When summer shines on Vancouver, the city becomes an outdoor playground. With the ocean on one side and mountains on the other, it’s a rare place where you can paddleboard at sunrise and hike a mountain trail by lunch. From calm coves to breezy bays and breathtaking viewpoints, the city invites you to dive in—literally and figuratively.
Whether you’re chasing calm or conquering peaks, Stay Vancouver Hotels is your home base for the ultimate outdoor getaway.
PADDLE, SAIL, OR FLOAT YOUR WAY THROUGH THE CITY
Kayaking
Slip into the water and see the city from a whole new angle.
Top paddling spots include:
- False Creek for city skyline views
- Deep Cove for forested serenity
- English Bay for sunsets on the move
Rentals and guided tours make it easy, even for first-timers.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
For something slower and more serene, paddleboarding offers balance and beauty. Try Jericho Beach or Spanish Banks for calm waters and long horizons. It’s the ultimate float-and-reflect activity—and a sneaky full-body workout.
Sailing
Feeling breezy? Charter a sailboat or hop on a group tour from Granville Island, Coal Harbour, or Jericho Sailing Centre. Wind in your hair, sea spray on your face, and the city fading behind you—this is West Coast living at its finest.
HIKING: TRAILBLAZING WITH A VIEW
Sometimes the best water activity… is seeing it from above.
Prefer your views with a little sweat? Thanks to the surrounding mountains, Vancouver’s hiking scene delivers in spades—whether you’re craving a casual forest wander or a quad-burning summit climb. With trails that begin just minutes from downtown, you don’t have to leave the city to lose yourself in nature. Lace up and get ready for towering trees, ocean air, and some truly Instagram-worthy vistas.
Lighthouse Park – Forest Meets Coastline
Located in West Vancouver, this coastal gem is perfect for a relaxed stroll beneath old-growth Douglas firs and red cedars. The trails here are more meander than march, leading to rocky outcrops with postcard views of Burrard Inlet, downtown Vancouver, and the historic Point Atkinson Lighthouse. Great for families or solo wanderers looking for some fresh air without the climb.
Quarry Rock – A Quick Escape with a Big Reward
Start from the charming village of Deep Cove and make your way through a shaded trail of mossy evergreens and wooden stairs. It’s a manageable hike (about 45 minutes one way), and the payoff is a sweeping view over Indian Arm and the surrounding mountains. Bonus: celebrate post-hike with a honey-dipped donut from Honey’s, a local legend.
Grouse Grind – The “Stairmaster” of the North
Not for the faint of quads, this infamous 2.5-km climb up Grouse Mountain is a rite of passage for fitness fanatics and brave visitors. You’ll tackle 2,830 stairs straight up—no joke—but the panoramic view at the top (plus a cold drink) makes it worth every step. Take the new Blue Grouse gondola for a breezy return.
Whether you’re in for a quick forest fix or an all-day adventure, Vancouver’s trail network lets you choose your own level of wild. And with most trailheads reachable within 30 minutes of downtown, nature isn’t just close—it’s basically on your doorstep.
Where to Stay
Whether you’re here to conquer nature or commune with it, Stay Vancouver Hotels has the perfect post-adventure haven. Soak your sore muscles in spa-style bathrooms, wake up with harbor views, and enjoy exclusive rewards when you book direct. From salt spray to summit views, your Vancouver adventure starts with a great night’s sleep. Stay close. Stay energized. Stay unforgettable. Learn more.