As summer temperatures rise, travelers head to Vancouver, Canada, to enjoy warm weather and seaside views. However, Vancouver is a vibrant coastal destination year-round, with outdoor adventures and cultural sites to explore. Here are 16 things to try on your next Vancity vacation for the most seasonal fun.
Summer
1. Vancouver may not seem like a beach destination, but don't let that stop you from soaking in the sun at Kitsilano Beach and English Bay Beach.
2. Discover Deep Cove, a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts in North Vancouver. Rent a kayak or paddle board, or hike one of the area's many trails.
3. Patio hop outdoor breweries in Davie Village or False Creek to experience Vancouver’s bar scene. If you prefer grapes to hops, this Fraser Valley wine tour will take you past metro Vancouver and to local wineries.
4. Enjoy an exciting festival, such as the Richmond Night Market, Vancouver Mural Festival and Khatsahlano Street Party.
Fall
5. See fall foliage at VanDusen Botanical Garden, including the strikingly red Japanese maples. Or hike Grouse Mountain for autumnal colors and panoramic views.
6. Take a family-friendly ride on the ghostly Stanley Park Train through fun Halloween decor. For a spookier excursion, join a ghost tour of Vancouver's most haunted locations for a unique look into the city's history.
7. Peruse the stalls of the Vancouver Farmers Market and Eastside Flea for fresh produce and vintage finds.
8. Fall festivals to check out are Vancouver International Film Festival, Vancouver Fringe Festival and Diwali.
Winter
9. Go ice-skating in Robson Square in downtown Vancouver to mark the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Or enjoy fresh snow by sledding at Queen Elizabeth Park and Burnaby Mountain Park, two local parks.
10. For yuletide cheer, check out the Christmas Market in Jack Poole Plaza and historic, holiday festivities at Burnaby Village Museum.
11. Strap on snowshoes and search for frozen waterfalls, like Brandywine Falls and Shannon Falls.
12. Catch a hockey game at Rogers Arena for the quintessential Canadian experience. Experience the ice for yourself by taking a hockey or ice skating class.
Spring
13. Admire cherry blossom blooms at Nitobe Memorial Garden, and visit the nearby Museum of Anthropology to learn about Northwest Coast First Nations.
14. Spring is the season of spot prawns, a species of shrimp known for its delicate, sweet flavor. Head to Granville Island to sample some yourself or attend the Spot Prawn Festival in May.
15. Day trip to Whistler, Canada, for a spring ski excursion.
16. Stroll across the 160-foot-high suspension bridge through the lush Lynn Canyon Park.
Where To Stay
Thanks to vacation ownership with Hilton Grand Vacations, it’s easy to convert HGV ClubPoints to Hilton Honors™ Points and stay with Hilton’s portfolio of brands in Vancouver. Or stay at Hilton Grand Vacations Club Whistler and add an urban excursion to Vancouver to your itinerary.
Read “8 Easy Ways To Explore Vancouver, Canada, In A Day” for more things to do, regardless of the season.