Canada is a nature paradise, but the Edmonton and Vancouver outdoors have some special nature fun to offer. They both come with a beautiful nature backdrop, but how you get to have an adventure in these cities is somewhat different.
Edmonton’s Urban Escape
Edmonton is set amidst nature. The North Saskatchewan River Valley is a beautiful green space that is literally on the city’s doorstep. With more than 160 km of trails, it is incredibly popular for those wanting to hike, bike, and watch wildlife. In the summer, there are tons of festivals and markets to explore. In the winter, it’s the perfect place for ice skating and cross-country skiing.
The Vancouver Outdoors: A City of Boundless Adventure
Visiting Vancouver allows you to experience the city in a whole new outdoor light. This city is all about its views and the mild, year-round climate. Vancouver’s landscape makes it easy to get stuck into an outdoorsy way of life with those harbor, beaches, and mountains at its side.
The city’s Stanley Park takes up more than 1,000 acres and there is much to see. The best way to explore is by using the seawall path while jogging or cycling past the cityscape and out over the Pacific Ocean. For a scenic place take a wander around Granville Island. Vibrant, full of life, and filled with food and shops to keep you occupied for a day, the place is also ideal for kayaking.
Vancouver’s mountain range is a never-ending adventure. Grouse Mountain, just a short drive from the city, is a challenging trail for hiking lovers. This is not for the fainthearted but is worth the effort as those making the climb are rewarded with views of the city and the ocean. The resort is a hive of activity on the ski slopes in winter.
Cultural and Natural Fusion
Where Edmonton excels at its sprawling river valley and lively festivals, Vancouver blends that urban hustle with beautiful natural landscapes. The good weather there means you can adventure in nature all year long, from walking in lush, green rainforests to the calm beauty of the water and even more.
A Tale Of Two Cities
The thing connecting both cities, though, is the beauty of the natural world near town. You see it in Edmonton’s trails by the river and Vancouver’s mountain views, showing off the land both cities call home. Each has its way of inviting you to see the outdoors; whether it’s by relaxing in Edmonton’s quiet parks or the diverse activities you can do near Vancouver.