Outdoor venues to practice Tai Chi in Vancouver
Calm, serene and overflowing with beautiful nature – Vancouver’s many public parks and outdoor spaces make ideal settings in which to develop your Tai Chi practice. These scenic green spaces are scenic spots to perform the slow, deliberate movements, focus, and deep thinking of this ancient form of exercise and expression. [Photo credit: iStock.com/Susan Chiang]
Queen Elizabeth Park
4600 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V5Y 2M9Among this sprawling public park’s beautifully kept gardens, dozens of lookout points, and rolling green lawns covered in shady trees, there are many secluded spots that allow privacy for your practice. But if you’re looking for community, head to one of seven Tai Chi arbors, where experienced and welcoming Tai Chi practitioners move together away from the rain most days of the week.
Fraser River Park
8705 Angus Dr, Vancouver, BC V6P 6G2Located nearly as far south as one can travel and still remain within city limits, this pristine public park is rarely used likely due to its isolated location. But this, of course, makes it a prime location for Tai Chi – whether it’s beneath the shade of a leaf trees, along the banks of the Fraser River, or on top of the boardwalk, most locations are quiet and serene. Tip: visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid regular dog walkers – unless you fancy cute pooches watching your Chi.
Pacific Spirit Regional Park
5495 Chancellor Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1E4On a hot and sunny day, head into the shade of Pacific Spirit Park, where cedar and fir trees block out the sun’s harsh glare as you practice your moves. Make sure you bring your map with you to this vast network of trails, where large, grassy areas at several trail heads are still under shade, and ideal for Tai Chi. Or, head into the bush and practice next to a great and powerful tree trunk, but make sure you steer clear of areas labeled as environmentally vulnerable – these are off limits.
False Creek Community Centre
1318 Cartwright St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R8For the low price of False Creek Community Centre’s day pass, you can practice Tai Chi in an expansive, newly finished and bright multipurpose room or, even better, head to the upstairs gym and find your Chi on the front or back deck. During warmer months, these open-air patios are ideal for people watching and watching the beautiful view of False Creek at sunset.
Kitsilano Beach Park
1499 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC V6J 5N2What could be more relaxing and invigorating than listening to the sound of the ocean while practicing Tai Chi? Kits Beach’s grassy lawns and sandy shores are perfect spots for an hour of practice before rewarding yourself with a cooling dip. If swimming isn’t your forte, consider finishing off your session with a treat from the nearby concession – even Zen masters like a popsicle every now and then.
Jack Poole Plaza
Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 3G3Many international awareness days for the Taoist Tai Chi Society have been held in Vancouver at Burrard Landing’s historic Jack Pool Plaza, making it an ideal location for continued practice. You’ll feel the energy of past gatherings around you as you move through your practice, while taking a moment to breathe in the salty air and gaze at the North Shore Mountains. Tip: check Burrard Landing’s events calendar to ensure the space is free, first.
