A bustling seaport in British Columbia, Vancouver is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in Canada. It has a thriving art and music scene as well as a popular filming location for its mountainous topography. It also features a number of amazing accommodations, such as party hotels and pet-friendly hotels. Vancouver tends to have a long winter season, but you shouldn’t worry about this, for the city has a lot of activities to offer even when it gets wet. In case you’re wondering about the activities to do during the rainy season, continue reading to find out more about some of the top things to do on a rainy day in Vancouver, Canada.
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1. Appreciate art at the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art was founded in 2008 in honor of the legendary artist Bill Reid. The gallery boasts a supremely diverse collection of the artist’s masterpieces and also organizes exhibitions and workshops that showcase the work of other artists from the Northwest Coast.
The gallery aims to build and preserve a space for people from all walks of life and offers merchandise and art books for patrons to buy. The proceeds help the educational and art programs to thrive and flourish. Visitors especially like the helpful and amiable staff alongside the creative collection and the gift shop on the premises.
Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art
Address: 639 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2G3, Canada
Website: Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 13 USD (Free for children 12 and under)
2. Go shopping at CF Pacific Centre
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This shopping mall is one of the best indoor attractions in Vancouver for when it rains. If you are feeling blue with the inclement weather outside and would like a pick-me-up, you can head to CF Pacific Centre and pamper yourself with a day of retail therapy.
The mall has several stores under one roof that cater to every shopping need of different kinds of shoppers. Some of the premium brands, such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Aldo, Apple, Michael Kors, Ray-Ban, Sephora, and Steve Madden, can be found here. If you are looking to refuel and recharge in the middle of your shopping spree, head to any of the eateries on-site, such as Starbucks Reserve Bar, New York Fries, or Thai Express, for delicious spreads or a quick snack.
CF Pacific Centre
Address: 701 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V7Y 1G5, Canada
Website: CF Pacific Centre
Opening hours: Sun - Mon: 11am - 7pm; Tue- Wed: 10am - 7pm; Thu - Fri: 10am - 9pm; Sat: 10am - 8pm
3. Tour Vancouver Aquarium
There are plenty of things to do in Vancouver even during rainy season. One of those is visiting the Vancouver Aquarium, wherein you’ll see 50,000 different species of marine life that includes playful dolphins, scary piranhas, mighty sharks, beautiful otters, and more. Apart from the aquariums, they also have 4D theater shows, marine life interactive exhibits, interactive pools, and don’t forget to catch talks about marine conservation at the Pacific Canada Pavilion. In case you want to skip the lines, better book a ticket at the Viator app or website before going, to avoid the hassle of lining up.
Book Tours : Vancouver Aquarium: Skip-the-Line Ticket
4. Go indoor trampolining at Extreme Air Park
If you’re an active person and are always looking for some activity that will make you sweat, then Indoor trampolining is one of the things you should do while in Vancouver, for even the rain can’t stop you from doing what you love. The best place to try this activity is at the Extreme Air Park in Richmond, which is the largest trampoline park in Canada. It features a 42, 000 sq/ft (3900 square meters) of an enclosed interlocking trampoline with a wide selection of activities and areas to choose from, including zero gravity basketball, air zone, the foam zone, rock climbing, and more. You should visit their website for a more comprehensive guide to the park.
Extreme Air Park
Address: 14380 Triangle Rd, Richmond, BC V6W 1B2, Canada
Opening Hours: Sun-Thurs: 10:00am–10:00pm/ Fri-Sat: 10:00am–12:00am
Price: starts from 15 USD
Website: Extreme Air Park
5. Enjoy an escape room adventure
One of the activities that is getting more popular with the youth is the escape room adventures, which is a perfect activity to do even when it’s raining outside. The best place to experience this indoor activity is at the SmartyPantz Escape Rooms, located at the Abby St. in Vancouver. Each escape room here is backed up with a story and it has a purpose, so make sure to look for clues. SmartyPantz features five analogs themed, with varying levels of difficulty and fear, and can be played by 46 guests per hour. The game will last for 45 minutes and you have to uncover mysteries to be free and gain the bragging rights of getting out of the escape room successfully.
SmartyPantz Escape Rooms
Address: 100 - 289 Abbott St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2K7, Canada
Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs: 2:30–10:00pm/ Fri: 2:00–11:00pm/ Sat: 11:30am–11:00pm/ Sun: 11:30am–11:00pm
Website: SmartyPantz Escape Rooms
6. Enjoy a virtual plane ride at FlyOver Canada
It’s raining outside and you can’t see Canada’s famous sights and attractions; you won’t have any problem anymore, for FlyOver Canada will take you to the city’s must-visits, without getting wet and going out, through the latest in-flight ride technology. Here, you will feel, smell, and experience other amazing effects that will make you experience flying. The ride will last for 25 minutes and will start with an audio-visual presentation to get you ready for the activity. Then, you’re all ready to board.
