How to Get Outside and Avoid the FIFA World Cup
So, you’re not a soccer fan. You have no intention of going to any of the FIFA World Cup games in Toronto or Vancouver.
In fact, you’d rather avoid the city on days when the games are on.
Fret not—you don’t have to go very far to get out of the cities and into nature, away from the hubbub of the world’s biggest sporting event. There are several places within an easy hour’s drive of either city, all doable in a day trip.
Vancouver:
Paddle the River of Golden Dreams
Located near Whistler, this lake-to-lake paddle provides a great day of fun on the water. Paddling north from the Alta Lake dock into Alta Creek, a.k.a The River of Golden Dreams, down the creek you go. At one point you pass right under the Sea-to-Sky Highway before entering Green Lake. It’s about a five-kilometre paddle, taking roughly three hours.
Although there are no rapids, the narrow twists and turns require full attention. An easy river for experienced paddlers, those unsure of their skills can hire a guide for the trip.
Hike the Squamish Canyon
This boardwalk trail system is more than just a walk in the woods. Travelling through the soaring forests of this portion of the UNESCO-designated Howe Sound Biosphere, you learn about the local plants and wildlife at interpretive signs along the way. You breathe in the scent of the forest. You can get up close to Mamquam Falls, maybe even feel the mist coat you as it comes off the falls.
The path concludes in the forest lounge.
Cycle the West or South Dyke Trails in Steveston
Cycling the dyke trails offers level terrain, good for riders of all skills. The West Dyke Trail is great for nature lovers: scenic views of the North Shore and Coastal Mountains, panoramic views to the west of the ocean, Gulf Islands and estuary, and views to the north of the Coastal Mountains. Portions of the South Dyke Trail take you through a marsh habitat setting and along a tree-lined slough.
Tourism Richmond provides a useful map and planning tool online to help you enjoy your outing.
Take a Ferry to Bowen Island
A 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay takes you to this island. Only 15 kilometres from downtown Vancouver, when you visit Crippen Regional Park, you feel much farther away. The park’s highlight is Killarney Lake and its 12 kilometres of trails that can take you on a circular route around the lake if you choose.
There is also a fish ladder and hatchery. If you’re feeling more adventurous, Bowen Island Sea Kayaking offers Howe Sound kayak tours, lessons and rentals.
Birdwatch at the Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary
With close to 300 hectares of forest, marshes and ponds, there’s a good reason why birdwatchers flock to this sanctuary just 45 minutes south of Vancouver, near the village of Ladner. The seven kilometres of trails are easy, making it a great family nature outing. Close to 300 bird species have been spotted there, from raptors to songbirds, waterfowl to shorebirds. Small wonder it’s on explore’s list of top birding spots in Canada.
Toronto:
Hike and Birdwatch at Rouge River National Park
Canada’s only urban national park is actually within the city, on the far eastern end. Once you start walking its trails, you forget you’re in Canada’s largest city.
The moderate Vista Trail features ridge walks, forest diversity and a viewing platform. The Mast Trail provides examples of rare Carolinian forests found along a 200-year-old former logging route. Due to some steep hills, it’s rated moderate to strenuous.
Birdwatchers take note: shoreline, forest, meadow and wetlands species live here.
Hike in a Conservation Area
Often overlooked, Ontario’s conservation areas offer great day trip opportunities closer than many provincial parks.
You can hike from the Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area to the Crawford Lake Conservation Area. Round trip, it’s about 10 kilometres. Or visit each one and hike the trails separately. The hike crosses the Nassagaweya Canyon and Limestone Creek as it heads towards Crawford Lake. A 750-metre boardwalk trail leads around the meromictic lake (a deep, narrow lake lacking oxygen in its lower layers).
FYI, no rattlesnakes live in either conservation area; it’s called Rattlesnake Point because from above, the stretch of escarpment within the park resembles a snake.
Paddle, Hike or Fish at Island Lake Conservation Area
Near Orangeville, while paddling a kayak or canoe here, watch for herons, kingfishers and otters. You also might spot them while walking around this small lake. Five different trails are rated easy to moderate.
It’s also a great place to fish, either from a boat or along the shore.
Go Mountain Biking in One of the York Regional Forest’s Tracts
Another overlooked resource for outdoor adventures just north of Toronto is the York Regional Forest. Consisting of 22 different tracts of land spread throughout the region, it’s great for cycling, hiking/walking, horseback riding, nature appreciation and dog-walking.
The best tract for mountain biking is Brown Hill (a.k.a., Ravenshoe) known for its twisty, gnarly trails packed into a one-hectare woodlot. Most of the nine loops are one to three kilometres long. The trail system features a good mix of trails, providing varied terrain for all skill levels.
Visit the Cheltenham Badlands
Ontario’s only “badlands,” this geological gem near Caledon formed at the base of an ancient sea about 450 million years ago.
“Badlands” is a geologic term for an area of soft rock devoid of vegetation and soil cover that has become molded into a rolling landscape of rounded hills and gullies.
Physical access to walk on this 36-hectare site is not allowed as it leads to erosion. The Badlands are only available for viewing along an accessible boardwalk. Access is available only by reservation.
