Vancouverites agree – there’s nothing like a summer season in the city. Vancouver is a city where the land meets the forest and sea, making for a copious number of exciting activities to enjoy the glorious summer sun.
— Only places within Vancouver city limits are listed. For summer fun in all nearby cities and towns, see here.
For more activities, see Things to Do in Vancouver This Weekend
For Families
Urban Forest Train
Take a train ride through Stanley Park enjoying fun facts about the resident wildlife and snippets of Stanley Park history. The train is a replica of Canadian Pacific Railway Engine #374, famous for pulling Canada’s first transcontinental passenger train into Vancouver in the late 1880s.
When: Until September 5, 2022
Where: Stanley Park Dr Vancouver, BC
Cost: From $3.75
Second Beach Pool and Waterpark
Located in the beautiful Stanley Park, is the Second Beach Pool and Waterpark. It is the perfect location to enjoy the sunshine and splash around, as it is a heated outdoor pool with fun little toys and a specific area for the little ones. The views are unbeatable and there are even concessions for post-dip snacks.
When: Open May 21 – September 5, 2022. Sessions last between 60-13 minutes.
Where: Stanley Park Dr Vancouver, BC
Cost: From $5
Vancouver’s Beaches
Let your imagination run wild and build the craziest sand castles that you can build at Vancouver’s many beaches.
Science World
Just because school is out doesn’t mean the learning has to stop! Make learning extra fun with a summer visit to the coolest spot in town, Science World. This museum is renowned for being incredibly interactive, fun and exciting for families with children of all ages and interests!
When: All summer
Where: 1455 Quebec St, Vancouver
Cost: From $20.30
PNE Fair
What is summer without Vancouver’s blockbuster summer carnival? This year’s attractions and entertainment include the SuperDogs, Chinese Acrobats, High Dive Show, Dueling Pianos, Agriculture Displays, Drag Shows, Cooking Demonstrations, Pyro Musical, Exhibits, and more!
When: August 20th until September 5th, 2022
Where: 2901 East Hastings Street, East Vancouver
Cost: $14 – $20
More Fun: 50+ Fun Things to Do with Kids in Vancouver
U-Pick Berries: 18 Farms to Go Berry Picking in Metro Vancouver
For Thrill Seekers
Play Land
For the people who want to feel the rush of rollercoasters, get splashed on the water flume and whip around on the high-speed rides, Playland is the place to be. Home to the country’s oldest wooden rollercoaster, you’re sure to get your heart rate pumping on these rides.
When: All summer
Where: 2901 Hastings East Vancouver, BC V5K 5J1
Cost: Varies
Sea Vancouver
Get a thrill with a Sea Vancouver tour! While there are many tours, we recommend the City and Wildlife tour, where you will embark by boat for a 90-minute tour to experience the city from a fun high-speed perspective and get to see various native wildlife.
When: All summer
Where: 1666 Duranleau Street, Vancouver
Cost: $59.00
Greenheart TreeWalk
Experience the thrill of walking through the treetops. Located in the UBC Botanical Gardens, the Canopy Walkway will take you along 310 meters of suspended walkways attached to huge cedars, Douglas Firs, and grand firs.
When: All summer
Where: 6804 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver
Cost: $10 to $23
For Couples
A carriage ride!
Book a horse-drawn ride on a full moon night and snuggle together as you enjoy the sights and sounds of Stanley Park. If you want to reduce your spending, join for a daytime ride.
When: Round the year
Where: 715 Stanley Park Drive, Vancouver
Cost: $50 & up
Seasons in the Park
Seasons in the Park is a fancy restaurant with creative foods. First, enjoy the beautiful Queen Elizabeth Park hand in hand ending with a meal at Seasons in the Park restaurant. While eating, you can enjoy views of the greenery and Vancouver’s city line. The restaurant is open for Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner – with a creative menu for each meal.
Where: West 33rd Ave, Vancouver
Cost: Varies
Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Awarded as one of the World’s Top City gardens by National Geographic, Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden was the first “full-scale classical Chinese Garden” to be created outside of China! You can enjoy the colours, sculptures and water features as you stroll hand in hand through the covered walkways and witness the picturesque pavilions!
When: All Summer
Cost: From $12
Where: 578 Carrall Street, Vancouver
Picnic in the Park
What is more relaxing and romantic than a picnic in the park? Whether you cook on your own or order takeout, there are plenty of places in Vancouver to enjoy a picnic under the summer shade.
More Ideas: 25 Dates Ideas For Summer in Vancouver and Lower Mainland
For active people
Vancouver Half Marathon
Runners at the ready! The Vancouver half marathon is back this summer. This fun race started back in 1998, it welcomes thousands of runners every year and has quickly become one of the largest half marathons in the area. If you aren’t up for that long a run, the event offers a family-friendly 5k route, a kids race and virtual options too.
When: June 26
Cost: from $120
Where: Queen Elizabeth Park
Summerfast 10km
Scenic and fast this flat course takes runners through Stanley Park and around the stunning seawall. This fun race includes a post-race brunch hand cash prizes!
When: July 16th
Where: Stanley Park
Cost: from $35 – $60
Waterfun!
Soak up the glorious summer sun as you glide along the waters of Vancouver with a rental from Vancouver Water Adventures. There are jet skis for the thrill-seeker, paddleboard for the calm-minded and kayaks for those who want a workout!
Cost: Varies
Location: Various Locations, Vancouver
BC Lions
Roar like never before – go Lions!! Cheer on BC’s beloved BC Lions Team, the football team that hits the town by a storm every summer. Games take place at the cool BC place offering great energy!
