How to Celebrate UN International Day of Forests in Vancouver

March 14, 2022

3 min read

Three people in a forest at sunset, one looking through binoculars, another looking up, and one walking ahead.

Vancouver sits in the middle of the world’s largest temperate rainforest, which stretches from Alaska to Northern California. We are proud of our towering trees, so there are lots of ways to celebrate UN International Day of Forests in Vancouver.

UN International Day of Forests is March 21

Did you know that forests are home to nearly 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity with more than 60,000 tree species? In 2021, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 21 the International Day of Forests. The day celebrates and raises awareness about all types of forests.

Visit Vancouver’s Biggest Trees

One hundred years ago, most of what is now Vancouver was covered in a temperate rainforest. Today, a few giant old-growth trees remain. You can visit many of them on short walks or more challenging hikes. Use our guide to Vancouver’s big trees to find them.

Dense forest with tall trees and green foliage in a misty atmosphere

Take a Trip to the Amazon at the Vancouver Aquarium

When you step through the glass doors into the Graham Amazon Gallery at the Vancouver Aquarium, you’ll be transported to a tropical rainforest. Experience a diversity of terrestrial and aquatic life as follow pathways through the indoor forest.

Close-up of a sloth's face peeking through green leaves.

Go on a Treetops Adventure at Capilano Suspension Bridge

A series of connected bridges and platforms lets you take in the rainforest from a squirrel’s eye view at the Treetops Adventure at Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver. Walk from one towering Douglas fir tree to another as you reach heights up to 110 feet (33.5 m).

People walking on a suspended wooden canopy walkway among tall green trees in a forest.

Try Forest Bathing

Forest bathing is a form of nature therapy, originally developed in Japan. Participants spend time meditating in nature, either walking or sitting. Use our tips to find forest bathing locations in Vancouver.

Forest trail with wooden railing winding through tall trees covered in moss and sunlight filtering through branches.

Visit That Which Sustains Us at the Museum of Vancouver

A visit to the That Which Sustains Us exhibit at the Museum Vancouver is a great way to celebrate International Day of Forests. The long-term exhibition explores people’s interactions with forests through many different cultural lenses.