Best time to visit Vancouver
Best time of year to visit Vancouver
The best time to visit Vancouver is mild spring and pleasant autumn. During balmy spring months, the city starts to bloom, and you can get suitable accommodation for a song! Spring is also for numerous events like Vancouver Sun Run or Cloverdale Rodeo. June to August in Vancouver is the busiest time but perfect for swimming, tanning, and sightseeing. Hotel prices go up so book your accommodation in advance.
September is the most outstanding month to stay in Vancouver when a lot of activities like boating, whale watching and rafting are available. Being gloomy and cold, snowy winter can nevertheless offer you an unforgettable experience of snowboarding or skiing on endless slopes of Whistler or Grouse Mount.
31 THINGS TO DO IN VANCOUVER (JULY 25 - AUGUST 03)
Celebration of Light
unconfirmedDon't miss one of the most spectacular sound and light events in the world!
Rocky Mountaineer Train
This is more than just a train!
Grizzly Bear Watching
Take a close look at grizzly black bears in the mountains
Whale Watching
A truly unforgettable marine experience is guaranteed with the many varieties of whales to be found
Night Markets
During the summer period, you can spend Friday evenings at the night market. This is not only for shopping but also lots of fun and great food!
Hawaii Cruises
Be prepared for adventures when cruising the Pacific
Crankworx Whistler
A massive celebration of elite-level mountain biking
Seal Pups
If you have never seen seals before, British Columbia is a great viewing spot. Come in summer for the adorable pups!
Hiking around Vancouver
Vancouver's amazing variety of landscapes, gorgeous views, and wildlife provide some of the best hiking opportunities for everyone!
Kayaking
Enjoy a perfect day or two on kayak, surrounded by gorgeous nature and an amazing variety of wildlife
Panorama Ridge Hike
The perfect outlook on amazing Garibaldi Provincial Park
Rafting
Some of North America's best rafting opportunities, thrilling moments, and stunning nature can be found near Vancouver
Boating
Enjoy Vancouver's coastline and other waterways! Don't miss the beauty of nature, wildlife watching, fishing opportunities, and adventurous boating. It's easy to find the perfect water activity for everyone here!
Othello Tunnels, Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park
See the legendary cliffs from 'First Blood', where Rambo was hanging above a raging river
Beach Season
Choose the perfect beach for you and enjoy the sun and water with no worries
Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival
With a huge love of Shakespeare and the art of theatre in general, thousands of locals and people from all over the world come to enjoy summer night plays at the Bard Village
Skookumchuck Narrows
Enjoy one of the greatest natural spectacles of British Columbia
Seafood Season
If you are a seafood fan, late spring is the right time to visit the B.C. and Vancouver restaurants and enjoy a variety of sea fish dishes
Cambie climbing tree
Are you fit enough to climb a towering Canadian evergreen?
Landslide Lake
One of the best hikes on Vancouver Island
Fishing
Salmon is just one of many reasons to try fishing in British Columbia. Come and enjoy world class deep sea fishing together with river fishing
Summer Fruits and Veggies
Fresh local food is ready for you! Come and enjoy various food festivals and fresh farmers' markets
Windsurfing & Kiteboarding
Catch the wind and enjoy the sun on an active summer vacation
Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park
Hiking, fishing, canoeing and kayaking destination
Golf
Stunning views and plenty of gorgeous, pristine courses await you
Birdwatching
Relish the birding experience in southern British Columbia
Lake Lovely Water
A stunning alpine lake surrounded by the Tantalus Mountain Range
Cycling & Mountain Biking
For those who adore cycling and biking, Vancouver has lots to offer—from peaceful city cycling to adventurous mountain trails and amazing bike parks
Sea Lion Pups
Spy out amusing sea lions playing with pups at the coastal areas and islands of British Columbia
Mount Cheam
A beautiful hike in Canadian Cascades with blooming wildflowers along the way
Mt Albert Edward
Discover beautiful mountains of Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island
50 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE
Northern Lights
out of rangeWith a bit of luck, you can watch aurora borealis in Vancouver
Salmon Run
out of rangeEvery four years, sometime in October, millions of migrating sockeye salmon paint the Adams River scarlet-red
Vancouver International Jazz Festival
out of rangeThe largest music festival in British Columbia with 1800 artists and over half a million jazz fans
Illuminares Lantern Festival
overEnter the space of magical summer evenings. Check out the amazing lanterns of various shapes, parades, and performances awaiting you on the last Saturday of July
Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
out of rangeA festival of natural beauty, arts, crafts, and cultural diversity. Enjoy the fragrances and views of amazing cherry trees blooming and lots of various events
Canada Day
out of rangeBecome a part of the largest celebration in Vancouver
Carol Ships Parade of Lights
out of rangeCharming lights captivate the city during the festive season. The waterways around Vancouver also have attractions to show
UBC Apple Festival
out of rangeCheck out the huge variety of tasty, fresh apples, cider, and apple pies that await you at this festival!
