25 Fun Things To Do in Vancouver’s Summer Wonderland

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 25 fun and unique things to do in Vancouver in the Summer 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 popular summer destination, and the main beach (White Pine Beach) can fill up 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.