If you’re looking for some fun to have in and around the city this March without breaking the bank, we feel you. And we’ve got some great options to toss your way that will hopefully put us on the fast track to spring. Here are 12 of the best free and cheap things to do in Vancouver this March.

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, March 1st

Where: 750 Hornby Street
Cost: $6.50 – $24, free on the first Friday of every month

Vancouver Pop-Ups: Spring Market

From 11 am to 5 pm on Sunday, March 3rd, Heritage Hall is once again transforming into a local shopping experience, complete with over 40 artisans and vendors ranging from handmade jewelry and home decor to food and drink.

Oh, and your furry friends are welcome too!

When: Sunday, March 3rd
Where: 3102 Main Street
Cost: Free admission

Rise Film Festival

Film lovers can check out the creative works of CapU filmmakers at the Nat and Flora Bosa Centre on Thursday, March 7th. In addition to a red carpet, the event will include film screenings starting at 5:30 pm, followed by Q&A sessions with the filmmakers.

When: Thursday, March 7th
Where: 2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission

Vancouver Career Fair – Jobs Canada Centre

On Thursday, March 21st, Jobs Canada Centre is hosting a massive hiring fair at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, where over a hundred jobs across many fields are on the table. The latest job listings include positions at Hycroft Engineering, Aetna Insurance Company, and SureCare Industrial Tech LTD.

When: Thursday, March 21st
Where: 900 West Georgia Street

Vancouver Cherry Blossom Food Festival  

The first-ever Vancouver Cherry Blossom Food Festival will bring spring lovers together on a self-guided journey to 10 participating vendors in Metro Vancouver with cherry blossom-themed treats. So whether you’re planning a cute spring date, going on a food crawl, or just want to support a local business near the end of the month, this is a great reason to do it all.

When: March 29th to April 28th
Where: 10 participating locations in Metro Vancouver

Snowshoeing at Cypress Mountain

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. And March is likely the last full month of the winter season, so time is of the essence if you want to check them out!

When: Open throughout March
Where: 6000 Cypress Bowl Road, West Vancouver
Cost: $21+

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?

When: Shows throughout March
Where: 1515 Anderson Street
Cost: $26.50

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

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Rent some e-bikes

While it’s definitely not prime biking weather, the sun has definitely made an on-and-off appearance this past month, so why not plan ahead for the sunnier days in March. The 24-Hour Pass by Mobi gives you access to e-bikes for 25¢/min for the first 30 minutes and 35¢/min thereafter.

Take a free class at VPL

Visitors at the VPL can participate in multiple free events and workshops this upcoming month, ranging from independent play-times for kids, to adult colouring clubs, to a sports trivia showdown.

Where: See our picks above

Vancouver Giants

The Vancouver Giants are facing off against the Rockets, Thunderbirds, Americans, Blazers, Cougars, and Rockets 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 March
Where: 7888 200 Street Langley
Cost: $20

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 March
Where: Locations around Vancouver
Cost: $6.66 for GA

So there you have it, Vancouver! Enjoy these free and cheap things to do around Vancouver this upcoming month.