Canadian cities for people who love the outdoors

The Top 4 Canadian Cities for People Who Love the Outdoors

Vancouver, British Columbia

If you love the outdoors, Vancouver just might be the place for you. Being one of the more temperate cities in Canada, there is something to do outdoors year round in Vancouver. Full disclosure: you may get a little wet (the rain never killed anyone).

In the Winter, locals flock to Grouse Mountain, Mount Seymour, and Cypress Mountain. All three offer good skiing and snowboarding, and are less than an hour from the city. For the more adventurous types, Whistler Blackcomb is only a 115 kilometer drive north, and it offers some of the best slopes in the world. If you move to Vancouver, you’ll be there plenty in the Winter months.

In the summer, there is equal opportunity to explore the outdoors. Vancouver has over 30 kilometers of beaches, each with it’s own unique feel. Ziplining and mountain biking are also very popular in North Vancouver, an area with an abundance of trails to hike. If you love the outdoors, Vancouver will not disappoint.

vancouver

Banff, Alberta

The town of Banff was first settled in the 1880’s, and it is the first city to incorporate within a National Park in Canada. Named in 1884 by the President of the Canadian Pacific Railway, George Stephen chose the name Banff because it reminded him of his birthplace in Banff, Scotland. The National Park should be on everyone’s bucket list, as it features some of the most amazing Sulphur Mountains and hot springs in the world.

When it comes to outdoor activities, it’s hard to beat Banff. In the Winter, locals take advantage of downhill skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sleigh rides and even dog sledding. It’s not uncommon to go ice skating or ice fishing on a frozen lake. The town is also home to many festivals and events – the Ice Magic Festival in January and Winterstart Festival in December are must visits.

fredricton

Fredericton, New Brunswick

This charming city in New Brunswick offers outdoor enthusiasts the chance to explore. The city holds over 88 kilometers of trails that extend to the St. John and Nashwaak Rivers. The trails offer a variety of wilderness and and scenery, satisfying runners, bikers, and walkers alike.

The rivers of Fredericton will definitely be a highlight for lovers of the outdoors. Residents often embark on canoe and kayak excursions, exploring the beauty of the capital city. If kayaking isn’t for you, the city boasts excellent golf courses. Kingswood Golf was recognized by Golf Digest as Canada’s Best New Course in 2003.

dog with a stick

Thunder Bay, Ontario

Outdoor enthusiasts are choosing more and more to start and end their trophy outdoor experience in Thunder Bay. Located on the shore of the world’s largest freshwater lake and nestled among Canada’s boreal forests and Canadian Shield, the city offers a great place to start any outdoor adventure. Whether you want to ride ATVs, go snowmobiling, boating or hunting, Thunder Bay has something for everyone.

The City of Thunder Bay maintains over 100 parks and more than 32 kilometers of recreational trails, which means that there is a lot to explore! The Trowbridge Falls and Chippewa Park camping sites allow locals to take mini-vacations that are just a few kilometers from home. The views of Lake Superior will make you fall in love with Thunder Bay.

Thunder bay