Fun fitness activities

If you have ever been to Vancouver then you know it is a prime location to enjoy the great outdoors and partake in some exercise, even of the incidental variety whilst exploring. This especially resonates throughout those days and weeks during the summer time when the sky is blue and the weather glorious. One popular activity is that of the Grouse Grind, which has an amazing reward at the end of it if you are up for the ultimate stairmaster challenge. I did it just before my first summer here in Vancouver and it was quite the workout. I am sure it didn't help that my fitness levels aren't that high, but I suppose just under two hours is decent enough for my first and possibly only time. Maybe I can be convinced to do it again and curse through it quarter by quarter, which are signposted, as I regret my decision. Honestly though the views at the top of Grouse Mountain are breathtaking on a clear day and worth the effort. The same can be said about the wildlife. The below photos are courtesy of my friend Steph, who came to visit me in September 2010:

Although if the Grouse Grind doesn't seem like your kind of thing then there is always the gondola to ride up and down, which you have to use to get back down the mountain anyway. If you want to keep more of an even footing then the seawall might be more up your alley, which can be tackled on foot or via pedal power. The path takes you around Stanley Park as well as many of the waterfront areas and is definitely a must for any tourist or local. I have spent many an enjoyable morning, afternoon and evening wandering the seawall sometimes with ice cream in hand. 

Add a hike or two to these activities and a few rounds of tennis (I have a racquet) and summer should have a nice balance of outdoor activities that are good for me!