Photo: zensan [CC BY 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)]
5. Visit Stanley Park
Go for a walk through Stanley Park and you just might see them filming a television show or an upcoming sequel to one of your favorite films. Many beloved movies and projects have been filmed in this park, and sometimes you might even see a celebrity on their day off going for a jog. It is a beautiful area, the park wrapping around the entire ocean so you can walk along the sea wall. They’ve got bikes to rent nearby, roller skates, there are tons of cafes around, coffee shops to choose from.
Vancouver really is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and Stanley Park helps to greatly contribute to that. You can find paid parking in a variety of areas, but in the summer it does get pretty busy and sometimes you could be looking for parking for awhile. Another easy way to get there is to take the sky train and then walk the rest of the distance, it’s a perfect location to spend a day at the beach with friends or family and grab a bite to eat afterward with many restaurants nearby.
Photo: Tawker at English Wikipedia. [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)]
4. Fireworks
Every year you can catch the annual celebration of lights which is an amazing fireworks display that has been going on for more than 20 years in the city. Thousands of people come to the beach downtown in Vancouver to grab a spot to watch the fireworks that take place on different days scheduled during July and August. Whether you want to book a spot at a restaurant and watch while you are eating dinner, or you come early in the morning and set out a spot on the beach for the family, there are also limited hotel options nearby too, it’s important to make plans well in advance if you want to be comfortable and have a good spot for the show. If you love a fireworks display then the celebration of lights is not to be missed.
Photo: Thom Quine
3. Sunflower Festival
If you are looking for a social-media worthy summer experience then you’ve got to plan a trip to the Chilliwack Sunflower Festival that takes place in August. Here you can explore roughly 5 acres of sunflowers, they’ve got over 10 varieties, a flower shop, and even an option for you to pick your own sunflowers from the field. It’s a beautiful location to visit during the summer, with simply stunning views that you couldn’t put a price on. If you are visiting Vancouver during the summer then you won’t want to miss the chance to take the 1 hour drive if you can to Chilliwack so that you can get the chance to experience the amazing Sunflower Festival that takes place.
Photo: Kissmykumbaya [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]
2. Free Outdoor Movies
If you are visiting Vancouver during the summer then taking the time to experience an outdoor movie event is a great way to enjoy the evening with loved ones, friends, and family. Free movie screenings are being offered in downtown Vancouver where you can watch the film on a four story inflatable screen. It’s a fun community event that is put on by the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association and they’ve even got popcorn and food trucks. If you are looking for something different and fun to do with the kids or family, then visit the free outdoor movies one night that are set to take place downtown at the location which was formerly the Vancouver Art Gallery. It’s a great way to have a good time and save money, you won’t want to miss it.
1. Pacific National Exhibit
Anyone who has lived in Vancouver has likely spent a few summers enjoying the rides and games at the Pacific National Exhibit. During the summer they’ve got beer gardens, rock climbing golfing, horse races nearby, concerts, contests, it’s a great place to go in the summer with family. They’ve got dozens of places to choose from if you’re hungry and many other restaurants close nearby if you aren’t satisfied with what’s on the grounds at the fair. Tickets have gone up in recent years and can be a bit pricey, but you can save if you purchase them online. The more you do though with that ticket, the more you get your money’s worth and there sure is a lot to do. During the summer this year they will be holding a number of different concerts including acts like TLC, Billy Idol, 98 Degrees, Blue Rodeo, STYX, and Smokey Robinson. Vancouver is overflowing with things to do during the summer and a visit or several visits to the PNE is a must for anyone who will be here.
Vancouver is vibrant all year long but in the summer you can find so many different things to do, see, and enjoy. From high fashion to food trucks, video arcades to movie theaters, they’ve got something for any and everyone that is coming to visit the city. The PNE, free outdoor movies, sunflower festival, fireworks, or a visit to Stanley Park, would be great options to go with if you are looking to make plans for a Vancouver vacation. Take the time to experience these 5 fun things to do during the summer in Vancouver because they will provide for priceless and memorable experiences on your travels.
