Are you planning on visiting Vancouver, or are you a local just looking for something new and interesting to do? Well, look no further! We’re here to break down 50 fun and unique things to do in Vancouver so you can enjoy everything that this great city has to offer.
25 Things To Do in Vancouver This Spring/Summer
1. Walk or Bike the Vancouver Seawall
One of the most popular activities in Vancouver is walking or cycling the seawall system. The Vancouver seawall is the “world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path”[4] and takes you on a picturesque oceanfront path through several neighborhoods, and past many iconic landmarks.
The seawall starts in Coal Harbour near the convention center, wraps all the way around Stanley Park, to the West End and Yaletown, past Science World and Olympic Village, and finally ends in Kitsilano. The Seawall Extension proceeds past Kits Beach to Spanish Banks but is interrupted temporarily by city streets. Walking the seawall isn’t just great exercise, but it’s also a great way to see the city. You can walk it for free, or rent a bike for the day!
2. Spend the Day at Granville Island
Granville Island is a large public market with dozens of shops, restaurants, art galleries, and food vendors to explore. Granville Island was previously an industrial area, that in the 1970s, began its transformation into the place of commerce and arts that it is today [1]. You can find unique artisans, clothing, fine art, local cuisine, live music, and entertainment here. There are plenty of activities for kids as well, like the local playgrounds, splash park, and Kids Market.
3. Watch the Celebration of Lights Fireworks
The Celebration of Lights is an annual fireworks festival in Vancouver. The festival has been occurring nearly every summer since 2001[2] and features incredible fireworks displays from several countries. The event takes place just off of English Bay Beach, and thousands of people flock to English Bay and the surrounding beaches to check out this summer spectacular. The event takes place on the last 3 Saturdays of July, so if you’re in Vancouver this July definitely check out the updated schedule for the Celebration of Light, and be sure to arrive early!
4. See a Movie at the Langley Twilight Drive-In Theatre
Though this Drive-In Theatre is about an hour outside of downtown Vancouver, it is still a very popular summer destination for Vancouverites, and those living in the surrounding cities. The Twilight Drive-In Theatre is located in Langley and is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights all summer long! Typically this drive-in plays double features, so you can come for one film or stay for both! This is a great nostalgic spot, with a concession stand for movie treats, and it’s a really fun and unique summer activity for couples, friends, or the whole family.
5. Visit a Beach in Stanley Park
Some of the most beautiful beaches are located in and around Stanley Park. At the entrance to Stanley Park in the West End is English Bay Beach, a hugely popular city beach with tons of amenities. Further down the seawall into the park you can find Second Beach, another popular but slightly more secluded beach and park, as well as a large public pool. Past Second Beach you can find Third Beach, which is even more secluded but still very popular. All these beaches have amazing views to the west and of the North Shore, delicious concession stands, and all the amenities you could need for a comfortable and perfect beach day.
6. Try New Cuisines at the Richmond Night Market
The Richmond Night Market is an annual night market that runs every year from May to October! The market takes place in Richmond, which is just outside of downtown Vancouver. It takes just under 20 minutes to get there via train. The market offers a variety of Asian cuisines with hundreds of food vendors, as well as unique collectibles, and live entertainment. While this night market offers a wide variety of activities and shopping opportunities, the main emphasis is on the amazing food. You can find tons of classic Asian street food, fun drinks and dessert, and try something totally new!
7. Take a Hike Through Stanley Park
There are plenty of things to see at Stanley Park, like the historical landmarks, the seawall, and several beaches, but there are also dozens of beautiful hiking trails within the park itself. With 27 km of forested walking trails[5] there is plenty of ground to cover, and nature to see inside the massive urban park. You can easily kill an entire afternoon wandering these lush trails, and if you get hungry, you can pop out onto the seawall at one of the beaches and get some concession food, or head to the Stanley Park Teahouse, or Stanley Park Brewing Pub.
