Nature Lover’s Guide to Vancouver

September 25, 2023

6 min read

A person paddleboarding on calm water near a waterfront with buildings and a bridge in the background.

Sandwiched between the mountains and the ocean, Vancouver is a city for nature lovers. From parks to wildlife watching, hiking, and more, there are plenty of outdoor activities to discover in Vancouver.

Visit Stanley Park

Located right next to downtown, Stanley Park is Vancouver’s most famous park. The interior of the 400-hectare park is rainforest with gravel paths weaving between towering trees. Around the perimeter, you will find the paved Seawall, a popular walking and cycling path. The park also boasts beaches, Canada’s largest aquarium, totem poles, restaurants, and lots of off-the-beaten-path gems.

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

Exploring the forested trails of Stanley Park. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Kindred & Scout

Go Birding

Vancouver is on the Pacific Flyway, a major north-south migration route for birds flying between Alaska and Patagonia, which makes it a great birding location during the spring and fall migrations. But you can spot birds like eagles, herons, woodpeckers, and hummingbirds year-round. Vancouver is a key stop on the BC Bird Trail. Check out our guide to the best birding spots around the city.

Person with hair in a bun using binoculars by a lake surrounded by tall grass and trees with mountains in the background

Bird watching at the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve. Photo: BC Bird Trail

Explore the Water By Kayak or Paddleboard

You can see Vancouver from a brand-new perspective when you explore by kayak or paddleboard. You can paddle in the heart of downtown in False Creek, along the beaches in Kitsilano, into the wilderness of Deep Cove and Indian Arm, or on calm lakes. Our guides to kayaking in Vancouver and paddleboarding in Vancouver have all the details.

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

Enjoy the Blooms at VanDusen Botanical Garden

No matter what time of year you visit, you can enjoy spectacular plant life at VanDusen Botanical Garden. The 55-acre garden boasts a huge collection of native British Columbian plants as well as plants from all over the world. Don’t miss the Elizabethan Hedge Maze.

Three people walking on a flower-petal-covered path surrounded by blooming trees and green bushes in a park.

Ride a Bike

From gnarly mountain bike trails to easy paved bike paths, Vancouver has a biking option for everyone. At the top of the must-do list is a ride around the Stanley Park Seawall. If you’re looking for more bike-only paths, check out our guide to the best car-free bike routes. If you’re a road cyclist training for your next Fondo race, challenge yourself on the city’s hill climb routes. Or head to the North Shore, the birthplace of freestyle mountain biking to tackle a huge network of trails ranging from beginner to expert.

Five people with helmets on bicycles stopped on a waterfront path with boats and a city skyline in the background under a clear blue sky.

Spot Some Whales

Vancouver is one of the best locations in the world for whale watching. Thousands of whales migrate through the nearby waters and several pods of orcas live here year-round. Whale watch tour operators in Vancouver are focused on conservation and education. The best time of year to go whale watching between is March and October. For more details, read our guide to whale watching in Vancouver.

A yellow whale-watching boat named Prince of Whales with passengers observing orcas swimming in calm ocean water.

Get Tropical at the Bloedel Conservatory

When you step inside the dome of the Bloedel Conservatory you’ll feel the increased temperature and humidity of a tropical paradise. The conservatory is home to hundreds of exotic birds, fish, and plants. In addition to the tropical area, it also contains separate subtropical and desert sections, each with its own unique plants.

Glass dome structure surrounded by trees and colorful flowers in a garden setting.

Take a Hike

With trails from the mountain tops to the ocean’s edge, Vancouver is a great city to go for a hike. The Grouse Grind, also known as Mother Nature’s Stairmaster is one of the city’s most popular and most challenging trails. But Vancouver has hundreds of other gorgeous options. Explore our Hike of the Month archives for tons of ideas perfect for each season.

Four people hiking up stone stairs in a forest with tall trees and sunlight filtering through.

Relax at Queen Elizabeth Park

Queen Elizabeth Park sits at Vancouver’s highest point, giving it a great view of the city and the North Shore Mountains. In the spring and summer, stroll through the spectacular blooms at the Quarry Garden and Rose Garden. In the winter, locals and visitors of all ages delight in sledding down the park’s steep hills. Known as QE Park to locals, the park is also a great year-round spot for a picnic, an impromptu game of tennis, or a special occasion meal at Seasons in the Park restaurant.