Don’t get us wrong, we love a casual beach day and picnic at the park. But nothing gets the summer season going in BC like ziplining through Whistler or diving head-first into Lions Bay. Of course, caution is paramount with extreme sports & activities – but a little risk-taking never hurt anyone! Just don’t have a heavy meal beforehand.
Get your blood pumping this summer with some scenic, out-of-the-box activities that will make you forget all about what’s on Netflix. We do live in beautiful British Columbia, after all!
Without further ado, here are 9 of the best extreme sports and thrill-seeking adventures you can go on in and around Vancouver this summer. Let’s dive right in, shall we?
Skydiving
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Whether you’re a pro or going tandem for your first skydive, there is no better backdrop than the gorgeous greenery and mountains in Whistler. We know taking that initial leap of faith doesn’t always come easy – but the adrenaline payoff is so worth it! 2022 is the year we cross this off the bucket list.
If you want to try out skydiving a little closer to home, check out Skydive Vancouver in Abbotsford!
Bungee Jumping
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Since you’re already walking on the edge of the wild side, might as well close your eyes and jump! With a cord attached, of course. With cliffside views, old-growth forest, and 50 metre high views of Cheakamus River Canyon, you’ll definitely want to keep your eyes open for the journey.
Ziplining
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Grouse Mountain offers unparalleled city + nature views, it’s true. Lucky for Vancouverites, they also offer two-hour ziplining adventures all year long, so buckle up and get ready to zip through the peaks of Grouse and Dam Mountains at a speedy 80 km/hour!
If Whistler is more your jam, Ziptrek has your back. The summer season is soon upon us, and it’s the 20th anniversary of Ziptreck’s operations. Time to celebrate with a little high-speed ziplining!
Cliff jumping
B.C. is home to some of the most stunning waterfalls and cliffs in the country. Whether you go with The Circuit at Lynn Canyon (perfect for beginners), jump into Lions Bay at sunset, or take the plunge into Deep Cove – you’re sure to have a blast.
Before you dive, be sure to drop a stone into the water to see where it lands. You’ll want to start cliff jumping from a lower altitude and work your way to higher altitudes – if you feel like raising the stakes. Be sure to go with experienced cliff divers if this is your first time!
Check out some of these popular and lesser-known spots for cliff diving:
- Whytecliff Park – near Horseshoe Bay
- Green Lake
- Capilano Granny’s Cove
- Brohm Lake
- Lighthouse Park (up to a 60 feet/18.2-meter drop!)
Scuba Diving
Come rain or shine, scuba diving is the perfect activity in any kind of weather. In case you’re wondering, water temperatures in BC range from 9 to 15C in the summer – totally doable with a solid wetsuit.
In addition to diving activities and courses at the International Diving Centre on Arbutus and Rowand’s Reef, here are some stunning local dive spots and marine-protected sanctuaries to check out:
- Whytecliff Park and Lookout Point
- Porteau Cove and The Nakaya
- Ansel Point – Howe Sound
- Caulfield Cove – North Shore
If you’re lucky, you might just be able to catch a free scuba diving experience with Tofino-based photographer Jeremy Koreski (@jeremykoreski on Instagram) around the Nimmo Bay Resort and Queen Charlotte Strait.
Surfing and Skimboarding
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Catch a couple of waves on Vancouver Island for the real west coast experience. Although Tofino is a popular choice, there are also surfing options around Jordan River, Raft Cove, and Nootka Island that are definitely worth exploring. Put on your wetsuit and enjoy BC’s cool, clear waters this summer – it’s going to be an extra hot one!
Those who go north to Haida Gwaii or Sombrio Beach are rewarded with wilderness surfing experiences – accompanied by stretches of pristine beaches, practically untouched by tourists.
Mountain Biking
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From the technical terrain on the North Shore, to the more flowy trails in Pemberton, Fraser Valley, and the Sunshine Coast – BC has it all when it comes to mountain biking.
Explore a variety of terrain via both cross-country and rapid downhill trails. Just minutes from the Horseshoe Bay ferry is a great spot for all levels of riders at Sprockids Park. Another solid option if you like fast and fun tracks is the B&K network in Roberts Creek.
Many trails are shuttle accessible, which is definitely an awesome bonus.
Rock Climbing
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If you’ve spent any time at all at a rock climbing gym, you’ve likely gotten a taste of why the sport is so popular in BC. If not, you’ll definitely want to get at least a few gym sessions in before attempting some outdoor climbs!
Bouldering in Riley Park is a great option for beginners or those looking to ease into outdoor climbing. If you’re ready for more adventure – Lighthouse Park has 12+ routes and three different crags (climbing spots) with difficulty ranging from Grades 5.6 to 5.11.
The crown jewel of rock climbing, however, lies in Squamish. With over 1,200 routes, there is no other place in the country that can boast as much variety or accessibility. From easy top rope routes at Smoke Bluffs to all-day expeditions up the Grand Wall of the Stawamus Chief – there’s definitely something for everyone.
Whitewater Rafting
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Some of the best rafting experiences in North America are right at our proverbial doorstep. From exploring heart-pounding rapids in Chilliwack to going on a family-friendly Scenic Twilight Float or the Cheakamus Splash, there’s something for every comfort level.
Our advice? If you’re looking for something extra thrilling (and you don’t mind getting soaked), riverside rafting at Wells Gray Park down Clearwater River is a local fave.
Well, that’s all for now, Vancouver! We know the weather is back to rainy this week, but summer will be here before you know it!
