Best time to visit Vancouver

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Vancouver

Best time of year to visit Vancouver

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.

32 THINGS TO DO IN VANCOUVER (JULY 25 - AUGUST 03)

Celebration of Light

Celebration of Light

unconfirmedlate July 2024 • event

Don't miss one of the most spectacular sound and light events in the world!

Rocky Mountaineer Train

Rocky Mountaineer Train

April–October • activity

This is more than just a train!

Grizzly Bear Watching

Grizzly Bear Watching

mid-May–October • nature

Take a close look at grizzly bears in the mountains

Shambhala Music Festival

Shambhala Music Festival

July 26-29, 2024 • event

Come and enjoy one of the largest electronic music festivals in Canada

Whale Watching

Whale Watching

March–October • activity

A truly unforgettable marine experience is guaranteed with the many varieties of whales to be found

Night Markets

Night Markets

May–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 Cruises

Hawaii Cruises

April–August • activity

Be prepared for adventures when cruising the Pacific

Crankworx Whistler

Crankworx Whistler

July 19-28, 2024 • event

A massive celebration of elite-level mountain biking

Seal Pups

Seal Pups

May–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 Vancouver

Hiking around Vancouver

May–late October • activity

Vancouver's amazing variety of landscapes, gorgeous views, and wildlife provide some of the best hiking opportunities for everyone!

Kayaking

Kayaking

April–October • activity

Enjoy a perfect day or two on kayak, surrounded by gorgeous nature and an amazing variety of wildlife

Othello Tunnels, Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park

Othello Tunnels, Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park

April–October • activity

See the legendary cliffs from 'First Blood', where Rambo was hanging above a raging river

Panorama Ridge Hike

Panorama Ridge Hike

July–October • activity

The perfect outlook on amazing Garibaldi Provincial Park

Rafting

Rafting

April–October • activity

Some of North America's best rafting opportunities, thrilling moments, and stunning nature can be found near Vancouver

Beach Season

Beach Season

June–August • activity

Choose the perfect beach for you and enjoy the sun and water with no worries

Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival

Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival

June–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 Village

Boating

Boating

March–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!

Skookumchuck Narrows

Skookumchuck Narrows

all year round • nature

Enjoy one of the greatest natural spectacles of British Columbia

Seafood Season

Seafood Season

May–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 dishes

Cambie climbing tree

Cambie climbing tree

all year round • activity

Are you fit enough to climb a towering Canadian evergreen?

Landslide Lake

Landslide Lake

June–September • nature

One of the best hikes on Vancouver Island

Fishing

Fishing

January–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 fishing

Summer Fruits and Veggies

Summer Fruits and Veggies

July–September • food

Fresh local food is ready for you! Come and enjoy various food festivals and fresh farmers' markets

Windsurfing & Kiteboarding

Windsurfing & Kiteboarding

May–mid-September • activity

Catch the wind and enjoy the sun on an active summer vacation

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

all year round • activity

Relish the birding experience in southern British Columbia

Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park

Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park

late April–early October • nature

Hiking, fishing, canoeing and kayaking destination

Golf

Golf

April–October • activity

Stunning views and plenty of gorgeous, pristine courses await you

Lake Lovely Water

Lake Lovely Water

mid-July–October (could be mid-June–November) • nature

A stunning alpine lake surrounded by the Tantalus Mountain Range

Sea Lion Pups

Sea Lion Pups

mid-May–July • nature

Spy out amusing sea lions playing with pups at the coastal areas and islands of British Columbia

Cycling & Mountain Biking

Cycling & Mountain Biking

April–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 parks

Mount Cheam

Mount Cheam

July–October • activity

A beautiful hike in Canadian Cascades with blooming wildflowers along the way

Mt Albert Edward

Mt Albert Edward

late June–early October • activity

Discover beautiful mountains of Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island

49 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Northern Lights

Northern Lights

out of rangeDecember–March • nature

With a bit of luck, you can watch aurora borealis in Vancouver

Salmon Run

Salmon Run

out 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-red

Vancouver International Jazz Festival

Vancouver International Jazz Festival

out of rangeJune 21-July 1, 2024 • event

The largest music festival in British Columbia with 1800 artists and over half a million jazz fans

UBC Apple Festival

UBC Apple Festival

out of rangeOctober 14–15, 2023 • event

Check out the huge variety of tasty, fresh apples, cider, and apple pies that await you at this festival!

Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival

Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival

out of rangeMarch 29-April 25, 2024 • 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 events

Illuminares Lantern Festival

Illuminares Lantern Festival

overJuly 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 July

Carol Ships Parade of Lights

Carol Ships Parade of Lights

unconfirmedearly December 2023 • event

Charming lights captivate the city during the festive season. The waterways around Vancouver also have attractions to show

Canada Day

Canada Day

out of rangeJuly 1 • event

Become a part of the largest celebration in Vancouver

Cranberry Harvest

Cranberry Harvest

out of rangelate September–early November • activity

In the middle of fall, plain low-growing cranberry vines transform into exuberant red bogs

Vancouver Santa Claus Parade

Vancouver Santa Claus Parade

on holdDecember 2023 • event

The largest Christmas Parade in Western Canada

Concord's New Year’s Eve

Concord's New Year’s Eve

on holdDecember 31  • event

Ring in the new year with numerous festive events in Vancouver city center

Canyon Lights

Canyon Lights

out of rangeNovember 17–January 21 • event

Want to have a magical Christmas evening? Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is the place to be!

