Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/678192
tourismvancouver.com 31 Rick Hansen LOCAL INTEL e former world champion wheelchair marathoner, nine- time Pan Am gold and two-time Paralympic gold medalist (best known as the "Man In Motion") has dedicated his life to creating a world that is accessible and inclusive for all. Here are Hansen's picks for outdoor accessibility. • FAVOURITE ESCAPE INTO THE "WILD": I love to get out on the water. Whether it's sturgeon conservation work on the Fraser River or kayaking in English Bay, being on the water allows me to reflect and unplug. • PITSTOP: After an outdoor escape, I like to refuel at Seasons in the Park. Sitting on the patio taking in the view next to a cozy fireplace is a great place to unwind with family and friends. • SCENIC WORKOUT WITH A VIEW: When I was a Paralympic athlete I used to train along the seawall of Stanley Park, one of my favourite places in the world! The seawall is fully accessible and winds through breathtaking views, beaches, forest adventures and recreation areas. • VANTAGE POINT: The view of Vancouver from the top of Grouse Mountain is unbeatable. RQ WHISTLER/FLICKR, RICK HANSEN, TVAN/CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE PARK, TVAN/COAST MOUNTAIN PHOTOGRAPHY INTO THE WOODS Easy: Stanley Park, Vancouver's 405-hectare backyard since 1888, is the third-largest urban park in North America. This rainforest oasis includes Lost Lagoon, Beaver Lake, an 18-hole pitch-and-putt golf course and more than 27 km of forest trails. WALK ON WATER: The Capilano Suspension Bridge lets you tread 137 metres across and 70 metres above what the Squamish Nation call Kia'palano, or "beautiful river." Explore more of the canyon on the Cliffwalk. SNOW SCENE: In winter, ski, snowboard or snowshoe those summer bike trails at Cypress Mountain. From 1,440 metres, at the top of Mt. Strachan, you'll have the diorama-like city and Strait of Georgia spread before you. Whistler Blackcomb Mountain Harder: The North Shore is known worldwide as a mecca for year- round mountain biking, with a vast network of trails on Cypress Mountain (5th Horseman, Trunk Monkey, Shore Play) and Fromme Mountain (Pipeline, Expresso, 7th Secret)—and killer views while blazing downhill. Go beyond: For bike clinics and lift access to spectacular terrain at one of the world's best mountain bike parks, go to Whistler Blackcomb Mountain.