Wonderfully acronymed as the VAG (heh), this art gallery can be found in the very heart of Vancouver’s downtown core and is a bit hit or miss depending on the exhibitions that they have on. Tickets can be quite pricey but sometimes you’ll be able to find a deal here on GetYourGuide. Otherwise, the main place to get tickets is through the official website via Ticketmaster. This little neighbourhood has giant murals plastered all over its various restaurants, shops, and office buildings, mainly thanks to the fact that it used to host the Vancouver Mural Festival every year. Okay, not too weird, but if you’re looking for something a bit out of the ordinary to do in Vancouver, here are some fun activities that are perfect. The ones at West Coast chains like Earl’s and Cactus Club are especially popular… but here are some of the best happy hours in Downtown Vancouver to get you started.

Murder Mystery Show in Gastown Downtown Vancouver

While I admit, a bougie seaplane tour definitely isn’t the cheapest Vancouver activity, soaring above the city in style is still, to date, one of my favourite memories of Vancouver. For context, this is where ALL the Vancouver youths go to take their prom pictures, so you can bet that it’s scenic and picture-perfect. For some of the best views in Vancouver and a gorgeous park to boot, head over to Queen Elizabeth Park. Yes, what a fun, whimsical name… and I’m happy to confirm that the actual experience is just as delightful as its branding.

• Visit on weekend afternoons when families shop and the streets bustle with activity.
• What elevates this beyond mere transportation infrastructure is the public art, community gardens, playgrounds, and scenic viewpoints integrated along the route, creating destination experiences rather than just a commuting corridor.
• We host events that are as unique as you are with customized packages to fit your every need.
• The city sits on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, and you’ll find incredible work by Indigenous artists that blend traditional techniques with contemporary styles.
• Our summer season is the perfect time to go explore and enjoy some time in the water.

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If you’re a coffee fan, make sure to caffeinate like crazy and enjoy this beloved part of our city’s food and drink culture. I’ll admit, while coffee is as much part of my lifestyle as sleeping or breathing, I’m not much of a discerning coffee drinker – I’ll drink anything, but I am especially partial to Parallel 49. Between the FIFA matches, explore the city like a local, enjoy coffee, food, West Coast views, and even sneak in some nearby day trips or multi-day adventures.

While not super popular as of late, another ‘very Vancouver’ rainy day activity is simply heading to Rogers Arena and cheering on the Canucks at a game. While this won’t be a full day activity by any means as it’s quite small, it’s still a fun stop to enjoy, especially when bundled with some of the nice cafes and bakeries in the area. Back on May 23, 1887 CPR Engine 374 became the first transcontinental passenger train into Vancouver. Today, it’s on display for visitors to admire and enjoy, right next to Yaletown Roundhouse. Platform 7 Coffee (with two locations) is a wonderful rainy day place uniquelyvancouvershow.com to visit in Vancouver. Whether your taste buds are craving cheese fondue (like at The French Table) or chocolate fondue (like at Mink), enjoying a fondue night is one of the coziest ways to spend a rainy day in Vancouver.

Fun Things to do in Vancouver When it Rains

Overlooking the scenic Lost Lagoon, this spot offers educational exhibits and stunning views, making it a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts. Housed in a former coroner’s court, this museum offers a deep dive into Vancouver’s criminal past and law enforcement history. From true crime artifacts and forensic tools to exhibits about local policing, the Vancouver Police Museum is a captivating stop for history buffs and true crime enthusiasts. The detailed stories and displays make for an educational and intriguing visit that’s anything but ordinary.

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One of my favourite summertime things to do in Vancouver is hanging out in the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood, which is filled to the brim with cool shops, street art, cafes and more. The beach here is just as nice as English Bay, but there’s a few interesting public art sculptures, like two giant engagement rings and a giant Inukshuk. While the SeaBus is simply an extension of Vancouver’s public transportation system, this 15 minute ride across the water from downtown to Lonsdale Quay is one of my favourite things to do in Vancouver when I have visitors. The Vancouver Lookout is an attraction in downtown Vancouver that offers beautiful 360 degree views of the city. If you want a unique shopping experience, this would be much better than the (relatively dull) Robson Street in downtown Vancouver, which is filled with a mix of chain shops you can find pretty much anywhere (e.g., Zara), along with tacky gift shops.

The conservatory serves educational purposes, teaching about biodiversity, conservation, and ecosystems while providing a peaceful retreat from urban life. What makes the Punjabi Market essential is the authenticity, this is Vancouver’s South Asian community’s shopping and cultural hub, where you’ll hear Punjabi spoken as often as English and where businesses cater primarily to locals rather than tourists. The neighborhood’s many restaurants serve some of the city’s best Indian cuisine from butter chicken to dosas, and bakeries produce fresh samosas, pakoras, and naan throughout the day. The proximity to Kitsilano Beach means you can combine shopping with beach time during summer months.

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For an afternoon of fun and exploration, visit the Elizabethan Hedge Maze at VanDusen Botanical Garden. Made from 3,000 pyramidal cedars, the maze challenges visitors of all ages to find their way to the center. It’s a perfect spot for families or friends who enjoy playful activities while surrounded by nature. Don’t forget to take in the beautiful gardens surrounding the maze, showcasing Vancouver’s lush plant life. Step into tranquility at this authentic Ming Dynasty-style garden, the first of its kind built outside China.