Bikes are an important part of the transportation system in Vancouver. Navigate the numerous cycle paths and bike routes, ranging from easy, flat terrain around Stanley Park to mountain biking on the famous North Shore. You can safely move through the city at your pace and see more than you would on foot or by bus. Vancouver's moderate climate makes it possible to cycle almost year-round. The city does have some steep hills and downtown traffic can be a bit much sometimes. Check out the City of Vancouver’s Bicycle Route Map & Guide to plan your journey. Remember, that British Columbia has a mandatory helmet law. The easiest way to get a bicycle is to sign up for the Mobi Bikes sharing system. Alternatively, you could join a bike tour.

Downtown Vancouver gives you glimpses of the vast waterways, lush forests, and dramatic mountains. Don't resist the urge to go and explore. Start with Vancouver’s Seawall or rush straight to the challenging climbs of Grouse Grind. The Destination Vancouver website provides you with a useful list of hiking ideas like Capilano Canyon, Pacific Spirit Park, Stawamus Chief, and Lighthouse Park. You can also join any of the well-reviewed hiking tours that take care of transportation and meals.

Annecy Castle was the residence of the Counts of Geneva and the Dukes of Genevois-Nemours, andit's also listed as a historic monument by the French Ministry of Culture. Today, its walls contain the Regional Observatory of the Alpine Lakes and the museum of modern art.You can enjoy a great view of both the city and the lake from the terrace.

One of the greenest cities in the world, Vancouver is home to countless bird species. Eagles, herons, snow geese, owls, gulls, jays and sandpipers — you can find them all here. Casual watchers and serious ornithologists will enjoy the abundance of bird life in the region. The temperate rainforest, alpine landscapes and waterways bring you a variety of species like nowhere else in the urbanized world. You will be reaching for binoculars even downtown. Stanley Park, Pacific Spirit Regional Park, George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, the Brackendale community and Boundary Bay are excellent places to see our feathered brethren. Check out the Nature Vancouver webpage for an impressive list of bird-watching spots.