Vancouver in the Rain: 47 fun visits you will love

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Are you and your partner spending a couple of days in Vancouver and experiencing lots of rain? Are you afraid that Vancouver in the rain will ruin both your romantic vacation and your budget? Don’t worry, we’ve got you! Eric being from Vancouver and us having visited the Vancouver area quite a few times these past few years, we have experienced all sorts of weather in Vancouver, including Vancouver in the rain. In this post, we have hand selected 47 things to do in Vancouver when it rains that are perfect for couples and that will fit your budget.

Why visiting Vancouver during the rainy season is a good idea for couples on a budget

I’m not going to lie. The rainy season in Vancouver is the least attractive time for people to visit the city and the surrounding areas but that also why it’s a great time to go to Vancouver as a couple on a budget! Don’t worry, there are plenty of reasons why you should visit Vancouver when it rains! I promise it can also be romantic!

Vancouver in the rain is budget-friendly

Vancouver is beautiful, surrounded by nature and features a lot of free indoor and outdoor activities. However, no-one wants to spend 3 hours in the pouring rain just to see a stupid suspension bridge (Am I right?!). No-one really wants to carry muddy boots around, pack a bunch of rain jackets, or carry umbrellas and hoods around with them either. So naturally, less people travel to Vancouver during the rainy season. The consequence is that flights are a lot cheaper during that season. For example, flights in November are 26% cheaper than flights bought for travel around Christmas. According to Skyscanner, another cheap month to fly to Vancouver is March, still during the rainy season. December, although in the rainy season, is usually more expensive as people travel to reunite with their families for Christmas. If you are on a budget, avoid flying to Vancouver in December. 

You know what that also means? If less people are coming to Vancouver, there are consequently more availabilities for accommodations and likely better prices!

By flying to Vancouver during the rainy season, you are likely to drastically reduce two of the main travel expenses: flights and accommodation. We also have 64 tips for budget travel that will help you both budget your trip and save money!

Vancouver also offers lots of free activities which is perfect for couples on a budget. Although a lot of Vancouver’s free activities are outdoors, some are either doable from the comfort of your car, protected from the rain or also doable in a thin mist. 

Vancouver in the rain is great for couples

One could argue indeed that traveling to Vancouver in the rain is just not fun and far from being romantic. The thing is that the rain is very inconvenient in places like the Maldives. However, Vancouver in the rain is quite charming. If you like the Twilight moody vibe of the West Coast, you will, for sure, love Vancouver when it’s raining. Check out our best Canada winter quotes here to get inspired!

As you’ll see in the next sections, you don’t have to worry about what to do in Vancouver when it rains. We have you covered! Whether you like taking in the vibe of the city or learning more about history, there are lots of things to do in Vancouver when it rains and there will definitely be something for you and your partner. 

In this guide, I have also included romantic experiences to have in Vancouver when it rains. Let’s make your trip to Vancouver unforgettable, shall we?

Vancouver Rainy Season

Although spending winter in Canada can mean freezing temperatures and meters of snow, it’s not really the case of winter in Vancouver. Vancouver, located on the West Coast of Canada has a moderate oceanic climate. This climate explains part of Vancouver’s rainy seasons. Its summers are usually hot and dry often to the points of causing (with the help of human imbecility) dramatic fires over British Columbia. However, its winters are usually quite rainy with mild-temperatures, and are rarely as cold as on the East Coast. Another reason for Vancouver’s rainy season is the presence of the temperate rainforest made of the Great Bear Rainforest and the Ancient Rainforest. The release of water by the plants of the rainforest influences how much rain Vancouver gets. 

On average, the rainy season in Vancouver lasts from October to March. The rainiest month are November and December. Vancouver is the third most rainy city in Canada with over 161 rainy days per year. 

Now, remember that those numbers are averages and only averages. We have experience amazing weather in Canada even during winter! If the weather is dry during the visit, we have created a 3 day itinerary in Vancouver that is perfect for couples on a budget. This itinerary also works if the weather is just misty. 

