18 worldwide destinations perfect for nature lovers

Set amongst the Northshore Mountains, Western Canada's largest city is known to support those with outdoorsy lifestyles. It's common to ski or snowboard after work in the winter and hike in the summer. But you don’t even need to leave the urban limits for fantastic landscapes. Stanley Park, in the heart of Vancouver, is a massive forested area with great paths for walking and biking along the water. 

This small city in northern Norway is a must-visit if you're into epic landscapes. Set on the shores of the North Sea, you're never far from a sea view or coastal walk. Additionally, the forests and mountains surrounding Bergen are full of trails you can enjoy year-round!

Boise certainly lives up to its name, which roughly translates to “a wooded valley.” The town is covered in trees and green space. And the Boise River, which runs through the center, is dotted with parks and water access. Numerous trails and nature reserves are also a short drive from the center. 

The Peruvian Andes' main city is not just the starting point for the Inca Trail but a fantastic destination for those that love to get outside. The surrounding countryside is full of day hike paths and thermal baths. And not far away are areas you can try adventure sports such as skybike, zipline, or bungee jumping. The famous Rainbow Mountain is also just a few hours away.

On the shores of the Mississippi River, the Twin Cities are great places to enjoy outdoor recreation. Numerous parks, trails, and water access points dot both sides of the river. And in winter, it’s the perfect place to try activities like dogsledding and cross-country skiing.

Taipei isn’t typically considered an outdoor destination, but just outside the urban center is Yangmingshan National Park, an amazing location for mountain biking and hiking. There’s also good surfing near the city and a few rivers and lakes nearby.

The Opera House, Harbor Bridge, and amazing bar and restaurant scene. However, Sydney is more than just an urban playground. Some of Australia’s most famous beaches call the city home, as well as fabulous coastal walks like Spit Bridge to Manly, Bondi to Coogee, North Head, and more.

Famous worldwide for amazing beaches, there's more than just sand and surf in Brazil’s most beautiful city. The mountains and forest above are full of amazing hikes (with epic ocean views) beyond just the Christ the Redeemer trail every visitor completes. 

Iceland’s capital is the starting point for most adventures around the country, known for its epic natural landscapes. However, if you don’t have much time or are just taking advantage of Icelandair’s stopover program, there’s plenty to explore near or within the city center. A little west of downtown lies the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula, with seaside access. Heiomörk is also a nice forest with numerous lakes nearby for easy-to-reach hiking.

Slovenia's mountains and lakes aren’t far from Ljubljana, a couple of hours at most. But you don’t even need to leave town to enjoy a good hike. Plenty of trails start right from the city, and the surrounding region has a few small peaks that await your hiking boots! 

An up-and-coming hiking destination, Georgia won’t be “off-the-beaten-path” for long, so go now. The country’s capital city is full of green space and parks with trails to keep you busy for months. And if you’re willing to go further out, you’ll be rewarded with amazing mountains unlike anywhere else.

The town’s name is actually a combination of the mountain that is the centerpiece, “Mont Royal,” making it the perfect Canadian destination for those that like urban centers with a side of nature. The mountain has many trails for hiking and biking in the warmer months, and in winter, you’ll find cross-country skiers and sledders all over. And not far away are the downhill slopes of Mont Bruno.

Cape Town has a unique geography, with Table Mountain above and world-class beaches below. Spending weekends at the beach and hiking after work is easy. And the year-round mild climate is conducive to maximizing time outside!

The city might be best known as an urban oasis, but rest assured, nature is part of Singapore’s appeal as well! You’re never far from coastal routes, pretty beaches, and lush jungles. 

The country’s largest city is often overlooked for the south island by trekkers and those outdoors-inclined, but it’s the perfect combination of urban lifestyle and environment. The North Shore and Waiheke Island are just a short ferry ride from downtown, full of great paths with epic ocean views.

Mendoza might be the best recognized for the numerous wine areas in the region. But not far from the city, you can hike, horseback ride, or even white water raft!

France’s gateway to the Alps, you’re never far from a peak. Thus evenings or weekends on the trails, whether on foot or by ski, are very common here. 

The Pacific Northwest is known to foster a love for the outdoors among residents, and the Emerald City is a shining example of this. With a location between the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges and Puget Sound, never far from view, you’re spoilt for choice for where to explore next!