Considered to be one of the most vibrant and eclectic cities on Canada's Pacific coastline, Vancouver is a destination that you can enjoy regardless of the weather. With culture and flavor tucked around every corner, Vancouver is often described as an immersive and inviting place to stay.
Defined by its glittering skyline — and home to sprawling urban green spaces — there are plenty of outdoor attractions to enjoy in Vancouver. However, when the weather doesn't cooperate, or you simply want to stay inside for the day, you will find that there are many indoor things to do in Vancouver as well.
By balancing your itinerary with both outdoor and indoor attractions in Vancouver, you are sure to enjoy a memorable getaway in one of the Pacific Northwest's most iconic cities.
Indoor Things to Do in Vancouver
When it comes to rainy day activities in Vancouver, there is no shortage of options. The Pacific Northwest is no stranger to rain, though you don't have to worry about it raining all the time during your trip. November and December tend to be the wettest months in Vancouver, but there's a chance of some cloudy, rainy weather throughout the entire year.
If the clouds roll in during your trip, you’ll find that these are some of the top indoor things to do in Vancouver:
Shop at the Granville Island Public Market
Fresh is more than an adjective in Vancouver — it's a lifestyle. The city's residents are proud of the fact that they primarily dine on the freshest local seafood and produce and there's no better place to find local products in Vancouver than the Granville Island Public Market. Described as the crown jewel of Granville Island, this indoor public market is a sprawling space that is filled with a wide range of vendors and storefronts. On a typical day at the market, you will find produce in all the colors of the rainbow as well as freshly baked pastries, handmade products, artisan goods, souvenir gifts and more.
Throughout the entire year, the Public Market is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., so no matter what time of year you choose to visit Vancouver, you can stop by this iconic market.
Attend an Event at the Pacific Arts Market
Having long been known as a city with an incredible arts scene, Vancouver is a favorite among those who cherish all types of artwork. Many would say that the best souvenir that you can bring home from the city is an authentic work of art, which is why the Pacific Arts Market has long been hailed as the best art and gift store in the city.
The Pacific Arts Market features more than 80 artists, giving visitors an opportunity to browse a wide range of art by local Pacific Northwest artists. In addition to shopping for art, tourists in Vancouver also enjoy attending the events that are hosted at the market. Some upcoming 2024 events include:
- Art tours that provide additional insight into the artists that display their work at the market.
- Haiku poetry workshops.
- Oil painting classes that teach participants how to paint landscapes.
- Sip-and-learn events that are known for their lively atmospheres.
- Japanese calligraphy classes that provide insight into this traditional custom.
Borrow a Book From the Vancouver Public Library
Situated in the heart of the city, Vancouver Public Library's Central Library Branch can be found in a distinguished oval-shaped building that occupies an entire city block. Not surprisingly, you can find just about any book that you can imagine within its walls and find a quiet nook where you can read in peace during a rainy afternoon.
If you happen to visit the library on a warm or sunshine-filled day, however, you can also take your reading materials to the library's rooftop terrace. This breathtaking rooftop garden is one of the city's best kept secrets. Not only is it a peaceful, natural space to enjoy a book, but it also features some of the most magnificent views of the city.
Indoor Attractions in Vancouver
Sometimes, it doesn't even have to be raining for you to want to escape the elements. Whether it feels a bit too hot and sunny, or you simply prefer to spend the day indoors, you won't be disappointed by your options in Vancouver. There are indoor attractions available for every age and interest, making this one of the most exciting cities in the Pacific Northwest to visit.
These are some of the most beloved indoor attractions in Vancouver:
Spend a Day at the Vancouver Aquarium
Famously known as Canada's largest aquarium, the Vancouver Aquarium is a treasured family-friendly attraction in the city and one of the best rainy day activities in Vancouver.
