Polar Bear Swim (January 1; www.vancouverparks.ca): launched in 1920, this New Year dip in the chilly waters of English Bay annually attracts around 2,000 participants.
Vancouver Sun Run (late April; www.sunrun.com): one of North America's most popular 10km road races attracts more than 50,000 runners, walkers and wheelchair racers every year.
Cloverdale Rodeo and Exhibition (mid-May; www.cloverdalerodeo.com): cowboy-themed events from wagon races to bucking broncos.
Vancouver International Marathon (early May; www.vanmarathon.bc.ca): the city's annual road race for serious runners.
Alcan Dragon Boat Festival (mid-June): popular and ever-growing series of dragon boat races in the waters of False Creek.
Vancouver Half-Marathon (mid-June; www.canadarunningseries.com/svhm): road race for Vancouver's running fraternity.
B.C. Highland Games (late June; www.bchighlandgames.com): annual Scottish sports and cultural fiesta.
Tour de Gastown (mid-July; www.tourdegastown.com): popular and frenetic bike race through the streets of Gastown.
Vancouver Triathlon (early September; www.multisportscanada.com): swimming, cycling and running race in Stanley Park.
Check out what other travelers say about Vancouver on TripAdvisor.
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