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
FROM JULY TO AUGUST
Celebration of LightUNCONFIRMEDlate July 2023 • Event
Don’t miss one of the most spectacular sound and light events in the world!Rocky Mountaineer TrainApril–October • Activity
This is more than just a train!Grizzly Bear Watchingmid-May–October • Nature
Take a close look at grizzly black bears in the mountainsWhale WatchingMarch–October • Activity
A truly unforgettable marine experience is guaranteed with the many varieties of whales to be foundNight MarketsMay–September • Activity
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 CruisesApril–August • Activity
Be prepared for adventures when cruising the PacificCrankworx WhistlerJuly 21–30, 2023 • Event
A massive celebration of elite-level mountain bikingSeal PupsMay–August • Nature
If you have never seen seals before, British Columbia is a great viewing spot. Come in summer for the adorable pups!Hiking around VancouverMay–late October • Activity
Vancouver’s amazing variety of landscapes, gorgeous views, and wildlife provide some of the best hiking opportunities for everyone!KayakingApril–October • Activity
Enjoy a perfect day or two on kayak, surrounded by gorgeous nature and an amazing variety of wildlifePanorama Ridge HikeJuly–October • Activity
The perfect outlook on amazing Garibaldi Provincial ParkRaftingApril–October • Activity
Some of North America’s best rafting opportunities, thrilling moments, and stunning nature can be found near VancouverBoatingMarch–October • Activity
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 ParkApril–October • Activity
See the legendary cliffs from ‘First Blood’, where Rambo was hanging above a raging riverBeach SeasonJune–August • Activity
Choose the perfect beach for you and enjoy the sun and water with no worriesBard on the Beach Shakespeare FestivalJune–September • Event
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 VillageSkookumchuck Narrowsall year round • Nature
Enjoy one of the greatest natural spectacles of British ColumbiaSeafood SeasonMay–September • Food
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 dishesCambie climbing treeall year round • Activity
Are you fit enough to climb a towering Canadian evergreen?Landslide LakeJune–September • Nature
One of the best hikes on Vancouver IslandFishingJanuary–mid-November • Activity
Salmon is just one of many reasons to try fishing in British Columbia. Come and enjoy world class deep sea fishing together with river fishingSummer Fruits and VeggiesJuly–September • Food
Fresh local food is ready for you! Come and enjoy various food festivals and fresh farmers’ marketsChilliwack Lake Provincial Parklate April–early October • Nature
Hiking, fishing, canoeing and kayaking destinationGolfApril–October • Activity
Stunning views and plenty of gorgeous, pristine courses await youWindsurfing & KiteboardingMay–mid-September • Activity
Catch the wind and enjoy the sun on an active summer vacationBirdwatchingall year round • Activity
Relish the birding experience in southern British ColumbiaLake Lovely Watermid-July–October (could be mid-June–November) • Nature
A stunning alpine lake surrounded by the Tantalus Mountain RangeCycling & Mountain BikingApril–October • Activity
For those who adore cycling and biking, Vancouver has lots to offer—from peaceful city cycling to adventurous mountain trails and amazing bike parksSea Lion Pupsmid-May–July • Nature
Spy out amusing sea lions playing with pups at the coastal areas and islands of British ColumbiaMount CheamJuly–October • Activity
A beautiful hike in Canadian Cascades with blooming wildflowers along the wayMt Albert Edwardlate June–early October • Activity
Discover beautiful mountains of Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island
50 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE
Northern LightsOUT OF RANGEDecember–March • Nature
With a bit of luck, you can watch aurora borealis in VancouverSalmon RunOUT OF RANGEearly to mid-October (the next dominant year is 2022) • Nature
Every four years, sometime in October, millions of migrating sockeye salmon paint the Adams River scarlet-redVancouver International Jazz FestivalOUT OF RANGEJune 23–July 2, 2023 • Event
The largest music festival in British Columbia with 1800 artists and over half a million jazz fansIlluminares Lantern FestivalOVERJuly 28, 2018 • Event
Enter the space of magical summer evenings. Check out the amazing lanterns of various shapes, parades, and performances awaiting you on the last Saturday of JulyVancouver Cherry Blossom FestivalOUT OF RANGEMarch 31–April 23, 2023 • Event
A festival of natural beauty, arts, crafts, and cultural diversity. Enjoy the fragrances and views of amazing cherry trees blooming and lots of various eventsCarol Ships Parade of LightsOUT OF RANGEDecember 3, 2022 • Event
Charming lights captivate the city during the festive season. The waterways around Vancouver also have attractions to showCanada DayOUT OF RANGEJuly 1 • Event
Become a part of the largest celebration in VancouverUBC Apple FestivalOUT OF RANGEOctober 18–19, 2023 • Event
Check out the huge variety of tasty, fresh apples, cider, and apple pies that await you at this festival!Cranberry HarvestOUT OF RANGElate September–early November • Activity
In the middle of fall, plain low-growing cranberry vines transform into exuberant red bogsCanyon LightsOUT OF RANGENovember 19, 2022–January 22, 2023 • Event
