Welcome to the end of October and the start of November, Vancouver! Halloween has passed us and Christmas is still a ways away, but we’re not stressed. Turns out, next month is filled to the brim with some incredible events and activities for you to enjoy! So, let’s check them out.
Here are the best things to do around Vancouver this November.
Outdoor Options
Canyon Lights 2021
That’s right folks, this iconic event is back for the Christmas season! There’s no denying that Canyon Lights is a bucket-list activity for tourists and residents alike. Whether you’re experiencing it for the first time or looping back around to capture the magic, it’s an easy pick this month.
When: Starts November 20th
Where: 3735 Capilano Road
Tickets: $54.95
VanDusen Festival of Lights
With well over a million lights and a wide variety of installations, the Festival of Lights at VanDusen is another must-see option in the city. After all, it combines an incredible setting with some mind-boggling technology, and that’s a winning combination.
When: Starts November 26th
Where: 5251 Oak Street
Tickets: Onsale Monday, November 1st
Lumiere
Finally, there’s even a free option for you to check out! Lumiere is back for its 6th season, and has expanded to Granville Island and the Bentall Centre in addition to the Jim Deva Plaza and English Bay. It’s the perfect way to walk off a dinner downtown Vancouver this November, in our opinion.
When: November 12th to November 30th
Where: Locations around Vancouver
Cost: Free!
Live Events
LANY
The PNE Forum is hosting a few great concerts this November. First up is the LA-born alt-pop trio LANY, which is the perfect option for those who want a little slice of summer on a fall evening.
When: November 6th
Where: 2901 E Hastings Street
Cost: $49.50+
Kaytranada
One of the biggest (and best) names in Canada’s electronic scene comes to Vancouver next month! Kaytranada will be playing an all-ages show, and is guaranteed to be a great time for anyone looking to dance it out a little bit.
When: November 13th
Where: 2901 E Hastings Street
Cost: $55+
Playboi Carti
For those looking for a more, uh, intense concert experience, you can look forward to Playboi Carti. The King Vamp tour will showcase his 2020 album Whole Lotta Red. We’re more Young Thug fans ourselves, but we won’t deny that this concert is going to be a wild ride.
When: November 15th
Where: 2901 E Hastings Street
Cost: $69.95+
Milky Chance
The PNE isn’t the only spot to host some big names this November! German indie rock favourites Milky Chance are headed to the Orpheum, bringing their nostalgia-infused sounds to the city. Honestly, it’ll be worth it to hear ‘Stolen Dance’ live, cuz that was an anthem for like 2 years straight back in the day.
When: November 22nd
Where: 601 Smithe Street
Cost: $53.75+
City and Colour
We will never get over the fact that City and Colour was preceded by Alexisonfire, but we still love what Dallas Green is putting out. Go relax at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre with some calm tunes, and settle into the fall in the best way possible.
When: November 12th
Where: 630 Hamilton Street
Cost: $100+
Hasan Minhaj
Looking for a few laughs instead? Our top pick is the always amazing Hasan Minhaj. Known for deftly combining social commentary with humour, Minhaj’s show is one of those where you’ll not only walk away smiling, but you might just learn a thing or two while you’re there.
When: November 14th
Where: 630 Hamilton Street
Cost: $179+
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
It’s not just major concerts and comedy shows this month, either. That’s because the VSO officially started its live performances again! Head down for a night of classical music, or get the best of both worlds with their ongoing ‘live scoring’ of fan-favourite movies.
When: Concerts throughout November
Where: 601 Smithe Street
Cost: Varies
Masters of Illusion
For something truly different, we might have exactly what you’re after. America’s largest magic touring show, Masters of Illusion, is coming to town as well! Get dazzled by some incredible magic acts, in an up-close and personal setting.
When: November 8th
Where: 601 Smithe Street
Cost: $48+
Sports
Vancouver Canucks
Following a lengthy road trip to start the season, the Canucks have got a whopping 7 home games this November! Whether you’re chilling in the nosebleeds or dishing it out for ice-level seats, an NHL game is always worth the money.
When: Games throughout November
Where: 800 Griffiths Way
Cost: Varies
BC Lions
On another note, the Lions have got 2 home games to wrap up their season this year. They’ll be facing off against the Stampeders and the Elks in back-to-back weekend games, as they try to confirm a playoff spot.
When: November 12th and November 19th
Where: 777 Pacific Boulevard
Cost: $21.75+
Vancouver Whitecaps
Speaking of playoffs, the Whitecaps are in a tight race to make it into their own! Know what will help them out? Some fans screaming their support during their final home game of the season.
When: November 7th
Where: 777 Pacific Boulevard
Cost: $45+
Arts and Culture
Eastside Culture Crawl
This iconic art festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary this month! Naturally, the participants are pulling out all the stops, offering virtual events, gallery tours, workshops and more. It’s as simple as this- if you like art, you’ll like the Eastside Culture Crawl.
When: Events throughout November
Where: Locations around Vancouver
Cost: Free!
DTES Heart of the City Festival
Back for its 18th instalment, this festival shines a light on one of the most talked-about communities in Canada. Filled to the brim with talks, workshops, installations, readings, and more, the Heart of the City Festival is a great opportunity to learn about the DTES.
