What are some fun things to do in Vancouver and Victoria?

It’s definitely touristy, but there’s a great, one-man street show that happens nightly or near nightly on the harbor directly across the street from the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria. I only caught the last 15 minutes or so of his show, but I was thoroughly entertained and amazed by his talent and showmanship. Plus, it’s free (or you can donate $5).

We also kayaked on Oak Bay, which was fun, but the guide was a little weak (not the best leader/tour guide). Ocean River Sports is another, different outfitter that is recommended. It was really nice, though, to get out on the water.

In Vancouver, I imagine Stanley Park would be a natural choice for cycling (that kind of bike, right?)

Thanks! Yes—bike as in bicycle, human- powered fun!

The Buchart Gardens are truly stunning. They are about 14 miles north of Victoria. Is that too far for you to bike? My family and I visited the gardens a few years back and it was one of the highlights of our trip.

Good call. Really beautiful, plus a local advised me that you can travel about 3 mi east and have a picnic on the beach, weather permitting. Supposedly the water is warmer there than it is in Oak Bay (i.e. suitable for swimming).

Bicycling in Stanley Park (Vancouver) is terrific but somewhat limited these days as there is still recovery work being done in response to last winter’s storms that blew over almost 1000 trees and damaged the sea wall at the edge of the park. I’d start biking in the park and then check out the bike paths that run along English Bay.

thank you everyone!