8. Get Your Thrills at Playland Amusement Park
Playland is an amusement park located in East Vancouver that is open on weekends every summer. If you’re a thrill seeker, you can enjoy some iconic rides, like the almost 70-year-old wooden rollercoaster, or if you’re looking for something more laidback, the swings or Ferris wheel. There are also tons of food vendors, games, and other activities. During the PNE, an annual festival that occurs at Playland, you can also enjoy live entertainment and music.
9. Visit a Botanical Garden
There are several botanical gardens you can visit in Vancouver that all have something special and unique to offer. Depending on what you’re looking for, and what neighborhood you’re located in, you can visit one of these amazing gardens. There is the VanDusen Botanical Garden in Shaughnessy, the UBC Botanical Gardens at the University of British Columbia, and the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Botanical Garden in Chinatown. There are also several free-to-enter botanical gardens throughout Stanley Park!
10. Spend the Day at One of Vancouver’s Many Beaches
Vancouver is known for its many amazing beaches, and there are tons for you to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a party beach with all the amenities or a secluded and quiet beach, you’re bound to find it in Vancouver. If you want the bustling beach experience, head to Kits Beach or English Bay where you’ll see an array of activities and dining options, and share the beach with many others. Looking for something a little quieter, but still not a trek to get to, try Locarno, Jericho, or Spanish Banks. If you want more of an au naturel experience, go to the clothing-optional Tower Beach or Wreck Beach!
11. Explore Queen Elizabeth Park
Queen Elizabeth Park is a massive park in the South Cambie Area. The park is a whopping 130-acre[7] display of native and non-native plant species, manicured flower gardens, and picturesque walking paths. This park is so beautiful in fact it’s one of the most popular outdoor wedding venues in the city. Because it sits on a large hill you also get some amazing views of the Vancouver skyline, and North Shore mountains. At Queen Elizabeth park is also the Bloedel Conservatory and aviary. This is a great place to have a peaceful stroll or to play a game of pitch & putt or tennis at one of the sporting courts.
12. Rent a Paddleboard or Kayak
A great way to see the city from an interesting perspective is by renting a kayak or paddleboard and taking a paddle around the shores of False Creek, or the English Bay. There are watersport rental stores all around the city, but more conveniently you can find them at Granville Island, Kits Beach, and Jericho. Renting a paddleboard or kayak from one of these beaches is a great option because you can paddle out directly from the beach, and return it there easily without having to haul any gear.
13. Visit Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver
If you’re looking to see another side of Vancouver, check out Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver. Lighthouse Park is a historic site and park with beautiful walking trails, and views of the UBC Peninsula to the south. There are many forested trails to explore, and great spots for sunbathing, swimming, and even cliff jumping.
14. Ride the Grouse Mountain Gondola
Taking a ride on the Grouse Mountain Gondola is one of the most breathtaking experiences you can have in Vancouver. The gondola takes you almost 3000 feet up Grouse Mountain, proving incredible views of the surrounding forest, and panoramic views of the Vancouver skyline. You can take the Gondola up to the top and back down, or challenge yourself by hiking the Grouse Grind. There are several hiking trails, shops and restaurants, a bear habitat, and other activities at the top of Grouse.
15. Hike the Grouse Grind
If you’re up for a challenge, try hiking the Grouse Grind in North Vancouver. The Grind is just a 2.5km trail[3], but it certainly is challenging due to its steepness. It typically takes 1-2+ hours to complete depending on your fitness level. The trail takes you through the beautiful rainforest, and at the top, you can celebrate with a drink or snack from The Observatory restaurant, and take in the incredible views. Luckily, you get a free ride back down on the Grouse Mountain Gondola.
16. Catch a Movie in the Park
You can catch a free movie in the park every summer across several Vancouver parks! One location where you can take part is at Ceperely Park, just above Second Beach in Stanley Park. You can also see a flick in Downtown Vancouver in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery or šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square! Similar events take place in North Van, Burnaby, and elsewhere across the city.
