Vancouver Real Estate News Blog

Vancouver is more than just a great place to live -- it's a fantastic place to stay in shape with mountain and ocean views.

This year’s Vancouver Sun Run is almost here!  The beloved event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, April 21, 2013.  The Vancouver Sun Run is Canada’s largest 10K road race – the 2012 race boasted an impressive 48,904 registered participants. 

The annual event was established in 1985 with the goal of promoting health and encouraging an active lifestyle. 

With this year’s early spring and in the spirit of The Vancouver Sun Run’s mission, now is the ideal time to take full advantage of the countless lively outdoor activities the city of Vancouver has to offer. 

A great way to stay active is to become a frequent visitor of the Stanley Park Seawall.  This scenic trail bordering the water is ideal for casual strollers as well as serious sprinters, and everyone in between.  The Stanley Park Seawall path is also suitable for bike riding, rollerblading, skateboarding and jogging. 

Fitness for Fido, Too

If you want to enjoy sand as well as water, visit one of the many beautiful beaches in Greater Vancouver.  But instead of just lounging around and working on your tan, try incorporating fitness into your next trip to the beach.  For instance, the dog-friendly Spanish Banks is perfect for walking your canine companion, while Jericho Beach is the place to be if you want to compete in a friendly volleyball match.  The beach is also an ideal setting for practicing yoga, so the next time you’re visiting Kitsiliano Beach or English Bay Beach take a minute to break out into an impromptu Downward Dog or Goddess position.

A great weekend activity is to plan a hiking adventure at the North Shore.  Hiking is a fantastic form of exercise because it offers a rigorous workout without the high impact of running, jogging or jumping rope.  And you can’t beat the gorgeous scenery – the trail is surrounded by majestic forests.  Fill up a backpack with bottled water, trail mix, apples and peanut butter sandwiches and make a day of it.  A trip to the North Shore is the perfect family outing. 

Take a Hike

Alternate trails for hiking include those found at Cypress Provincial Park, Pacific Spirit Regional Park, and Lighthouse Park.  Cypress Provincial Park is only open for hiking during the summer and autumn months – during the winter season, this park offers exciting downhill and cross-country skiing.  In addition to hiking, the 35km of trails at Pacific Spirit Regional Park are ideal for mountain biking.  

For less rugged – but equally fun – outdoor activities, visit Queen Elizabeth Park.  This park features designated areas for sports such as tennis, lawn bowling, and pitch-and-putt golf.  And while you are there, stroll through the rose gardens and visit the 100-plus plant species and tropical birds that inhabit the conservatory. 

Sun Run Sign Up

Vancouver’s annual Sun Run is a terrific reminder of the importance of physical activity.  Fortunately, Vancouver is a city offering numerous opportunities for outdoor fitness year-round.  If you haven’t already done so, be sure to register for The Vancouver Sun Run online before April 16, 2013.  You can also register by mail – mailed entries must be postmarked by April 12, 2013.  After April 16, you must register in-person at BC Place Stadium.