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Best time to visit

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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.

84 things to do in Vancouver

Ice Skating

December–February Activity

Spend a nice winter evening having fun at the skating rink

Sea Lion Pups

mid-May–July Nature

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

Spring

March, April, May Weather

More sun, fun, and flowers make this a great season in Vancouver! This season offers lower rates and unique opportunities

Rafting

April–October Activity

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

Hawaii Cruises

April–August Activity

Be prepared for adventures when cruising the Pacific

Illuminares Lantern Festival

July 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

Vancouver Folk Music Festival

July 19-21, 2024 Event

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

Skiing & Snowboarding

November–late April Activity

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

Alaskan King Crab Season

March Food

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

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

Grouse Mountain Light Walk

late 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!

Grizzly Bear Watching

mid-May–October Nature

Take a close look at grizzly bears in the mountains

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!

Low Season

November, December, January, February, March Crowdedness

Vancouver will meet you with wet, windy, and gloomy weather

Car Free Day Vancouver

September 8, 2024 | September 15, 2024 Event

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

Summer

June, July, August Weather

This is the best season to visit the city as well as to watch wildlife and enjoy the sea

Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair

May 17–20, 2024 Event

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

Winter

December, January, February Weather

This season attracts winter activity enthusiasts, though it's not the best time to see the city itself

Blooming Season

late March–May Nature

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

Salmon Run

early to mid-October (the next dominant year is 2026) Nature

Every four years, sometime in October, millions of migrating sockeye salmon paint the Adams River scarlet-red

UBC Apple Festival

October 19-20, 2024 Event

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

Vancouver Marathon

May 4, 2025 Event

Join one of the largest running events in Canada

Vancouver Sun Run

April 21, 2024 Event

Take part in one of the largest runs in the world

Thanksgiving

October 14, 2024 Event

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

Celebration of Light

July 20, 2024 | July 24, 2024 | July 27, 2024 Event

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

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!

Kayaking

April–October Activity

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

Autumn

September, October, November Weather

This season is characterised by pretty heavy rains. The weather is mainly cold and wet but the beginning of September can still be a great time for enjoyning the city and nature

Gastown Grand Prix

July 10, 2024 Event

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

Bald Eagle Count

early 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

Shambhala Music Festival

July 26-29, 2024 Event

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

Polar Bear Swim

January 1 Event

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

Canyon Lights

November 22, 2024–January 19, 2025 Event

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

Carol Ships Parade of Lights

early December 2023 Event

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

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

Diving

mid-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

Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival

March 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

Beach Season

June–August Activity

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

Golf

April–October Activity

Stunning views and plenty of gorgeous, pristine courses await you

Summer Fruits and Veggies

July–September Food

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

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

Dragon Boat Festival

June 22–23, 2024 Event

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

Windsurfing & Kiteboarding

May–mid-September Activity

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

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

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!

Whale Watching in Vancouver

March–October Activity

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

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!

Vancouver Canada Day Festival & Events

July 1 Event

Become a part of the largest celebration in Vancouver

Birdwatching

all year round Activity

Relish the birding experience in southern British Columbia

Cambie climbing tree

all year round Activity

Are you fit enough to climb a towering Canadian evergreen?

Skookumchuck Narrows

all year round Nature

Enjoy one of the greatest natural spectacles of British Columbia

Othello Tunnels, Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park

April–October Activity

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

Rocky Mountaineer Train

April–October Activity

This is more than just a train!

Vancouver Folk Music Festival

July 19–21, 2024 Event

Enjoy the magical ambience of the festival for the whole family

Vancouver Fashion Week

October 22–27, 2024 Event

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

Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF)

September 26-October 6, 2024 Event

One of the biggest film festivals in North America

Vancouver Christmas Market

mid-November-late December 2024 Event

An Old World tradition that has become a favorite for locals

Vancouver International Jazz Festival

June 21–30, 2024 Event

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

Fright Nights at Playland

October 4-31, 2024 Event

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

VanDusen Festival of Lights

late November 2024–early January 2025 Event

One of Vancouver's best holiday lights displays

Vancouver Chinese Lantern Festival

February 1–March 31, 2019 Event

An attraction to brighten up cold and dark winter months

Vancouver Santa Claus Parade

December 2023 Event

The largest Christmas Parade in Western Canada

Abbotsford Tulip Festival

2020 (cancelled) Event

Breathtaking display of millions of flowers

Christmas Lights

mid-November–late January Event

Millions of twinkling lights bring a festive atmosphere to the city

Chinese New Year

February 9–11, 2024 Event

One of the biggest celebrations in Canada

Landslide Lake

June–September Nature

One of the best hikes on Vancouver Island

Northern Lights

December–March Nature

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

Lake Lovely Water

mid-July–October (could be mid-June–November) Nature

A stunning alpine lake surrounded by the Tantalus Mountain Range

Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park

late April–early October Nature

Hiking, fishing, canoeing and kayaking destination

Mount Cheam

July–October Activity

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

St. Patrick's Day Week

March 15–17, 2024 Event

Visit Western Canada's biggest Irish Festival

Carnaval Del Sol

July 5-7, 2024 Event

The biggest Latin festival in the Pacific Northwest

Crankworx Whistler

July 19–28, 2024 Event

A massive celebration of elite-level mountain biking

Cinco de Mayo

May 5, 2023 Event

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

Mt Albert Edward

late June–early October Activity

Discover beautiful mountains of Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island

Panorama Ridge Hike

July–October Activity

The perfect outlook on amazing Garibaldi Provincial Park

Halloween in Vancouver: Parade & Events

late September–early November Event

October is filled with fun and fright in Greater Vancouver

Cranberry Harvest

late September–early November Activity

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

Concord's New Year’s Eve

December 31 Event

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

Abbotsford Airshow

August 9-11, 2024 Event

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

FAN EXPO Vancouver

February 21-23, 2025 Event

A colorful cosplay event for all fans of pop culture entertainment

Fall Colors in Vancouver

mid-September–mid-November Event

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

Boundary Bay Airshow

July 13, 2024 Event

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

Northern Lights in Canada

September–May (varies between regions) Nature

As one of the northernmost countries in North America, Canada offers stunning views of aurora borealis

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