However, if it rains during your Vancouver trip, then this post has lots of options that you can integrate to that Vancouver itinerary. 

Vancouver in the rain : 47 things to do in Vancouver when it pours

We have organised the 47 activities to do in Vancouver in the rain by range of prices so you can easily pick what fits your couple travel budget!

Free things to do in Vancouver in the rain

In this Vancouver in the rain guide, we have included 13 free fun visits that will keep you dry and warm while still allowing you to immerse yourself in the city.

1. Feel the Vancouver vibe at Granville Island Public Market

Granville Island is located in the centre of Vancouver and accessible either through Granville St or by boat shuttle from Granville Seawalk and a few other decks. Granville Island is one of Vancouver’s Statements; you cannot NOT visit it while in Vancouver. The vibe is chill and the view on the city, False Creek and English Bay is beautiful.

On Granville Island, you will find the Granville Island Public Market, which, just like Granville Island is a must-do while in Vancouver. The best part about Granville Market is that it is fully indoor! The market is split between two parts:

• the fresh market with fruits, vegetables, meat, fish 
• the deli market where you can buy all sorts of food such as slices of pizza, or a hot chocolate. 

We love visiting Granville Market. We usually check out the fresh food and grab a couple of pineapple pizza at Pzazz! It is one of the cool places to have a date in Vancouver!

The best part about Granville Market is that you can eat inside, with a view on the city and the surrounding areas!

2. Meet the locals at Lonsdale Quay Market

Lonsdale Quay, located on the North Shore, isn’t a touristy visit as such. It is mainly known for its food truck fair in the summer, where you can buy all your favourite foods and eat them on the quay.

However, we appreciate Lonsdale Quay for its pier and the view it offers on the Vancouver’s skyline. It’s one of the best views in Vancouver! Luckily, Lonsdale Quay also features an indoor market. Their Artisan Alley event features local retailers, crafters and local businesses presenting their homemade and local products. The market runs on specific dates all year long. You can find more information here. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the life of Vancouver and meet locals, all while avoiding the rain

3. Embark on a Twilight Road Trip

Moody rainy Vancouver, you say? That calls for a Twilight filming locations road trip! There are quite a few places in Vancouver that were used in the movies. While in your car, you can stop at the following ones:

• The Cullen house from The Twilight Saga: New Moon, located at 118 Stevens Drive in West Vancouver.This is where Bella’s birthday party was filmed. 
• The Movie Theatre scene with Bella and Jessica was filmed at Paramount Gentleman’s Club in New Westminster
• Bella’s high school: David Thompson High School
• Jacob’s House at Gilleys Trail in Minnekhada Park, Coquitlam
• Whytecliff Park in West Vancouver was used for the cliff jumping scenes. Although it is an open park, you can park your car really close from the point of interest so you will only have to get out of the car for a few minutes.
• The Orpheum Theatre, opened on 7 November 1927 was used to film Edward’s flashback scenes. 

There are a few more Twilight filming locations in Vancouver but they are completely in the open which might not be ideal if it’s pouring. 

4. Drive the Sea To Sky Highway for amazing views

What better way to avoid the rain than by leaving the rain? Rain in Vancouver doesn’t mean rain everywhere. The Sea To Sky Highway, which begins in Vancouver and ends in Lillooet, takes you along the Howe Sound and offers amazing views on the mountains. 

If it rains in Vancouver, it might actually snow in the mountains, meaning you’ll be able to see snow at the top! Grab some food, hop in the car and drive to Porteau Cove. If it still rains there, you will at least have one of the best views for your romantic lunch!

5. Drive to the British Properties for amazing views

The British Properties is an elevated neighbourhood located in West Vancouver. From the neighbourhood, you’ll get an amazing view on the city. It’s worth a drive and even better if it rains as you’ll be well protected in your car!

6. Explore Steveston, a historic fishing village

Steveston Village is located in Richmond and is a quaint fishing village. It’s an adorable place to visit to witness the daily catches and eat fresh seafood! As it is located a bit south of Vancouver, you might be able to catch a break from the rain there. 

