Even in the heart of downtown Vancouver, with the sweep of the vast harbor and the bulk of the Coast Mountains looming north of the city, it’s hard to escape the fact that you’re virtually on the doorstep of the great outdoors.
Opportunities to experience nature are virtually limitless. Observing pacific gray whales and orcas cavorting playfully can be a truly poignant experience. Raft down a remote wilderness river among nature's mightiest mountains while viewing grizzly and black bears hunting salmon in their own protected environment.
Stanley Park is a must see. In 1886, Vancouver's first City Council made a momentous decision by petitioning the Federal Government to lease 1,000 acres of a largely logged peninsula for park and recreation purposes. Now covered with mature forest including gigantic fir, cedar, hemlock and alder, Stanley Park makes up a generous portion of Vancouver. The scenic 6.2-mile Seawall surrounding the park is perfect for outdoor activities like walking, jogging, skating or biking. The Nature House, located on Lost Lagoon's south side, offers educational materials as well as seasonal walking tours. Lost Lagoon is a haven for a variety of birds including swans, ducks and Canada geese. Countless recreational facilities are available in Stanley Park including a pitch and putt golf course, bordered by the spring-blooming Ted and Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden. This magnificent park also offers the Children's Farmyard, a Miniature Railway, tennis courts, bathing beaches, a children's water park, a heated oceanside swimming pool, and Theatre Under the Stars. Don’t miss Brocton Point, the site of the Stanley Park totem poles.
For a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of downtown, visit the tranquil Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden in the heart of Chinatown. The first full-scale Classical Chinese garden built outside of China is truly a historical, horticultural, and architectural masterpiece in the very center of Vancouver. Relax your heart and mind, restore your energy and immerse yourself in the perfect balance of weathered rocks, jade green water, and mystical plants.
Numerous Orca whales dwell in the Vancouver area sea, providing visitors with opportunities aplenty to view these remarkable mammals in their natural habitat. Many other sea creatures call the Vancouver coast home, affording visitors the opportunity to also view sea lions, dolphins, and seals. Hop onto the whale watching craft of your choice, and settle in for a half-day journey that will leave you awe-struck, clutching your camera and leaving with a hearty handful of photographs that capture your memories on the water. To truly appreciate the heart and soul of Vancouver, breeze about on a zodiac during a sea safari. Set your sights on the islands of Howe Sound¬¬-- sea birds, harbor seals, and the breathtaking beauty of the pristine water and untouched wilderness. Take an eco-tour and hike about the Coast Mountains as you sight-see in one of the world’s most spectacular natural environments.
A heart-stopping thrill awaits visitors brave enough to step onto the Capilano Suspension Bridge just miles from downtown Vancouver. A unique mix of history, culture, and adventure, the Capilano Suspension Bridge takes visitors to the serenity of a West Coast rainforest. Treetops Adventure leads guests across seven suspension bridges high among the evergreens where the air is crisp and cool, and guided nature tours and the Kid’s Rainforest Explorer programs heighten the rainforest experience. Learn the history of the area at the First Nations carving demonstrations, and enjoy live musical entertainment and the Living Forest exhibit. The Capilano Suspension Bridge is one stroll through the park you’ll never forget! |
