Vancouver

Embrace the Rain

Rainy day activities take on a new meaning in Vancouver, when the city and its outdoor surroundings are at their freshest. Naturally situated in the shadow of a rainforest, the city’s scenic beaches, forests and outdoor spaces are at their most inspiring in the rain, not to mention the incredible cultural experiences available indoors. Slip on your slicker, slide into your rainboots and don’t forget to bring an umbrella for an unforgettable weekend in the rain. 

Vancouver Seawall

Day One

STEP INTO NATURE'S SPA

In West Vancouver, nature truly is your backyard. Start your day with a hearty weekend brunch at the Beach House Restaurant on the water at the foot of Dundarave Pier, a bright heritage space featuring a local seafood-forward menu. Prepare yourself for rejuvenation in the rain, after fueling up, it's time to hit Lighthouse Park, where you can forest bathe among the Western Red Cedar and Douglas Firs trees while meandering through this beautiful park located on the shore of West Vancouver.

 

FOWL WEATHER 

You don’t need to escape the city to bust out the binoculars. Only a 30 minute drive to downtown Vancouver from Lighthouse Park, at 1,000 acres, Stanley Park is one of the best and most central locations for urban bird watching in any season. Take one of the many trails through the park and make your way to Beaver Lake to find a massive hidden bird bath made entirely by nature. Dry off the forest dew and settle in for a warm cup of tea or a refreshing glass of wine at the Teahouse on your way to the seawall.

POINT MADE

From the Teahouse, amble along the seawall past Siwash Rock and over to Prospect Point Lookout, a magnificent view in any weather that has attracted admirers for over 100 years.
 



Day Two  

SHOWERS BRING SPRING FLOWERS 

Is there anything more romantic than rain? Spring brings Vancouver’s parks and botanical gardens into bloom, and there’s no better place to catch this magic firsthand than a visit to VanDusen Botanical Gardens or Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. VanDusen offers an inspiring 55 acre outdoor oasis with over 7,500 plant species and varieties and an Elizabethan hedge maze, grab your plus-one and start the day at Garden Cafe at the VanDusen Visitor Centre and spend the morning strolling hand in hand through the garden. Tucked into the heart of Chinatown, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is a historical site of cultural heritage, learning, and reflection. The Garden offers a mini escape into an urban oasis before a full-day of exploring ahead.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

CULTURE AND CUISINE 

After a refreshing morning, catch a ride downtown and out of the rain for lunch in Yaletown at one of the city’s best sushi restaurants, Minami, or head over to The Roof at Black and Blue, on the third floor this covered patio is the city’s largest outdoor rooftop dining destination.  Share an umbrella, and walk a few blocks over to the Contemporary Art Gallery for a fresh perspective, and then over to the  Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art, the only public Gallery in Canada dedicated to contemporary Indigenous Northwest Coast Art.

Bill Reid Gallery

RAIN AND RELAXATION

Let the rain wash away your troubles, and treat yourself to the Sense spa at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia for rest and relaxation. End the day by booking a table at Hawksworth (in the Hotel Georgia) for a decadent dining experience designed by a world renowned chef in a comfortable, upscale dining area. 
 



Day Three (Granville Island/False Creek)

EXPLORE THE COAST FROM THE CREEK 

Grab a coffee and a pastry at Beaucoup Bakery on Fir St while on your walk to Granville Island, and rent a kayak or paddleboard from Vancouver Water Adventures, letting the morning mist invigorate your senses as you set out on the open seas and enjoy a misty morning gazing at Vancouver’s coast from the waters of False Creek. Stop in at  The Sandbar for lunch, located in the heart of Granville Island, you can enjoy fresh seafood and watch the rain over the water from their covered patio, or from the warmth of the dining room.

Aquabus Ferries

TOUR GRANVILLE ISLAND

Grab your umbrella, and wander the artist studios in Railspur Alley, the Net Loft and discover the incredible variety of local artisans featured in the arts, crafts and souvenir stores. When you’re feeling peckish, step inside Granville Island Public Market to discover vendors at the heart of Vancouver’s unique culinary scene, from local tea and coffee to local cheese, fresh pastas and anything you could want for a picnic. 

MUSEUM AND MUNCHIES 

From Granville Island, hop aboard the rainbow-covered Aquabus and over to Mahoney’s Stamp’s Landing location on the water for lunch or drinks, or you can step aboard Vancouver's False Creek Ferries to visit the Maritime Museum and learn all about Vancouver’s seafaring history, from ship to shore. This ferry line can then take you directly to Olympic Village, for local craft beer and a bite at Tap and Barrel, or snuggle up at The Flying Pig for a cozy home style dinner made with fresh, local ingredients in a warm welcoming room. 
 



❐ INSIDER TIPS

  • Stanley Park Trails are all available on Google Maps, so if you lose your sense of direction, your phone can guide you out of the woods. 

  • Granville Island is often a popular area, but on rainy days you’re likely to encounter smaller crowds.