Vancouver Leisure

Vancouver is a very sport-minded city, owing to its energetic populace, the juxtaposition of mountains and sea, and the many green areas in the city and its outskirts.

Spectator sports

Spectator sports are very popular here and facilities are second-to-none, with the Canadian Football League's BC Lions playing regular matches at the 60,000-seat BC Place Stadium; be aware that rules are different to American rules and may be slightly confusing to the uninitiated. Hockey is Canada’s number one spectator sport and the National Hockey League's Vancouver Canucks play at General Motors Place if you fancy catching a game.

On the water

Water sports feature heavily in Vancouver and visitors may partake in the many activities on offer including: sailing, kayaking, windsurfing and fishing. Windsurfing is particularly popular here, where conditions are excellent for most of the year and the backdrop of the city and the mountains is sublime. There are many set-ups on Jericho Beach where visitors can receive lessons and hire equipment per hour or day. There are also numerous spots near the city where tourists can enjoy a day of fishing.

Other sporting activities

Vancouver is also a great golfing destination, with a large collection of courses for amateurs and professionals alike. Most courses offer equipment rentals and lessons, where visitors and non-members can pay an extra fee for the use of the course. If you would simply like to enjoy peace and quiet in Vancouver, there are several quality city parks in and around the city where one can escape the bustle and enjoy nature. Stanley Park is Vancouver’s biggest and best urban park, which is located to the northwest of downtown. 

If you are here in the wintertime, Vancouver is also a base for skiers and snowboarders who travel out to the resorts of Grouse, Seymour and Cypress in the nearby mountains surrounding Vancouver. There are some quality ski schools here and Mount Seymour and Cypress Bowl are particularly known for their cross-country, while night skiing is also available. If you’re not here for the skiing, these areas offer great hiking territory in the summer and the views of the city are simply breathtaking. For the ultimate skiing experience in the region, drive out to Whistler Ski Resort, along Highway 99 to the north of Vancouver. Whistler is world renowned, with very well groomed slopes and fantastic skier facilities.