When: On until November 7th
Where: Multiple locations
Cost: Varies per event (Free+)
Vancouver Asian Film Festival
Whether you checked out VIFF and are craving more or have been looking forward to this for a while, the Vancouver Asian Film Festival is an easy yes from us. After all, there’s a whole lot more to check out from Asian filmmakers than Parasite and Squid Game.
When: Starts November 4th
Where: Virtual and in-person events
Cost: Varies per event (Free+)
Vancouver Art Gallery
The Vancouver Art Gallery has a ton of limited exhibitions to check out this month, ranging from Vancouver-specific artists to a major exhibition from Yoko Ono. Head down on a rainy Tuesday night and take advantage of admission by donation for the best bang for your buck.
When: Open throughout November
Where: 750 Hornby Street
Cost: Varies
Bill Reid Gallery
Meanwhile, the Bill Reid Gallery has two current exhibitions that are mainly focused on Indigenous weaving and fashion in general. A mix of traditional and modern designs are ready to be explored, with political themes present throughout.
When: Open throughout November
Where: 639 Hornby Street
Cost: $13
Polygon Gallery
Wait until later this November to enjoy two exhibitions at this admission by donation gallery on the North Shore. One focuses on Vancouver’s punk subculture (cool), but the one we’re really looking forward to is the solo exhibition from world-renowned artist Steven Shearer.
When: Open throughout November
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: By donation
Museum of Vancouver
MOV has got something new to show off as well! Boarder X, presented alongside the Winnipeg Art Gallery, draws connections between the use of public space for alternative sports and the history of exclusionary policies and treaties towards Indigenous people. One is without a doubt worse than the other, but it’s an interesting way to highlight the issues.
When: Open throughout November
Where: 1100 Chestnut Street
Cost: Varies
Museum of Anthropology
Our final pick this month is the Museum of Anthropology. Their upcoming exhibition Sankofa: African Routes, Canadian Roots focuses on contemporary artists from, you guessed it, African countries and Canada alike. Alongside the permanent exhibition and the amazing setting, this will be well worth the visit.
When: Opens November 4th
Where: 6393 NW Marine Drive
Cost: $15
Imagine Picasso
With Imagine Van Gogh wrapping up, fans of it will be happy to know another has landed! Imagine Picasso features a similar concept- showcasing an iconic artist in a unique and immersive fashion.
When: Open throughout November
Where: 1055 Canada Place
Tickets: $34.99
Food and Drink
Tinseltown
Can’t wait to dive into the eggnog? You’ll be happy to know that a Christmas-themed pop-up bar lands in Vancouver this month. The folks at Hidden Events are hosting a downright devoted bar, which will be packed to the gills with Christmas cheer (and drinks).
When: Slated to open November 19th
Where: TBD
Tickets: $8+
Vancouver Christmas Market
For a more family-friendly open, this beloved open-air market is returning after a hiatus last year! While this is a mix of shopping, entertainment, and food, it’s the food portion we’re truly focused on here. A little mulled wine while we pick up Christmas ornaments? Perfect.
When: Opens November 13th
Where: Jack Poole Plaza
Tickets: $7.99+
Cheese and Meat Festival
Forget Christmas for a second, and focus on this celebration of all things charcuterie. Alongside an all-you-can-eat format, the Cheese and Meat Festival also has a ton of local distilleries and breweries joining in on the fun. Pace yourself, and the high price seems a lot more reasonable.
When: November 6th
Where: 115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: $94.93
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, the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley are goldmines for delicious, locally-produced fruits and veggies.
Where: Locations around Vancouver
Misc.
Rio Theatre
There’s so much going on at the Rio this month that it’s hard to sum up! Check out the International Film Festival, listen to a Q&A with the iconic Kevin Smith, or even treat yourself to a local burlesque show.
When: Events throughout November
Where: 1660 E Broadway
Cost: Varies per event
Circle Craft Christmas Market
What’s November without a little bit of early Christmas shopping? First up is the super popular Circle Craft market, which will feature hundreds of artisans and craft makers from coast to coast. Perfect if you’re looking for a unique item that can be used every day.
When: November 10th to 14th
Where: 1055 Canada Place
Cost: $15 for admission
Winter Pop-Up Shop
Time for a complete of unique shopping ideas in general. The Nikkei National Museum in Burnaby is hosting a series of pop-up shops throughout November, showcasing local artisans. Plus, the museum itself is offering free admission, so it’s well worth the trip.
When: Weekends throughout November
Where: 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby
Cost: Free to attend
Student Art Sale
Ready to elevate your living space or get an amazing Christmas gift for someone? If there’s one thing we recommend, it’s the annual student art sale from Emily Carr. Sure, one of them might become a highly-sought after artist. But more importantly, you get to support emerging talent!
When: November 26th to 28th
Where: 520 E 1st Avenue
Cost: Free to attend
Vancouver Aquarium
The Vancouver Aquarium consistently gets mentioned because it is simply consistently great! It is, after all, one of the best aquarium experiences in the world, and it’s been made better thanks to the new Marine Mammal Rescue exhibit in there.
When: Open throughout November
Where: 845 Avison Way
Cost: $42 for GA
That’s all we’ve got for you this November, Vancouver! With any luck, a few of these options will strike your fancy. We know we’re eyeing a couple at the very least!
