Our Favourite Ways to Move Outside in Vancouver

Summer is finally here, and with it come countless opportunities to get moving in the great outdoors. While you may not want to give up your gym and studio workouts entirely, you might want to consider squeezing in some activity with fresh air whenever you can.

The world is your playground, and the range of fun and surprising workouts is nearly endless. They’re effective, too: Your outdoor excursions can offer strength-building, fat-burning, balance-refining boons — among plenty of other health benefits.

#BeautifulBC offers some of the most breath-taking ways to explore the great outdoors, so we decided to put together a few of our favourites.

1. Grouse Mountain is one of the most popular outdoor attractions in Vancouver-and

that’s for a good reason, too. With activities to do all year long, Grouse Mountain is always ready for some action. During the summer months, test your endurance by hiking up the Grouse Grind. Make sure you’re physically ready and have appropriate foot attire because once you start ascending the hike, it’s not advisable you try to descend it. Water is also essential when hiking the Grind.

2. Stanley park seawall –  Stretching 5.5-miles (8.8km) around Stanley Park, this lovely

jaunt isperfect on a sunny day to bike, walk, run and blade around. Going around the Seawall is best enjoyed with a few stops here and there, and fortunately for you, there are benches, beaches and scenic spots to stop along the way. No matter what your skill level is, the Seawall is enjoyable for all ages and athletic abilities.

3. Lynn Canyon park & suspension bridge – A majestic and lush rainforest set in the heart of North Vancouver offers some much appreciated solitude from the city. The park is loaded with hiking trails, an ecology centre, and a suspension bridge. The best part of it all? Everything is free. Lynn Canyon Park and Suspension Bridge has been open to the public since 1912 and is a local favorite. The natural beauty here is simply stunning. While you may see people cliff diving and swimming, it can be quite dangerous depending on water levels. If you’re planning to swim, be sure to visit Lynn Canyon Park’s website to see where they recommend. This easy-to-find park is ideal during the summer months, but can also be explored and enjoyed throughout spring and fall. There are several different trails you can do and they vary in difficulty. Some are definitely more challenging than others, so plan your route accordingly.

4. Paddle board or windsurf at Jericho Beach! This is great place to learn how to paddle. The beach is easy to access so you don’t have to lug the board too far and the water is usually pretty flat. This is also one of best areas to get a stunning view of the city from the water. You can traverse the coastline all the way to Kitsilano Beach and beyond.

There are several places you can rent a paddle board for the day or just a few hours. One of the more reputable companies is Vancouver Water Adventures. They’ll hook you up with a top-notch