For the third year in a row now, British Colombia Vancouver ranked in the top 10 most livable cities in the world in the EIU Global Liveability Index 2024. Vancouver and Calgary are now the only Canadian cities to be included in the list by the Economic Intelligence Unit, the research and analysis division of the Economist Group. (Toronto used to be in the top 10 but is now in no. 12.)
Vancouver received a livability index score of 96.6 and is tied with Sydney in rank 7. Rain City received 100 score in the healthcare and education subindex, 97.2 in culture and environment, 95 for stability, and 92.9 for infrastructure.
While all of these are major draws for people to live in the city, it is undeniable that Vancouver shines in the area of culture and environment. Specifically, the city’s natural beauty is astounding, and for many, it is the best thing about Vancouver.
“Vancouver’s unique and gorgeous combination of mountains and ocean makes it irresistible,” resident Samantha Falk told the BBC. “Even after 20 years living in Vancouver, the city still takes my breath away.”
Below are some of the best places where you can appreciate the natural beauty of Vancouver.
Stanley Park
An oasis in the urban center that is Vancouver, Stanley Park is the city’s first and largest park. Drawing about 8 million visitors annually, the park is a popular tourist attraction of the city.
It covers 400 hectares (1,000 acres) of densely forested land. Roughly 500,000 fir, cedar and hemlock trees stand tall in Stanley Park.
While soaking in the greenery and tall, majestic trees of the park might take a big chunk of your time, that’s not all that there is to do here. Stanley Park features a water park, trails, an aquarium, beaches, and a miniature railway, among other things.
Trails. Stanley Park features 25 km (15.5 miles) of trails. Beaver Lake Trail is popular, especially for animal lovers who want to catch a glimpse of the family of beavers that live in a large den there. Other trails you can hike through include Rawlings Trail and Siwash Rock Trail.
Stanley Park Train. Hop on and enjoy the view from the vintage 20-gauge locomotive as it winds through 2-km (1.2-mile) track through the forest.
Vancouver Aquarium. Canada’s largest aquarium hosts more than 65,000 animals, including rescued sea lions and sea otters, and 120 indoor and outdoor exhibits.
Totem poles. Stanley Park is home to First Nations art and totem poles. You’ll find all nine of them at Brockton Point after catching sight of one of three carved, red cedar portals.
Malkin Bowl. Located opposite Stanley Park Pavilion, Malkin Bowl is an outdoor stage, where many Canadian musicians have performed.
Seawall. Stanley Park’s portion of the Seawall stretches about 9 to 10 km (5.5 to 6.2 miles). It’s roughly a third of the entire length of the Seawall, but it is most popular with locals and tourists alike. More on the Seawall below.
The Seawall
The Seawall wraps around Vancouver’s waterfront for about 28 km (17.5 miles). It starts at the Vancouver Convention Centre, through Stanley Park, and stretches all the way to Spanish Banks.
It’s mostly flat, so people of all ages should have an easy time walking, biking, or rollerblading through it. The Seawall is also popular for the views of the water, the forest and the mountains.
Depending on your gait and how fast you walk, it could take some three hours to hike through the entire Seawall. But, the Seawall is not meant to be traversed on non-stop. The best way to enjoy an hour or day out on the Seawall is to make a few pit stops here and there.
Stop to sit on a bench and soak in the views or breathe in some fresh air. Or, pause to chow on some food in one of the restaurants or cafes. How about a quick dip in the sea? There are also plenty of beaches around the Seawall in Vancouver British Colombia.
Grouse Mountain
Located just 15 minutes away from downtown Vancouver is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Grouse Mountain stands at 1,250 m (4,100 ft) and offers outdoor fun in all seasons.
Grouse Grind is a challenging trail that is best to trek during the warmer months. The 2.9-km (1.8-mile) trail is not for everyone as it runs up the mountain. But, the climb up nature’s stairmaster will be worth.
“Often referred to as nature’s ‘stairmaster’, the trail will make you feel like throwing up, but the payoff at the top is well worth it,” Falk told the BBC. “Have a coffee or a glass of wine at the mountain-top restaurant and soak in the view – and take the gondola down.”
While winter is for skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and sleigh rides, the Super Skyride, ziplines and wildlife refuge are available year-round. The Super Skyride is what you ride to the top of Grouse Mountain when taking on the Grouse Grind trail is too much to even think about. It takes just 8 minutes! Meanwhile, the wildlife refuge includes a 2-hectare (5-acre) mountaintop habitat where two orphaned grizzly bears reside.
Sea to Sky Gondola
The Sea to Sky Gondola features a 10-minute ride that takes you on a breath-taking view of the ocean and mountain. The gondola hangs 885 m (2,903.53 ft) above sea level over Howe Sound. The destination: Summit Lodge.
Covering 836 m (9,000 sq. ft.), the Summit Lodge includes a viewing platform, a gift shop and two restaurants. There’s also a suspension bridge and trails for hiking or biking. You can even do some rock climbing.
Hiking trails vary from the challenging to the easy. The latter include two relatively flat walking trails, Spirit Trail and Panorama Trail, which is very doable for all abilities and ages. Or, join a guided tour.
In the winter, you can go hiking, skiing, snowshoeing and tubing. If you have the training and experience, there’s 1,214 hectares (3,000 acres) of backcountry terrain to explore.