In Vancouver, winter months do not mean that you have to give up your outdoor fitness options. While there is snow and temperatures suitable on for skiing on the nearby mountains, downtown Vancouver tends to enjoy mild, wet winters and outdoor recreation is common year round. If you are looking for a way to get out and exercise while you are in town consider some of the options below.

Biking
Cycling in Vancouver is fun, amazingly scenic, and very popular. Cycling maps are available at most bicycle retailers and rental outlets. Hourly rentals range from C$4 -10 (US$3-8) and C$15 - 40 (US$11-30) for a day depending on the bike. Helmets and locks included, helmets are mandatory. Keep in mind that in BC, anyone operating a bicycle is treated by the law as if they were a driver of a vehicle.

The most popular cycling path in the city runs along the Seawall around the perimeter of Stanley Park. This flat, 10km (6 1/4-mile) pathway attracts year-round bicyclists, in-line skaters, and pedestrians.

Another popular route is the seaside bicycle route, a 15km (9 1/4-mile) ride that begins at English Bay and continues around False Creek to the University of British Columbia. This route passes by some of Vancouver's great attractions.

Serious mountain bikers also have a wealth of world-class options within a short drive from downtown Vancouver. The trails on Grouse Mountain are considered some of the lower mainland's best.

For more information go to http://englishbay.com/cycling and for a route map visit http://www.englishbay.com/eb/bikemap.htm

Bike Rental
Spokes Bicycle Rentals & Espresso Bar, At the entrance to Stanley Park 1798 W. Georgia St. 604-688-5141; www.vancouverbikerentals.com

Alley Cat Rentals, 1779 Robson St., in the alley 604-684-5117

Bayshore Bicycle and Rollerblade Rentals, 745 Denman St. 604-688-2453; www.bayshorebikerentals.ca

Reckless Bike Stores 110 Davie Street Vancouver, BC 604-648-2600 http://www.reckless.ca/rentals.htm#

Simon's bike shop 608 Robson St. 604-602-1181 http://www.simonsbikeshop.com/Robson_Shop/rentals.htm

Roller Blading
Roller blading is also very common and many of the shops that rent bikes may also rent in-line skates.

Gyms
Both conference hotels house health clubs.

Running (taken from Frommer's Vancouver & Victoria 2005)
You'll find fellow runners traversing the Stanley Park Seawall and the paths around Lost Lagoon and Beaver Lake. If you're a dawn or dusk runner, take note that this is one of the world's safer city parks. However, if you're alone, don't tempt fate -- stick to open and lighted areas. Other prime jogging areas in the city are Kitsilano Beach, Jericho Beach, and Spanish Banks; all of them offer flat, well-maintained running paths along the ocean. You can also take the seawall path from English Bay Beach south along False Creek.

Walking
Walking is a great way to see and get around downtown. Be sure to bring a raincoat. For a number of walking tours check out http://englishbay.com/walk and for a map of the areas discussed go to http://englishbay.com/mapdown

Golfing
Yes, golfing in February is possible when in Vancouver. There are a number of courses in and around town. Visit http://www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/golf.php for more details.

Kayaking
For experienced paddlers who just need to get a work out in contact: Ecomarine Ocean Kayak Center Granville Island 604-689-7575 http://www.ecomarine.com/index.html

Novices may want to organise a pool session

Ice-skating
Robson Square has free skating on a covered ice rink on Robson Street between Howe and Hornby streets. It's open from November to early April. Rentals are available in the adjacent concourse. The West End Community Centre, 870 Denman St. (tel. 604/257-8333), also rents skates at its enclosed rink, which is open October through March.