Things to Do in Vancouver on a Rainy Day

Things to Do in Vancouver on a Rainy Day

Something to know about Vancouver is that rain is rarely a reason to cancel plans. It’s an essential part of what it means to live (and visit) here. The forests turn greener, the city sounds soften, and cafes, galleries, and climbing gyms fill with people taking their plans indoors.

The beauty of the city is that there are so many things to do in Vancouver on a rainy day. You can pull on a rain jacket and head for the trails or the sea wall. Or you can stay warm and dry in a museum, settle into a long lunch, or explore the city’s landmarks. Explore this guide for our favourite rainy day activities and links to deeper guides with more options depending on your preferences.

What Are the Best Rainy Day Activities in Vancouver for Families?

When kids need to burn off energy, take the adventure indoors. Climbing gyms bring the mountains inside, and they work for all ages. With a couple of locations in the city, The Hive has roped routes designed to feel like real rock faces. Most gyms offer beginner sessions, so nobody needs experience to try it.

After a climbing session, you can head to the Granville Island Kid’s Market. This old factory is filled with toy shops, an arcade, and a multi-level play area. And when everyone gets peckish? The Public Market is filled with snack and meal options.

For more things to do with your kids on a wet Vancouver day, check out our full guide of rainy day family attractions.

Where Do You Go for a Romantic Rainy Day in Vancouver?

There’s something romantic about a soft, gray day, and Vancouver couples know how to make the most of it. Start your date with an umbrella-clad walk along the seawall. The rain softens the skyline, and you’ll often have stretches of the path to yourselves. Coal Harbour is an easy place to start, and there are plenty of places to stop for a warm drink along the way.

When you’re ready to dry off, find a cafe filled with cozy charm. Nelson the Seagull in Gastown is known for its sourdough and eclectic mix of dining room tables. Arbutus Coffee in Kitsilano has a relaxed neighbourhood feel.

If you want to make an afternoon of it, book an afternoon tea. The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver serves a rotating series of themed teas, for example. You can also slow down with side-by-side treatments at the hotel spa, then take your relaxed selves for a stroll around the Vancouver Art Gallery.

Planning a rainy day date? Our guide to the most romantic rainy day in Vancouver also covers candlelit dinners and nightcap spots.

What Outdoor Adventures Can You Have in the Vancouver Rain?

Many locals will tell you that rainy days are some of the best days to be outside as the rain feeds the rainforest and waterfalls, and the trails feel greener and quieter.

For a rainy day hike, go to Lynn Canyon Park in North Vancouver. Twin Falls is a short walk from the parking lot, and it is at its fullest after a wet spell. Plus, the tall forest canopy shields you from some of the rain.

Rain is also good for wildlife watching. It keeps crowds away, and birds are more likely to stay perched on trees, making them easier to spot. Start at Lost Lagoon and Beaver Lake in Stanley Park, where you might see herons, ducks or a raccoon. Remember to give the animals plenty of space.

Do you prefer to embrace the rain? Find waterfalls, snowshoe trips and more in our rainy day outdoor adventures guide.

What Indoor Activities in Vancouver Are Best for Outdoor Lovers?

We get it: sometimes you want nature without the soggy socks. Inside the glass dome of the Bloedel Conservatory in Queen Elizabeth Park, it’s warm and humid all year round. Tropical plants fill every corner and there are also free-flying birds inhabiting the space.

At the Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park, you can watch sea otters play and jellyfish drift. The Amazon Gallery is particularly fun if you want a dose of the rainforest with monkeys, birds, and caimans.

Our comprehensive list of indoor activities for outdoor lovers has more ways to get your nature and activity fix while staying dry.

What Else Is There to Do Indoors in Vancouver?

Vancouver stays alive when it rains — it has to, really — and there is such a wealth of things to do even the sky is drizzling away. If you’d like to plan your day around one big indoor outing, these are good places to start.

Museums and Culture

The Museum of Anthropology at UBC holds a large collection of Northwest Coast First Nations art, seen through floor-to-ceiling windows. In Chinatown, the Chinese Canadian Museum tells the stories of Chinese Canadian communities from the 1800s to today. You can find more options on our arts and culture page.

Live Sports

Fall and winter are a strong season for sport in the city. You can watch the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena, or see the PWHL’s Vancouver Goldeneyes at the Pacific Coliseum once their season begins in December. You can also head to BC Place for a BC Lions game, or if you’re here in early March, you can pop in for Rugby 7s. Check our sporting events page for upcoming games.

Theatre and Live Shows

Many local theatres run their seasons through fall and winter, so a matinee at Queen Elizabeth Theatre is an easy way to spend a wet afternoon.

Ready to Make the Most of a Rainy Day in Vancouver?

Climbing with the kids, sharing a high tea, hiking to a waterfall or cheering on the home team are all good ways to spend a rainy day. Pick the kind of day you want and let the rain set the tone.

Looking for more ways to enjoy the season? Browse our top 10 things to do in Vancouver this fall or see everything else there is to do in our rainy city.