July is just around the corner, Vancouver! And you know what that means- time to figure out what we can get up. With even more restrictions hopefully getting lifted, there are quite a few ‘what-ifs’ next month, but we can cross those bridges when we get to them. In the meanwhile, let’s see what you can already do! Hint: it’s a lot.
Here are the best things to do in and around Vancouver this July.
Outdoors
Hit the beach
That’s right, the beach! Vancouver has no shortage of incredible beaches, and there’s no better time to enjoy them than in the summer. If there’s absolutely one thing you need to do this month, it’s check out our list of the best beaches in the city and visit at least 2 of them. That’s our stance.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Hike up Grouse Mountain
Of course, we couldn’t forget the Grouse Grind as a summer option. Not so easy that you’ll cruise through it, but not so hard that you’ll be wondering if heading there was a good idea in the first place. Plus, the need to purchase a download ticket assures some rest and relaxation once your climb is complete.
When: Open throughout July
Where: Grouse Mountain
Cost: $20 (for the download ticket)
Explore Vancouver’s incredible Gardens
From huge gardens that would take days to fully explore to hidden neighbourhood gems, Vancouver’s urban garden scene is absolutely incredible. Our top pick? The overrated and relatively private Nitobe Memorial Garden, but that’s only after we checked the other ones out.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Have some fun at Playland
A trip to the amusement park is guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face. Especially when the alternative is screaming in fear as you enjoy some downright thrilling rides. Playland has hinted that it’s bringing back the PNE Fair this year, but even a regular visit is a great idea.
When: Open throughout July
Where: 2901 E Hastings Street
Tickets: $39.50 for GA
Get back on the Sea to Sky Gondola
The Sea to Sky Gondola is back, and just in time for summer! This incredible attraction along the Sea to Sky Highway offers stunning views, mountaintop trails to explore, and food and drink options so that you can kick back and take it all in. As far as day trips go, this is top-notch.
When: Open throughout July
Where: 36800 BC-99, Squamish
Tickets: $55.95 for GA, $14.29 for Ride-Down Only
Splash around at Cultus Lake Waterpark
Speaking of day trips, the Cultus Lake Waterpark is another destination that’s more than worth the drive. While it too has an amusement park option, the waterpark is the obvious pick here. Hurtle down some super-fast slides, lounge around in the lazy river, and enjoy a classic summer option!
When: Open throughout July
Where: 4150 Columbia Valley Hwy, Cultus Lake
Go on a quick camping trip
Without a doubt, a camping trip pretty much anywhere in BC is always a must for outdoors enthusiasts. Whether you’re sticking close to home or exploring our province’s wild side, there are tons of options waiting out there for you, including the iconic Joffre Lakes campsite.
When: Available pending travel restrictions
Where: Click the link above for our picks!
Be cool in the pool
There are now 5 public pools open around the city! Honestly, Vancouver’s public pool scene is second to none, with a couple of spots being right up there for the best public pools on earth (looking at you, Kits and Second Beach!). Since swimming in the ocean is more or less a no-no, this is a great way to stay cool this summer.
When: Open throughout July
Where: Click the link above for more info
Run around a bit
We’re only recommending this for when it’s not scorching hot out, but our city is also a great place to go for a run and get some fresh air! Whether you’re looking for a quick jog nearby or something a little more ambitious, we’ve got great ideas on where to go,
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Arts/Culture
Vancouver Pride
Vancouver Pride is back for the summer, folks! you can look forward to both virtual and in-person events while it’s on, from a ‘decentralized’ parade to a Pride Art Walk and drag events.
When: July 19th to August 3rd
Where: Locations around Vancouver
Cost: Varies per event
Listen in during Coastal Jazz Fest
After taking a hiatus last year, Vancouver’s beloved Coastal Jazz Fest is back for 2021! With virtual and in-person options, 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: On until July 4th
Where: Online/In-person options
Cost: Free and ticketed events
Watch a movie
There’s no better way to spend a rainy day than at the movies! We like supporting local businesses, so we recommend that you check out the showtimes at The Cinematheque, the Rio Theatre, and VanCity Theatre. The added bonus? These often show older movies, which are perfect if you’re not in the mood for a summer blockbuster.
