10 Things to Do Outdoors in Vancouver on Victoria Day Weekend 2022

May 9, 2022

6 min read

Pathway through a garden with trees hanging yellow flowers and green shrubs on both sides.

Victoria Day weekend is a great time to get outside as the cooler spring weather transitions to summer temperatures (fingers crossed!) Here are our picks for the best things to do outdoors in Vancouver on the 2022 holiday weekend.

Take a Hike

This winter saw lots of snow in the mountains and it is still sticking around, so choose a hike closer to sea level this Victoria Day weekend. Check out our May 2022 Vancouver hike of the month, the Stawamus Chief, or pick a trail from our lists of spring hikes.

Three people hiking on rocky terrain with a lake and forested mountains in the background.

Attend the Fort Langley May Day Parade and Celebration

Each year Fort Langley welcomes spring with its annual May Day event on May 23rd. In 2022, this historic event celebrates its 100th anniversary. Enjoy a pancake breakfast at the Lions Hall in the morning, a parade on Glover Road starting at 11 am, and a community celebration at Fort Langley Community Park in the afternoon. More info: May Day Fort Langley

Collage showing a vintage steam engine, people dancing around a maypole, and a horse parade with riders in purple uniforms, with text announcing Fort Langley's 100th Annual May Day Parade on May 23, 2022.

Bike, Walk, or Run the Stanley Park Seawall

The Stanley Park Seawall is one of Vancouver’s iconic attractions, with incredible views along its 10-kilometre length. Last winter the Stanley Park Seawall suffered extensive storm damage. But after lots of repairs to a 3.5 km section, the entire loop back open again. Celebrate with a walk, run, or bike ride.

Rock formation with a small tree on top in water near a curved pathway with people walking and biking, surrounded by cliffs and trees.

Go Fly a Kite

If the weather cooperates, why not try flying a kite? In spring the warming weather creates winds that will send your kite soaring. Check out our guide to the best places to fly a kite in Vancouver.

Rainbow-colored kite flying high in a blue sky with scattered white clouds.

Get Out on the Water

Take on a water adventure this Victoria Day long weekend. Rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards and paddle along the shoreline. Or book a whale-watching tour and look for orcas, grey whales, humpbacks, seals, dolphins, sea lions, eagles, and more.

Two people paddling a yellow kayak on water near a dock with buildings and boats in the background.

Attend a Nature Program

Metro Vancouver Regional Parks has several nature programs running this Victoria Day long weekend. On Saturday, May 21 attend the Forest Fairy Gathering at Burnaby Lake Regional Park. Head to Lynn Headwaters Regional Park on Sunday, May 22 for the Wilderness at Your Doorstep event. Both events are free and open to drop-ins. Or you can register for the Time for Turtles workshop at Minnekhada Regional Park on May 23rd. More info: Metro Vancouver Regional Parks.

A child smiling and hugging a tree trunk in a green forest.

Go for a Bike Ride

With lots of bike lanes and separated bike paths, Vancouver has lots of places to cycle. Use our list of easy bike rides around Vancouver to get you started. This might also be the weekend to try an e-bike. If you want to get off the pavement, see our recommendations for the best places to mountain bike and where to try gravel biking.

A person wearing a helmet and blue tank top rides a bicycle on a gravel path near a river with mountains and a bridge in the background.

Enjoy No-Sweat Mountain Views

You don’t have to be an expert hiker to enjoy mountain views in Vancouver. Let the Grouse Mountain Skyride and the Sea to Sky Gondola whisk you right up to the peaks. Keep in mind that it’s still winter in the mountains, so bring warm clothing and appropriate footwear.

Yellow gondola cable car labeled Sea to Sky Gondola above forested mountains with a river and snow-capped peaks in the background

Visit a Garden

Spring is in full swing. Vancouver has over two dozen beautiful gardens where you can enjoy gorgeous spring flowers. Explore rose gardens, Asian gardens, botanical gardens, walled gardens, and lots more. Pro tip: Some gardens require tickets and advance booking.

Large house behind a garden with colorful flowers, rocks, and a small pond under a clear blue sky.

Explore a New-to-You Park

Vancouver is full of green spaces, with pockets of nature tucked into nearly every neighbourhood. Walk on to the ferry to visit Crippen Regional Park on Bowen Island, stroll the trails and gardens at Deer Lake Park in Burnaby, or enjoy the rushing waters at Capilano River Regional Park in North Vancouver. Find even more suggestions in our park guide archives.