![Stand-up paddleboarding in False Creek](https://www.insidevancouver.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/FalseCreekSUPDestVanTanyaGoehring-664x443.jpg)
Stand up paddle boarding in False Creek. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Tanya Goehring
Sandwiched between the mountains and the ocean, Vancouver is a city for nature lovers. From parks to wildlife watching, hiking, and more, there are plenty of outdoor activities to discover in Vancouver.
Explore the Water By Kayak or Paddleboard
You can see Vancouver from a brand-new perspective when you explore by kayak or paddleboard. You can paddle in the heart of downtown in False Creek, along the beaches in Kitsilano, into the wilderness of Deep Cove and Indian Arm, or on calm lakes. Our guides to kayaking in Vancouver and paddleboarding in Vancouver have all the details.
![Kayakers in False Creek](https://www.insidevancouver.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/False-Creek-Kayaking-664x443.jpg)
Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Rishad Daroowala
Enjoy the Blooms at VanDusen Botanical Garden
No matter what time of year you visit, you can enjoy spectacular plant life at VanDusen Botanical Garden. The 55-acre garden boasts a huge collection of native British Columbian plants as well as plants from all over the world. Don’t miss the Elizabethan Hedge Maze.
![VanDusen Garden in spring in Vancouver](https://www.insidevancouver.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/07106_201804_Sombilon-Studios_VanDusen-GardenFamilyBlossomsSpring-664x443.jpg)
VanDusen Garden Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Sombilon Studios
Ride a Bike
From gnarly mountain bike trails to easy paved bike paths, Vancouver has a biking option for everyone. At the top of the must-do list is a ride around the Stanley Park Seawall. If you’re looking for more bike-only paths, check out our guide to the best car-free bike routes. If you’re a road cyclist training for your next Fondo race, challenge yourself on the city’s hill climb routes. Or head to the North Shore, the birthplace of freestyle mountain biking to tackle a huge network of trails ranging from beginner to expert.
![](https://www.insidevancouver.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Cycle-City-Tours-Yaletown-664x327.jpg)
Biking through Yaletown on the False Creek Seawall. Photo credit: Tourism Vancouver / Cycle City Tours
Spot Some Whales
Vancouver is one of the best locations in the world for whale watching. Thousands of whales migrate through the nearby waters and several pods of orcas live here year-round. Whale watch tour operators in Vancouver are focused on conservation and education. The best time of year to go whale watching between is March and October. For more details, read our guide to whale watching in Vancouver.
![Whale watching near Vancouver](https://www.insidevancouver.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/07065_201903_CreditPrince-of-Whales-Whale-Watching_OceanTourOrca-664x415.jpg)
Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Prince of Whales Whale Watching
Get Tropical at the Bloedel Conservatory
When you step inside the dome of the Bloedel Conservatory you’ll feel the increased temperature and humidity of a tropical paradise. The conservatory is home to hundreds of exotic birds, fish, and plants. In addition to the tropical area, it also contains separate subtropical and desert sections, each with its own unique plants.
![The exterior of the Bloedel Conservatory in Vancouver](https://www.insidevancouver.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/15043_201708_TanyaGoehring_Bloedel-ConservatorySummer-664x442.jpg)
Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Tanya Goehring
Take a Hike
With trails from the mountain tops to the ocean’s edge, Vancouver is a great city to go for a hike. The Grouse Grind, also known as Mother Nature’s Stairmaster is one of the city’s most popular and most challenging trails. But Vancouver has hundreds of other gorgeous options. Explore our Hike of the Month archives for tons of ideas perfect for each season.
![Hikers climb rock and wood stairs on the Grouse Grind.](https://www.insidevancouver.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GrouseGrindGrouseMountain.png)
Hikers on the Grouse Grind. Photo: Grouse Mountain
Relax at Queen Elizabeth Park
Queen Elizabeth Park sits at Vancouver’s highest point, giving it a great view of the city and the North Shore Mountains. In the spring and summer, stroll through the spectacular blooms at the Quarry Garden and Rose Garden. In the winter, locals and visitors of all ages delight in sledding down the park’s steep hills. Known as QE Park to locals, the park is also a great year-round spot for a picnic, an impromptu game of tennis, or a special occasion meal at Seasons in the Park restaurant.
![A woman takes a photo at Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver](https://www.insidevancouver.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/87385_PowerPoint-2400px-664x443.jpg)
Enjoy the city views from Queen Elizabeth Park. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Jason Lee Wang