Wow, is it already the last week of July? We guess it’s true what they say- time flies when you’re having fun. And if that’s the case, blink and you’ll miss all the fun stuff to do around Vancouver this August. From embracing the heat to taking a break from it, we’ve got the full scope of fun ready for you.
Here are the best things to do around Vancouver this August.
Outdoors
Rolla Skate pop-up sessions
While Rollerland won’t be up and running until after the PNE Fair in September, that doesn’t mean you can’t lace up and skate this summer. Rolla Skate Club is hosting pop-up outdoor skate sessions around Vancouver, so grab that membership & secure your spot!
When: Friday, August 5th to Friday, September 13th
Check out a spray park
Ready to cool off after a hot start to summer? We sure are, so much so that we’ve rounded up a ton of great options for you. Whether you’re just heading out on a day trip or need an option for your next weekend getaway, there are quite a few spray parks in the Vancouver area (as well as waterparks) to stay cool.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Go chasing waterfalls
Admittedly, we’re more about waterfalls than waterparks. Especially when BC is absolutely filled with gorgeous ones to see, from massive cliff faces to hidden forest gems. Either way, you won’t be disappointed with the latest roundup of our favourites in the province.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Free outdoor yoga
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Attention, yogis and yoga enthusiasts! Lululemon is offering free outdoor yoga sessions to folks at locations all around BC, including Vancouver, North Van, Whistler, Victoria, and Kamloops. BYO-mat and settle in for a great session.
When: Now until August 31st
Where: All around BC
Cost: Free with registration! Click the link above for more info
Ride the Mountain Coaster
Cypress Mountain got a whole lot cooler last month, thanks to a new mountain coaster! The Eagle Coaster zips you down the mountainside at 40 km/h. Add in a vertical drop of about 279m (900 feet), and this coaster becomes fun for all ages.
When: Open throughout August
Where: 6000 Cypress Bowl Road, West Vancouver
Cost: $29 for GA (includes lift ticket)
Visit the Malahat SkyWalk
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This Vancouver Island attraction is the perfect add-on option for your next getaway. Here, you’ll find a 600-metre-long walkway leading you to a viewing platform sitting some 32 metres high. Basically, they’ve recreated a hike that’s accessible for all ages. And, you can take a slide to get back down!
When: Open throughout August
Where: 901 Trans-Canada Highway, Malahat
Cost: $31.95 for GA
Hit the beach
Beach days are pretty much a requirement in Vancouver during the warmer months. Whether you want the buzz of Kits beach on a sunny day, or a hidden gem where you can escape the crowds and the heat–or you prefer to lounge in your birthday suit–there’s a beach for every occasion.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Go on a day trip
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They don’t call it ‘beautiful British Columbia’ for nothing, folks. From Nanaimo to Bowen Island, here are some great day trip destinations to consider before summer’s end.
Where: Check out our picks above
Enjoy a boozy picnic
ICYMI, a ton of Vancouver parks have alcohol-friendly zones where folks can feel free to crack open a couple of cold ones at their next picnic. Since this is prime picnic season, we thought we’d give you a little nudge – if you need one.
Where: See above
Get back on the Sea to Sky Gondola
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 August
Where: 36800 BC-99, Squamish
Tickets: $55.95 for GA, $14.29 for Ride-Down Only
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 Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, which was also just voted the second ‘most epic’ by Scouts Canada.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Live Events/Concerts
The Marias
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A slew of talented artists are performing in Vancouver this month, and The Marias are a prime example of that. Named after lead vocalist Maria Zardoya, The Marias is coming to Vancouver on Friday, August 12th. Think indie pop meets Spanglish, plus fun guitar riffs and horn solos!
When: Friday, August 12th
Where: 868 Granville Street, Commodore Ballroom
Cost: $42+
Ambleside Music Festival
That’s right, folks. The first-ever Ambleside Music Festival is launching in West Vancouver this August – and the lineup is outrageous. If you’re into alternative rock and looking for another great music fest to add to your summer itinerary, this is it!