7. Admire the Pacific Central Train Station’s architecture

Completed in 1919, the Pacific Central Train Station was a built in a neoclassical style and is worth checking out both inside and outside. You can stop by after spending a few hours at Science World (see below). 

8. Visit the Waterfront Station

The Waterfront station was built in 1914 and is located a few minutes from Gastown. Is it a beautiful building worth checking out both outside and inside. Stop by after going up the Vancouver Lookout or before heading to FlyOver Canada (see below). 

9. Visit the Capilano Salmon Hatchery

Located on the Capilano River, the hatchery offers a free guided tour of the fish hatchery interactive centre where you can learn about how fish develop from eggs and how they are released to the river in spring. Vancouver is rich in Salmon so it is an interesting process to discover. 

10. Do some shopping at Park Royal

Park Royal is one of my favourite place to do some shopping in West Vancouver. I love the design of the Park Royal village and how nice it feels there even if you’re not actually shopping. There is a big shopping centre within the outdoor village as well making perfect to get away from the rain!

11. Get a glimpse of Rome at the Vancouver Public Library 

With a French mansard roof and the shape of a Roman amphitheatre, Vancouver’s grand central library is a unique and beautiful building worth checking out both outside and inside. The library is located downtown in Yaletown. 

12. Attend a Horseracing Course with the locals

Horseracing is very entertaining and in some places, like France, quite a prestigious activity to attend! Hastings Racecourse is located by the Ironworkers Memorial bridge in Downtown Vancouver. Entrance is free so you can watch the races and betting not mandatory!

13. Have some *reasonable* fun at Vancouver Casino

Vancouver Casino is located downtown by BC Place. Just like you would go to a casino in Las Vegas, going to the casino in Vancouver is really fun! You don’t even have to actually play (and loose lol), you can just have a drink or play a couple bucks just for fun!

Low cost activities to do in Vancouver in the rain (under $15)

For a few bucks, Vancouver in the rain can be really fun (and dry!)! Whether you are a true crime fan or want to appreciate Vancouver’s amazing sceneries from indoors, you will definitely get your money’s worth with the below activities.

14. Adventure on the SeaBus (Can$5)

The Vancouver Seabus connects the North Shore (Lonsdale Quay) to Downtown Vancouver (Vancouver waterfront). As it takes you across Vancouver Harbour, you get amazing views on Stanley Park, the North Shore and Downtown! It’s a cheap and fun activity to do in Vancouver when it rains. 

15. Go for a swim at West Vancouver’s Aquatic Centre (Can$7)

Although Vancouver has some really great beaches, Vancouver in the rain isn’t the best context to actually go for a swim at the beach! Alternatively, you can go for a dip at West Vancouver’s Aquatic Centre. The Centre features an indoor pool with slides, a hot tub, a sauna and a steam room. 

16. Warm up at the Bloedel Conservatory at Queen Elizabeth Park (Can$7)

The Bloedel Conservatory is an indoor glass-domed tropical garden located at Queen Elizabeth Park on top of the hill. It is a beautiful conservatory which will provide some warmth during a cold and rainy day!

17. Go ice skating at Robson Square Ice (Can$5)

Although New York’s ice skating rink is very famous, Vancouver is also in the race with it own rink on Robson Square just in the city centre. Rentals are cheap and fun is assured! In addition to being opened all year long, it offers special events in the period leading up to Christmas. Check out our best couple travel caption ideas to share photos on your social media!

18. Learn about wine at the Liberty Distillery on Granville Island (Can$10)

Granville Island is full of surprises and actually perfect for a day in Vancouver in the rain. The Liberty Distillery on Granville Island offers tours on Saturday and Sunday (limited hours) and invite visitors to discover the processes involved in mashing, fermenting and distilling. A complementary tasting is also offered at the end of the tour. Booking is advised one week in advance.