17. Explore a Vancouver Street festival
There are tons of street festivals and events that go on in Vancouver all summer long. Events like Khatsalano Festival in Kitsilano feature hundreds of local vendors, food trucks, and musicians. An Italian culture festival, Italian Day also takes place in East Van every summer, offering cultural cuisine, and local vendors. You can also check out the Vancouver Pride Parade and Festival that occurs in Vancouver’s West End neighborhood every July! You can keep up to date with all the upcoming events on Vancouver.ca.
18. Take a day trip to Bowen Island
Bowen Island is an incredible getaway, and it’s only a 20-minute ferry ride from Vancouver. It also happens to be where I spent several years of my life, so I do know it quite intimately. Bowen Island has become a popular tourist destination in recent years due to social media, and its proximity to the city. You can find tons of hiking trails, cute cafes, restaurants, beautiful beaches, and even some more luxurious stays, like the Kitoki Inn. If you’re looking for a quick getaway, you should definitely visit Bowen Island.
19. Visit the Lynn Canyon or Capilano Suspension Bridge
The Lynn Canyon and Capilano Suspension bridges are two large suspension bridges and tourist attractions in North Vancouver. Both parks also have dozens of hiking trails that take you through the dense temperate rainforest. The Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge hangs almost 200ft above the below canyon and the Capilano Suspension Bridge is even higher, at 230 feet[6] above the Capilano River! Capilano Park also has tons of incredible hiking trails for you to explore, and even a free shuttle to get there. The Capilano Suspension Bridge is grander, and therefore busier, but both locations make for an incredible day trip.
20. Take a Tour of Historic Sites in Vancouver
Vancouver has an incredibly rich history, and you might have already passed by dozens of historic landmarks without even knowing it. To fully immerse yourself in the city’s history and culture, take a walking history tour! The Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tour takes you on a trip through Gastown to learn about Vancouver’s darkest historical events. If that’s not your style you can take a tour through Chinatown with Historical Chinatown Tours to learn more about Chinese history, culture, and food in Vancouver! The Vancouver Heritage Foundation will also take you on a journey through Vancouver’s history by observing Vancouver’s historic architecture! Taking a walking tour is a great way to see the city in a new light, and learn something new while you’re at it!
21. Take a Tour of Vancouver’s Murals
You can do an outdoor art tour of all of the fantastic murals around our city. The number of murals in Vancouver has multiplied since the formation of Vancouver Mural Fest, an annual summer festival where artists from all over are commissioned to paint murals across Vancouver. If you’re in Vancouver during Van Mural Fest, you’re also in store for tons of events, art shows, and live music. You can do a free walking tour around the city by conveniently following the mural map on Vanmuralfest.ca.
22. Have a Picnic at David Lam Park
David Lam Park in Yaletown is the perfect grassy park to have a picnic. It’s right on the seawall, and in the heart of Yaletown, so it’s super easy to get to. The park overlooks False Creek, so you can sit and watch the boats go by, or admire the shiny glass skyscrapers that cradle the park. There are tons of restaurants and things to see in Yaletown as well. You can often find food trucks here too, so there is no need to bring a packed lunch. Grab a bite from a food truck, or get some takeout from one of the nearby restaurants and enjoy it in this beautiful urban park. If you’re coming with the kids, there is a large playground for them to enjoy on the eastern end of the park, just off Drake Street.
23. See a Live Play at Bard on the Beach
Bard on the Beach is an annual summer Shakespeare festival in Vancouver! It takes place in Vanier Park near Kits Beach, and runs all summer long! You can watch professional actors perform all of your favorite Shakespeare plays live right on the beach. This event has been running in Vancouver for over 20 years and attracts thousands of attendees every year. It’s the perfect activity for a summer date night for all the theatre lovers out there.
24. Visit the Beaches in West Vancouver
If you’re looking for a new beach spot outside of Vancouver, check out one of the beaches in West Van! There are several beautiful beaches that overlook Stanley Park and the Lions Gate Bridge, like Ambleside Beach. You can also walk down the seawall in West Vancouver towards Dundarave Beach, or head even further west to one of the many hidden beaches off of Marine Drive, or head all the way to Lighthouse Park!
