What to Do in Downtown Vancouver Between Meetings

For those coming to Vancouver for SIGGRAPH 2025, the 52nd annual international conference and exhibition on computer graphics and interactive techniques hosted at the Vancouver Convention Centre from August 10-14 or any other professional downtown function, visitors should make sure to spend time taking everything the city has to offer in the summer in between meetings or after conference activities.

From the beautiful scenery, special nature spots, wellness practices, relaxation sessions, and local attractions, embrace all that west coast lifestyle and experience the best of Vancouver's urban oasis downtown.

Hotel Wellness

Stop in or stay at the Fairmont Waterfront (only a block away) to enjoy their focus on coastal wellness with their many relaxing hotel offerings. For a soothing green space, check out their Rooftop Garden filled with fragrant herbs, blooming flowers, and a thriving bee apiary, featuring daily tours until Aug. 31.

Recharge at their Poolside Yoga & Meditation sessions to gain a sense of calm while embracing harbourside views of the North Shore or try out Soothe & Savour, a combination of the mindful movement of tranquil yoga with a sound bath that’s followed by a delicious bottomless brunch.

For a one-of-a-kind after work or conference experience with other guests, attend one of Arc Restaurant's Garden Dinner Series. Each dinner showcases the season’s best ingredients, many harvested just steps from your table and artfully prepared to highlight the bounty of British Columbia. These open-air summer dinners promise some great local flavours set amidst an ideal and warm outdoor setting underneath the stars.

Downtown Parks & Nature

For other nature and green spaces amidst downtown’s urban environment, let the streets and paths guide to places within walking distance from your hotel or the convention centre by walking or biking to:

Seawall – Follow the world's longest uninterrupted waterfront path that will lead you to all of Downtown Vancouver's most scenic and greenest nature spaces.

Stanley Park – See Vancouver’s most beloved urban park surrounding the West End, Coal Harbour, and the North Shore.

English Bay – Not many world-class downtown city cores can boast about their own beachfront park only blocks from their financial and business centres. Enjoy the natural Pacific Northwest beauty of the ocean at the closest beach, only a short but scenic walk away.

David Lam Park – Yaletown's recreational park features great views of downtown and False Creek with public courts for sports and playgrounds surrounded by artwork and a lawn ideal for kite flying, basking in the sunshine, or just general gathering or relaxing.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden – Tour the first Chinese garden of its kind outside of China and view an authentic representation of Ming Dynasty-era traditions. Find peace and tranquility through the garden's gorgeous vistas as the perfect urban oasis in Chinatown.

Vancouver Art & Galleries

For conference goers looking to spark their artistic and creative minds after a full day of learning, networking, and meetings, pay a visit to one of Vancouver's many contemporary and historical art galleries or cultural centres.

Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art – Learn all about the legacy one of the most celebrated Haida artists of the late twentieth century as well as pieces from other diverse Indigenous artists and cultures.

Chinatown Storytelling Centre – Revisit Vancouver’s historic Chinatown neighbourhood through the rich culture of Chinese immigrants in Canada.

Contemporary Art Gallery – Marvel at the volume of audience-centred Canadian contemporary art driven by local, national, and international artists.

The Polygon Gallery – Take the Seabus across the Burrard Inlet and embrace the challenging, expansive photographic programming that balances works from both world-renowned and emerging artists.

Vancouver Art Gallery – Tour one of North America’s most innovative visual arts institutions with its extensive program of celebrated exhibitions year-round.