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Things To Do When It Rains in Metro Vancouver

To say it rains a lot in and around Vancouver would be an understatement – particularly after October’s record-breaking rains. Oh well, you might say, time for a(nother) Netflix binge. But, the supply of bingeable shows is finite, and at some point, cabin fever will strike.

Thankfully, there’s still plenty to do around here while remaining covered. Here are some you might like to try out.

Play a board game

Board games are the O.G. rainy day distraction. Don’t worry that you haven’t got any; Metro Vancouver has got you covered. Head to one of the board game bars or cafes in the area, such as Storm Crow Tavern and Ludica Pizzeria in Vancouver, or the Hide Out Cafe in New West.

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Go Bowling

The great thing about bowling is you can go with pretty much anyone – family, friends, a date… After you’ve bowled a few frames, you’ll forget about the rain outside. Take a look at our list of Metro Vancouver’s best bowling alleys.

Pit your wits against an Escape Room

Not recommended for claustrophobes, but otherwise, great fun. See if you and your friends can solve the clues in time to escape. Another idea is to go as two groups, and see who can escape the fastest. Discover Vancouver’s escape rooms with our handy list.

Go to the Aquarium

It’s on theme, what with all the water, but also a fun, interesting way to spend an afternoon. Stroke the rays, marvel at the monsters of the deep and watch a 4D film. If you want to avoid the kids, go to one of the aquarium’s regular after-hours events.

RELATED: How The Vancouver Aquarium Has Evolved Over 60 Years

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Crawl the Breweries

Ok, so the rain is still a factor, but only as you dash between venues. Brassneck, 33 Acres, Faculty, Main Street Brewing Co. and the Craft Beer Market are all near enough to each other for a short, brolly-wielding trot. After the first couple, you’ll notice the rain less, too.

Dance the night away

I’m not talking about nightclubs here (although there are plenty of those). I’m talking about the many social dances taking place across Metro Vancouver – swing, salsa, ballroom and more. Even if you are a complete beginner, just give it a go (There are often lessons at the beginning of the dance). Check out our list of places to dance in  Metro Vancouver.

Sky Zone Trampoline Park/ Facebook
Sky Zone Trampoline Park/ Facebook

Fly high at a trampoline park

Ever wondered what it feels like to be a bird? Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Surrey is the perfect place to kick off your shoes and get some radical height. Test your baller skills in the Sky Slam section, backflip into the foam zone, or even play a round of Ultimate Dodgeball in an area of wall-to-wall trampolines.

Go karting, Mario style

Okay, maybe not with all the shell bombs and slippery bananas, but you can reenact a charged-up game of Mario Kart in real life at places like Fast Track, Richmond Go-Karts, or SPEEDERS. Suit up like the pros and get your need for speed fix while avoiding the soggy weather outside.

Ted McGrath / 604 Now Flickr Pool
Ted McGrath / 604 Now Flickr Pool

Educate yourself at Science World

Nothing beats the hands-on experience at Science World, and on top of that, there are regular events: free-admission days and cocktail evenings are just the tip of the iceberg.

Check out an art gallery or museum

Learn about the history of a fascinating city at the Museum of Vancouver, or take in the latest exhibition at Vancouver Art Gallery. Outside of Vancouver, the 604 still has lots to offer on this front. There’s the Surrey Museum, the New West Museum and Archives, as well as many more.

See a movie or a play

Vancouver offers so many shows to see that you are spoilt for choice. Go highbrow at the VIFF or enjoy the latest blockbuster spectacle (Head to Landmark Cinemas for cheap tickets on Tuesdays). It doesn’t stop with movies, you can also enjoy the magic of theatre at The Queen Elizabeth Theatre and many others.

ENCimages / 604 Now Flickr Pool
ENCimages / 604 Now Flickr Pool

Support your favourite sports team

The Canucks, the Lions and the Whitecaps all offer a great atmosphere, but it doesn’t stop with the high profile teams. There are lots of smaller local teams around the Lower Mainland whose games can be a fantastic way to while away a rainy afternoon or evening. Check out the Vancouver Giants or the Abbotsford Heat.

Show off your skating skills

Strap on your skates, and show us what you’ve got! As in any self-respecting Canadian metropolis, Metro Vancouver has more ice rinks than you can shake a stick at.

Listen to some live music

The Lower Mainland is a phenomenal place for music lovers to live. There is a vibrant local scene and a huge part of that is the live shows. Whether it’s a fledgling punk band at the Rickshaw or the grandeur of the VSO, there’s no shortage of options.

RELATED: Best Live Music Venues in Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley

Forget the rain at a comedy show

Brighten up a gloomy day with some laughter. There are tonnes of options for anyone wanting to see comedy in Metro Vancouver — from small comedy clubs to the biggest names in the business.

RELATED: Best Comedy Venues in Metro Vancouver

 

What’s your go-to rainy day activity? Drop us a comment below!

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