It would be easy to pass an entire day wandering through the immersive and enlightening exhibits at the Vancouver Aquarium. Some of the top exhibits and attractions at the aquarium include:
- Canada's Arctic — An engaging exhibit that not only introduces people to the arctic animals that have long called Canada home, but also provides insight into the impact that people have had on their habitats and lifestyles.
- Steller's Bay – A delightful exhibit that focuses solely on the silly and lovable Steller sea lions.
- Treasures of the BC Coast – An exhibit that focuses on the local coastal creatures who live along the shorelines of British Columbia.
In addition, the aquarium offers hands-on experiences for visitors of all ages to enjoy, giving people an opportunity to connect with the sea life and learn more about what can be done to protect these creatures.
While the Vancouver Aquarium is largely considered to be a family-friendly attraction, there are many opportunities for adults to soak up their own aquatic experiences. The aquarium hosts nighttime events that are designed to bring adults into the facility and give them a unique — and even romantic — night on the town.
Absorb the Masterpieces at the Vancouver Art Gallery
For nearly 100 years, the Vancouver Art Gallery has been a mainstay in the city. The gallery was established in 1931 in order to provide artists with a space to display their most creative works and it quickly became an integral part of the arts and cultural scene that burgeoned in the city throughout the 20th century.
Today, it is a non-profit organization that aims to promote and support local artists, paying particular attention to the works and accomplishments of Indigenous artists as well as artists from the Asia Pacific region.
Throughout the year, different exhibitions are on display at the gallery, which ensures that visitors always have something new to experience when they come to the gallery. Some of the most recent exhibitions include:
- An exhibition about woven tapestries that were created by Indigenous people.
- An exhibition featuring some of the lesser-known works of famed Canadian painter J.E.H. MacDonald.
- An exhibition that was designed as a conceptual art project focused on horizon lines in landscape paintings.
Explore the Chinese Canadian Museum
The Chinese Canadian Museum is the most recent addition to Vancouver's museum scene, having opened its doors in 2023. Located in the heart of Vancouver Chinatown, this museum is the first of its kind not only in the Pacific Northwest, but also throughout all of Canada.
The museum is designed to elevate the voices and experiences of Chinese Canadians, while simultaneously providing insight into their culture, traditions and heritage. Located inside the historic Wing Sang Building, this museum is quickly becoming one of the most popular indoor attractions in Vancouver.
Perhaps one of the most interesting and inviting exhibits on display is the recreated period rooms, which include a schoolroom and a living room. These rooms, which were designed to reflect the lifestyle of Chinese Canadians in the late 19th century, showcase how Chinese Canadians worked to create their own sense of community within the neighborhood.
While it only just recently opened, the museum intends to offer both permanent and rotating exhibits, ensuring that each visit is unique and memorable.
Visit the Vancouver Maritime Museum
Easily identified by its A-frame structure, the Vancouver Maritime Museum is self-described as one of the city's best hidden gems. It is situated in the heart of Kitsilano, a beloved waterfront neighborhood in Vancouver and it offers insight into the role that the maritime industry has long played in the city's growth and development. In addition to having informative exhibits on tugboats, lighthouses and shipwrecks, this museum also offers hands-on attractions for the youngest visitors in the city, making it an engaging, family-friendly experience.
Watch Bright and Beautiful Birds in Flight at the Bloedel Conservatory
If you get hit with a rainy day during your time in Vancouver, you might be surprised to find a nearby tropical paradise in a matter of moments. The Bloedel Conservatory is an indoor conservatory located inside Queen Elizabeth Park that has been delighting visitors since it first opened in 1969. Today, the conservatory is home to more than 500 exotic plants and flowers, allowing you to feel as if you have been transported to a far-off island destination. Perhaps most notable, however, is the more than 100 exotic birds that swoop and swirl throughout the conservatory, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
Planning Your Trip to Vancouver
When thinking of the best time to visit Vancouver it’s important to know that AAA members can access perks and take advances for vacation planning such as getting the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.