When: Friday, August 12th to Sunday, August 14th
Where: 1150 Marine Drive
Cost: $245 for early bird 3-day passes
The Killers
The iconic rock band was formed in 2001 and has since put out all the 2000’s hits you know and love – from Mr. Brightside to When You Were Young, to their most recent album in 2022 – Pressure Machine.
When: Friday, August 19th
Where: 800 Griffiths Way, Rogers Arena
Cost: $57.50+
PNE Fair 2022
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Yup, the PNE Fair is back this summer! And there’s a bunch of incredible artists slated to perform, as well as the return of local faves like SuperDogs and the pyro-musical finale.
When: Saturday, August 20th to Monday, September 5th
Where: 2901 East Hastings Street
Cost: $18 for GA in advance, $20 the day of
Summer Night Concert Series
From the Barenaked Ladies to the B-52’s Farewell Tour, to Gipsy Kings, Cake, Patti LaBelle, and everything in between – here are all the legendary artists performing at the PNE this year.
When: Friday, August 20th to Monday, September 5th
Where: 2901 East Hastings Street
Cost: Varies per show
Phoebe Bridgers
Let’s be real, when Phoebe Bridgers rolls into town – tickets are a must. The folk-rock singer-songwriter made her breakthrough (quite literally, winning “Independent Breakthrough of the Year in 2018) with “Herself,” and has since continued to sing, write, produce records, and shred on the guitar – pretty much doing it all.
When: Sunday, August 21st
Where: 601 Smithe Street, Orpheum Theatre
Cost: $143+ on StubHub
The Weeknd
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Although tickets are currently sold out on Ticketmaster, you may still be able to snag some last-minute tickets to one of the headlining performing artists coming to Vancouver this month: The Weeknd himself. After postponing due to the massive mess that was the Rogers outage – we can certainly understand why spots are pretty scarce.
When: Tuesday, August 23rd
Where: 777 Pacific Boulevard, BC Place
Cost: $193+ on StubHub
Greta Van Fleet
In addition to taking home dozens of Grammys in just the span of a few short years, Greta Van Fleet is essentially the Led Zeppelin incarnate. The almost brother band (consisting of only one non-sibling) is a group of 4, and they’re all incredibly talented and already adored by millions globally.
When: Tuesday, August 30th
Where: 800 Griffiths Way, Rogers Arena
Cost: $$77+ on StubHub
Arts/Culture
Vancouver Pride
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Vancouver Pride is finally back in full swing, with an aptly titled, “Together Again” – and there are simply too many drag performances, parades, club nights, and more to detail in just a couple of sentences. Visit here for the full Vancouver Pride 2022 lineup!
When: On until Wednesday, August 3rd
Where: Locations around Vancouver
Cost: Varies per event
Vancouver Mural Fest
Another major festival returning this summer is the Vancouver Mural Fest! With 11 days of block parties complete with local art tours, live performances, a pop-up patio, and mural walks – of course – this event is slated to be bigger and better than ever this year! Plus, there’s the all-ages street party at the Granville Promenade to send off the fest on August 14th.
And of course, it also means dozens of new public art murals going up, too.
When: August 4th to August 14th
Where: 2105 Main Street
Cost: Varies per event
Shipyards Live
Shipyards Live is an ongoing concert and market series taking place at the Lonsdale Quay. Do some shopping, try a food truck, and hit the beer garden as you enjoy the sounds of some fantastic local artists. And, best of all, it’s free to attend!
When: July 30th to September 18th
Where: Lonsdale Quay Area
Watch a FREE outdoor movie
Apart from checking out the showtimes at The Cinematheque, the Rio Theatre, and VanCity Theatre – there are also free outdoor movies playing in North Van for pretty much the remainder of the summer. Why not check some out at Sunset Cinema??
When: Until Wednesday, August 24th
Where: 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Polygon Gallery
A couple of new exhibitions have opened around the city, and we think we want to check them both out. First up is Gathering Darkness by Alexander Glyadyelov, showcasing the displacement of those impacted by the war in Ukraine.