When: All Summer
Where: 777 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver
Cost: Starting at $25
Mat Collective
Mat Collective is back this summer offering outdoor yoga classes for all skill levels. Pre-Covid-19 the yoga classes were all free or by donation! Now, however, their classes are a mix of free, paid, and partially subsidized Mat Collective. Their classes take place at various places around the city through the summer and you must reserve your spot!
When: all summer
Where: Various locations
Cost: Varies
For more fun:
- 25 Must Do Scenic Hikes in Metro Vancouver With the Best Views
- 25 Must Do Waterfall Hikes In and Around Vancouver
For Foodies
Greek Summerfest
Do you love the fresh tastes of Greek food, want to boogie down to Greek music and learn more about Greek culture? Greek Summerfest is a fantastic event for you. There are so many activities to enjoy for the whole family including cooking demonstrations, food stalls, and live entertainment.
When: Sunday, June 26, 2022
Where: West Broadway in Kitsilano along with the five blocks between MacDonald and Blenheim
Cost: Varies
VCBW Craft Beer and Music Festival
Vancouverites love their craft beer, and they’re lucky because the amount of creative craft breweries around is absolutely crazy! There are hundreds. VCBW Craft Beer and Music Festival takes place at the PNE Fairgrounds and brings together these beers to enjoy in one place. The event also features live entertainment, local art displays, food trucks, and lots of delicious drinks to try. Cheers!
When: July 9th and 10th 2-7 pm
Where: 2901 E Hastings Street, Vancouver
Cost: Tickets start at $30
Granville Island Public Market
Granville Island Public Market is one of the best places to visit. This year-round spot is foodie heaven from fresh food stalls, breweries, sake tasting, shopping, groceries, and many delicious fresh seafood restaurants. Some of the city’s best eats are discovered here!
Cost: Free to visit
Where: Granleau Street, Vancouver
For the Cultural Minded
Theatre Under the Stars Vancouver
Theatre Under the Stars
Theatre Under the Stars is a not-for-profit society that strives to entertain families through popular musical theatre in the beloved Stanley Park. This year the shows include Something Rotten! and We Will Rock You. The perfect family outing!
When: Starting July 2nd – August 26th
Where: 610 Pipeline Rd, Malkin Bowl, Stanley Park
Cost: Tickets from $20
Carnaval del Sol Vancouver
Carnaval del Sol Vancouver is a Latin American festival and the biggest in the Pacific Northwest! The festival invites you to enjoy cool live music, cultural dance performances, culinary workshops, an artisan market, mobile food vendors, and a 1,500-person capacity liquor licensed area for a drink or two.
When: July 8-10th from 12-10 pm
Where: Jonathan Rodgers Park, Vancouver
Cost: Free for children under 12 and seniors 65+ or else $10/per person
Bard on the Beach
Transport to jolly old England with an experience of Bard on the Beach, a Shakespeare festival near the beach that has a modern twist on each play. This year the schedule includes Rome and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Harlem Duet. There is also a little festival village featuring food and drinks.
When: June-September
Where: Vanier Park 1000 Chestnut St, Vancouver, BC V6J 3J9
Cost: Tickets from $27 – $69
Vancouver’s Indian Summer Festival
Vancouver’s Indian Summer Festival is a cultural celebration featuring Indian music, art, and public speakers from a range of Canadian, South Asian, and Indigenous artists. Enjoy!
When: July 7 -17, 2022
Where: Various Venues, Vancouver
Cost: Some of its events are free, and others are ticketed.
Vancouver International Jazz Festival
Bringing the beautiful sounds of jazz to the city, Vancouver International Jazz Festival is back again! During the 7 days, you can enjoy more than 130 performances at different venues, indoor and inside. You won’t want to miss three-time Grammy Award-winner Cécile McLorin Salvant, instrumental trio GoGo Penguin, Blues legend Buddy Guy, and so plenty more.
When: June 24 – July 3, 2022
Where: Various venues
Cost: Some are free, and others vary
Vancouver Folk Music Festival
The Vancouver Folk Music Festival is one of the city’s best festivals in the unbeatable Jericho Beach Park – a moment from the water with the backdrop of the stunning mountains. This year’s performers include headliners like Alejandro Escovedo, three-time Grammy nominee Allison Russell, two-time International Bluegrass Music Association’s Guitar Player of the Year Molly Tuttle, plus a fabulous mix of a local indie-rock group The New Pornographers.
When: July 15-17th
Where: Jericho beach park, Vancouver
Cost: Varies
For Festivals Seekers
Celebration of Light
Vancouver Dragon Race Festival
There is something very cool about the one-of-a-kind Dragon Boat Races? The Vancouver Dragon Boat Festival showcase is including exciting dragon boat racing, live music, and other entertainment.
When: June 24-26th 2022
Where: False Creek, Vancouver
Cost: Varies, free to watch
The Khatsahlano Street Party
The Khatsahlano Street Party is back for the 10th year in a row! It’s a celebrated pedestrian party that takes over the streets of Kitsilano for a day of fun. You can look forward to artisans, street performers, food and drink merchants, community booths, live music and more!
When: July 9th 11-9 pm
Where: West 4th Avenue from Burrard Street to MacDonald Street
Cost: Free
The Celebration of Light
Presented by Honda, The Celebration of Light lights up the city. It is an annual musical firework competition with fire shows put on by different countries.
When: July 23-30
Where: English Bay Beach
Cost: Free
Pride Parade
The Parade and festival bring together thousands of individuals in the LGBTQ2+ community and their allies for a day of fun-filled festivities. Come for the amazing floats, fun colours, and to show what pride means to you.
When: Sunday July 31st, 2022
Where: Sunset Beach, 1204 Beach Ave, Vancouver.
Cost: Free