25. Spend the Day at Sasamat Lake
If you want a departure from the beaches in Vancouver, you can take a drive out to Sasamat Lake in Port Moody. The drive is just under an hour from downtown Vancouver. It’s a very popular summer destination, and the main beach (White Pine Beach) can fill up very quickly on weekends. This is one of the warmest lakes in the area, so it’s very sought after. Sasamat Lake is surrounded by the Belcarra Regional Park, so it is a nice change from the city beaches in Vancouver.
25 Things To Do in Vancouver This Fall/Winter
1. Enjoy a Tropical Oasis at Bloedel Conservatory
The Bloedel Conservatory is a greenhouse and aviary in Queen Elizabeth Park. When you walk inside, you quite literally step into a tropical paradise, with hundreds of exotic plants and birds. The temperature inside is also tropical, so it’s a fun way to warm up on a cool fall or winter day.
The admission is under 10 bucks, and it’s definitely worth it. It’s a great date spot or a place to go with a group of nature enthusiast friends. It’s also a great spot to bring the kids so they can learn about and observe an array of beautiful plants, birds, and flowers.
2. Spend the Day at Science World
Science World, also known as Telus World of Science, is a center for science-based exhibits and interactive activities about STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and design, and math). There are tons of interesting educational exhibits to check out, and it’s a particularly good spot to visit if you have kids. Kids can find endless hours of entertainment with interactive activities, and admission for children 2 and under is free.
3. Check out the Lonsdale Quay Market
The Lonsdale Quay Market is a large market in North Vancouver. It’s super easy to get to from Downtown Vancouver, just hop on the water taxi and you’ll arrive at the Lonsdale Quay in just 15 minutes. There is an array of unique shops and vendors offering art, clothing, decor, and more. You can also try tons of unique foods at the food hall, or check out one of the nearby restaurants. The area surrounding the Quay Market is also very beautiful, with nice footpaths along the water, views of the Downtown skyline, and live performers filling the area with music. It’s definitely a nice spot to spend the afternoon and see a bit of North Vancouver.
4. Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery
Spending an afternoon at an art gallery to escape the cold is one of my favorite past times. If you’re visiting Vancouver, you should definitely check out the Vancouver Art Gallery. There is a permanent collection of fine arts, as well as rotating featured collections. There is also the Gallery Bistro if you feel like grabbing lunch after. Admission is also by donations on Tuesday evenings, so that is a great time to come. Otherwise, admission is $29, but it’s still totally worth it.
5. Be Amazed at the Vancouver Aquarium
If you’re looking for something equally entertaining and educational, you should visit the Vancouver Aquarium! The Vancouver Aquarium is the largest in all of Canada, and it’s a “center for marine research, ocean literacy education, climate activism, conservation, and marine animal rehabilitation”[8]. All of the mammals at the Vancouver Aquarium are rescued and are in rehabilitation, so you can feel good when you visit. It’s a great spot for the whole family!
6. Visit a Pumpkin Patch
There’s nothing that says ‘fall’ like picking your own pumpkin at a pumpkin patch. Plus, you don’t even have to leave the city to do it! Head over to Southlands Heritage Farm in South Vancouver to pick out your own pumpkin, and pay a visit to the farm animals. The pumpkin patch is open starting October 10th, so if you’re looking for something special to do this fall you should definitely check it out.
7. Get Spooked at Fright Nights at Playland
Fright Nights is an annual spooky event put on by the Playland amusement park. It occurs all October long, and the theme park is completely transformed into a haunted nightmare. There are tons of haunted houses, creepy attractions, and your favorite rides open at night. Actors dressed up in scary costumes also roam the grounds ready to scare you at any minute! It’s a lot of fun if you’re a horror buff, or just like a good scare every once in a while. It’s a super unique experience in Vancouver.
8. Enjoy the Changing Colors
Vancouver has a pretty temperate climate, so you can still enjoy most of the same outdoor activities in the fall that you would in the summer. So definitely get out there, enjoy the fresh air, and see the beautiful changing colors of the trees. The Stanley Park Seawall is a great place to see tons of different sides of Vancouver, or you can take a stroll with a warm coffee through one of Vancouver’s many parks.
