Stanley Park is a 1,000-acre urban park that offers breathtaking views of the mountains, the city skyline, and the beautiful coastline. It's home to numerous attractions such as the Vancouver Aquarium, beautiful gardens and beaches, and kilometers of trails to explore.
Experience the thrill of walking across the swaying Capilano Suspension Bridge, suspended 230 feet above Capilano River. The park also offers a Cliffwalk, a treetop adventure via a series of suspension bridges, and a canopy walk amongst the lush greenery.
Grouse Mountain, one of Vancouver's most famous landmarks, offers an array of outdoor activities and entertainment. Take the scenic gondola ride to enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline and the mountains. Then, you can hike the various trails, visit grizzly bears at the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife, and enjoy various winter activities like skiing and snowshoeing.
For a more unusual excursion, venture to Lynn Canyon Park. It offers 617 acres of lush rainforest, including the famous suspension bridge, popular bolders to climb, and hiking trails with stunning waterfalls.
Bowen Island is an island paradise only a short ferry ride away from downtown Vancouver. Pack your hiking boots or bike to explore the island's nature by land, or hire a kayak to explore the coastline from the ocean. The island also has several galleries and restaurants to explore once the nature walk is complete.
Whistler is a scenic town located north of Vancouver, accessible by Sea-to-Sky Highway. Depending on your preferences, there's a vast array of hiking, biking, skiing, and snowboarding options available. Besides the outdoor activities, the town itself also offers diverse shopping, dining, and cultural opportunities.
Chilliwack River Rafting is an experience not to be missed if you're seeking adventure. The rapids here range from easy-going to challenging for all levels, and you'll pass through some of British Columbia's most beautiful wilderness.
Take the Hell's Gate Airtram, located above the Fraser River, for a scenic and thrilling view of the surroundings. You'll access the Observation Deck for a bird's eye view of Hell's Gate, named for its turbulent waters. The area also has a restaurant, museum, and other exhibits to explore.
For a change of pace and scenery, head to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on Vancouver Island. It's a haven for nature lovers with its temperate rainforest, rugged coastline, and stunning beaches. Some experiences to enjoy include the Rainforest Trail, the West Coast Trail, and surfing in Tofino.
End your trip at Bloedel Conservatory, a tropical paradise located on top of Queen Elizabeth Park. With more than 120 exotic birds, over 500 species of tropical plants, and three different climate zones, it's a perfect spot to relax and conclude your nature immersion.
Transportation can vary based on your itinerary. If you're planning to explore Vancouver and its nearby areas, a rental car is the best option. Public transportation is available, but schedules may vary, and some areas may require hiking to get to. Total transportation costs for the ten-day trip range from CAD 100 (rental car, gas) to CAD 350 (rental car, gas, ferry rides, airfare).
If you have extra time, consider exploring the nearby towns of Victoria and Squamish. You can also consider some activities within Vancouver, like kayaking near Granville Island, visiting the stunning VanDusen Botanical Garden, or climbing at Climb Base5 Gym.
If you have less time, consider reducing the trip to a week or even to a weekend to experience at least some of the activities. Skip Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and Chilliwack River Rafting to reduce time and minimize travel activity.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is the main airport serving Vancouver, located about 8 miles from the city center. It's a modern, well-equipped airport that features extensive shopping and dining options.