When: Showtimes throughout summer
Where: Locations around Vancouver
Cost: Varies
Take a bike tour of Vancouver’s public art
The Vancouver Biennale’s BIKEnnale has returned for the summer! 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 July
Where: Click the link above for routes
Bill Reid Gallery- To Speak with a Golden Voice
Following the continued interest in the exhibition, the Bill Reid Gallery has chosen to extend this incredible exhibition on Bill Reid himself. A master goldsmith, carver, and sculptor, Reid is undoubtedly one of the most important Indigenous, and by extension Canadian, artists to have emerged in the 20th century.
When: Open throughout July
Where: 639 Hornby Street
Cost: $13
Polygon Gallery- Interior Infinite
A couple of new exhibitions have opened around the city, and we think we want to check them both out. 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: Open throughout July
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: By donation
Richmond Gallery- Imperfect Offerings
Our second pick, 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: Open throughout July
Where: 7700 Minoru Gate
Cost: By donation
Wander around the Vancouver Art Gallery
There are a few exhibitions currently on at the Vancouver Art Gallery, ranging from a photography exhibition focusing on mass media and advertising, to an exploration of the gallery’s own history, to a massive video installation. And, the offsite exhibit (which is free) also has something on right now!
When: Open throughout July
Where: 750 Hornby Street
Cost: Varies
Imagine Van Gogh
The attraction that took Vancouver by storm this spring has absolutely cooled off for the summer. So, if you haven’t already gone, this is a good opportunity to check it out without a bunch of other people around.
When: Open throughout July
Where: 1055 Canada Place
Tickets: $39.99+
Da Vinci Experience
If one ‘immersive’ art experience wasn’t enough, another has rolled along as well! Focusing on Da Vinci, this one offers replicas of his various machine designs, plus some virtual reality options thrown in for good measure! If you loved Imagine Van Gogh, chances are high that this is up your alley.
When: Open throughout July
Where: Tsawassen Mills, Delta
Tickets: $25.99+
Wings and Wizards
This might be our favourite of the three, if only because it’s both immersive and interactive. Set up at BC Place, this experience lets you use a ‘magic wand’ to cast spells, complete tasks, and solve puzzles as you work your way through a magical world.
When: Open throughout July
Where: BC Place, 777 Pacific Boulevard
Cost: $65+
Food and Drink
Find your favourite kind of ice cream
Nothing sums up summer more than a scoop of delicious ice cream, and Vancouver is absolutely filled to the bring with options. From plant-based treats to some truly zany flavours, you can have a scoop a week and still have stuff left on your list when summer ends.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Go for a patio beer
Yes, a patio beer (or non-alcoholic alternative) is something we consider to be worthy of a bucket list. After all, Vancouver has got maybe the best craft beer scene in Canada, and that extends to the patio options. Need some spots? We rounded up some of our absolute favourites for you.
When: Open throughout the summer
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Or just enjoy a local spot!
Shoutout to Vancouver’s various business associations for banding together and creating the only patio map you’ll need. Highlighting over 400 patios around the city, this is by far the easiest way to find something close to you, wherever you are.
Where: Click the link above for the map
Swing by your local Farmers Market
If we ever miss recommending a trip to Vancouver’s farmers markets, then reach out and tell us to give our heads a shake. After all, Vancouver and the Fraser Valley is a goldmine for delicious, locally-produced fruits and veggies. And, there’s no better time to take advantage than in the summer!
Where: Locations around Vancouver
Misc.
Do a tour of roadside attractions
Looking for some weirder options? We’re right there with you. Turns out, BC is home to a ton of major roadside attractions, ranging from giant hockey sticks to a glass mosaic house. Probably better as part of a summer camping trip, but the devoted few can see amazing things in a day trip (once they’re allowed to).
Where: Click the link above for more info
Or go on a particularly weird day trip
In addition to the roadside attractions, we’ve also got a roundup of some of the weirder day trip destinations around Vancouver. From a train wreck in the forest to a cave with a natural feature that looks suspiciously like the Buddha, some incredible sights are just a drive away!
Where: Click the link above for more info
Alright folks, that’s our roundup of the best things to do this July in Vancouver (so far). We hope that you enjoy the month!