19. Hop on an aircraft at the Canadian Flight Museum (Can$10)

Located in Langley, the Canadian Flight Museum is a budget worthy visit when it rains in Vancouver. From learning about aviation history and visiting the aircrafts to seeing the inner workings of an engine, or the construction details of a World War 1 aircraft, you will for sure spend some interesting, entertaining and educational hours in this museum.

20. Visit the Police Museum (Can$12)

From learning about the history of Vancouver’s street safety to exploring True Crime exhibitions, the Vancouver Police Museum features several different exhibits per year keeping you on your toes! Some of the museum’s permanent exhibits include the Coroner’s Court exhibit, and the Morgue and Autopsy Suite. If you like TV shows such as NCIS, you will love this museum located in Downtown Vancouver!

21. Visit the Vancouver Maritime Museum (Can$13,50)

Vancouver being surrounded by water, it makes sense to visit the Vancouver Maritime Museum. Located in Kitsilano, this museum features both temporary and permanent exhibitions. From climbing aboard the St Roch to explore the cabins and deck to learning about the centuries-long search for the route across the Canadian Arctic. The museum is both educational and fun! Some parts of the museum are also located outside which is great if you catch a break from the rain!

22. Visit the Museum of Anthropology (Can$15)

Located on the campus of the University of British Columbia, the Museum of Anthropology stands on the traditional land of the Musqueam people. The museum features lots of permanent exhibitions such as the Great Hall, and lots of galleries. It’s a greta place to learn about the local history but also about the world!

Mid-Range activities to do in Vancouver in the rain (under $30)

For a few more bucks, Vancouver offers a large range of indoor activities that are perfect to learn more about the city while keeping you dry!

23. Take a tour of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden (Can$16)

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden features lots to do including a tour of the Garden home, some exhibitions, and of course, the garden. 

24. Have fun at the BC Sports Hall of Fame at BC Place (Can$18)

From touring the stadium and the backstage areas to discovering the history of some of Canada’s most talented athletes, the BC Sports Hall of Fame is a fun visit to attend even if you’re not a great fan of sports! It is quite interesting and features lots of imagery and artefacts!

25. Admire the city from the Vancouver Lookout (Can$19)

The Vancouver Lookout is located downtown, just a few minutes from Gastown. At the top, you get a 360° view on the city and it’s just amazing! This is a great way to enjoy the views while staying dry and comfortable.

26. Wander at the Vancouver Art Gallery (Can$24)

The Vancouver Art Gallery is one of the largest art museums in Canada and therefore features lots of different exhibitions ready to blow your mind. From Emily Carr to Yoko Ono, there is art for everyone here!

27. Fly over Canada at Canada Place (Can$27 – online price)

FlyOver Canada is a flying theatre attraction. Having done it in the past, I can only suggest you go if it rains in Vancouver. During the ride, you will be hanging over a giant screen with your feet dangling in the air. The screen takes you across Canada and the whole experience feels like flying!

28. Have fun at Science World (Can$28)

Science World, located in False Creek, is an interactive science museum. You cannot miss it as it is in the shape of a giant disco ball downtown! On top of the fact that the museum itself is really interesting and fun, you do get great views on the city from there!

29. Spend a few hours at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre  – (admission depends on the event)

Located in Vanier Park, this museum features an exhibit gallery and a demonstration theatre. Lots of different events are hosted here including public lectures. 

Larger budget activities to do in Vancouver when it rains (over $40)

If you have a bit of a larger budget, some of the below activities will make you love Vancouver in the rain!

30. Visit seals and rays at the Vancouver Aquarium (Can$42)

The Vancouver aquarium is one of our favourite places in Vancouver. It is located in Stanley Park just a few minutes from downtown. The aquarium features rays and rescued seals. You can actually approach and touch rays which is super cute! It is both beautiful and interactive! It’s a great place to go to when it rains in Vancouver. You can spend quite a few hours at the aquarium!

31. Find the snow up Grouse Mountain (Can$61)

When Vancouver is in the rain, it is likely that mountains are covered in snow. Going up Grouse Mountain to find some snow is therefore a great thing to do. You’ll have to drive to the carpark and then take the gondola to the top. From walking in the snow and snowshoeing to skying and snowboarding, there is a lot to do up in Grouse Mountain!