9. Go Ice Skating at Robson Square
One of Vancouver’s most popular wintertime tourist attractions is the Robson Square Ice Rink. Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, this outdoor ice rink attracts hundreds of visitors every single day in the winter season. The icing on the cake (pun intended) is that this ice rink is completely free to use! However, there is a fee for rental skates. It’s an awesome all-ages activity and you get to enjoy it right downtown.
10. See the Lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden
Every winter the VanDusen Botanical Garden puts on a spectacular wintertime festival, the VanDusen Festival of Lights. During this festival, the botanical gardens are transformed into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights in all sorts of displays and arrangements. There are also hot chocolate and hot apple cider vendors, and some small rides to enjoy. It’s a really fun place to be when you want to get into that holiday spirit and it’s a massively popular event.
11. Do Some Christmas Shopping at the Vancouver Christmas Market
Whether you’ve got some last-minute Christmas Shopping, or you just want to get into the holiday spirit, you should definitely check out the Vancouver Christmas Market. You can find specialty artisan gifts, home decor, festive decorations, and tons of delicious food here. There is also often live music and other activities for folks of all ages. If you’re in Vancouver come Christmas time you should definitely pay a visit here.
12. Hit the Slopes
If you’re a skier or snowboarder visiting Vancouver, then you’re likely feeling like a kid in a candy store right now, because there are 3 mountains to ski and board at within 40 minutes from downtown Vancouver. Cypress, Grouse, and Seymour are all mountains on the North Shore of Vancouver that have incredible skiing and snowboarding, and they’re not even an hour away. You can get a day pass and spend the day on the mountain, or stay at one of the hotels or resorts there and make a trip out of it. A little bit further away is one of the most popular ski and board destinations in all of Canada, Whistler. It’s about 2 hours outside of Vancouver, but it is renowned as one of the best destinations for winter sports.
13. Spend the Day at Whistler Village
Whether you ski or board, or not, Whistler is still a great place to visit. You’ll feel like you’re walking into a winter wonderland. It’s just under 2 hours from the city, so you can make it a day trip, or stay overnight at one of the many hotels and resorts. There are tons of shopping, dining options, bars, and nightclubs in the village, as well as walking and hiking trails.
14. Go Snow Tubing at Mount Seymour
If you’re looking for something more laid back than skiing or snowboarding, you should try snow tubing at Grouse Mountain! The Grouse Mountain Sliding Zone is fun for the whole family, and it’s just about 40 minutes from the city. Rentals cost $33 for 2 hours, but if you’re a full season pass holder it’s free!
15. Cheer on the Canucks at a Hockey Game
If you’re in Vancouver during hockey season (October to April) catch a Canucks game at Rogers Arena! The arena is just outside of Chinatown, so it’s super easy to get to and you won’t have to leave the city. You can cheer on the Vancouver Canucks at their home arena, enjoy a beer, and get a snack from one of the food vendors. There are also tons of sports bars in the area that air the games if that’s more your cup of tea.
16. Go Snowshoeing at Cypress Mountain
If you want to get out into the snow without a set of skis, you should try snowshoeing at Cypress mountain. It’s a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the snowy winter landscape. Cypress is just around 30 minutes from the city, and they have rental snowshoes available so you can just get up and go. There is over 10km of trails for snowshoeing, and when you’re done you can enjoy a hot drink and some lunch at the Hollyburn Lodge!
17. Go on a Tour of Vancouver’s Many Breweries
There are tons of breweries to check out in East Vancouver, like Parallel 49, and East Van Brewing. You can go on a self-guided tour and try a few beers at each place you stop, or spend a few hours at one brewery enjoying a tasting menu. You can also book a brewery tour with companies like Vancouver Brewery Tours, and try tons of unique beers and foods across the city. It’s an awesome way to get a taste of Vancouver and warm up on a chilly fall or winter day.
