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Beautiful Places in Metro Vancouver to Visit on a Budget 🔥
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items Gorgeous places that won't break the bank (or perhaps, cost you little or nothing at all)! 😉 I've explored all these places – and some, if not all, are worth revisiting.
Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no extra charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.
Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no extra charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.
Sections
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Delta
Fraser Valley
North Shore
Richmond
Tri-Cities
Vancouver
Delta
Some of the most beautiful spots for nature lovers and birders to visit – plus a few hidden gems!
If you love birding in the George C. Reifel Bird Sanctuary, the adjacent Alaksen National Wildlife Area in Delta takes things one step further with almost 300 hectares of habitat for overwintering, migratory, and sensitive bird species. See Snow Gees...
Alaksen National Wildlife Area (Ladner)
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A wonderful meeting of sky, mountains, beach, and bay! Just about any time of the year is great for exploring the trails, sand dunes, and (dazzling feathered assortment of) wildlife (shorebirds and songbirds) of this internationally recognized IBA (I...
Boundary Bay Regional Park (Tsawwassen)
If you've ever wondered what a bog ecosystem looks like, wander the boardwalk at the Burns Bog Delta Nature Reserve, an easy (no hills!) 3km walk (and, per the Vancouver Trails website, the largest domed peat bog in the world spanning 40 square kilom...
Go there in the chill of early fall or spring mornings, and you'll get a “Middle Earth” vibe to the place. :)
If you're also a big wild mushroom fan like me, you'll love the weird and wonderful natural creations (stag's horn fungi, bracket fungi that grow on decaying trees like small steps to a fairy world, and even fungi that look like fried eggs) that add ...
Go there in the chill of early fall or spring mornings, and you'll get a “Middle Earth” vibe to the place. :)
If you're also a big wild mushroom fan like me, you'll love the weird and wonderful natural creations (stag's horn fungi, bracket fungi that grow on decaying trees like small steps to a fairy world, and even fungi that look like fried eggs) that add ...
Burns Bog -- World's Largest Domed Peat Bog (Ladner)
A network of very agreeable trails throughout this 5 km park lets you spot bald eagles (and other birds of prey) plus ducks, ducks, ducks and songbirds in the forest. Expect to see canoeists and kayakers plying the calm waters in the spring, summer, ...
Deas Island Regional Park (Ladner)
If the Grouse Grind is a bit out of your way, there's always Fred Gingell Park, a small, well-manicured park – with a challenging 50m flight of steep stairs (dubbed “the Mini-Grouse Grind” by locals) that leads down to the picturesque shores of Tsaww...
Fred Gingell Park (Tsawwassen)
As a bird nerd, I've visited the Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary for many years. Being able to witness Barn Swallows and Greater Sandhill Cranes raising the next generations, hand feeding ducks, seeing reclusive birds of prey, and getting new “lifers...
George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary (Westham Island, Ladner)
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The Secret Garden of Boundary Bay is one of the most amazing “hidden” gems in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia! During the spring and summer months, visitors can look forward to a dazzling and breathtaking variety of gorgeous flowers, shrubs, and tr...
The Secret Garden of Boundary Bay (Tsawwassen)
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Fraser Valley
You can't go wrong with panoramic landscapes, scenic glimpses of the Fraser River, and the stunning backdrop of majestic mountains.
A gorgeous place to hike (very easy – no hills!) and get close to Black-Headed Grosbeaks – I have never seen so many of these songbirds on a single trip out for birds. Plenty of boardwalked areas let you check out the songbirds, butterflies, and vege...
Campbell Valley Regional Park
(Southern Langley)
In addition to great views of the mountains and picturesque Alouette Lake, this large park has just about everything for walkers, hikers, boaters, windsurfers, swimmers, waterskiiers, fishing, canoeists, campers, and horseback riders. Enjoy stunning ...
Golden Ears Provincial Park (Maple Ridge)
North Shore
Every municipality in Metro Vancouver has its own flavor, but the North Shore always makes me feel like I’m whisked away to a different world. That's the magic of those stunning mountains!
Gorgeous stretches of beach, and a great place to see baby cygnets in the spring (and get up close to the Bufflehead ducks in the fall and winter!)
