locations in Vancouver and beyond. Address: 437 Davie Street, VancouverPhone: 604-428-0324"

"Vegan Cave is a plant-based and earth-friendly pizza joint, part of the same restaurant group as Caveman Café. I’ve been dining at Caveman Café since they opened in Chinatown several years ago (their Monster Burrito is such a good deal). They started with one location serving mostly keto and paleo food, and expanded to open Vegan Cave which focuses on pizza."

"A post shared by vegan_cave (@vegan_cave) on Feb 23, 2019 at 3:37pm PST. This Abbott Street cafe has a make-your-own vegan pizza option along with signature varieties on its menu. There’s also plant-based bowls, burritos, soups, salads, and dessert up for order here.Address: 415 Abbott Street, Vancouver"

"Photo courtesy of Heirloom Vegetarian Restaurant (Instagram). Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, Heirloom Vegetarian Restaurant serves up delicious vegetarian and vegan fare in a contemporary atmosphere. On the menu you'll find locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, giving guests a taste of the Lower Mainland's bounty."

"A post shared by Renee Yeung | Food & Travel (@thebellydiaries) on Dec 4, 2019 at 2:18pm PST. A favourite for weekend brunch (although they serve it every day), Heirloom excels in providing beautiful, airy spaces and a mouth-watering menu. Dishes are full of colour and taste, and portions are refreshingly large."

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. Something exciting is happening Wednesday nights at Heirloom . Introducing BOGO Wednesdays ."

"Located at the Pan Pacific Hotel and open seven days a week for dinner, Five Sails Restaurant boasts breathtaking views over Vancouver, an award-winning menu of West Coast and outstanding service to provide a five-star dining experience. Experienced husband and wife team Chef Ernst Dorfler and Gerry Sayers present a creative menu of modern classics made with locally sourced organic products and ingredients, as well as seasonal small plates, accompanied by an impressive wine list and range of cocktails, beer, and spirits. The restaurant features an elegant bar and lounge with a fireplace, cozy elevated banquettes, and an exclusive private dining room for private functions."

"For a romantic fine dining experience, Five Sails (999 Canada Pl, Vancouver) is an ideal choice as they are Vancouver’s only Four Diamond dining restaurant. Five Sails is located on the “R” level of the Canada Place Convention Centre adjacent to the Pan Pacific Hotel. Guests can enjoy Pacific Northwest fine dining in a bright, contemporary space where diners are surrounded by floor to ceiling windows."

"Perched over the Burrard Inlet in the Pan Pacific Hotel, Five Sails offers breathtaking views and upscale dining with their classic continental cuisine and international wine list with a special focus on labels from the Okanagan Valley. Sails is overseen by husband-and-wife owners, BC Restaurant Hall of Fame inductee chef Ernst Dorfler and Gerry Sayers. Location: 410 - 999 Canada Place"

"In partnership with London-based developer, McArthurGlen Group, the Vancouver Airport Authority has developed the luxury designer outlet centre on Vancouver International Airport (YVR) land. The McArthurGlen Group is no stranger to designer outlets and they're known as Europe's leading owner, developer, and manager of designer outlets. The European style open-air shopping centre has luxury piazzas, tree-lined streets, pedestrian-friendly walkways, unique architecture and public art pieces."

"While you’re in Richmond, grab a deal at McArthurGlen Designer Outlets, where you can stroll the outdoor mall and find top fashion brands at significant discount. And with almost half of the population claiming Asian ancestry, Richmond is a fantastic place for food!. Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Japanese, and Taiwanese – you’ll find all cuisines here."

"This Italian-inspired coffee shop by day, tapas and wine spot by night, serves up 49th Parallel Coffee and some amazing food (Italian nachos, please). Grab yourself a coffee and one of their Breakfast Sammy’s — you won’t regret it. Address: 1858 Commercial Drive, VancouverPhone: 604-428-4092"

"A post shared by Commercial Drive (@commerciald) on Oct 7, 2019 at 6:47pm PDT. Venture over to Commercial Drive and explore mini-mall Il Mercato to indulge in mouthwatering pizza at Lombardo’s. Replenish your stock of miscellaneous items at Super Valu before heading over to Norman’s to buy fresh produce."