When: Open throughout August
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: By donation
Richmond Gallery
Next up are the various multilingual exhibition tours happening at the Richmond Gallery. And with so many to choose from, you might just end up going to multiple!
When: Open throughout August
Where: 7700 Minoru Gate
Cost: By donation
Wander around the Vancouver Art Gallery
In addition to the interactive Kids Take Over exhibit, there’s also an exhibition called Uninvited: Canadian Women Artists in the Modern Movement that we’re keen on checking out.
When: Open throughout August
Where: 750 Hornby Street
Cost: Varies
Sports and Activities
Cross a few things off your bucket list
Nothing gets the summer season going in BC like ziplining through Whistler or diving head-first into Lions Bay. Of course, caution is paramount with extreme sports & activities – but a little risk-taking never hurt anyone! Get your blood pumping this summer with some scenic, out-of-the-box activities that will make you forget all about what’s on Netflix.
Where: See our picks above
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 August
Where: Grouse Mountain
Cost: $20 (for the download ticket)
Visit Kits Pool
We know there are other public pools in the area worth visiting too, but the outdoor pool at Kits Beach will always hold a special place in our heart. With the pool reopening after a season of repairs, we think a dip is very much warranted.
When: Open throughout August
Where: Click the link above for more info
Work on your short game
Mini-golf is a good option for just about anyone. Like bowling, the skill ceiling is weirdly high, but it’s so straightforward that a total novice will still have fun out there. Whether you’re looking for a date night option or a weekend that’s fun for the whole family, we’ve got you covered.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Light the Night 2022
If you’re looking to get out on the water at night, Vancouver Water Adventures is offering a glow-in-the-dark paddle experience from Granville Island this summer.
When: Various dates throughout August
Where: 1812 Boatlift Lane
Cost: $105
Check out a lazy river
BC has a ton of fun to be had by way of lazy rivers. And by lazy rivers – we mean action-packed water activities, as well as lazy rivers in the literal sense. So, whether you want to slowly drift downstream with a drink in hand, or want to have a more adventurous tubing experience, we’ve got plenty of options at the link above.
Where: Check out our picks above
Vancouver Canadians
It’s the season of cracker jacks and summer BBQ, folks. The Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club has plenty of home games at The Nat this month – grab some group tickets or purchase game tickets individually! This August they’ll be playing the Tricity and Hillsboro.
When: Games throughout August
Where: 4601 Ontario Street, The Nat
Cost: $20+
Food and Drink
Beanstock Coffee Festival 2022
Coffee lovers, take note! A massive coffee fest is returning to Vancouver after three years, and it will showcase some of the best independent third-wave coffee out there. Expect to see a bunch of your fave local coffee roasters, and get ready for the event’s first-ever happy hour with cold brew-infused drinks and music!
When: Saturday, August 20th to Sunday, August 21st
Where: 181 Roundhouse Mews
Cost: $30 for Early Bird tickets per day
Try a new restaurant
July ended up being a fantastic month for new restaurants in Vancouver. From ambitious fine dining to grab-and-go options, there are more than a few new spots to check out for yourself! Need a starting point? We’ve rounded up some of our favourites for you.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
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 brim 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
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
Check out a waterfront patio
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There’s no better way to spend a hot day in August than on a waterfront patio with some bubbly in hand. Summer vacay made easy, in our opinion. And with so many options to choose from in Vancouver, the only challenge will be settling on one or two.
Where: See our picks above
Go berry picking
Who doesn’t love to pluck fresh berries from their vines in the summer and savour them as you fill up (or attempt to fill up) your U-pick barrel?! Plus, you can always freeze your pickings and use them to bake a homemade pie in the colder months.
Where: See our picks above
Richmond Night Market
Between 500+ amazing eats and inventive amusement park-esque games, Richmond Night Market never disappoints. And since August is a prime month weather-wise, you better believe we’re keeping some Friday nights open to peruse the night market.
When: On throughout August
Where: 8351 River Road, Richmond
Cost: $4 ($22 to skip the line)
That’s what we’ve got in mind for things to do around Vancouver this August! We’re in the dog days of summer folks, and we’re going to make the most of them.
