5 Active Summer Adventures in Vancouver

By Claudia Laroye | Published August 2nd, 2026
Photos by Claudia Laroye unless otherwise noted

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Is there a better city in Canada than Vancouver in summer? 

As a resident, I’m terribly biased in sharing my opinion that Vancity is tops. When the sun stays out past 9 PM and the city is abuzz with locals and travellers enjoying its sights and sounds, Vancouver positively basks in laidback leisure and good vibes. Here are five ways you can get active and enjoy all that sweet summertime brightness in Vancouver.

Go kayaking in False Creek

Kayaking in and around Vancouver is next level beautiful. Credit Destination British Columbia.

Gain a new perspective of the city from the vantage point of a rented sea kayak from a local provider like Vancouver Water Adventures on Granville Island or Creekside Kayaks near Science World. False Creek is an active but mostly calm and scenic place to maneuver a one or two-person kayak for a few hours. Or plan for a longer day trip paddling out to admire Stanley Park or for a closer view of (really) large container ships docked in English Bay. Keep an eye out for marine wildlife like bald eagles, seals, sea lions and even whales, if you’re extra lucky!

Cycle around Stanley Park

The writer enjoys a zippy e-Bike trip around Stanley Park.

Vancouver’s green heart is one of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in the world. Stanley Park sits at the northwestern tip of Vancouver’s peninsula, and the best way for Modern Travellers to experience the park is on two wheels. There is no shortage of bike and e-bike rental shops in Coal Harbour or the West End neighbourhoods of downtown Vancouver. 

Pick your pedal poison for the 10 km loop along the urban oasis’ paved Seawall, always moving in a counterclockwise direction. Stop frequently to enjoy views of downtown, float plane landings, the north shore mountains, Lions Gate Bridge and English Bay. Lock up your wheeled chariot to wander along forested paths or take a fabulous guided Indigenous interpretive walking tour of the park with Talasay Tours. 

Hike the Grouse Grind

Nature's stair-master is the 2,830 steps of the Grouse Grind Credit Destination British Columbia.

Nature’s Stairmaster, aka the Grouse Grind, is a legendary and grueling hike up Grouse Mountain in North Vancouver. You’ll more than exceed your daily step count while ascending 800 metres (2,600+ feet) along 2, 830 wooden steps through a dense forest to the end point at the Peak of Vancouver’s Skyride Gondola. Fast hikers can do this climb in under 60 minutes, while the rest of us will be happy with a huff-and-puff finish in under 2-3 hours. 

An important note that this hike is one way only, and that way is straight up. Getting down is via a paid ticket on Grouse’s Skyride gondola, or walking down the three km BCMC trail, located just east of the Grind. Looking for a less strenuous trail? Try the Quarry Rock Hike in Deep Cove or Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge loop in North Vancouver.

Walk around Granville Island to Kits Beach

Goodies galore in Granville Island's Public Market. Credit Claudia Laroye.

The arts, culinary and cultural mecca that is Granville Island constantly tops traveller visitation lists in Vancouver, for good reason. I recommend starting with exploring the Island’s Public Market green grocers, bakeries and delis, and sampling a honey dip from Lee’s Donuts. Grab picnic supplies (bread from Terra, meats and cheeses from Oyama) to bring along as you walk west for 2 kilometres along the False Creek oceanfront pathway towards Vanier Park and Kits Beach. 

This popular sandy strip is the site of myriad beach volleyball games, pick-up basketball and secluded seating areas with large log windbreaks. Vancouver’s beaches are an important part of the city’s allure, and Kits Beach is one of the best places to enjoy a summer sunset. You can continue your exploration by walking five kilometres west towards Jericho, Locarno and Spanish Banks beaches, all of which are ideal for families and complete with grassy areas, shallow waters and a very low tide. 

See the sunrise on Dog Mountain

Dog Mountain Views are worth the hike in Mount Seymour Provincial Park Credit Claudia Laroye.

Mount Seymour Provincial Park is home to a popular ski hill in winter, but in summer, the meadows and hiking trails are busy with local hikers. Dog Mountain has been one of my favourite hiking spots for years, and yes, the 5 km out and back trail is on-leash dog friendly, too. The views from Dog Mountain are endless on a clear day, making this short and easy hike very popular. If you’re willing to get up before the dawn and get yourself on trail in time to catch the summer sunrise (note: that’s around 5 AM in July), your efforts will be well-rewarded. Be sure to pack a thermos of coffee or tea and a breakfast picnic (or last night’s chicken wings, Jay?) to celebrate the best way you’ve chosen to start the day!