When we start telling about adventures and fun no one will think about Canada first. The Big North is better known for its calm way of life and great health insurance. Yes, they have amazing nature and unparalleled wilderness. All of that is great. But, how about some of its city centers? Vancouver certainly fits the bill. It is as large and urban as any of the American top cities. So, if you’re up for a visit to this amazing place, what should you do and try out?
That’s a great question. The answer will be discussed at length in the article below. While a classic urban area Vancouver offers plenty for visitors to enjoy. It can be seen as one of the best Canadian cities for adventures. One of the things that we would like to mention straight away is the Helicopter Ride Vancouver. If you are a fan of high skies and flying this should be the first thing you’ll do in this part of Canada. If we have your attention, please, keep on reading as we unravel all the adventures Vancouver has to offer to its visitors. Let’s start.
Helicopter Overview of The City
Most people claim that the city is best seen through its streets on foot. But, we tend to disagree. The best way to see a location is from the sky. The bird’s view will provide you with an experience you never had before. If you’re not afraid of flying you should see Vancouver from up above. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Canada and there’s no arguing it. Once up in the air, you will be able to enjoy the likes of Rogers Arena, the city Skyline, North Shore Mountains, of course, its biggest building the Living Shangri-La, and the famed Paradox Hotel. The experience of flying will be a great adventure on its own if you never tried it out before. Of course, it is possible to fly out of the city and see it from afar while enjoying the amazing landscape that the Vancouver surroundings have to offer.
Visit Stanley Park
Once you’re again on the ground your first stop should be Stanley Park. It is one of the best places in the city where you can spend the entire day with family and friends. Even if you’re on your own you can meet a lot of people here and make new friendships. It is easy to find as it is one of the biggest green surfaces in Vancouver and it lies down in the Vancouver Harbor. As you’ll see in the photos it offers an amazing view of the city skyline. It can be explored both on foot and by bike and we recommend both options. The best part is that the famed Vancouver Aquarium is located in it, so you can satisfy that part of your nature too. Even the best of adventurers won’t get bored of this park as it offers more than 30 miles of hiking trails. It is ideal for both the grownups and the kids. An ideal place in Vancouver to see and make it an adventure.
Sea to Sky Gondola
There are many ways to explore this great city, and taking the sea-to-sky route should be topping any list. If you like to explore cities in the most extreme ways this should be on your bucket list. We are talking about an activity that will most likely take up one of your days in Vancouver. It is worth it. The end destination of this gondola ride is the ski resort called Whistler Village. Between the starting point and the end destination, you will be able to enjoy the natural wonders of Shannon Falls. Also, it is worth mentioning that the gondola will stop at Habrich Ridge, where you’ll be able to soak in both the architectural wonders of the city itself but also the mesmerizing surrounding nature.
Granville Island
Not an adventure per se but it might as well be. It is a historic place and a living monument of this city. The marketplace in this area dates back to 1979. That’s a long time. Today, it is filled with numerous bars, coffee shops, and restaurants. An ideal place to have an urban adventure of a lifetime. The best part is that you can approach it by water which offers the best view of the location. It is one of the places in Vancouver where you can experiment with food and try some of the seafood you haven’t tasted before. Once you’re done with shopping, wine, and dining, you can enjoy a kayak ride and see what Vancouver looks like when seen from the still water.
Whale Watching Tour
Whale watching in a city? Yes, it is possible. That’s what makes Vancouver so special. It has that unique connection to nature. Seeing whales so close to the shore is a once in a lifetime opportunity and you mustn’t miss it. The best part is that we’re not talking only about one type of whale. If you’re lucky enough you’ll see not only gray whales but also the humpbacks and the meanest one, orca. In addition, the maritime life in this area is rich enough that you’ll probably witness a few porpoises and seals.
Gastown
You can’t visit Vancouver without spending some time in Gastown. After all, we are talking about the historic part of the city. It is one of the oldest neighborhoods not only in Vancouver but in Canada too. The best way to fully enjoy it is by going there on foot. This is how you can soak in the ages, see what you like, dine at its finest restaurants, and of course simply stroll through it. The best route to take is to leave this as the last part of your Vancouver adventure. The reason is simple. After walking, eating, and drinking, you can enjoy shopping in one of the many prestigious stores in this neighborhood. Once the day is at its end you can walk back to the hotel with your arms full of designer clothes.