Bald Eagle Count

Bald Eagle Count

out 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 expedition

Vancouver Fashion Week

Vancouver Fashion Week

out of rangeApril 9–14, 2024 • event

Sensational selection of designers is awaiting you at the second largest fashion week across North America

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year

out of rangeFebruary 9–11, 2024 • event

One of the biggest celebrations in Canada

Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair

Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair

unconfirmedMay 17-20, 2024 • event

This huge Country Fair with its amazing Rodeo shows attracts hundreds of thousands of people every year

Vancouver Folk Music Festival

Vancouver Folk Music Festival

unconfirmedJuly 19-21, 2024 • event

Dive into the world of music and relaxation in Jericho Beach Park

Vancouver Folk Music Festival

Vancouver Folk Music Festival

unconfirmedJuly 19-21, 2024 • event

Dive into the world of music and relaxation in Jericho Beach Park

Carnaval Del Sol

Carnaval Del Sol

out of rangeJuly 5–18, 2024 • event

The biggest Latin festival in the Pacific Northwest

Dragon Boat Festival

Dragon Boat Festival

out of rangeJune 21-23, 2024 • event

Enjoy this traditional Chinese celebration of the summer solstice with dragon boat racing

Grouse Mountain Light Walk

Grouse Mountain Light Walk

unconfirmedlate November–early January • 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!

Vancouver Marathon

Vancouver Marathon

out of rangeMay 5, 2024 • event

Join one of the largest running events in Canada

Vancouver Christmas Market

Vancouver Christmas Market

unconfirmedNovember 16-December 24, 2024 • event

An Old World tradition that has become a favorite for locals

VanDusen Festival of Lights

VanDusen Festival of Lights

out of rangeNovember 24, 2023–January 7, 2024 • event

One of Vancouver's best holiday lights displays

Polar Bear Swim

Polar Bear Swim

out of rangeJanuary 1 • event

Want to try something extraordinary on the first day of the New Year?

Christmas Lights

Christmas Lights

out of rangemid-November–late January • event

Millions of twinkling lights bring a festive atmosphere to the city

Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF)

Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF)

out of rangeSeptember 26-October 6, 2024 • event

One of the biggest film festivals in North America

St. Patrick's Day Week

St. Patrick's Day Week

out of rangeMarch 15–17, 2024 • event

Visit Western Canada's biggest Irish Festival

Vancouver Sun Run

Vancouver Sun Run

out of rangeApril 21, 2024 • event

Take part in one of the largest runs in the world

Abbotsford Airshow

Abbotsford Airshow

out of rangeAugust 9-11, 2024 • event

This three-day event will make you fall head over heals with air shows in general

Car Free Day Vancouver

Car Free Day Vancouver

out of rangeSeptember 9–23, 2023 • event

Promote a sustainable environment, active ways of transportation, and enjoy loud parties on the city's main streets

Blooming Season

Blooming Season

out of rangelate March–May • nature

Come and enjoy blooming season at Vancouver's parks and gardens

Boundary Bay Airshow

Boundary Bay Airshow

out of rangeJuly 13, 2024 • event

With free admission, the event still showcases some of the country's finest aircraft aerobatics and static displays

Alaskan King Crab Season

Alaskan King Crab Season

out of rangeMarch • food

Once a year you can try some of the biggest and tastiest crab around! Don't miss your chance

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving

out of rangeOctober 9, 2023 • event

Being mainly a family holiday, Thanksgiving is a great time to taste traditional dishes and observe different customs

FAN EXPO Vancouver

FAN EXPO Vancouver

out of rangeFebruary 21-23, 2025 • event

A colorful cosplay event for all fans of pop culture entertainment

Vancouver Chinese Lantern Festival

Vancouver Chinese Lantern Festival

on holdFebruary 1–March 31, 2019 • event

An attraction to brighten up cold and dark winter months

Fright Nights at Playland

Fright Nights at Playland

out of rangeOctober 6–31, 2023 (on selected dates) • event

Western Canada’s scariest haunt at Pacific National Exhibition (PNE)

Fall Colors in Vancouver

Fall Colors in Vancouver

out of rangemid-September–mid-November (best late October) • event

The bustling seaport in the Lower Mainland is famous for its vibrant foliage

Gastown Grand Prix

Gastown Grand Prix

out of rangeJuly 10, 2024 • event

Witness one of the most popular single day races and its long and rich history

Abbotsford Tulip Festival

Abbotsford Tulip Festival

out of range2020 (cancelled) • event

Breathtaking display of millions of flowers

Halloween in Vancouver

Halloween in Vancouver

out of rangelate September–early November • event

October is filled with fun and fright in Greater Vancouver

Skiing & Snowboarding

Skiing & Snowboarding

out of rangeNovember–late April • activity

Charming nature, jaw-dropping views, and world class slopes and trails can be found skiing around Vancouver

Game Meats, Pacific Oysters, and Sea Urchin

Game Meats, Pacific Oysters, and Sea Urchin

out of rangeOctober–February • food

Late autumn and winter bring game meats and tasty seafood on the table. Choose your favourite!

Diving

Diving

out 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 shipwrecks

Ice Skating

Ice Skating

out of rangeDecember–February • activity

Spend a nice winter evening having fun at the skating rink

Seasons Festival

Seasons Festival

on hold2020 (postponed) • event

A mix of music, technology and new media art

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo

unconfirmedMay 5, 2023 • event

Early May is all about tacos, churros, and colorful Mexican traditions

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing

out of rangeDecember–March • activity

Enjoy nature in winter and explore unbeaten paths

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