It’s now officially fall, which means Raincouver has returned and is here to stay, at least periodically. So while your options might feel extra limited when it’s pouring out, rest assured that there are tons of fun activities to ‘save for a rainy day.’ After all, a drizzly day is the perfect excuse to treat yourself to some quality self-care in the form of cafe visits, days at the museum, and all the good eats your heart desires – and we’re not one to deprive ourselves of that!
So with that in mind, here are 11 things to do around the city on a rainy day.
The Vancouver Art Gallery
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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?
Where: 750 Hornby Street
Cost: $6.50 – $24, free on the first Friday of every month
Bloedel Conservatory
You’re either a flora person or a fauna person and luckily, the Bloedel Conservatory has got both of them in spades. Located in Queen Elizabeth Park, this is the place to have a colourful getaway on a grey, drizzly Vancouver day. Escape the downpour and meet some pretty cool tropical birds in the process. And QE Park is certainly a stunning backdrop this time of year.
Where: 4600 Cambie Street
Cost: $3.55 – $7.05 depending on age
The Polygon Gallery
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That’s right, we’ve got two art galleries on this list and there’s a good reason we did. The Polygon is a really cool place to check out in North Van that brings art in from as many local artists as possible. Working to limit barriers in the art world means there are some really unique exhibits at this place – including this year’s Art Auction (on until November 12th) and a “walk between realms” on October 12th during Multong Bakla’s “A Silent Presence of Beauty.”
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: By donation
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Walk around Lonsdale Quay Market
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The Quay is definitely a hotspot for local eats, coffee, and craft beer, and for good reason. Peruse the market for pastries, specialty chocolate, or a variety of international fare – including Mexican food from Cilantro & Jalapeno, chowders from The Soup Meister, and Thai food from Thaigo.
If you’re looking to extend your visit with some more food and drinks to graze on, consider catching a happy hour at Tap & Barrel or North Point Brewing, or getting brunch at Craffles.
Where: North Vancouver
Check out a covered patio
Come rain or shine, these spots will be there to help us weather through any spontaneous drizzles that come our way. From bars to cafes to breweries – to every garden patio in between – check out one of the spots above for a great time outdoors without getting wet.
Where: See our picks above
Hit up some coffee shops
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Whether you want to hole yourself up in a cozy reading nook, see some new faces, or sip on a latte while you ‘people-watch,’ there are a ton of hidden gems and classic coffee shops across Vancouver that would fit the bill. And if you want to go for one of the highest-rated cafes in the country (because why not?) – hit up Incognito for some exceptional espresso.
Where: Check out our picks above
Rio Theatre
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A regular old movie night isn’t a bad option either, though! While Vancouver is home to a few independent theatres, we really like the Rio for its consistently diverse lineups. And, for the 19+ readers, this is one of the easiest ways to see a burlesque or drag show in the city.
Where: 1660 East Broadway
Cost: $15+
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
Maybe a little bit of culture is what you’re after. And, you’ll absolutely find it when you sit down in the Orpheum Theatre for a VSO performance. Even better, mix ‘high’ culture with pop culture and book tickets for one of their beloved live concerts accompanying classic and blockbuster movies!
Where: 601 Smithe Street
Vancouver Aquarium
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There is no shortage of marine life to check out at the Aquarium. And an afternoon appreciating them all & learning more about their day-to-day might just inspire your own routine.
Where: 845 Avison Way
Cost: $42
Queen Elizabeth Theatre
In the same vein as the VSO, Queen Elizabeth Theatre is always worth a visit. Whether you’re checking out a comedy act, a live magic show, or seeing a touring play, this theatre is an iconic venue, and one every Vancouverite needs to visit at least once.
Where: 630 Hamilton Street
Science World
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Science World has been delighting kids and adults alike for decades and is showing no signs of slowing down. Whether you’re browsing the permanent collection, checking out what’s new, or just there for Science World After Dark after a couple of brews at CRAFT, you really can’t go wrong with a visit or two this season.
Where: 1455 Quebec Street
Cost: $27.62, reserve your timeslot online
Zero Latency VR
Getting a little bored of playing video games from your couch? Zero Latency has exactly what you need. This state-of-the-art facility offers a variety of truly immersive experiences, ranging from solving puzzles to a shooter set within the Far Cry universe. Think of it as your local arcade’s older sibling.
Where: Kingsgate Mall, 370 East Broadway #101
Cost: Varies per experience
SPEEDERS Richmond
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For the more adventurous, a day spent inside doesn’t have to mean a day without excitement. Speeders ProKarts in Richmond offers a 50,000 square foot facility to zoom around in, and has the fastest electric karts in BC, reaching speeds up to 70km/hr.
Where: 13471 Crestwood Place, Richmond
Cost: $21+
See what we mean? It’s easy to overcome a rainy day in Vancouver if you just know where to look. Splash in some puddles and embrace Raincouver in all her glory, or use this season as a chance to do some of the indoor activities you’ve been saving for later.
