Being active is important for maintaining a healthy body. Even 10 minutes of exercise a day, such as going for a walk, can make a difference. Physical activities will help you keep a healthy weight, feel relaxed, sleep better and maintain overall health. Click on the links below to find ways you can get active, with information on recreation centres, local parks, exercise ideas and physical activity guidelines. Some information is available in different languages.

ActNow BC – This website was created by the Government of British Columbia to promote healthy living choices to improve the quality of life for all people living in British Columbia. You will find information about the choices you can make to help achieve better health, as well as healthy living tips for families, seniors, youth and children.

Active Communities – BC Recreation and Parks Association has created the Active Communities initiative to promote healthy living choices for people in BC. You will find information on joining an active community, creating your own active community and other fitness programs.

BC Parks Directory – British Columbia is home to many large parks. Many of these parks have forests, lakes, barbecue areas, nature centres, camping areas, and more. This website has information on all the provincial parks in British Columbia. It is organized in three ways: by name (Eg. Shannon Falls Provincial Park), by geographical location (Eg. Kamloops), and by things to do and see (Eg. Swimming).

Canadian Health Network - Active Living – This website has a lot of information about healthy living, including guides for children, youth, adults and seniors. There is also a resource section, where you can look up specific information, either by typing a word or choosing from a list of topics.

Drugfacts.Ca – This website has information about drugs and alcohol. You can learn about the dangers of using illegal drugs and drinking alcohol. It will also teach you about making good decisions.

Falls Prevention for Older Adults – This website has information about the “Watch Your Step” program for seniors. You can learn about how to prevent falls, what to do if you fall, and how to make your home safer. There are also kitchen sink, balance, and strength exercises for you to do. The information on this website is available in English, Chinese, and Punjabi.

Heart and Stroke Foundation - Basic Principles of Physical Activity – This website will help you find ways to include physical activity in your day-to-day life. There are different guides for children, adults, seniors, and people with cardiovascular diseases.

Let’s Get Active - Magazine for Youth – This magazine has a lot of information about physical activity, as well as ideas on how to include physical activity in your day-to-day life. There is a goal sheet that you can fill in and games you can play to make sure you understand all the information.

Physical Activity Guides – This website has a lot of information about physical activity, including how much physical activity you should do and ideas on different ways to stay fit. There are different activity guides for children, youth and seniors, with goal sheets and weekly sheets to help you stay on track.

Planet Ahead – This website has information for teens about sexual health. You can learn more about puberty, sex, birth control pills, condoms, and HIV/AIDS. There is also a list of phone numbers and addresses so that you can speak to someone if you need help.

QuitNow.Ca – This website has information for people who want to stop smoking. You can find advice and tips on how to quit smoking, support from the QuitNet community, and help to create your own quit smoking plan.

Tobacco Facts – This website has information about tobacco and smoking. You can learn about quitting smoking, tobacco laws, what tobacco can do to your body and how second-hand smoke can affect other people around you. 

Vancouver Park Board - Community Centres – Community centres are places where people go to make friends, exchange ideas, or try something new. They have many services, including fitness centres, arts and crafts, culture, dance, swimming, skating, child care, and more. This website is for people who are in Vancouver, but it will give you an idea of what services are available in community centres across British Columbia.

YMCAs and YMCA-YWCAs Directory – YMCAs and YMCA-YWCAs are community centres that are found in many communities across Canada. They have fitness centres, swimming pools and many different classes for their members. This website has a list of YMCAs and YMCA-YWCAs in British Columbia, along with their contact information.

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Last reviewed on July 23, 2007