18. Check out the Santa Claus Parade
The Vancouver Santa Claus Parade is a large parade that takes place in Downtown Vancouver in December. The parade attracts thousands of spectators from all across the city, with people lined up all the way down Georgia Street and Granville Street. Local businesses come to celebrate their Christmas spirit with holiday-themed floats, marching bands, and dancers. It’s the perfect event to bring the kids to, just make sure you dress warmly!
19. Shop Local at the Riley Park Winter Farmers’ Market
Farmer’s Markets are super popular in the summer, but it’s not too often that you find one that’s open during the winter! Luckily, there is the Riley Park winter farmers market at Nat Bailey Stadium. The market occurs every Saturday from November until April and hosts over 70 vendors [9] offering fresh produce, and artisanal products. You can also find food trucks selling hot food and drinks to market attendees.
20. Learn about Vancouver’s History at the Museum of Vancouver
You can learn all about this wonderful city’s history at the Museum of Vancouver (MOV) in Kitsilano. The Museum of Vancouver has a massive collection of artifacts, fine art objects, anthropological exhibits, as well as contemporary art. A big attractor of this museum is the neon sign collection, an array of Vancouver’s past neon signs from as early as the 1930s. It’s a perfect place to escape the rain and learn about the history of the land on which we stand.
21. Celebrate the Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Every winter the Capilano Suspension Bridge and the surrounding canyon is all dressed up in a massive display of Christmas lights. You’ll feel like you’re walking into another Christmas dimension as you cross the bridge. The surrounding park is also covered in lights, and there are plenty of activities, and beautiful photo ops to take advantage of. Top off the night with a hot chocolate at the Dr. Woods Cabin.
22. Take a Winter Hike
Don’t let the inevitable rain spoil your time in the great outdoors. With over half of the year spent under rainfall, if you’re in Vancouver in the Winter, you’re going to see some rain. Just because it’s raining though, doesn’t mean a hike will be any less enjoyable. In fact, hiking trails in the temperate rainforest in Vancouver will be even more lush with a bit of rain. Take a hike through Stanley Park, or the UBC Endowment Lands enjoying the gorgeous smell and vibrant colors of the forest. Just don’t forget your raincoat!
23. Watch the Lighting of the Big Christmas Tree Downtown
Every year you can watch the big Christmas tree get lit up in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery in Downtown Vancouver. A few years ago I stumbled upon the event, and there were crowds of people all waiting excitedly for the big moment. There were also live performers playing Christmas music, and food trucks selling hot chocolate and other seasonal items. It’s a completely free event, and it takes place in late November or early December, so keep your eyes peeled on the Vancouver website for updates.
24. Sponsor a Star at the Lights of Hope
The Lights of Hope is a magnificent Christmas light display at St. Paul’s Hospital, in downtown Vancouver. The entire facade of the building is covered with beautiful Christmas lights, and stars. You can donate to St. Paul’s Hospital to get your name, a loved one’s name or a business name on one of the lit-up stars on the building. Sponsoring a star at St. Paul’s Hospital helps provide help to those who need it most.
25. All Abord the Bright Nights Christmas Train in Stanley Park
I remember riding the Stanley Park Christmas Train when I was a little kid! It’s such a fun and festive activity for the entire family. The Christmas Train is a small passenger trolly that weaves its way through a holiday light display in Stanley Park. There is also an area to walk around after the train and check out some more Christmas light displays. You can also enjoy some snacks and warm drinks from the Reindeer Cafe, and a number of food trucks at the plaza.
Article Sources:
- Granville Island. “About Us“
- Honda Celebration of Light. “About Us“
- Metro Vancouver. “Grouse Mountain Regional Park“
- Vancouver. “The Seawall in Vancouver“
- Vancouver. “Stanley Park Trails“
- Wikipedia. “Capilano Suspension Bridge“
- Wikipedia. “Queen Elizabeth Park“
- Wikipedia. “Vancouver Aquarium“
- BC Farmer’s Market Trail. “Riley Park Farmers’ Market – Winter“