We know life in Vancouver doesn’t come cheap. And since housing and bills make up most of our own monthly spending, we thought we’d share some fun things to do around the city that give your wallet a little break. From free art classes and museum visits to a Valentine’s Day ‘sip and shop’ event, here are 14 of the best free & cheap things to do around the city this February.
The Vancouver Art Gallery
You don’t need to know Monet from Cézanne to enjoy a day at the Vancouver Art Gallery. With new exhibits popping up all the time, it’s a fun, educational and culturally enriching place to check out. And of course, who doesn’t love ‘hmm-ing’ and ‘hah-ing’ at some crazy paintings, especially on Free Nights at the Gallery?
The next one will be on Friday, February 2nd.
Where: 750 Hornby Street
Cost: $6.50 – $24, free on the first Friday of every month
Happy Valentine’s Sip ‘n Shop Event
Pacific Arts is hosting a special Valentine’s Day market where guests can sip on delightful drinks as they shop for gifts for their loved ones. If you’re looking to shop local and find something one-of-a-kind to give your favourite person (or yourself), it’s worth checking out!
When: Sunday, February 11th
Where: 1448 West Broadway
Cost: $9.85
Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival
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Chocolate lovers likely need no reminder that Vancouver’s beloved Hot Chocolate Fest is in full swing, but we’ll give one anyway. Hot chocolate enthusiasts have until February 14th to check out over 100 new specialty cups of cocoa at dozens of participating cafes and bakeries – and it’s certainly way cheaper than a night out!
Where: January 13th to February 14th
Mount Pleasant Single Mingle
Looking for your match this month? YVR Yenta’s third Single Mingle event is coming up at the end of the month, filled with ice breakers and games to get the ball rolling on what will hopefully be some meaningful conversations.
When: Saturday, February 24th
Where: 2111 Main Street, suite 227
Cost: Free admission
Robson Square Ice Rink
For just $5 per skate rental, you can skate to your heart’s content at Robson’s Square. Stop by on a spontaneous trip downtown, or plan a special pre-dinner visit on your next date night.
When: Open until February 28th
Where: 800 Robson Street
Cost: $5 for skate rentals
Snowshoeing at Cypress Mountain
Ok, emphasis on the ‘around’ Vancouver part here. But, if you’re ready to take a day trip this month, know that Cypress Mountain has a serious amount of snowshoe trails for you to explore.
When: Open throughout February
Where: 6000 Cypress Bowl Road, West Vancouver
Cost: $21+
Vancouver Giants
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The Vancouver Giants are facing off against the Cougars, Silvertips, the Wild, Winterhawks, Chiefs, and Blazers at the Arena Bowl at the Langley Events Centre this month. With plenty of home games to choose from (and $20 tickets), why not go and support our team & make some great memories in the process?
When: Multiple dates in February
Where: 7888 200 Street Langley
Cost: $20
See an improv show
From Date Night improv to monthly standup sessions, House Team showcases, and more – there’s always something exciting going on at The Improv Centre on Granville Island. And why not start off the month with a couple of laughs and libations with your loved ones?
Where: 1515 Anderson Street
Check out a free museum
By the same token, there are plenty of museums and art galleries in Vancouver offering free admission to their exhibits year-round. And while the list is by no means complete, we think this is a solid place to start this month.
Where: See our picks above
Take a free class at VPL
In addition to an official Black History Month Celebration on Saturday, February 10th, visitors at the VPL can participate in multiple free events and workshops honouring the lived experiences of black communities. For starters, there’s Morgan Campbell’s “My Fighting Family” on Monday, February 12th and a “Virtual Tween Book Club” on Thursday, February 22nd.
Where: See our picks above
Check out the Bloedel Conservatory
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For another city-owned option, we can’t forget the Bloedel Conservatory. We’ve long been proponents of this oasis in Queen Elizabeth Park, but it’s definitely during the colder months that we think it’s a must-see.
When: Open throughout February
Where: 4600 Cambie Street
Cost: $7.05
Swing by your local Farmer’s Market
You better believe that we think a trip to the farmers market is worthwhile any time of year! Snag a couple of deals on groceries from local producers – or just wander the market and take it all in.
Where: Locations around Vancouver
Go for a swim
That’s right, it doesn’t need to be summer to dive into a pool or get some laps in. Vancouver’s indoor swimming pools are open all month long, and it won’t hurt your wallet to go for a swim. Note that the Lord Byng Pool will reopen on January 3rd.
When: Open throughout February
Where: Locations around Vancouver
Cost: $6.66 for GA
Go on a classic winter stroll
A wintertime stroll in the new year is the perfect way to get some fresh air, reflect on the month and spend time with friends and family. So be it in snow, rain, or shine (or a combination of the three), here are some scenic walks to go on.
Where: See our picks above
And that’s a wrap on some of the best free & cheap things to do around the city this month. Cheers!