Cranberry Harvest
out of rangeIn the middle of fall, plain low-growing cranberry vines transform into exuberant red bogs
Canyon Lights
out of rangeWant to have a magical Christmas evening? Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is the place to be!
Shambhala Music Festival
out of rangeCome and enjoy one of the largest electronic music festivals in Canada
Vancouver Santa Claus Parade
on holdThe largest Christmas Parade in Western Canada
Bald Eagle Count
out of rangeThousands of bald eagles can be observed near the lakesides. You can even volunteer and take part in the huge counting expedition
Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair
unconfirmedThis huge Country Fair with its amazing Rodeo shows attracts hundreds of thousands of people every year
Concord's New Year’s Eve
out of rangeRing in the new year with numerous festive events in Vancouver city center
Vancouver Fashion Week
out of rangeSensational selection of designers is awaiting you at the second largest fashion week across North America
Grouse Mountain Light Walk
out of rangeMagical lights, figures, and various holiday installations adorn this special walk. Go straight to Blue Grouse Lake and marvel at the beauty and holiday spirit!
Vancouver Folk Music Festival
unconfirmedDive into the world of music and relaxation in Jericho Beach Park
Vancouver Marathon
out of rangeJoin one of the largest running events in Canada
Vancouver Folk Music Festival
unconfirmedDive into the world of music and relaxation in Jericho Beach Park
VanDusen Festival of Lights
out of rangeOne of Vancouver's best holiday lights displays
Carnaval Del Sol
out of rangeThe biggest Latin festival in the Pacific Northwest
Polar Bear Swim
out of rangeWant to try something extraordinary on the first day of the New Year?
Vancouver Christmas Market
out of rangeAn Old World tradition that has become a favorite for locals
Dragon Boat Festival
out of rangeEnjoy this traditional Chinese celebration of the summer solstice with dragon boat racing
Christmas Lights
out of rangeMillions of twinkling lights bring a festive atmosphere to the city
Chinese New Year
out of rangeOne of the biggest celebrations in Canada
St. Patrick's Day Week
out of rangeVisit Western Canada's biggest Irish Festival
Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF)
out of rangeOne of the biggest film festivals in North America
Vancouver Sun Run
out of rangeTake part in one of the largest runs in the world
Abbotsford Airshow
out of rangeThis three-day event will make you fall head over heals with air shows in general
Blooming Season
out of rangeCome and enjoy blooming season at Vancouver's parks and gardens
Alaskan King Crab Season
out of rangeOnce a year you can try some of the biggest and tastiest crab around! Don't miss your chance
Car Free Day Vancouver
out of rangePromote a sustainable environment, active ways of transportation, and enjoy loud parties on the city's main streets
Thanksgiving
out of rangeBeing mainly a family holiday, Thanksgiving is a great time to taste traditional dishes and observe different customs
FAN EXPO Vancouver
out of rangeA colorful cosplay event for all fans of pop culture entertainment
Vancouver Chinese Lantern Festival
on holdAn attraction to brighten up cold and dark winter months
Fright Nights at Playland
out of rangeWestern Canada’s scariest haunt at Pacific National Exhibition (PNE)
Boundary Bay Airshow
out of rangeWith free admission, the event still showcases some of the country's finest aircraft aerobatics and static displays
Gastown Grand Prix
out of rangeWitness one of the most popular single day races and its long and rich history
Abbotsford Tulip Festival
out of rangeBreathtaking display of millions of flowers
Halloween in Vancouver
out of rangeOctober is filled with fun and fright in Greater Vancouver
Skiing & Snowboarding
out of rangeCharming nature, jaw-dropping views, and world class slopes and trails can be found skiing around Vancouver
Game Meats, Pacific Oysters, and Sea Urchin
out of rangeLate autumn and winter bring game meats and tasty seafood on the table. Choose your favourite!
Ice Skating
out of rangeSpend a nice winter evening having fun at the skating rink
Diving
out of rangeDiving in cold waters offers no fewer attractions than in the tropics. You can find lots of marine life, beautiful corals, and a real adventure finding treasure among the shipwrecks
Seasons Festival
on holdA mix of music, technology and new media art
Cinco de Mayo
unconfirmedEarly May is all about tacos, churros, and colorful Mexican traditions
Fall Colors in Vancouver
out of rangeThe bustling seaport in the Lower Mainland is famous for its vibrant foliage
Snowshoeing
out of rangeEnjoy nature in winter and explore unbeaten paths
