As British Columbia is officially in Phase 2 of the reopening plan, we can now enjoy various attractions and parks in and around Vancouver.
Here is a list of activities to enjoy in and around Vancouver.
For online & drive-in/in-person and virtual events, see things to do this weekend in Vancouver.
1. Visit Vancouver Area Attractions, Museums & Art Galleries
- Visit the largest copper mine in the British Empire, the Britannia Mine Museum National Historic Site. All tickets must be reserved in advance.
- A trip to the Fort Langley NHS, old Hudson Bay Company trading post is a great way to learn the region’s history and know more about life in the early days. The site is scheduled to open from June 8th with limited access and services.
- Vancouver Maritime Museum is a great place to take your family. Discover the rich maritime history and traditions through stories, exhibits, hands-on activities, and more. Reopening June 11.
- Opening from June 11 is the Museum of Vancouver. Schedule a visit to know more about the city through stories, objects, and shared experiences.
- From June 18, embark on a journey across Canada with FlyOver Canada.
- Learn about the history and culture of Japanese Canadians at the Nikkei National Museum which will reopen to the public from June 2nd.
- Schedule a trip to see the SFU Bill Reid Collection and contemporary Indigenous Art of the Northwest Coast at the Bill Reid Gallery. The Gallery will reopen from June 6.
- Breathtaking views of the Squamish Valley and the Howe Sounds await on your visit to the Sea to Sky Gondola. Traffic on the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge is limited to one-way and the Summit Lodge will be closed except for access to washrooms and limited retail. Furthermore, The Sea to Summit Trail is currently closed as the lower part of the trail travels through Stawamus Chief Provincial Park, which remains closed for hiking. However, you can still hike the Shannon Basin Loop, Al’s Habrich Ridge, Sparky’s Spin, and Al’s Habrich Ridge.
- Go on a thrilling journey through the history of crime and policing in Vancouver at the Vancouver Police Museum. The Museum is reopening its doorsfrom June 5th.
- Western Canada’s largest art museum, the Vancouver Art Gallery is re-opening its doors from June 15th.
- From June 22, get ready to hike up the Grouse Grind hiking trail. Vancouver’s most accessible ski hill, Grouse Mountain Ski Hill is slowly restarting its operations.
- Your fun time in the water will start from June 27th as the Harrison Water Park reopens. The park will be limited to three 2 hour time slots with a max of 50 people.
2. Explore Zoos & Gardens
- Home to a variety of wildlife, the Greater Vancouver Zoo is a great place to take your kids. The Zoo is open from June 1st. The North American Wilds viewing deck, Vivarium, and Playground are closed. The Zoo will be conducting new enrichment activities in place of daily group activities such as Keeper Talks and Radical Raptors.
- Bloedel Conservatory is open.
- Visit 55-acre green oasis at the VanDusen Botanical Garden. The garden is a great place to unwind and reconnect with nature. The maze is open to enjoy one at a time, either individually or with family. Tickets must be purchased online and entry will only be available every 30 minutes from 9 am to 6 pm.
Get Facemasks in Support of Vancouver Aquarium
3. Enjoy Nature Parks
- BC Provincial Parks – Alice Lake, Bridal Veil Falls, Cultus Lake, Golden Ears, Sasquatch, Stawamus Chief and Rolley Lake are open for day use. You can enjoy a night or two of camping at Cultus Lake, Golden Ears, and Sasquatch.
- The beaches in BC are open to the public. Have a fun time!
- Enjoy the views along the seawall at Stanley Park. Though closed to vehicle access, you can still enjoy this magnificent urban park with its beaches, marvellous totem poles, forest trails, and giant trees on foot. The parking lots remain closed.
- Did you know over 166 playgrounds across the city are open? Vancouver Parks, beaches, gardens are also open.
4. Go Fishing
BC is well known as one of the best fishing regions in the country. While Vancouver may not be able to boast of any hot spots for great angling, there are still many options you can hit up. At a mere 30-minute drive from downtown is the hatchery below the Capilano River dam. Another great place for angling is the piers at Ambleside and Dundarave in West Vancouver.
5. Go Boating
Boating is a great way to have some fun time. Boat launches are open so rent a canoe and explore. The Vanier Boat launch is open. The Harrison Water Park has also resumed its boat and Sea-doo rental services.
6. Solve a Crime
Put on your investigator’s hat and get ready to solve the latest game. Vancouver Mysteries is back in the game.
7. Go Shopping
Vancouver has many Farmers Markets where you can shop for local products. Most of them are open with physical distancing in effect. You can also visit Granville Island and the Granville Island Public Market. Some retail outlets across the city are open for business.
8. Play Sports
- Go play golf. Golf Courses are open.
- Skate parks, synthetic sports fields, Tennis and pickleball courts, basketball and volleyball courts, disc golf, roller hockey, multisport courts, and playgrounds are open.
- Challenge yourself to a climb at the Clip ‘n Climb climbing wall centre. The centre will be operating with a maximum of 10 participants at a time.
- Climbing wall centre, The Hive Bouldering Gym is open for members only from June 1 -6 with a timeslot of 2 hours. Members and punch card holders will be able to access the facility from June 8 – 14th. Public access will be granted from June 15 (date may be subject to change).
- Reserve your slot at the Project Climbing Cloverdale which will reopen from June 1.
- Climbers of all levels can head to Climb Base5 from June 7th.
9. Eat Out
Restaurants across BC are allowed to open, so restaurants are slowly opening their doors. Enjoy dinner with your family!
Eat out at the new temporary patios that will operate until October 31, 2020, in Vancouver.
Father’s Day Brunch, Dinner, BBQ Kits Takeout, Delivery and Dine-In Options in Vancouver
10. Enjoy a Quarantine Concert
There are many free concerts live-streamed every day. Check them out.
11. Enjoy Live Theatre from around the World
With COVID-19 pandemic forcing theatres to shut their doors, many performing art centres have taken to being open virtually.
12. Explore Canada or the World From Home
Explore Canada’s arctic, Winnipeg, National Parks and many more places from Home. Travel to international or outer space destinations like the international space station, discover Egypt’s Heritage Sites from tombs to monasteries or take a trip on scenic trains in Europe virtually.
13. Enjoy Drive-in/in Person Events
14. Explore Vancouver

25 Must Do Waterfall Hikes In and Around Vancouver
Read More

25 Bucket List Worthy Nature Attractions In and Around Vancouver
Read More

25 Must Do Scenic Hikes in Metro Vancouver With the Best Views
Read More

25 Day Trips from Vancouver
Read More