It doesn't get much better than a sunny day in beautiful Vancouver. For all the press the city gets about rain and weeks of overcast weather, it actually enjoys plenty of marathon stretches of great weather.
With a myriad of parks, beaches, hiking trails and other great attractions vying for your time during these sun-drenched stretches, it can be difficult to figure out what to do. We've assembled what we think are some of the very best ways to spend a sunny day in Vancouver.
Lounging at the Beach
The city is blessed with an abundance of fabulous beaches, from the long stretches of sand along Jericho and Spanish Banks to the secluded wonder of Third Beach in Stanley Park. These beaches are extremely popular and parking can be a bit of a headache after midday, so get there early, stake your claim and get down to some serious lazing. (Of course, you'll be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen, right?)
Slip-Sliding Away
Hop in your car and head out to one of the Lower Mainland's waterparks for a day of unabashed, waterlogged fun!
- Bridal Falls Water Park (Chilliwack - right off Highway 1)
10 heated slides, including the infamous "Black Hole" as well as minigolf. Right next to the Dinotown Amusement Park - Cultus Lake Waterpark (Take Highway 1 to Exit 104)
Full-service waterpark that features night sliding and one particularly cool slide with a 72-ft. drop. - Splashdown Park (Tsawwassen - right off Highway 17)
Located on 13 sprawling acres just minutes from downtown Vancouver, this popular spot gets crazy-busy when it's hot out. But it's big enough to handle the volume. The "Black Hole" tube ride is a must (if you dare)
You can also find free kids' waterparks at Granville Island and along the Seawall in Stanley Park.
Take a Hike
The hills and valleys surrounding Vancouver are crisscrossed with hiking trails for all skill levels. Throw on a daypack, bring plenty of water and get out there and explore.
- Beginners would be best served starting out with something simple, like one of the trails in Pacific Spirit Regional Park (16th Ave & Blanca St.)
- Intermediate hikers might enjoy hiking to Dog Mountain on Mount Seymour (2.5 hours roundtrip). Park in the main parking lot of Mount Seymour Ski Area and look for the well-marked trail signs.
- Experienced adventurers will love hiking to the Lions. It is one of the area's most popular and strenuous hikes. It is about 7 hours roundtrip and should be attempted by experienced, properly equipped hikers only. The trailhead is in Lion's Bay, off highway 99. Take the right exit on Oceanview Road. Turn left on Cross Creek Road, then right on Center Road. Go left on Bayview and left on Mountain Drive . After about 2 km, turn left on Sunset Drive. There is a small lot just before the gate .
Bike, Walk or Roll Around the Seawall
It doesn't matter how you get around the Seawall, what matters is that you do it! Whether you bike, walk, run or rollerblade, a day spent under bluebird skies drinking in the amazing mountain and ocean vistas offered by this famed piece of urban infrastructure is a day beyond compare. You can rent bikes and rollerblades from numerous shops on Denman St. near Georgia.
Unfortunately, this is one of the more popular choices for anyone looking to capitalize on a nice, sunny days. The Seawall is long and wide, but it still gets mighty busy. Try it early in the morning or just accept the slower pace and enjoy it all with the crowd.
Find Your Sea Legs
Vancouver's seaside locale invites all sorts of nautical adventures. Spend a sunny days out on the high seas.
- EcoMarine Kayaks near Jericho Beach offers affordable kayak rentals. Even if you have never tried this addictive pursuit, you can quickly pick it up and spend hours exploring the shoreline around Vancouver.
- A driver's license and credit card are all you need to rent a ocean-going speedboat from Bonilee Rentals on Granville Island. Be the captain of your own ship!
