Photo via @theveganmarket.ca / Instagram
With the tail-end of summer just around the corner, time is of the essence when it comes to making the most of the rest of the season. And while it might feel like the ‘dog days’ of summer are already behind us, we’ve got a list of fun things to do and see that prove otherwise. With that in mind, here are 18 things you have to do in and around Vancouver before summer is over.
With several summer markets already under its belt (including the city’s first beachside night market), the Vegan Night Market by Peaces.ca is back and better than ever. Currently, the organizers are gearing up for their last summer market at The Waldorf on Thursday, August 17th – so don’t miss out on delicious, local plant-based eats and drinks!
Note that the final summer market on August 31st will take place at Locarno Beach.
When: Thursday, August 17th
Where: 1489 East Hastings Street, The Waldorf
Cost: $2 minimum donation
From August 14th to 16th and 21st to 23rd, Music on Main is slated to make its return to Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant Park. So why not bring your picnic blankets and spend some quality summer evenings surrounded by friends and live music?
When: August 14th to 16th
Where: West 16th Avenue at Ontario Street
The 5th annual Battle of the Brews is coming up this month in Surrey, and really, who doesn’t want another opportunity to sample local beers and food truck vendors? What’s more, attendees will have the chance to vote for their fave brews and decide which brewers will walk away as this year’s champion.
When: August 20th
Where: 104 Avenue, Surrey Civic Plaza
Cost: $45-$50
Ready for an iconic block party, EDM lovers? The independent record label Monstercat is back with its sixth annual instalment of Monstercat Compound, a free, 19+ block party celebrating the best artists on theand beyond.
When: Saturday, August 26th
Where: Railway Street
Love street festivals and perusing food vendors? Read on! Much like the popular Car Free Day Surrey, Vancouver will soon be getting three of its own, with each community-wide festival taking place in a different neighbourhood. And visitors can expect to enjoy a ton of local eats, live entertainment, and cultural programming.
Below are the dates and locations for this year’s Car Free Days:
Note that each festival will take place from noon until 7 pm.
When: September 9th, 16th, and 24th, 2023
Where: Commercial Drive, Main Street, West End
Of course, we couldn’t forget the Grouse Grind in this roundup. 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 summer
Where: Grouse Mountain
Cost: $20 (for the download ticket)
This one feels like more of a fall pick, but it’ll only be open until the September long weekend, so it’s technically a summer excursion! Canada’s first corn maze is celebrating 25 years in BC with a brand new design, and it’s now officially open to the public at Greendale Acres in Chilliwack.
Now open from 10 am to 7 pm from Wednesday to Saturday and until 6 pm on Sundays, regular admission costs $16 in advance and $18 at the door.
When: Now open
Where: 41905 Yale Road West, Chilliwack
Cost: $16 online, $18 at the door
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A trip to the amusement park is guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face. Especially when the alternative is screaming in fear as you enjoy some downright thrilling rides. Playland has hinted that it’s bringing back the PNE Fair this year, but even a regular visit is a great idea.
When: Now open
Where: 2901 East Hastings Street
Tickets: $39.50 for GA
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
Something about a trip to the farmers’ market before a backyard BBQ or patio hangout just screams the quintessential Vancouver option. Skip the trips to your local grocery store and instead, go straight to the source for your fruits and veggies. You won’t regret it!
Where: See our picks above
It’s no secret that Mount Pleasant is home to some of the biggest names in local craft brews in Metro Van. Why not get the gang together for a couple of pints? It is peak patio season, after all.
Where: See our picks above
While Vancouver’s rooftop scene isn’t as bustling as Toronto’s or New York’s – we’ve got a handful of top-notch options to toss your way if you’re craving a rooftop patio experience this spring and summer. And with such gorgeous, sunny weather, we doubt you’ll need much convincing!
Where: See our picks above
We all love a good beach picnic, but if you’re trying to avoid the possibility of sand mixed in with your food, you’ll probably want to opt for one of Vancouver’s many parks instead. Thankfully, there are plenty of prime picnic spots in and around Vancouver that boast stunning views, and large, grassy areas to sprawl out on.
Want to make it a boozy picnic? Check out these alcohol-friendly spots around Vancouver – including these year-round public plazas.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Finally, we come to Fridays on Front in New West, a community-wide block party taking place every Friday this month. Best of all? Each festival has its own theme, from ‘Bollywood Bash’ to celebrating Pride. Each date will feature a different lineup of food and drink vendors, as well as libations from the fully-licensed Steel & Oak beer + Pacific Breeze Wine.
Each night market will take place from 5 to 9 pm.
When: August 18th and 25th
Where: Front Street Mews, New Westminster
As the last full month of summer approaches, we pulled together some of the most popular day trip destinations, underrated natural wonders, and tempting weekend getaways for the ultimate BC bucket list. After all, summer is the best time of year to get outdoors and explore, and there are so many beautiful areas to check out.
Where: See our picks above
Don’t get us wrong, we love a casual beach day and picnic at the park. But 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!
Where: Click the link above for our picks
It goes without saying that BC is home to some of the most scenic hikes in the country – but there happen to be some particularly striking waterfalls you can check out on many of them.
Where: Click the link above for more info
Finally, we come to North Van’s recurring outdoor music fest and beer garden, which runs weekly on Friday nights at the Shipyards. Each week, Shipbuilders Square comes alive with the hustle and bustle of guests looking to enjoy live music and local brews at their beer garden.
As well, the market is bringing back live music and DJs – so consider your Friday night plans made!
When: Every Friday from May 12th to September 15th
Where: The Shipyards, North Vancouver
So there you have it, Vancouver! If you feel like you’ve run out of ideas this summer, think again.
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