The North Shore is a collective term for the areas just outside Vancouver, where urban life meets the mountains. Here, you can ski, snowboard, mountain bike, hike, or trek through lush rainforests. Take the Grouse Mountain Skyride to the top of Grouse Mountain, where you will be rewarded with incredible views of Vancouver and the ocean beyond. Cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge, a 137-metre suspension bridge which soars 70 metres over the Capilana River and surrounding West Coast rainforest – a must-do activity that is not for the faint-hearted! There are free mini-tours of the rainforest every hour, which are well worth taking advantage of to help you get the most out of your trip.
The emerald in the Vancouver’s crown is undoubtedly Stanley Park, which welcomes nearly 10 million visitors every year. The 1,000-acre park is one of the largest in North America and is world-renowned for its beauty and variety. Walk or cycle the length of the 6-mile seawall, which is flanked by a temperate rainforest with over150,000 trees and promises breath-taking views of the ocean and mountains. Relax as you enjoy a picnic by one of many exquisite lakes or beaches, or take part in a range of sporting activities on offer. For families, there is a pool, waterpark, miniature railway and Canada’s largest aquarium – plenty to keep the children occupied and the parents happy! For a spot of romance, hire a tandem or, if you are feeling less active, a horse-drawn carriage to take you around the park in style.