Vancouver is one of Canada’s largest cities and located in British Columbia on the Burrard Peninsula which is between the Burrard Inlet to the north and the Fraser River to the south. It is one of the warmest cities in Canada with mild temperatures all year around.
The four seasons in Vancouver are all special in their own way: winters are rainy, springtime is quite pleasant, the summers are dry and in fall it gets stormier again. If you want a vacation with some city, mountain and cool vibes, Vancouver with its mild temperatures and a lot of attractions may be the perfect spot for you!
Best Time to Visit Vancouver
Especially in winter Vancouver faces a lot of rainfall, sometimes it can get quite stormy, but it hardly ever snows. Springtime brings pleasant temperatures, more sunshine and blooming flowers with it whereas summer is the driest and warmest season. In fall the temperatures drop again as winter gets nearer and the weather becomes more changeable and stormier again.
Vancouver really is always worth a visit but in terms of weather, summer (June to September) is the perfect time to go there. Nonetheless, you have to expect crowds during this time of the year. If you want to avoid the crowds then April, May and October are also good options. No matter what time of the year you chose for your trip, Vancouver always has something to discover!
Things to know about Vancouver
Vancouver may often be referred to as "Raincouver” but the city is so much more than just rain. In fact, it is the driest city in the entire country and definitely worth visiting! You may not think so but the city is quite compact. It is also a very safe place and it is easy to get around on foot which is a great way to experience the city’s vibe. Wandering around, you will quickly see that Vancouver has a lot to offer: city, beach and mountain vibes - what more could one ask for?! There are always events happening and food lovers, sports fans and artists are going to adore Vancouver and there is always something to discover making Vancouver a perfect spot for the whole family. If you consider paying Vancouver a visit, make sure to check out the list below as it contains activities and attractions for both rainy and sunny days.
- No matter what time of the year, Stanley Park, located right in the city, is always worth a visit! Especially walking or cycling along the seawall is an activity you shouldn’t miss.
Queen Elizabeth Park, which is located 125m above sea level and therefore is Vancouver’s highest spot, gives you wonderful views of Vancouver itself and also the mountains on the North Shore. No matter what season, there is always something to discover: the beautiful rose garden, the Arboretum, or the Bloedel Conservatory with an indoor tropical garden.
Near Queen Elizabeth Park, you can also find the VanDusen Botanical Garden, which is the right spot if you’re into plants and flowers. The garden is also highly recommended during Christmas time.
Locals love their Kitsilano Beach (also called “Kits” or “Kits Beach”). When the sun’s out, it’s the perfect spot for picnics, sunbathing and volleyball. Also, the Kitsilano Pool, an outdoor saltwater pool, is open from mid-May to mid-September and perfect for the whole family during summertime.
Talking about sunbathing, the English Bay’s First Beach is also a wonderful place with nice food and drinks. It’s also known for the annual Celebration of Lights Festival in July.
If you are thinking of Vancouver's skyline, a building may come to mind with a top resembling a UFO. That’s the 553ft (168m) tall Vancouver Lookout, which may be top of your list if you are free from giddiness and want to get a 360° aerial view and some good photos of Vancouver.
Vancouver also offers great shopping opportunities with lots of markets. But real shopping lovers should visit Metropolis at Metrotown which is British Columbia’s largest mall with over 400 stores on four floors and a good way to escape on gray days.
Another rainy day option is the Vancouver Art Gallery with over 11,600 artworks by regional, national and international artists. You may also recognise the Art Gallery’s building from films or TV shows.
While strolling through Vanier Park, a crab fountain sculpture might catch your eye. That is where the Museum of Vancouver (MOV) is located which is the perfect place if you want to learn more about Vancouver and its history.
A great way to dive into another world is by visiting Vancouver’s Aquarium in Stanley Park. This non-profit organization is Canada’s largest aquarium and also because of its 4D Experience Theatre worth a visit.
If you are into science, technology, engineering, math, art and design you are going to love Science World, which is open seven days a week. There is plenty to discover in the interactive indoor and outdoor exhibits, live science shows and at the 3D-cinema.
To get to know more about the cultural communities of British Columbia and especially about First Nations peoples’ arts and cultures, you have to visit the Museum of Anthropology. It is located in Point Grey, on the University of British Columbia’s university campus. Also, the building, which is an award-winning design by Canadian architect Arthur Erickson, is worth seeing.
In the northeast of Vancouver, you can find a quite trendy neighborhood called Commercial Drive, or simply “The Drive”. There are a lot of boutiques, shops, restaurants, pubs, bars, cafes, and parks. It’s also a good spot if you want to try some locally brewed beer. So you can easily spend a whole day in this colorful part of the city, which by the way also includes Little Italy.
In Vancouver, you can also find North America’s third-largest Chinatown. It’s a must-visit for everyone who appreciates Asian cuisine and culture. You should also stop by the famous Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, which is simply beautiful.
Gastown is Vancouver’s most historic and oldest neighborhood with Victorian architecture. There are a lot of the city’s hippest restaurants and it’s a good place to do some shopping because there are many boutiques and shops. You also have to check out the Steam Clock which is one of the last of its kind.
- One of Vancouver’s most beloved places is Granville Island. Whether you decide to get a mini-tugboat ferry or you chose to follow the Granville Bridge, it’s worth a visit. Granville Island is famous for its Public Market although not only foodies but also art lovers, beer drinkers and those who are looking for the perfect selfie spots will love it there!
- BC Place, with its large retractable roof, is a well-known stadium for sport, culture and other entertainment events. It is also the home of the BC Lions Football Club, the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, the BC Sports Hall of Fame, and the Canada Sevens.
- Lighthouse Park, which is located in West Vancouver, is a great place if you are planning on going on a hike. The park owes its name to a lighthouse, which is a beautiful photo motif.
- A little further away from the city centre (around 30min), you will find the Capilano Suspension Bridge, a historic bridge in the middle of beautiful nature. It’s the perfect spot for everyone who wants to go on a little adventure.
- If you don’t want to just see the mountains from afar, you may want to visit Grouse Mountain. From its top, you can even see the USA. It’s worth a visit during every season, but in winter it turns into a winter wonderland: skiing, ice skating, sleigh rides and other activities are getting you into a Christmas spirit.