Ambleside Park (West Vancouver)
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For those intrepid adventurers with a thirst for fast-paced hikes with a bit of an incline, this infamous 2.5 km trail --nicknamed Mother Nature's Stairmaster"--should fit the bill. We have even seen a few of these human mountain goats sprint up *and...
Grouse Grind Trail (North Vancouver)
Walk over the bridge that towers 160 feet over the canyon and enjoy hiking on the boardwalk trails below. If you love to relax in the forest, there are plenty of trees here to help you unwind.
Lynn Canyon Park & Suspension Bridge (North Vancouver)
Many years ago, we would hoof it up to LHRP during the summer months almost every weekend. At that time, there was only so much free parking available, and if you got there after 10am, all bets were off.
Extra, extra-wide paved trails with challenging ascents and thrilling descents (reversed on the way back) make for many an adventurous day (or half day) of biking, rollerblading, and walking – all with the stunning backdrops of mountains and forests ...
Extra, extra-wide paved trails with challenging ascents and thrilling descents (reversed on the way back) make for many an adventurous day (or half day) of biking, rollerblading, and walking – all with the stunning backdrops of mountains and forests ...
Lynn Headwaters Regional Park (North Vancouver)
A beautiful place to go forest bathing. The white-tailed deer are definitely not camera-shy!
Maplewood Flats Conservation Area (North Vancouver)
Want a mountain challenge? You've come to the right place! 8.2 km of rugged terrain will warm the cockles of the hearts of even the most adventurous dayhikers! Wear appropriate outerwear and footgear for the season and the weather!
Mount Seymour (West Vancouver)
Richmond
An urban island city with strong historical fishing and maritime roots.
This is a stunning place to visit in the late spring and summer months for picnickers and kite flyers – but don't skip the scenic West Dyke Trail that's just north of the GPP entrance, either (I love seeing the Belted Galloway cows that are pastured ...
Garry Point Park (Southwest Richmond)
Iona Island isn't just a great place to take your bike and head down to the end of the picturesque 4 km-long South Jetty that juts poetically in the Strait of Georgia – you can also learn about bird banding during the migratory bird season, and see s...
Iona Beach Regional Park (Northwest Richmond)
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Features a stunning, lushly landscaped garden with quaint heritage buildings — including the historic Minoru chapel — and dazzling floral displays (tucked behind the tennis courts that I used for a year before realizing the lavish beauty behind it!)
Minoru Park (North Richmond)
I think of Richmond Nature Park as a forest in the city, but once I’m walking through the woods, seeing the hummingbirds drinking from the nectar feeders hung outside the interpretive center, observing various species of birds at the seed feeders, or...
Richmond Nature Park (Northeast Richmond)
Metro Vancouver's answer to San Fran's Fisherman's Wharf, Steveston is a gorgeous place to visit all year long, with plenty of historical buildings, restaurants, stores, and active fishing docks to explore.
Steveston Fisherman's Wharf (Southwest Richmond)
An amazing place to take a walk, and appreciate a stunning variety of winged wildlife (aka birds and butterflies) during the growing season, learn about heritage buildings, and understand the delicate ecosystem of this area. The community, demonstrat...
Terra Nova Rural Park (Northwest Richmond)
Tri-Cities
You'll find gorgeous mountains, gardens, parks, and conservation areas to appreciate here!
A gorgeous manmade lagoon and park that offers the perfect oasis to unwind and take in the sights and sounds of nature. On my initial visit in 2019, I observed coyotes, Green Heron, and Vaux's Swifts. Benches, viewing platforms, and 1.6 km of easy wa...
Blakeburn Lagoons Park (Port Coquitlam)
Many a family BBQ or weekend outing was spent here in summers past! (Buntzen Lake has also been used as a backdrop for many TV series and movies). The park is also a breathtakingly beautiful place to take in the sights of mountains or go for a hike (...
Buntzen Lake Recreational Area (Anmore)
Great views of Burnaby and Metro Vancouver at night and a stunning look at Burrard Inlet in the day from the top. Check out the Playground of the Grounds totem poles, enjoy the Centennial Rose Garden, and wander the challenging backtrails while disco...
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area (North Burnaby)
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A great place to walk around and see Lazuli Buntings, swallows, hummingbirds, and songbirds during the (spring) migratory season. Check out the Colony Farm Community gardens while you're there in the spring and say hi to the Tree Swallows!
