5 Free (or Nearly Free) ways to Get Fit and Explore Vancouver

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The Olympic chaos has died-down and the city is as beautiful as ever. It’s time to get outdoors and enjoy all the great things Vancouver has to offer.

Vancouverites are known for their healthy lifestyles. This isn’t surprising, considering that outdoor Vancouver is like a giant natural playground. Here are five great ways to play outside. You’ll still pay the price (post-grind burning glutes!), but the activities are free.

1. The Grouse Grind

The Grouse Grind is a right of passage for Vancouverites and visitors alike. Lovingly (and begrudgingly!) referred to by locals as “Mother Nature’s Stair Master”, this challenging 2.9km hike up the face of Grouse Mountain finishing 1127 meters above sea level.

If you’re in reasonably good shape, and haven’t done the hike before, leave yourself a generous 2 hours to complete it. If you’re aiming for a personal best, the Grind Timer Program will clock your hike, and register your results.

You’ll see everything from record seekers, to babies in backpacks, whole families struggling together, and fierce competition among friends. You can hike back down, but it’s not recommended. Instead, splurge on the $5 gondola ticket and bask in your accomplishment.

2. Mountain Biking on The North Shore

The season opened March 26, and the North Shore Mountain Bike Association kicked it off with a party. Optional membership in the NSMBA supports trail construction, maintenance and gains you access to some of this country’s best trails.

Trail maps are available through local bike shops. Many shops also offer free guided rides. Connecting with a group of local riders is easy in a place where everyone is keep to explore and excited to share the experience.

3. Beach Volleyball

Jericho Beach is home to Vancouver’s great Beach Volleyball leagues. If you just can’t commit to joining a league, that doesn’t mean the fun of beach volleyball is lost on you. It’s a fun, social game, but it’s also a phenomenal workout. Make it part of your beach day, by Heading down with some friends (or recruit teammates there) and have an impromptu game. Vancouver beaches aren’t quite ready to serve up that hot sand and warm wind, but Summer weather is on the horizon and when it arrives, make time for a game of beach volleyball.

4. Yoga And Tai-Chi in The Park

Rushing out the door in the morning, hitting the drive-thru for a late and scrambling for parking, you notice a group of people practicing yoga in the park. What a way to start the day! Why not join them.

Sometimes these are registered classes, other times, just a meetup group gathering for some morning renewal.  Free classes pop up here and there over the summer, enough that you could hit a new park or beach each week. If you learn of one, send us a note, and as we get the tips we’ll pass them onto you.

If you want to try something new, consider Tai-Chi. This ancient practice challenges both the body and mind. Vancouver is full of Tai-Chi groups, drop in and join one of them.

5. Go Play Outside

Head out your door and take on the day. It’s easy to be active in Vancouver because there are so many great places to go. Take an inspiring walk around Stanley Park, rollerblade the seawall, explore Granville Island, and take it all in. Sure, springtime often comes with rain, but why not go for a run in it? Start a spontaneous game of street hockey (the neighbours will join—I promise!).

This is your city. Go out and enjoy it. 

- Francesca Clarke -