There are so many things I still want to do and see around Vancouver. My adventure wishlist involves both winter and summer activities, which I will obviously have to wait a few months to tick off. I will continue to check back in and cross off each item I complete — and I will hopefully link to an accompanying blog post!
Remember, if there is something missing from my list, put your suggestions in the comments below.
Mount Seymour
♦ Tubing on Cypress Mountain. I went tubing on Mount Seymour and it was a lot of fun, so I would love to experience the same activity on a different mountain. Cypress is also the last out of three main mountains around Vancouver I need to visit.
♦ The Sunshine Coast. I didn’t actually realise the Sunshine Coast was only a 40 minute ferry ride from West Vancouver, until I did some research for this post. This would be a great place to check out in spring, for a day of walking along the beach and exploring the region’s coastal towns.
♦ Vancouver Island. I am putting the whole island on here because I want to visit both Tofino and Victoria. So I might as well do it all at once, right? I think this is also a good trip to take before the summer season.
♦ Burnaby Mountain Park. I have lived a bus ride from this park both times I have lived in Vancouver. But I am yet to visit. It is on the list, so it must now be crossed off.
Read More: 10 Vancouver Day Trips
Vernon, British Columbia
♦ Winter in the Okanagan. This is definitely classified as “beyond Vancouver,” but it is an adventure that has to go on the list. I have seen the Okanagan in fall and it was a lot of fun. But my friend says winter there is beautiful as well, so I am going to aim to visit her sometime before the snow melts. She also recommends snowshoeing. I’ll try anything once, although I am sure this is a #Halesfails moment waiting to happen.
♦ Buntzen Lake. I just found this lake on a website, and it looks like a cool place to spend a summer’s day. It also isn’t too far from Vancouver, which is an obvious bonus.
♦ Salt Spring Island. There are many Gulf islands between mainland BC and Vancouver Island, but Salt Spring Island is definitely the most popular. I feel like I might as well start at the top, right? I would love to visit on a summer Saturday, as that is when the local markets happen. It seems like that is the day the island comes alive, so I am sold.
♦ Harrison Hot Springs. It is just one of those places I want to see for myself as I have heard it mentioned repeatedly as a great day trip from Vancouver.
Deep Cove
♦ Kayaking at Deep Cove. I have visited Deep Cove before in the summer. However, I want to return and not only go for a hike, but do some kayaking around the cove too. Another activity to do in spring before the vacationers visit in summer.
♦ Golden Ears Provincial Park. I just read about this park as well, which isn’t too far from Vancouver. I think this is a summer adventure.
♦ Whytecliff Park and Lighthouse Park. I honestly didn’t even know these two West Vancouver parks existed during my first working holiday in Vancouver. But I have recently seen so many photos captured at these two locations that make me want to visit them NOW for sunset.
♦ White Rock. After my brief visit last week, I want to head back in spring or summer when everything is open and the sun is shining. It is the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon.
A blurry but happy me on Grouse
♦ Christmas on Grouse Mountain. When I visited last time, it was a total clichéd winter wonderland, and I loved every second of it. I really want to return and take more photos and see Santa again. Because I am a big kid at heart.
Beyond in Washington
♦ Leavenworth. Labelled “a little Bavaria,” this Washington State town is definitely a must-visit, purely for the photo opportunities. It also hosts an amazing German Christmas Market AND Oktoberfest celebrations.
♦ Diablo Lake. I blame Gal Meets Glam for bringing this beauty to my attention. But seriously, after seeing her photos, how could I not add a visit to this lake to my adventure bucket list?
I am sure I will continue to add to my list over my months in Vancouver, but this is definitely a good start.
Tell me, am I missing your secret Vancouver adventure spot?
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