Need things to do in Vancouver when the rain’s got you down? There are plenty indoor destinations to explore around the city, no matter what kind of date you’re looking for.
From must-try restaurants, cafes, bars and speakeasies to a plethora of local indoor attractions — here’s our guide on how Vancouverites can escape the rain.
Things To Do In Vancouver When It Rains
Indoor Paintball
Richmond Indoor Paintball offers an inclusive and family-friendly environment, serving as the sole indoor paintball facility in the Lower Mainland, ensuring fun regardless of the weather.
With its smaller-sized paintball arena, the experience is both thrilling and manageable, making it ideal for couples seeking an adventurous indoor activity on rainy days. Additionally, special discounts on Fridays, such as free entry and rental for ladies all day and half-priced additional paintballs after 6 PM, provide added value for those looking for a budget-friendly date option.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned player, Richmond Indoor Paintball promises a memorable and exciting experience for couples looking to spice up their rainy day outings. Visit them online to book your visit.
Compete in Martial Arts
Discover unique and thrilling rainy day activities at Academie Duello Centre for Swordplay, Vancouver’s premier school of Historical European Martial Arts and Downtown’s axe-throwing destination.
Dive in through empowering programs in weapons arts designed to meet fitness goals and foster mastery, or Adventure bookings to satisfy your need for an amazing fun time! You will leave with authentic skills in longsword, rapier, archery, polearms, or of course, axe-throwing!
Whether you’re seeking month-long courses or one-off adventures, Academie Duello offers engaging experiences that combine physical activity with mental stimulation for an unforgettable visit.
Book your experience here.
Roam inside BC’s largest VR facility
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Embark on an unforgettable indoor adventure at Zero Latency, a premier destination for free-roam virtual reality fun.
Zero Latency offers cutting-edge tracking technology for crystal-clear 4K streaming directly to your headset, ensuring a seamless and exhilarating date experience without the need for bulky equipment. With two convenient locations in Vancouver and Langley, you can dive into immersive experiences like Far Cry VR in British Columbia’s largest VR arena spanning 1,900 square feet.
It’s a popular local date night spot, and has garnered 1,000+ Google reviews with a solid 4.9 star rating. Pro-tip: it’s also great for double dates or group nights.
Visit their website to book now!
Hang out with friends at a board game café
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Games, snacks and good vibes can be found at this one-of-a-kind shop. At Pizzeria Ludica, you can play some of your favourite games while noshing on delicious pizza.
As long as you and your date have a pie, their board games are totally free to play. You can also check out their website to see which games are the most or least involved, making it a breeze to choose a game that everyone likes. They have two different locations with one in Vancouver and the other in New Westminster.
Address: 189 Keefer Place, Vancouver; 601 Carnarvon Street, New Westminster
Play at the Rec Room
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The Rec Room entertainment centre at the Amazing Brentwood Mall is the perfect adult arcade. They have over 90 arcade games for gamers of all ages. From classics like skee ball and racing to physical games like table tennis and billiards. And the best part yet, there’s food, beer, and live entertainment.
Address: Unit 2106 – 1920 Willingdon Ave, Burnaby
Visit a themed restaurant
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Escape to one of these must-visit spots if you want to feel like you’re on a holiday without ever having to leave the city.
Hit up the drive for a big fat Greek dinner at none other than Loula’s located at 1608 Commercial drive in Vancouver. This vibrant space serves up authentic Greek eats, including a series of Mediterranean dips, spanakopita, lamb meatballs, saganaki, Greek salad and roasted chicken. Or head on over to The Shameful Tiki Room on Main street and try their tropical-inspired libations.
There are so many amazing restaurants to see in Vancouver, you’ll need more than one rainy day to try them all.
Discover a hidden bar
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Have you discovered Bagheera? The hidden speakeasy concept tucked away in Vancouver’s vibrant Chinatown neighbourhood. Or how about Key Party, inside the façade of an inconspicuous little accounting office, called Zottenberg & Sons Accounting.
In the past few years, Vancouver has become home to many speakeasies and secret bars, perfect for the rainy day adventures.
Take a Fraser Valley Wine Tour
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Want an all day activity? Go on a wine tour with your partner or a group of friends. There are many tour available, and are usually a full day event. Like the 5.5 hour tour in the Fraser Valley which includes stops at three wineries in the area. Or Canadian Craft Tours takes a small group of 15 passengers or fewer in a comfortable van to the wineries.
A light lunch of a cheese and charcuterie platter is included.
Address: Usually Departs in Vancouver. Pick up is also available for groups.
Go Brewery hopping in East Van
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If beer is more your style, then look no further than a self-guided brewery hop in East Van to brighten up a rainy day.
The neighbourhood is full of must-sip brews, including East Van Brewing Company, R&B Ale & Pizza House, Bomber Brewing and more.
Address: Various locations in East Van
Try out indoor rock climbing
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Don’t let the rain damper your adventurous spirit. Take the adventures inside by heading to an indoor rock climbing gym.
Check out The Hive Bouldering Gym (various locations), The Aviary (Vancouver), Clip n’ Climb (Richmond) and Climb Base5 (Coquitlam).
Address: Various locations in Metro Vancouver
Learn something new at Science World
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Science World is a popular destination for families, with interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that make learning about science fun. The indoor space is a great place to spend a rainy afternoon, and there’s something for everyone, from toddlers to adults.
Address: 1455 Quebec St, Vancouver
Check out a pop-up exhibit
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Vancouver has no shortage of cool events and exhibits. From immersive galleries to a variety of festivals, there is always something happening that is new and exciting.
Relax at a spa
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Whether you choose to stay in the city or take a small weekend trip away, Vancouver has no shortage of spas to choose from. A rainy day is the perfect excuse to pamper yourself. There are plenty of options, from luxury spas with extensive treatments to more affordable options. Spend the day getting a massage, soaking in a hot tub, or simply relaxing in a peaceful environment.
Make a new aquatic friend at the Aquarium
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The Vancouver Aquarium is a great place to spend a rainy day. You can explore the indoor exhibits, which include a variety of marine life such as jellyfish, sea otters, and seals. The aquarium also offers daily shows and interactive experiences, making it a fun and educational destination for people of all ages.
Address: 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
Find a favourite new coffee shop
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There is no shortage of cool coffee shops in Greater Vancouver to check out. And there’s no better way to beat the rainy day blues than by sitting in a warm café and enjoying a hot cup of coffee while people watching.
From Nemesis in Vancouver, where you can dig into an incredible selection of pastries and other must-taste items in the sprawling 2,000-square-foot space. To Cafe Etoile in Langley, where they serve 13 types of waffles with a variety of delicious toppings. If you need more inspiration, take a look at our guide on 6 Hidden Cafes In Vancouver You Need To Check Out.
Feel like a kid again at Central City Fun Park
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With a massive arcade, bowling, roller skating, mini-golf, laser tag, and even more, Central City Fun Park truly has it all for those that are young at heart. If you and your date have a competitive streak, then this is an awesome place to put any of your skills to the test.
There’s no need to make a reservation to head here; all you need is to be ready to have a blast with all the amazing offerings this fun park has!
Address: 11125 124 St., Surrey
Go stargazing while indoors
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Stargazing is technically an outdoor activity, but Metro Vancouver is filled with plenty of amazing observatories and planetariums. Take your date to outer space at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre or the Vancouver Planetarium and learn all about the cosmos.
The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre also offers shows in their Planetarium Star Theatre where you can travel through the universe while reclining back in a seat.
Address: Various locations across Metro Vancouver
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