If you love nature, Vancouver is the place to go! Vancouver offers a mix of city and outdoors, perfect for people who need to unwind from the hustle of city life. Or for those who like balance. For the frugal traveler, or even locals who want to do things without spending too much money, here are some places to check out.
When people think of Vancouver, Stanley Park comes to mind. It is the home of the Vancouver Aquarium, and is one large park itself. Here, you can explore the gardens, see wildlife if you are lucky, or attend an event. Some events held at Stanley Park are summer movie nights, dancing, in the summers a weekly drum circle, workshops, a Celebration of Lights and Fireworks festival, and more. Check this out for more information. You can also walk parts of the Sea Wall at Stanley Park. The Sea Wall is another icon of Vancouver. It is one of the world’s largest uninterrupted waterfront walkways. It is 28 km long. It stretches from the Vancouver Convention Centre, to around the Stanley Park, and then all the way to the Spanish Banks Park. You will have views on the Pacific Ocean, the mountains, and can even enjoy a beautiful sunset here. Biking, walking and jogging are all encouraged along the Sea Wall.
If you are a beach person, Vancouver has many to visit. A must go is English Bay. English Bay is in downtown Vancouver. Convenient for any traveler to get to via public transit, walking, or taking a taxi. The famous Sea Wall runs along this beach, on the eastern side of the beach. English Bay is also called First Beach. It is one of the most visited beaches in BC. Most likely because of its location and how close it is to restaurants and cafes. Feel free to pack a picnic, and just enjoy your day. Despite this beach being open to the ocean, the waves do not get too large, so it is safe to swim here. Lifeguards are on duty from late May till end of September. Another popular beach in Vancouver is Kitsilano Beach. This beach faces the English Bay, and the Sea Wall also runs along it. Kitsilano Beach is lovingly called “Kits Beach” by the locals. If swimming in the ocean is too scary for you, this beach also has the Kitsilano Pool, a heated saltwater pool. This pool faces the ocean, has views of the mountains and the city. There is also basketball, tennis and beach volleyball that you can partake in. A day of fun does not mean having to empty your wallet.
Capilano Suspension Bridge is another famous landmark for Vancouver. It is definitely worth visiting the park once in your life. However, this attraction is expensive. It is a large park, with lots to do. At nighttime, everything is lit up and looks amazing over the forest. However, if you book online ahead of time, you can save some money. If you are a BC resident, you can purchase an annual pass, which lets you visit as many times as you want, and it is the same cost as a regular ticket for entry. The hours and days open vary throughout the year, so be sure to check in advance before going. Now, if you want to experience a suspension bridge without paying, consider heading out to Lynn Canyon Park, located in North Vancouver. Lynn Canyon Park is a great area to hike, taking roughly 45 minutes to do the Lynn Canyon Loop. Moreover, it has a suspension bridge that towers 50 metres above the canyon. The best part, it is entirely free to experience. Since there are no cafes or eateries nearby, be sure to bring snacks with you. Lynn Canyon has easily accessible public transit. From downtown Vancouver, catch the Seabus and then hop on a bus from there.
Bloedel Conservatory is another must see while in Vancouver. Though it is not as well known to the world at large, it has much to offer. It is a botanical garden, located near the Queen Elizabeth Park. The outside grounds are free to the public, and you can enjoy the gardens, the mazes, and even the large open green space. Locals will be seen having picnics, and chitchatting. Sometimes even a wedding may be in process here. To visit the Bloedel Conservatory, the inside botanical gardens, is $9 CAD. Luckily, it is quite affordable to visit. The conservatory is a large dome, with a lush garden, more than 100 exotic birdsand fish. There are more than 500 types of exotic plants! This is a temperature-controlled environment, as many of these are tropical plants. Expect it to be humid, so dress accordingly.
Canada Place and the Olympic Village go hand in hand when thinking back to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Canada Place is located at the Waterfront in downtown Vancouver. It is a national icon and is the homeport for the Vancouver-Alaska cruises. Canada Place is home to FlyOver Canada, the Vancouver Convention Centre, Pan Pacific Hotel and more. The Sea Wall starts from here, and Stanley Park is close by. There is a marina nearby, if you like boat watching, or want to experience a boat ride. Many free community events are held at Canada Place, so make sure to check ahead. You might even be able to catch a concert. Olympic Village is located in False Creek. Though not next to Waterfront, it is accessible via public transit, driving, or even walking along the Sea Wall, as the Sea Wall passes through it. Olympic Village hosts local artwork, art structures, and parks nearby. It offers mesmerizing views of the city skyline, the ocean, and Science World. You can hop on a sea ferry or sea taxi from here and take it all the way around False Creek, or even to commute from one stop to the other. It’s one way to beat the traffic and have a fun ride.