Calm Your Mind Outdoors Without Leaving Vancouver

January 1, 2024

5 min read

Person walking out of a large green hedge maze surrounded by conical shaped bushes and trees.

Is your 2024 New Year’s resolution to lower your stress? You can escape the hustle and bustle of the city without leaving Vancouver. Head to one of these oases of calm to breathe in fresh air and unwind.

Lost Lagoon at Stanley Park

Take a nature break with a stroll along the paths around Lost Lagoon in Stanley Park. Pause to sit on a bench and watch the ducks and geese. Keep an eye out for herons fishing in the shallows and curious raccoons darting through the underbrush.

Person crouching near a lake taking photos of ducks and a swan on a sunny autumn day with city buildings in the background.

Escape to the Tropics at the Bloedel Conservatory

The domed Bloedel Conservatory at Queen Elizabeth Park is home to over 500 species of exotic plants. The entire building is kept at tropical temperatures so you will feel like you have been transported thousands of kilometres away as you wander through the serene jungle.

Four people standing on a path inside a greenhouse surrounded by lush green plants and trees under a glass dome ceiling.

Forest Bathe in Pacific Spirit Regional Park

You can relieve stress and improve mental health simply by spending time in nature. Head to Pacific Spirit Regional Park in the Point Grey neighbourhood to forest bathe. Find a quiet spot to sit in stillness or walk slowly and mindfully as you take in the mossy forest and chirping birds.

Tall trees with green foliage viewed from below against a clear blue sky with sunlight filtering through.

Chill Out in the Central Library’s Rooftop Garden

Take the elevator up to the ninth floor of Vancouver’s Central Library and leave the concrete jungle behind as you pass through the glass doors into the Phillips, Hager and North Garden. This gorgeous rooftop garden has great views of the city skyline.

Person in a long black dress sitting on a bench outdoors near a tree with yellow leaves and empty metal chairs and tables.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

The white walls of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden hide an island of green in the Chinatown neighbourhood. Venture inside the first Chinese garden built outside of Asia to meditate as you walk the paths or just chill out by the lily pond.

Traditional Asian wooden building with hanging lanterns next to a garden with trees and rocks.

Discover Hotels With Green Spaces

A few of Vancouver’s hotels have gorgeous natural outdoor spaces where you can relax. At the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel Vancouver, head to the third floor to zen out in the rooftop garden that includes herbs, fruit, vegetables and a honey bee hive. Or escape to the outdoor courtyard at the Westin Bayshore Vancouver. You’ll find a tree-lined pool, gardens, and adorable barrel-shaped saunas. Parq Vancouver has a huge outdoor green space on the sixth floor that includes a water feature, walking paths and two restaurants.

Outdoor urban area with a large pond, modern glass building, stadium, and seating area with umbrellas and people.

Stroll Past Giant Trees in Stanley Park

Take a walk in the forest without leaving downtown. Explore the wooded trails of Stanley Park’s interior to discover towering Western red cedar, Douglas fir, Sitka spruce, and Western hemlock trees. The best trails for big trees are Tatlow Walk, Siwash Rock Trail, Lake Trail, and Third Beach Trail. Use this Stanley Park map to find your way.

Two people hiking on a forest trail with sunlight filtering through tall trees.

Stop to Smell the Flowers at VanDusen Botanical Garden

VanDusen Botanical Garden is spread over 55 acres so there are lots of different plants and flowers to discover year-round. The hedge maze in the southwest corner is a great spot to practice walking meditation. Or find a quiet spot to sit in the Forest Lake section in the northwest corner or the serene Meditation Garden on the south side.