Which direction for true adventure? North! British Columbia, Canada, is an outdoor mecca and its heart is Vancouver, a cosmopolitan city surrounded by spectacular nature, including the North Shore Mountains, hidden cove beaches, and rainforest. It's also the launch point for the Sea-to-Sky Highway, a 90-minute scenic rhapsody along a sparkling fjord and up to Whistler. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is home to three thrilling adventures, including walking (or tip-toeing) across its namesake bridge, 230 feet above the Capilano River canyon. The park's newest feature, Cliffwalk, clings to the granite for an even more daring perspective.

Or get a squirrel's–eye view of the brilliant green rainforest on the Treetops Adventure—seven suspension bridges connected high above the forest floor. Ready for more? Vancouver's Grouse Mountain is a rite of passage for locals and visitors. Get to the top on the Skyride tram and take your pick of hiking trails, or get to the top the hard way! The famed Grouse Grind (aka Nature's Stairmaster) is a steep hike to a staggeringly good view. In the spirit of the grind, meet "Grinder" the Grizzly Bear at the mountain's wilderness sanctuary (there's a grey wolf there too!). And for one of the best views of Vancouver and its pristine surroundings, take the scenic Peak Chairlift all the way up to The Peak of Vancouver, where you'll soar above towering Douglas firs and see everything from the city, to the sea, to the Gulf Islands and the many peaks beyond. But getting to the top is only half the fun. Mountain bike down the neighboring trails on Mount Fromme—a world renowned spot for riding. British Columbia, Canada is your north star for adventure.

Start planning your summer adventure to British Columbia!