32. Have Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Hotel (Can$69)

Open from Friday to Sunday, the Fairmont Hotel offers an Afternoon Tea service at 12pm and at 2pm. Afternoon Tea is a service that is quite common in the Vancouver area and you can also get it in Victoria on Vancouver Island. It consists in a lot of different small sandwiches (tea sandwiches), salads and desserts such as delicious macarons and cheesecake. More than just the food, the Afternoon Tea is an entire experience. The Fairmont Hotel is quite fancy so there is no doubt that the Afternoon Tea will bring you some comfort on a rainy day in Vancouver!

33. Sea a hockey game at BC (average price Can$77)

What sounds more Canadian than seeing a hockey game in Canada? Of course, if you go to BC place to see a hockey game, you’ll have to support the Vancouver Canucks! Prep yourself for a fun time, grab a burger, and have fun cheering on the team! You might even get caught on the kiss cam!

34. Go on a Walking Food Tour (Can$90)

Gastown is a great neighbourhood in Vancouver, mostly known for its steam clock that goes off every 15 minutes. With cobble streets and cute shops and restaurants, it’s a great neighbourhood to wander. That said, just like anything, it’s not that fun when it’s pouring rain. What’s fun though is going to restaurants and trying lots of different food. Which is what this walking food tour is!

35. Take a Brewery tour (Can$65 to Can$100)

Look, what better to way to avoid the rain than eating and drinking? I (Marie) don’t drink alcohol but always enjoy brewery tours as they are usually super fun and educational. I always find that guided tours are better as you get some good insight info from the passionate guides. There are several brewery tours in Vancouver including the following ones:

• Enjoy some fresh and local craft beer, food and a tour of 3 different breweries during this 4 hour-long tour. 
• This company offers several tours whether you are more interested in wine or beer, distilleries of breweries with prices ranging from $89 to $135. 

36. Visit the Fraser Valley wineries (Can$130)

BC is the home of 370 licensed wineries so there is quite a range of options here. However, the Fraser Valley is known for its micro climate allowing for quality grapes to grow well. A good one to visit is the Chaberton Estate which is Fraser Valley’s oldest winery. From the tasting rooms to discover the backstage of the winemaking process, you’ll have a blast! You can even have French food after! 

37. Share a romantic moment at Spa Utopia (around Can$200)

Spa Utopia, located in North Vancouver is one of our favourite places to get massages, use the steam room and relax. Going there as a couple is a whole experience we can only recommend. We have been there twice and loved it both times. We got a couple massages so we were both in the same room which was super nice. Before going to your massage, the very kind staff provide you with a robe which you can wear in the common area while waiting for your massage and after your massage. You can also use the steam room at any time. While waiting for your massage, and afterwards, you have access to a mix of healthy snacks and a range of teas and juices. 

The best part? You get to relax on very comfortable couches and chairs and look at the view on Vancouver’s skyline! When I tell you it’s an experience, I’m not kidding! 

Game Time in Vancouver in the rain

Want to spend a few hours at a game center while it rains in Vancouver? Here are our two top picks to have great fun!

38. Work as a team at SMartyPantz Escape Room (Can$25)

Escape rooms are so fun, Eric and I always try to do one if we can! We’ve done some in Dublin and in Whistler, BC but there are also some in Vancouver! The concept is that you are locked in a room and need to solve puzzles and riddles to get out. What’s fun is that the rooms are different everywhere and each place also changes them a couple times a year! Definitely go for a fun time if you’ve never been to one!

The SmartyPantz Escape Room is located in Gastown and a room takes about 45 minutes to resolve. 

39. Have fun karting indoors (Can$25 for one race)

Karting is always fun whatever your age! Vancouver indoor karting is no different and will for sure keep you entertained during a rainy day. 

