Stanley Park

Stanley Park is an urban oasis with lots of recreational options.  One side looks out into English Bay, other side shows great views of Vancouver’s skyline. The perimeter of the park is lined with the Seawall and offers biking, walking and roller blading on a cement pathway.  There are lots of playing fields for soccer, frisbee, rugby, cricket or whatever your heart desires. Be sure to check out the totem polls and nine o’clock gun. There is lots to see and do here without paying the admittance fee for the aquarium and miniature train (both expensive and overpriced in my opinion). If you time your visit for July, check out the fireworks display Celebration of Lights. It’s worth it!

Sombrio Beach, Victoria

Sombrio Beach provided me with one of the best sunsets I have ever seen!! Accessible by hiking in from the car park or the Juan de Fuca Trail, this is a great camping spot.  Complete with hidden waterfalls, this sandy beach is steps from the water. The park offers washroom (no shower) facilities. It is best to get there early in the day if you want the best camp spot and privacy. Make sure your tent is high enough that the tides don’t wash you away!

Jericho Beach, Vancouver

What a great retreat without having to leave the city.  Although my visit was late in the summer and it was too cold to swim (although some crazies were), the sun was shining and I was able to lay back, suntan and read while admiring the amazing views of English Bay, Stanley Park, Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver Harbour.  I was joined by lots of dog walkers, sandcastle building families and traveling musicians.  Since the park caters to sailboats, windsurfers and kayakers, there is lots of boat traffic to watch.  At the east section of the beach, there are washrooms and a food outlet (that was closed when I went).

Botanical Beach, Victoria

This is a natural vision of the power and beauty of the West Coast that shouldn’t be missed.  It is a natural playground for all ages. Be sure to visit Botanical Beach at low tide and check out the marine life that this beach is known for.  Bring your boots and stomp through the puddles as you view tide pools with brightly coloured marine animals (starfish, sea urchins, muscles, sea cucumbers).  Or stare in awe (like I did) at the power of the ocean crashing in.

Mount Douglas, Victoria

With amazing view of Victoria Harbour and city, Mount Douglas is a view of paradise and the water surrounding it.  Although it is a steep climb up the back (the training place of many athletes) there is a winding road leading to the top and view point with parking.  If you look closely you can see the cruise ships in the Harbour. If you are headed to the peak, check out the beaches along the inner trails.  There are many breathtaking spots to catch some rays and listen to the waves crashing in. 

Quarry Rock, North Vancouver

From the bus loop in the centre of Deep Cove, the Quarry Rock trail is a short walk down panorama drive.  This family friendly (suitable for people and dogs of all ages) easy grade trail starts with steep stairs but is a gradual incline through wooded retreats that opens up onto Quarry Rock and one of the best views of Deep Cove, North Vancouver, and Burrard Inlet. The 2 hour hike is full of natural pathways that have very little root or rock cover. The day I went, you needed a light jacket to shield you from the bugs and the light rain and a dog friendly attitude. Reward yourself after with well deserved ice cream (or donut stop at Honey’s).  Be sure to check out this free natural wonder!

Stawamus Chief, Squamish

This hike is full of lots of stairs, steep rock climbs, ladder and rope climbing.  If I had known it was one of the hardest climbs in Vancouver, I might have thought twice.  Very glad I did it though! Amazing views over looking Howe Sound and Squamish and a real sense of accomplishment.  The Chief
has three peaks.  I went to the first (and closest) one.  Although you are in the trees for a lot of the climb, still make sure your shoes have good tread!

Steveston

A short skitrain and bus ride away from Richmond, Steveston is a quaint fishing village with lots of character and great ice cream shops.  One could sit for hours watching the boats leaving the harbour and looking in it’s unique shops. I highly recommend you head to Steveston to walk along it short boardwalk and enjoy its great fish and chips.  Just watch out for the diving sea gulls.

Grouse Grind, North Vancouver

This is a steep 1.5 hour average climb with lots of stairs.  I was panting, along with lots of others! Make sure you bring lots of water!! The view of North Vancouver and Burrard Inlet from the top is beautiful though and worth the climb.  You can grab lunch or a coffee (at the pricey cafe) at the top or take the inexpensive gondola ride down.  Yes, there is a lift down. Hikers cannot go down the trail.  The only way down is the gondola. Before you head down make sure you take in the bears and ride the chair lift to the top of Grouse Mountain (all for free).

White Rock

It was a journey on transit but worth the trip.  Enjoying a ice cream on pier was just what the doctor ordered.  There are lots of hiking trails there or you can just walk on the boardwalk and enjoy the art vendors that line the sides. When I was there I was amazed with two guys making and photographing rock sculptures with the water and setting sun as the back drop. The homes are beautiful and worth seeing.  Stare at how the wealthy live in the million dollar homes that line the coast. (Just don’t drool!)

Lynn Canyon Park & Suspension Bridge, North Vancouver

This free alternative to Capilano Suspension Bridge is just a short bus ride from Lonsdale Quay and well worth the effort! Once you cross the Suspension Bridge you are transported into the peaceful trees with only the sound of chirping birds around.  There are lots of hiking opportunities in this tranquil forest.   The calm flowing river below the bridge presents lots of wading opportunities. Take off your boots and soak them in the refreshing water. I did!  Be cautious of the large stair case if you want to hike past the river.

Deep Cove, North Vancouver

Accessible by bus from Phibbs Exchange, Deep Cove presents majestic views of Burrard Inlet.  I rented a kayak for the day and headed upstream.  You don’t have to. From the land, Deep Cove is not a spot to miss!

While paddling amongst the seals I could get over how the mountains feel so close you can touch them. Just don’t make the mistake I did; check the tides!!! The day that I went the water level changed 14 feet with the tides.  On the return paddle we couldn’t see our
lunch spot. It felt like you were paddling into a VERY strong headwind!