Hello folks! Are you looking to make the most of the summer by stretching that wallet just a little bit more? Have no fear, because we’ve got a huge roundup of free and cheap things to do in Vancouver this June. From outdoor activities to art exhibits and at-home options, you’ve got tons of options this month! So, let’s check it out.
Here are 13 free and cheap things to do in Vancouver this June.
See what’s new at the Polygon Gallery
We’re kicking off this list with a couple of art galleries around the city that are admission by donation! First up is Interior Infinite at the Polygon Gallery, which is a collection of 15 Canadian and international contemporary artists across a wide range of mediums.
When: Opens Friday, June 25th
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: By donation
Or explore some Imperfect Offerings
Opening just one day later, Imperfect Offerings takes a look at the healing and rebuilding powers of ceramics. So, it’s only natural that they include the artist Naoko Fukumaru, who practices kintsugi. Does that word sound familiar? It’s because it’s the art of using gold joinery to rebuild broken ceramic pieces.
When: Opens Saturday, June 26th
Where: 7700 Minoru Gate
Cost: By donation
Listen in during Coastal Jazz Fest
After taking a hiatus last year, Vancouver’s beloved Coastal Jazz Fest is back for 2021! Having gone virtual, the festival is tapping talent from all over the globe, in addition to a bunch of local artists. All in all, we’re looking at over 100 concerts and events, with a fair portion of them free to access!
When: Starts Friday, June 25th
Where: Online
Cost: Free and ticketed events
Go be cool in the pool
Not one, but three of Vancouver’s outdoor pools opened in May! And what’s more, the rest of them are slated to open by June 15th! If you’re looking to cool down on a hot summer’s day, then swinging by one of these spots is a guaranteed great option. Of course, our preference is Kits Beach for the views, but that’s just us.
When: Open throughout June
Where: Click the link above for more info
Cost: $4.22 and up
Inspire your green thumb
Speaking of fun outdoor activities, we can’t help but recommend Vancouver’s amazing gardens. Most of them are in full bloom right now, and the outdoor settings (minus one spot) are perfect for sunny, but not too hot days. Our top pick to start off? Queen Elizabeth, especially if you add in a vegan picnic, wink wink.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Cost: Varies
Head to a Farmers’ Market
It’s hard to feel more west coast than waking up on a Sunday morning and heading to your local farmers market to grab some groceries right from the source. After all, BC is home to literally hundreds, if not thousands of local producers, and we’ve pretty much got direct access to some of the best of them!
Where: Click the link above for more info
Cost: Free to visit
Visit an art market downtown
Here’s a little bit of a different option this summer. Starting this month, an open air-market experience called ‘Art Downtown’ will officially launch. The weekend series will see local artists both painting and exhibiting their works in an outdoor setting. Visit on a sunny day and prepare to be inspired!
When: Starts Tuesday, June 15th
Where: Multiple locations downtown
Cost: Free to access
Take a bike tour of Vancouver’s public art
We’ve got to recognize that Vancouver is one of the best cities to see public art, from huge sculptures to awe-inspiring murals. This extensive guide offers multiple routes that will show you the best of the city’s public art. All biked out, thanks to our list of bike rides around the city? Hey, no problem, because they’ve got walking routes as well.
When: Open throughout June
Where: Click the link above for routes
Cost: $5
Have a beverage in public
Outdoor pools weren’t the only city amenities to get the go-ahead last month. Vancouver has brought back 3 public plazas for alcohol consumption this summer- one downtown, one in Mount Pleasant and one in the ‘Fraserhood’. Not bad, but we’re still waiting for public drinking in parks to get going.
When: Open throughout June
Where: Locations around Vancouver
Cost: Free to visit
Check out a new walking tour
The Vancouver Japanese Language School & Japanese Hall (a mouthful, we know) has started offering walking tours of the historic Powell Street area! Prior to the Great Depression and WWII, over 8000 Japanese people lived there, with over 400 businesses operating. If you want an up-close look at a lesser-known part of the city’s history, look no further!
When: Thursday, June 17th
Where: 487 Alexander Street
Cost: $10 for GA
Play a round of disc golf
Disc golf is one of those perfect blends between a leisurely stroll in the park and a legitimately challenging activity. Whether you’re coming in casually or have a farmer’s bet against your friends, there’s no doubt that disc golf is a great option for free things to do in Vancouver this June. Try our local options, then start enjoying what the Lower Mainland has to offer!
When: Open throughout June
Where: Multiple locations around Vancouver
Cost: Free to access
Do a little local sightseeing
We think that Vancouver might be at its prettiest during the spring and early summer. Everything is looking lush, but (hopefully) the sun is going to be out more often than not. If you’re ready to see Vancouver from all sorts of angles, then make sure to check out our spring sightseeing guide, and enjoy all the beauty the city has to offer you!
When: Available throughout June
Where: Click the link above for more info
Cost: Free to acess
Go on a late spring hike
Ready to step out even more? We’ve got an amazing selection of spring and year-round hikes to check out across the Lower Mainland. Before making any serious plans, we recommend checking in with local health authorities to see what they’re saying. Yeah, we know, it’s weird that BC and municipalities are on different wavelengths regarding local travel, but that’s the way the cookie crumbles.
Where: Click the link above for more info
Cost: Free to access
Alright folks, that’s our list of some great free and cheap things to do in Vancouver this June! Hopefully, this list inspires you to get out and about in our lovely city, whatever your budget is!