Colony Farm Regional Park (Coquitlam/Port Coquitlam)
A great place to canoe or kayak (rentals available) or walk around. Do the Deer Lake Parkway Urban Trail – it makes for a leisurely 9.8 km amble, hike, or bike with lots of gorgeous green space to take in!
Deer Lake Park (Central Burnaby)
An easygoing amble that alternates from deep forest to picturesque clearings over calm lakes. I've found Black-Headed Grosbeaks, Red-Breasted Sapsuckers, Western Tanagers, and Swainson's Thrushes here. Be aware that black bears do wander through the ...
Minnekhada Regional Park (Northeast Coquitlam)
See the biggest flocks of Wood Ducks in Metro Vancouver, migratory ducks and swallows in the spring and fall, Sandhill Cranes, and a dazzling assortment of songbirds and woodpeckers in the forest on the adjoining trail.
Piper Spit (Burnaby Lake Park)
Vancouver
The third-largest metropolis in Canada boasts verdant forests, gorgeous gardens, urban parks, stunning landscapes, and mild climates throughout the year.
A tropical ecosystem in the heart and highest point of Metro Vancouver that's open all year round, the Bloedel Conservatory is home to thousands of trees, hundreds of exotic and colorful birds, and even mason bees, all housed under one magnificent tr...
I was privileged to visit several years ago when (as an added bonus) the corpse lily flowered for the first time!
I was privileged to visit several years ago when (as an added bonus) the corpse lily flowered for the first time!
Bloedel Conservatory (Vancouver)
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A man-made lagoon situated at the entrance to Stanley Park. See beautiful Mute Swans, ducks (including a few wild/domestic hybrids), and raccoons (who are willing to be your tour guides in this area), especially during the spring and summer months. Y...
Lost Lagoon (Vancouver)
Peace and calm are in abundance at the Nitobe Memorial Garden while you're on the UBC campus. This garden is a fascinating study in the use of moss and stone. Spend a few moments in the company of colorful koi in the ponds!
Nitobe Memorial Garden at UBC (Vancouver)
Located on the outskirts of the University of British Columbia (UBC), Pacific Spirit Regional Park is a great place to reconnect with nature, get your daily steps in, or cycle. The trails are not especially demanding on walker, hiker, or biker – givi...
Pacific Spirit Regional Park (UBC, Vancouver)
Gorgeous gardens (including some amazing hens-and-chicks displays) atop a long-extinct volcano plus dazzling panoramic views of Vancouver City.
Queen Elizabeth Park (Vancouver)
A paradise for nature lovers, florists, and gardeners, the Gardens at Stanley Park attracts scores of visitors in the spring and summer with dazzling displays dedicated to rhododendrons, roses, rocks, and Shakespeare (sorry, that broke my alliterativ...
Stanley Park Gardens (Vancouver)
The perfect place to stroll, rollerblade, or bike, just about any time of the year – and take in the sights of the wildlife nearby (get surprisingly close to the Goldeneye seaducks in the winter!) on this easy 10-km walk!
Stanley Park Seawall (Vancouver)
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Canada's oldest university botanical garden boasts stunning second-growth forests and beautiful flora, a treetop canopy walkway, and seven gardens, including a food garden and a physic garden. You'll see plenty of songbirds and hummingbirds in the sp...
UBC Botanical Garden (Vancouver)
A beautifully landscaped place to learn about the importance of flowers, plants, shrubs, trees, and the overall environmental ecosystem in the lives of humans and non-humans alike. Can you get through the maze without any mistakes--because that would...
VanDusen Botanical Garden (Vancouver)
White Rock
Its motto is “City by the Sea”, and White Rock has stunning views and vistas of water and waterfront beaches to match!
A wonderful place to visit in the spring, summer, and fall for migratory birds.
Blackie Spit/Crescent Beach (White Rock)
Visit Canada's longest pier and experience the wonder of seeing seabirds (like Surf Scoters and White-Winged Scoters) up close that you wouldn't normally expect to (unless you're out in a boat). Harbour Seals like to stick close to the wharf!
White Rock Pier -- Canada's Longest Pier (White Rock)
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