What to do in Vancouver in the rain, if it’s just a mist

Chances are that even if it’s raining, you’ll catch a few breaks of mist! And that’s totally manageable, especially in the following locations:

40. Be blown away at Capilano suspension bridge (Can$55)

Capilano suspension bridge is part of the park of the same name on the North Shore. It is 140 metres long bridge hanging at 70m above the Capilano river. There are also some smaller suspension bridges in the trees. It’s absolutely beautiful and definitely a great experience. 

If the weather is misty or the rain light, I would still suggest going. The small suspension bridges in the trees are covered as the trees provide protection. This is definitely enjoyable even in a light rain. The suspension bridge itself isn’t protected but is quite charming in a mist! Twilight moody vibes calling! 

41. Adventure at Lynn Valley suspension bridge (Free)

The Lynn Valley suspension bridge is a free 50 meter-long suspension bridge located in North Vancouver and hanging above Lynn Creek. It was used in the movie Descendants and is a great place to go when there’s mist. The bridge is located in the temperate forest and leads to tracks along Lynn Creek that are covered by trees keeping you protected from the rain!

If it’s actually raining and you really want to visit a suspension bridge, we wouldn’t recommend going to Capilano suspension bridge as you wouldn’t be able to enjoy it to the fullest and it’s quite a budget. Instead, Lynn Valley suspension bridge is a great alternative and free! 

Food & drinks

42. Grab some Poutine

Listen, in my opinion, you haven’t really been to Canada if you haven’t tried Poutine. Fries, gravy and cheese? Who could say no to that? It’s absolutely delicious and will keep you warm inside and out on a rainy day in Vancouver. We love the one from A&W but honestly there are lots of options in Vancouver. 

43. Grab a burger at White Spot

White Spot is one of our favourite chains of restaurants in Vancouver. We love their burgers and milkshake! They also make a great breakfast with bacon, eggs and hashbrowns. Definitely a great pit stop if you’re tired of the rain and need some North American restaurant experience!

44. Have fresh seafood at Hatchi Hana

With kilometres of coastline and water everywhere, Vancouver is great to go fishing! Therefore, it’s got a soft spot for sushi, which we love and can only recommend getting while in Vancouver when it rains. One of our favourite place is Hatchi Hana in North Vancouver! We recommend getting a mix of rolls, rainbow rolls and sashimi but really, anything from there is delicious!

45. Have brunch at Chambar restaurant

Chambar restaurant definitely has a youngster vibe and is great if you want to feel immersed in the city. This is the place where young locals go for brunch on Sunday! I would recommend the mussels as they were very good. Their burgers are good too although different from your regular burgers so just be aware of that!

46. Enjoy a meal with a view at Salmon House

The Salmon House is a restaurant located in West Vancouver and offers fresh and local seafood among other delicious dishes. One of the biggest perks of the Salmon House beside its amazing food, is the view it offers on Vancouver! Unbeatable really! It’s the perfect place to have lunch with a view when it rains outside!

47. Try some hand-crafted wines at Vancouver Urban Winery

This urban winery produces hand-crafted wined 100% from British Columbia. Try one of the 36 wines offered on tap at their restaurant Belgard Kitchen for a local wine experience!

How to get around Vancouver when it rains

Downtown Vancouver is decently walkable. However, I doubt you’ll want to walk everywhere when it is pouring. 

The easiest way to go around Vancouver and the surrounding areas is renting a car. You can either rent a car through the usual rental companies or through Evo, a car-sharing service. 

However, if you are mainly staying downtown, I wouldn’t recommend driving as traffic can get quite busy as soon as 2pm. I know, it is crazy but Vancouver is a fast growing city and the infrastructures aren’t growing as fast as the number of cars on the road, which leads to busy traffic. Downtown Vancouver is very well equipped when it comes to public transportation. Between buses, sea shuttles and the skytrain, it is easy to go around Downtown Vancouver without having to walk in the rain. For example, instead of driving to Granville Island and waiting in traffic on the bridge, take the shuttle boat on Granville Seawall. 

If you prefer avoiding public transportation, there are also lots of cabs to access nearby neighbourhoods such as North Vancouver or Kitsilano.

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