If you are looking for the best outdoor activities London has to offer, there are few better places to start than Canary Wharf. This buzzing neighbourhood boasts a wealth of east London outdoor activities to choose from, providing something for every presence.
Adventure seekers, nature and water lovers, and culture aficionados will all find stimulating outings and events to enjoy in Canary Wharf, and residents can experience many of these highlights within walking distance of their front doors. Experience the best of Canary Wharf inside and out with the region’s many exciting activities and yearly events calendar.
Exploring the waterfront
Canary Wharf is surrounded by picturesque docks and quays, and this setting is perfect for hosting water-based activities. Paddle-boarding, kayaking, and boat tours around the area are all offered by local operators like Go Boats and Skuna.
Go Boats’ boat tours in Canary Wharf start at £85 to hire one boat for an hour. You may also take food and refreshments on board, including alcoholic drinks, and embark on a mid-quay picnic or celebration. There’s even a gym conveniently based at Harbour Quay Gardens that offers excellent views of the blue spaces surrounding the Wharf.
Kayaking and paddle-boarding
Boat tours
Canary Wharf is packed with unique and thrilling boat tours, which offer another great way to explore the waterfront in style. Enjoy a River Thames dinner cruise, a hop-on-hop-off sightseeing cruise, or a Thames speedboat ride by City Cruises Plc. Alternatively, get your adrenaline pumping with a 20-Minute Tower RIB Blast from Tower Pier provided by Thames RIB Experience.
You can also create your own customised boat tour by hiring a private boat and exploring the Canary Wharf docklands with GoBoat UK or rent a GoBoat which is a short walk from Vertus’ apartments to rent.
Discovering the parks
Despite being a business hub, Canary Wharf also offers outdoor activities in London in expansive green spaces. Lush spaces like Canada Square Park and Jubilee Park are just waiting to be explored, and these spaces offer regular events and activities that the entire family can enjoy.
The events on offer range from fitness classes to outdoor cinema screenings, art installations, and a diverse line-up of artists at the upcoming Festival14.
Jubilee Park
Jubilee Park is a must-visit destination throughout Winter Lights festival in Canary Wharf, as well as a place to chill in Festival14, but also serves a great lunch spot. This park is often a sun trap in the afternoon to enjoy a bite to eat outdoors when in the office.
Canada Square Park
The park regularly hosts live music performances, food trucks, movie nights, and family film club events that are ideal for families with children throughout the summer.
What’s more, this park hosts the infamous Canary Wharf Ice Rink each year.
Crossrail Roof Garden
Free to visit and open daily to the public until 9pm or sunset in summer, Crossrail Place Roof Garden is one of London’s largest. Sit back and enjoy a moment of calm on the Estate.
Exploring the surrounding areas
Canary Wharf is surrounded by several neighbourhoods and areas that are definitely worth exploring. Expand your knowledge of the surrounding landscape by cycling along the Thames Path, hiking in the nearby countryside, or perusing the quay and ambling walkways along the harbour.
Cycling along the Thames Path
Spending time on the Thames Path is one of the many legendary East London outdoor activities and the cycling route that provides breath-taking riverside views of the Thames. Some parts of the Thames Path are suitable for cyclists, including the 8.7km stretch through Oxford and the 9.4km stretch between Weybridge and Hampton Court.
There are currently seven Santander Cycle Hire stations throughout the Canary Wharf hub, offering 273 bikes for hire. The cost of renting a bike begins at £3 fee for 24 hours of use, and longer journeys are charged according to a sliding scale.
Hiking in the nearby countryside
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by hiking the countryside around Canary Wharf. The Thames Path National Trail is one of the must-experience outdoor activities London has to offer. It features a hiking route that can be cycled in places, and the Epping Forest trails are beloved by hikers and nature photographers alike.
The Thames Path has seen great improvements along the north bank, including the creation of broad promenades along the river’s side. This part of the National Trail is the closest to Canary Wharf and can be accessed via the St Katharine Docks entrance. The trail will then take you through historical Wapping and inland water bodies at Limehouse and Shadwell before leading you to the lush King Edward Gardens. Remember to bring comfortable walking shoes and plenty of fresh drinking water for these outdoor activities in Canary Wharf!
Find your ideal outdoor activities in Canary Wharf
While Canary Wharf may be best known for its towering skyscrapers and its reputation as a business hub, outdoor adventure seekers can still find plenty of great opportunities for fun and leisure here.
From seeing the sights and views from tower buildings such as Newfoundland to cycling, walking trails, water sports and rooftop gardens, there is something for everyone to enjoy in E14. Embrace nature and the outdoors in a new and exciting way and explore Canary Wharf’s hidden treasures by becoming a resident at one of Vertus’ buildings – 10 George Street, 8 Water Street, or Newfoundland. Rent a residential apartment today.
