The Adventure Group
Experience the adrenaline rush of some of the world’s best ziplines, whitewater rafting, off-roading tours, biking and jet-boating with The Adventure Group in Whistler. A collection of activities is offered no matter the season. In the winter, try snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and even winter ziplining.
From downtown Vancouver: 1 hour 45 minutes
Address: 211-4293 Mountain Square in Whistler
| Photo by Nancy Ponting |
Prince of Whales Whale Watching Vancouver
Observe the diverse wildlife on the West Coast by going whale watching. Tours leave from Granville Island and can be three to seven hours long. Take a break from the city and explore B.C.’s abundant marine life.
From downtown: 14 minutes
Address: 1516 Duranleau Street
Ever thought of biking on the water? BC water bikes is a one-of-a-kind activity where you can pedal your way to False Creek, English Bay and Kitsilano, and enjoy breathtaking views right on the water.
From downtown: 13 minutes
Address: 1661 Whyte Avenue (next to Canadian Coast Guard station)
Zip above Grouse Mountain and take in the jaw-dropping views of the city and ocean with this thrilling experience. This dual-line, five-line circuit is close to Vancouver with daily tours starting from 10 a.m., departing every 20-30 minutes.
From downtown: 27 minutes
Address: 6400 Nancy Greene Way in North Vancouver
| Photo by Alexandra Vucko |
B.C.’s most popular suspension bridge is in North Vancouver. The 450-foot crossing takes you over the Capilano River to more attractions and activities in the forest on the other side. Feeling even braver? Try the Cliffwalk, a set of cantilevered and suspended walkways jutting out from the cliff, something with only glass separating you from the coursing river below. For a series of seven suspension bridges, check out the Tree Tops Adventure and walk from one trunk to another. There’s also a free shuttle from downtown.
From downtown: 22 minutes
Address: 3735 Capilano Road in North Vancouver
Want more places to walk among gaints? The botanical garden at the University of British Columbia offers a 310 metre-long treetop canopy walkway. Wander as if in mid-air among the ancient Douglas firs, cedars and grand firs. Explore on your own or take a guided tour. The Greenheart TreeWalk operates April 1 – Oct. 31.
From downtown: 27 minutes
Address: 6804 SW Marine Drive
This is no typical boat tour. Get aboard a 50-foot pirate ship armed with 12 cannons for this interactive theatre cruise. Sail around False Creek and English Bay to search for sunken treasure, hear tall tails, and watch sword fights.
From downtown: 15 minutes
Address: 1820 Mast Tower Lane
| Photo by Ronald Coutts |
If you’re looking to paddle around False Creek, check out the rentals at Ecomarine Paddlesport Centres. They offer paddle-boating experiences for all levels, including tours and lessons.
From downtown: 13 minutes
Address: 1668 Duranleau Street on Granville Island
| Photo by Greg Leong |
Get to the edge of your seat in Canada’s oldest roller coaster, the Wooden Roller Coaster, at Playland, an amusement park at the same site as the Pacific National Exhibition. Other local favourites are the Hellevator, the Pirate Ship, the Flume, and the pendulum ride, The Beast.
From downtown: 18 minutes
Address: 2901 East Hastings Street
Take a leap over the city by tandem paragliding at Grouse Mountain. Launch from the mountain’s peak, stay aloft for 10-20 minutes, experiencing an elevation drop of 3,300 feet, and land in Cleveland Park.
From downtown: 22 minutes
Address: 6400 Nancy Greene Way in North Vancouver
Mountain biking on the North Shore
The North Shore is the real deal for mountain biking, with its variety of biking trails for beginners to experts. Check out Mount Seymour, Grouse Mountain or Cypress Mountain.
Nestled among cliffs, old-growth forest and Black Tusk mountaing, jump from a 50-metre bridge over the glacial-fed Cheakamus River.
From downtown Vancouver: 1 hour 30 min
Address: Calcheak Forest Service Road in Whistler
baneet.braich@bpdigital.ca
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Where to go in Vancouver’s Gastown