FlyOver Canada
Address: 201 - 999 Canada Place, Canada, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E1, Canada
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 10:00am–9:00pm
Price: starts from 19 USD
Website: FlyOver Canada
7. Indulge in some indoor go-karting at Speeders Indoor ProKarts
One of the best things to do with family when it rains in Vancouver, British Columbia, is to go karting at SPEEDERS Indoor ProKarts. It is an indoor racing facility that has the best track that will provide you with a safe, racing experience. This activity is perfect for all types and levels of drivers who like speed. Their electric-powered Prokarts are 100 percent eco-friendly to support the company’s environmental cause. Also, they accept company events, birthday parties, team building, and more. It is open every day of the year, come rain or shine.
SPEEDERS Indoor ProKarts
Address: 58 Aero Dr NE unit 109, Calgary, AB T2E 8Z9, Canada
Opening Hours: Sun-Thurs: 11:00am–10:00pm/ Sat-Fri: 10:00am–12:00am
Website: SPEEDERS Indoor ProKarts
8. Visit 6Pack Indoor Beach
The rainy season in Vancouver tends to be long, but who said it can’t be as much fun as the summer season? This city in Canada has several activities that you will enjoy, like going to the 6Pack Indoor Beach and having lots of fun in the sand. It is an 18,000sq ft (1672.25sq m) warehouse full of sand, where you’ll find a volleyball court, a digging station for small kids, a pirate bouncy castle corner, dodge ball zones, and more. You and you’re family will surely have lots of fun when you visit. Also, they have a small cafe to fill your stomach, in case you get hungry, from all the playing.
6Pack Indoor Beach
Address: 13180 Mitchell Rd #115, Richmond, BC V6V 1M8, Canada
Opening Hours: Sun-Wed: 10:00am–11:00pm/ Thu-Sat: 10:00am–1:00am
Price: starts from 5 USD
Website: 6Pack Indoor Beach
9. Visit the Vancouver Police Museum
Another fun and interesting thing to do in the city during the winter season is visiting the Vancouver Police Museum, which is located in an authentic heritage building. Made to celebrate the centennial of the Vancouver Police Department in 1986, the museum features exhibits about the city’s police history, crimes, the justice system, and more. It also has galleries named True Crimes, which has real accounts of the most notorious crimes in Vancouver, and Never Forgotten, which gives you a glimpse of the life of those who served.
Book Tours : Vancouver Attraction Passport - 90-Day Validity
10. Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery
One of the best things to do in downtown Vancouver is to visit museums and marvel at the beautiful works of art. In this case, you have to visit the Vancouver Art Gallery, which features exhibits of jaw-dropping photographs, impressive paintings, and stunning sculptures from several classic and contemporary artists. This gallery is one of North America’s most respected and innovative visual arts institutions, which houses almost 12,000 artworks that include regional arts, which will tell you about British Columbia’s cultural history. Also, they have some of the most important collection of visual art by Emily Carr. To skip the line, better get an admission ticket by the Viator app or through their website.
Book Tours : Vancouver Art Gallery Admission
11. Wander around Granville Island Market
Who told you that you have to stay home when it’s raining? There are more and more activities in Vancouver to enjoy even when it gets wet, like having a tour of the Granville Island’s market, which will be a feast to the senses. When you avail of this Viator tour, you’ll be exploring exquisite artisanal food and liquor vendors, with a knowledgeable local guide in tow. In case you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask, he/she will be more than happy to explain and answer any question. Also, you’ll get to know, smell, and taste quality products from artisanal sweets to rice, wine and more.
Book Tours : The best of Granville Island walking tour
12. Go wine tasting in a winery
Another interesting activity to do in Vancouver is wine tasting. If you’re into wines and dream of going on a wine tour just to taste numerous kinds of this drink, then this activity offered by Viator is a match for you. During the tour, you will be exploring and tasting wines made by these four wineries, including Township 7 Vineyards and Winery, Chaberton Estate Winery, Backyard Vineyards, and Krause Berry Farms and Estate Winery. If you’re worried about the rain, fret no more, for you will have a chauffeur to bring you to every destination. In addition, the tour also includes a picnic lunch, with the vineyard and wineries as your setting. The tour will last for around four and a half hours and you will be led by a knowledgeable tour guide.
Book Tours : Vancouver Private Wine Tasting Tour
Hello Vancouver
Vancouver, with its long winter, tends to become a dilemma for tourists; but, don’t worry, for this city has so many things to offer, such as a trip to museums, indoor facilities, local market tours, and room adventures. Don’t forget the cheap eats and the yacht charters as well! Check out our list of the top activities to do on a rainy day in Vancouver for you to have a guide.
Frequently asked questions about things to do on a rainy day in Vancouver, Canada
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