Top British Columbia Nature Parks

Immerse yourself in nature’s splendor moments from downtown Vancouver. History meets the great outdoors at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, where you wander through the stunning temperate rain forest. Soar over the Capilano River as you cross the suspension bridge, climb and rise high above the canyon along a towering wall of granite on the new Cliffwalk.

Escape to the picturesque alpine landscape just outside Vancouver with this admission to Grouse Mountain, a cultural and outdoor park that's perfect for the whole family. In summer, see wildlife like bears and owls, enjoy outdoor shows like our Lumberjack show and Birds in Motion, and enjoy fabulous views of the forest and Vancouver. In winter, enjoy adventures including the stunning Light Walk, Sliding Zone, outdoor skating pond, or give snowshoeing a try on an array of trails. Skates, sleds and snowshoes are available for rent (additional cost). Grouse Mountain transforms into Vancouver's North Pole from November 20 to January 3 - see real live reindeer, stroll through the magical Light Walk and enjoy the festive décor.

Feel like you’ve stepped back in time to vintage Victoria with a 1-hour tour through the city’s most splendid neighborhoods aboard a horse-drawn carriage. Beginning at the illustrious Empress hotel, admire sailing ships in the Inner Harbor and trot through the leafy gardens and lawns of Beacon Hill Park. Pass stately Victorian mansions and other local landmarks like the Trans-Canada Highway Mile 0 marker, and take in fantastic views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca during the stylish ride. 

Spend some time learning about British Columbia’s animals at this wildlife rehabilitation center and CAZA accredited facility. Conservation and education are the main goals of the park, where you can see over 200 animals in expansive habitats. It is a perfect place for a family visit, with plenty of activities to keep all ages engaged and interested.

One look at the Malahat SkyWalk’s sweeping views and visitors are instantly in awe. The striking 10-story spiral tower brings guests 250 m above sea level to take in 360-degree sightlines of islands, fjords, forests and mountains. Leading to the tower, the 600 m elevated walkway places guests among the soaring treetops of the west coast’s Arbutus and Douglas Firs. And thrillseekers can traverse the net at the top of the SkyWalk and fly down the “Insta-famous” spiral slide within the tower. Local hot and cold bevvies and snacks from the Café can be enjoyed in a number of picturesque seating spaces. Located just 35 minutes from Victoria, this classic Island experience can be enjoyed by all ages and is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Explore the tropical gardens of the Bloedel Conservatory in Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Park. Wander through a tropical rain forest with free-flying tropical birds and koi fish. The weather inside the conservatory is always lovely. Marvel at the colorful macaws, parrots, finches, and pheasants and engage your senses in the healing garden.

Discover one of Vancouver’s natural wonders by bike on a morning or afternoon tour of Stanley Park. Enjoy a relaxing guided ride through the 1,000-acre (405-hectare) park—the city’s ‘Green Heart.’ Cruise by Third Beach, view First Nations totem poles in Brockton Point, and catch great views of the city skyline, mountains, and local wildlife. Along the way, learn about Vancouver’s rich history as a logging center and the park’s complex ecosystem.

Step into a tropical jungle just outside Victoria. The Victoria Butterfly Gardens is located close to Butchart Gardens and is a great way to extend your garden time. The Butterfly Garden houses approximately 70 species of butterfly, in addition to poison dart frogs, tortoises, large iguanas, flamingos, tropical ducks, free flying tropical birds and more. Don’t miss the creepy crawlies in the Insectarium.

Soak up some of British Columbia’s most dramatic scenery—and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the sights—when you book tickets to the Golden Skybridge. Tickets will entitle you to two suspension bridges that soar 426 feet (130 meters) above the Columbia Valley, a well as multiple viewing platforms, canyon ridge walking trails, and even a treetop Village Play Park. You can also upgrade to take advantage of the on-site zipline and lofty challenge course.