ADVENTUROUS EXPLOITS
From tame to extreme, visitors to Vancouver will find
no end of adventure
ADVENTURES ON LAND
Hiking
Travellers can explore the West Coast rainforests of the North Shore
Mountains by visiting the shores of the Capilano River and Lynn Canyon,
watching the sunset from the cliffs at Lighthouse Park or tackling the
steep incline of the Grouse Grind to the top of Grouse Mountain. They
can also visit Vancouver's west side, enjoying a quiet stroll through the
forest at Pacific Spirit Regional Park, or stay close to downtown and take
an easy hike through Stanley Park.
Rainforest Interpretive Walks
Discover ancient natural wonders and fascinating wildlife on the North
Shore or Bowen Island as knowledgeable guides from Rockwood
Adventures lead groups through the lush West Coast rainforest, amid
towering Douglas firs and cedar trees – some 500 to 900 years old. Or,
forage for mushrooms and edible plants with a local chef and enjoy lunch
in a mountain cabin with Swallow Tail Tours.
Birdwatching
Both the dedicated birdwatcher and the amateur naturalist will be amazed
by the wide variety of bird life, wintering shorebirds and waterfowl found
within metro Vancouver and the surrounding area. Several adventure
companies offer guided birdwatching experiences, including an eagleviewing float trip at Brackendale, one of the world's top spots for viewing
these magnificent birds.
Rainforest Interpretive Walk
Rock Climbing
The Stawamus Chief near Squamish is a granite monolith offering rock
climbers the ultimate vertical fix. Challenging climbs are also found on
Vancouver's North Shore, in the deep gorge of Capilano Canyon, at
Lighthouse Park and on the bluffs in Deep Cove overlooking Indian Arm.
Cycling and Mountain Biking
Urban paths and forest trails have been drawing cycling enthusiasts to
Vancouver for years. Options include pedalling leisurely through Stanley
Park and the University of British Columbia campus or navigating
rugged trails on the North Shore. Tours with companies such as Cycle
City Tours and West Coast Sightseeing are also available.
TREK-WORTHY TRAILS
EASY HIKES
Beaver Lake (Stanley Park)
Sword Fern (Pacific Spirit Park)
Valley Trail (Lighthouse Park)
Baden Powell Trail (section from Deep Cove to Quarry Rock)
MODERATE HIKES
Capilano Pacific (Capilano River Regional Park)
Twin Falls/30 Foot Pool (Lynn Canyon Park)
Brothers Creek (Cypress Provincial Park)
Headwaters Trail (Lynn Headwaters Regional Park)
DIFFICULT HIKES
Grouse Grind (Grouse Mountain)
Hollyburn Mountain (Cypress Provincial Park)
Mount Gardner (Bowen Island)
Mount Seymour (Mount Seymour Provincial Park)
Find more hikes at metrovancouver.org/services/parks_lscr
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WELCOME TO VANCOUVER
Grouse Mountain
Photos: TVan/Coast Mountain Photography;
Grouse Mountain