George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary

This 850-acre sanctuary on Delta’s Westham Island , 10 kilometres west of Ladner, is a resting place for thousands of migratory birds on their way south to warmer places in fall and their way back in spring. With three kilometres of hiking trails and a nature house, there is much to see and hear all year long.

Vanier Park

There is always something happening at Vanier Park when it’s sunny, and often when it’s not: the Beautiful People jogging along the beach; fighter kites rushing up to challenge airborne competitors; model sailboats chasing ducks and being chased by them in the pond; catamarans and sailboarders in the water and, in the summer, Bard on the Beach, a local professional Shakespeare company under artistic director Christopher Gaze offering, in a huge red-and-white tent, excellent productions of Will’s classics.

Seymour Demonstration Forest

The Seymour Demonstration Forest is a 5,200-hectare park located in the spectacular mountains of the North Shore. It is equivalent in size to 14 Stanley Parks! Between 1870 and 1900 it was a logging and mining site! It is now an outdoor classroom for the world to see. The park is used to demonstrate a sustainable balance of recreation and resource through interpretive trails, educational tours and tourism programs.

Lynn Canyon Park

Lynn Canyon Park officially opened as a municipal park in 1912. The suspension bridge, 20 stories above Lynn Creek, opened for the first time that same year. The bridge was initially constructed as a money making venture. Visitors were charged a toll of ten cents to cross. Photos of the early days can be seen in the Ecology Centre, open 10am-5pm daily.

Lighthouse Park

The North Shore is an area of parks, from the coast to the tip of the mountains. This is where the story (true) originated that, in summer, you can ski Whistler or Blackcomb Mountain in the morning and, on your way back to Vancouver, go for a swim in the ocean on one of the North Shore’s beaches - and dine at a fine restaurant in the evening. Lighthouse Park, 12km south of Horseshoe Bay, is 75 hectares of the most original and most rugged of the North Shore’s parks. Stunning views, and more than 60 bird species spotted here.

Grouse Mountain

As one of Greater Vancouver’s best vantage points and most popular attractions, the North Shore’s Grouse Mountain provides a stunning view for skiers and tourists. Visitors are able to take the Skyride to the Peak Chalet and enjoy casual or fine dining cuisine. The Skyride is open all-year round.

Cypress Provincial Park

Walking up-up-up from Lighthouse Park will eventually get you to the top at Cypress Park, with an intricate network of trails for hiking, trails which in the winter turn into ski trails--both downhill and cross-country.

Capilano Suspension Bridge

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of Vancouver’s most popular tourist attractions. Originally built in 1889, today’s bridge is the fourth bridge at this location, 450 feet across and 230 feet above Capilano River and is, without a doubt, the world’s greatest suspension footbridge!

Ambleside Park

Ambleside Beach, a favorite beach-walking area with views of downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park and the Lions Gate Bridge, sailboats, freighters and tugboats. It also features a pitch and putt, fitness circuit, dog path and bird sanctuary.

Queen Elizabeth Park

Queen Elizabeth Park, named for the Queen Mother (the present Queen’s mother), is the public garden of the city. Once a rock quarry, now a riot of color, with flowers, shrubs, rare trees, and more on every side. A favorite for wedding parties, it’s a great place to stroll around, and the views are magnificent wherever you are. Watch for a dramatic sculpture by world-famed Henry Moore.

Stanley Park

Stanley Park, Vancouver’s first, is an evergreen oasis of 1,000 acres close to the heart of Vancouver’s downtown core. It offers numerous of activities and attractions from the children’s farmyard, to a miniature railway. Read more about the Origins of Stanley Park in a story from the Greater Vancouver Book.

Burnaby Mountain Park

To the west of Simon Fraser University, the park slopes down to the suburb of Burnaby. It offers splendid views of downtown and the Islands through the Playground of the Gods, a monument for Japanese-Canadian friendship, and of Indian Arm to the north.