Want to have a magical Christmas evening? Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is the place to be!Vancouver Santa Claus ParadeON HOLDDecember 1, 2019 • Event
The largest Christmas Parade in Western CanadaShambhala Music FestivalOUT OF RANGEJuly 21–24, 2023 • Event
Come and enjoy one of the largest electronic music festivals in CanadaBald Eagle CountOUT OF RANGEearly January | 3rd weekend of November • Activity
Thousands of bald eagles can be observed near the lakesides. You can even volunteer and take part in the huge counting expeditionConcord’s New Year’s EveOUT OF RANGEDecember 31 • Event
Ring in the new year with numerous festive events in Vancouver city centerGrouse Mountain Light WalkOUT OF RANGENovember 25, 2022–January 2, 2023 • Event
Magical lights, figures, and various holiday installations adorn this special walk. Go straight to Blue Grouse Lake and marvel at the beauty and holiday spirit!Cloverdale Rodeo and Country FairUNCONFIRMEDmid-May 2023 • Event
This huge Country Fair with its amazing Rodeo shows attracts hundreds of thousands of people every yearVancouver MarathonOUT OF RANGEMay 7, 2023 • Event
Join one of the largest running events in CanadaVancouver Fashion WeekOUT OF RANGEApril 12–16, 2023 | October 16–22, 2023 • Event
Sensational selection of designers is awaiting you at the second largest fashion week across North AmericaVanDusen Festival of LightsOUT OF RANGENovember 25, 2022–January 2, 2023 • Event
One of Vancouver’s best holiday lights displaysPolar Bear SwimOUT OF RANGEJanuary 1 • Event
Want to try something extraordinary on the first day of the New Year?Vancouver Christmas MarketOUT OF RANGENovember 12–December 24, 2022 • Event
An Old World tradition that has become a favorite for localsVancouver Folk Music FestivalUNCONFIRMEDmid-July 2023 • Event
Dive into the world of music and relaxation in Jericho Beach ParkVancouver Folk Music FestivalUNCONFIRMEDmid-July 2023 • Event
Dive into the world of music and relaxation in Jericho Beach ParkDragon Boat FestivalOUT OF RANGEJune 23–25, 2023 • Event
Enjoy this traditional Chinese celebration of the summer solstice with dragon boat racingChristmas LightsOUT OF RANGEmid-November 2022–late January 2023 • Event
Millions of twinkling lights bring a festive atmosphere to the cityChinese New YearOUT OF RANGEJanuary 22, 2023 • Event
One of the biggest celebrations in CanadaSt. Patrick’s Day WeekOUT OF RANGEMarch 11–18, 2023 • Event
Visit Western Canada’s biggest Irish FestivalCarnaval Del SolOUT OF RANGEJuly 7–9, 2023 • Event
The biggest Latin festival in the Pacific NorthwestVancouver International Film Festival (VIFF)OUT OF RANGESeptember 28–October 8, 2023 • Event
One of the biggest film festivals in North AmericaVancouver Sun RunOUT OF RANGEApril 16, 2023 • Event
Take part in one of the largest runs in the worldAbbotsford AirshowOUT OF RANGEAugust 11–13, 2023 • Event
This three-day event will make you fall head over heals with air shows in generalBlooming SeasonOUT OF RANGElate March–May • Nature
Come and enjoy blooming season at Vancouver’s parks and gardensAlaskan King Crab SeasonOUT OF RANGEMarch • Food
Once a year you can try some of the biggest and tastiest crab around! Don’t miss your chanceCar Free Day VancouverOUT OF RANGESeptember 10, 18, 25, 2022 • Event
Promote a sustainable environment, active ways of transportation, and enjoy loud parties on the city’s main streetsThanksgivingOUT OF RANGEOctober 9, 2023 • Event
Being mainly a family holiday, Thanksgiving is a great time to taste traditional dishes and observe different customsVancouver Chinese Lantern FestivalON HOLDFebruary 1–March 31, 2019 • Event
An attraction to brighten up cold and dark winter monthsFAN EXPO VancouverOUT OF RANGEFebruary 18–20, 2023 • Event
A colorful cosplay event for all fans of pop culture entertainmentFright Nights at PlaylandOUT OF RANGEOctober 7–31, 2022 (on selected dates) • Event
Western Canada’s scariest haunt at Pacific National Exhibition (PNE)Boundary Bay AirshowOUT OF RANGEJuly 22, 2023 • Event
With free admission, the event still showcases some of the country’s finest aircraft aerobatics and static displaysGastown Grand PrixOUT OF RANGEJuly 12, 2023 • Event
Witness one of the most popular single day races and its long and rich historyHalloween in VancouverOUT OF RANGElate September–early November 2022 • Event
October is filled with fun and fright in Greater VancouverSkiing & SnowboardingOUT OF RANGENovember–late April • Activity
Charming nature, jaw-dropping views, and world class slopes and trails can be found skiing around VancouverAbbotsford Tulip FestivalOUT OF RANGE2020 (cancelled) • Event
Breathtaking display of millions of flowersGame Meats, Pacific Oysters, and Sea UrchinOUT OF RANGEOctober–February • Food
Late autumn and winter bring game meats and tasty seafood on the table. Choose your favourite!Ice SkatingOUT OF RANGEDecember–February • Activity
Spend a nice winter evening having fun at the skating rinkDivingOUT OF RANGEmid-November–February • Activity
Diving 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 shipwrecksCinco de MayoUNCONFIRMEDMay 5, 2023 • Event
Early May is all about tacos, churros, and colorful Mexican traditionsFall Colors in VancouverOUT OF RANGEmid-September–mid-November (best late October) • Event
The bustling seaport in the Lower Mainland is famous for its vibrant foliageSnowshoeingOUT OF RANGEDecember–March • Activity
Enjoy nature in winter and explore unbeaten pathsSeasons FestivalON HOLD2020 (postponed) • Event
A mix of music, technology and new media art