Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Nelson Mouellic
Since we will all be staying close to home this Victoria Day weekend, it’s the perfect time to play outside. Use our picks for the best outdoorsy things to do around Vancouver to plan your long weekend adventures.
Until further notice, in line with the public health order, non-essential travel into, within, and out of BC is not recommended. BC residents, let’s do our part by continuing to stay small and support local with your immediate household, in accordance with the latest guidelines.
Go for a Bike Ride
The Victoria Day long weekend is a great time 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. Electric bikes make pedalling easier, so you can bike further with less effort. If trails are your thing, our city has that too. Check out some of the places to mountain bike around Vancouver.
Explore the Wilderness Close to Home
Did you know that the Vancouver area has lots of pockets of wilderness nestled into the city? You can explore forests, meadows, wetlands, and shorelines, all close to home. Check out our recommendations for 15 urban parks that feel like wilderness. Or use our park guides for Pacific Spirit Regional Park, Lighthouse Park, and Belcarra Regional Park.
Visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge
Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver is open with reduced capacity if you book in advance. Walk 230 feet above the raging Capilano River on the famous bridge, stroll through the treetops on elevated platforms, and peer into the canyon on the Cliffwalk. All portions of the attraction are one-way to allow for social distancing.
Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Take a Hike
With the snow lingering in the mountains, hikes closer to sea level are your best bet at this time of year. You can check out lakes, lush rainforests, waterfalls, and ocean views. Use our lists of snow-free hikes, spring hikes, and rainy day hikes to find a trail.
Try Forest Bathing
Forest bathing is a decades-old Japanese nature meditation practice where you sit or slowly walk in nature, being mindful of what you see, hear, smell, and touch. Scientific research shows that spending time forest bathing can lower stress, increase mood, and reduce fatigue. Use our list of the best forest bathing spots around Vancouver to try it out.
Take the Dog to an Off-Leash Park
Your pupper has no idea it’s a long weekend… but that shouldn’t stop you from treating them to an outing. Many of Vancouver’s parks have off-leash dog areas for Fluffy to run and chase a ball. Check out our list of the best off-leash dog parks to plan your day.
Plan an Outdoor Workout
Schedule in some time for fitness this long weekend. Lots of Vancouver trainers are offering outdoor classes right now. If you’d prefer to work out on your own, why not try a stair workout? Vancouver has lots of staircases that are great for interval work. And if endurance is more your thing, check out this list of Vancouver’s best running routes.
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.
Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Rishad Daroowala
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.
Watch Wildlife
Vancouver is home to lots of urban wildlife like raccoons, coyotes, beavers, frogs, and eagles. Use our guide to wildlife watching in Vancouver to find the best places to spot them. Our city is also a great place for birders, thanks to its location on the Pacific Flyway, a migration route. Check out our suggestions for the best birdwatching spots around Vancouver.
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