This outdoor saltwater pool is the only of its kind in the great city of Vancouver. Situated in the Kitsilano neighborhood, locals and visitors alike flock to the beachside summer retreat to cool off. The giant pool features three water slides and is available for birthday parties and other such events. With cafes, restaurants and shops nearby, it's a popular summer destination.

This popular beach is close to everything: cafes, bars, an indoor pool, the vibrant West End and all of downtown. Just blocks away from the daily grind of business, this sandy strip attracts sun-worshipers each sunny day. It is located along the Seawall, so take a picturesque stroll after enjoying the rays. Home of the January Polar Bear Swim and the popular Symphony of Fire fireworks display. Concession stands, changing rooms and showers are available.

Corraled by the English Bay on one side and the Vancouver Harbour on the other, this stunning stretch of land was declared the city's first public park in 1886. Unlike most city parks, Stanley Park was not laid-out by a landscape architect, but instead, grew organically over the years. The rainforest forms the core of Stanley Park, with trees towering to a height of 76 meters (249 feet) and close to 100 years old, while the seawall hems the park's waterfront. Scattered throughout are monuments, landmarks and public art, as well as gardens with vivid floral displays and totem poles; a tapestry of varied habitats teeming with native wildlife that is held together by a network of trails. The park is also home to attractions like a miniature railway, the Malkin Bowl and the Vancouver Aquarium.

This is a large and long sandy stretch with views of the mountains and downtown. It's a great place to take the family for a summertime barbecue or picnic. Located right near the Jericho Youth Hostel, this place is popular but never too crowded. A known spot for sailing, windsurfing and sea kayaking, it offers plenty to do. Find concession stands, change rooms and showers. This is also the site of the annual Vancouver Folk Festival.

Possibly the city's least crowded beach, this is a great place to go to appreciate the sea's wonder in peace and quiet. This is a long stretch of clean and sandy waterfront in West Point Grey. It is family-friendly and home to summertime events like a sandcastle competition in late July, beach soccer competition mid August and the Jewish Worldbeat Festival in late August. There are concession stands, changing rooms, showers and grassy areas. Skimmers alert: this is the perfect place for skim boarding once you learn the optimal tidal conditions. Great for swimming and other adventurous water sports such as windsurfing. Lifeguards are assigned for the safety of the visitors and parking is free.

This 5,668-hectare (14,005.9-acre) area of dense and gorgeous temperate rain forest lies right outside downtown's northern perimeter. Hike, bike, picnic, or tour this magnificent and accessible reserve for an entire day. Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve is made up of thick forest, alpine meadows, river flood plains, a lake, and a dam, which is used for research, education, demonstration and as a water reserve. Take the kids on an educational walk, or grab a bottle of wine and some food and take your partner for a romantic date in the woods.

Take an easy ride by public transit or car to the quaint village of Deep Cove in North Vancouver. The area was first inhabited by the Squamish Salish nation, who settled in the area thousands of years ago. In the 1800s, the English and Spanish used the area as a fishing village and whaling cove. Although it's only 20 minutes from downtown, visitors to Deep Cove will feel as though they have left the hustle and bustle of city life far behind them. Surrounded by mountains and overlooking a tranquil cove, the town is a spectacular setting in which to spend a day. Visitors can enjoy a myriad of activities, including kayaking, hiking, biking, shopping, sampling the offerings of great restaurants, or just relaxing at one of the town's outdoor coffee shops.

Met uitzicht op de bewegende oceaan en het eiland, is dit park een paradijs voor de fotograaf. Neem een picknickmand mee, spreid een deken uit en geniet van de frisse lucht. De kalme wateren van het gebied maken het een populaire plek voor scubaduikers. Het keienstrand is geweldig voor strandjutters en er zijn afgelegen plekken onder de rotswanden voor picknicks. Er zijn diverse korte, veel gebruikte paden die leiden naar de uitzichtpunten op de rotsen met uitzicht op de Straat van Georgia. Zomerweekends zijn de drukste. Het park is gemakkelijk bereikbaar met de bus van het openbaar vervoer vanuit Downtown.