Don’t let a lack of funds keep you from having fun this Summer. Vancouver has lots of awesome activities and cool events to keep you and your friends entertained.
Check out the best free (or cheap) things to do in Vancouver.
Things To Do In Vancouver
Hit up the beach
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The best part about Summer in Vancouver is spending your days sunbathing and just hanging out at the beach. Visit Sunset Beach, English Bay Beach, Second Beach, Third Beach or Spanish Banks (just to name a few). Or if you’re feeling adventurous, take on Wreck Beach. It’s free and you get outside to soak up the sun—what could be better?
Go for a hike
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Another way to take advantage of the good weather and get a workout in. Vancouver is full of scenic hiking trails for you to explore free of charge. Try Quarry Rock in Deep Cove, Lighthouse Park or climb on rocks at Whytecliff Park.
Check out the Night Markets
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Night markets are a great way to spend an evening—whether you want to get some good eats or just enjoy the atmosphere. Check out the Shipyards Night Market in North Vancouver (free admission) or the Richmond Night Market ($4.25 admission). They both have lots of vendors to look at and entertainment on-site.
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Free yoga
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Mat Collective is offering free yoga classes on specific days all summer long at Kits Beach, Granville Island, Main Street and Robson. Suitable for all yogi levels and includes: Hatha, Flow, Mandala, Yin Yang and Power classes.
Celebration of Light Fireworks
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It’s easily one of the mostly highly-anticipated events of the year. Take in the free fireworks show over English Bay on July 28th, August 1st and August 4th this year.
Bike the seawall
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Grab your bike and go for a ride along the Stanley Park seawall. Nothing beats cycling around while taking in your surroundings. If you don’t have your own bike, you can rent one at multiple places in the area. JO-E Cycles on Denman charges $9 for a 1.5-hour rental.
Float on a lake
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If you’ve got a floatie and your friends, you’re all set to hit up some of Metro Vancouver’s pristine lakes for a relaxing day. Check out Lindeman Lake, Buntzen Lake or Sasamat Lake.
Walk around Granville Island
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There’s no better way to spend a sunny day than walking around Granville Island and checking out the market and all the shops. You can go people watching or take in the entertainment of performers on weekends.
Play Volleyball at English Bay Beach
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Looking for some friendly competition? Challenge your friends to a game of volleyball at English Bay Beach for a fun day in the sun.
Go for a swim at Kits Pool
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Cool off and go for a refreshing dip at the popular Kitsilano Pool that overlooks the beach. It’s the best of both worlds. Drop-in admission fee is $5.76.
Forest bathing at Pacific Spirit
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Practice the Japanese art of forest bathing at this serene park near UBC. With lush trees all around you and easy walking trails, it’s the perfect place to unwind (and it’s free).
People watch in Stanley Park
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The stunning park has so much to offer whether you’re into running, biking, rollerblading or just want to sit on a bench and appreciate nature.
Go Celeb-spotting
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There are some stars in town, why not try to scope them out? Some of the celebrities filming in Vancouver this Summer are Milo Ventimiglia, Patrick Dempsey, Amanda Seyfried and Ali Wong.
Visit the Suspension Bridge at Lynn Canyon
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Walk across this stunning suspension bridge in the North Shore’s Lynn Canyon Park. There’s a lot of scenic trails and hikes to take on in the area.
Picnic at Queen Elizabeth Park
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When in doubt, have a picnic. Pack up some of your favourite goodies, gather your friends (or your four-legged BFF) and hit up the park.
Looking for more things to do in Vancouver? Take on these 9 easy hikes even your lazy friends will love or check out the free outdoor movies under the stars.
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