It rains a fair bit in Vancouver (Raincouver is one of its nicknames after all), but we’re okay with it. We prefer rain boots to parkas and wet weather to sub-zero temperatures (unlike our eastern buddies)…
Point blank, Vancouverites don’t let the weather dictate their lives. When it’s raining, we just pull on our Hunter boots, grab an umbrella and head out the door. You’ll find us running along the scenic seawall, hiking in the lush forests of Lynn Canyon on the North Shore, or walking the dog along Kitsilano Beach, Spanish Banks or through the sheltered trails of Stanley Park.
For those of you who aren’t a fan of our inclement weather yet are left searching for entertaining options during the dreary-looking days of winter, we’ve rounded up a handful of things that’ll pique your interest – and keep you dry…
Telus World of Science
We just love Science World, and we’re adults! Grab the kids, or, hit it on your own and lose yourself for a couple of hours with the plethora of hands-on activities, including playing a piano with your feet, testing your creativity and logic with mental puzzles and illusions, and freezing your shadow on a wall.
Vancouver Aquarium
One of our favourite local attractions is the Vancouver Aquarium. Fascinating visitors since 1956, the Vancouver Aquarium is home to over 70,000 intriguing creatures. Must-sees include the majestic beluga whales, adorable sea otters, hilarious clownfish, and the interactive 4D Experience.
Tea for Two
Enjoy afternoon tea at Vancouver’s grandest historic hotel, the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Known as the ‘Castle in the City’, this landmark reflects the timeless luxury of Canada’s iconic hotels.
Served in the lobby lounge, sip on signature teas blended exclusively by The Metropolitan Tea Company, nibble on delicate finger sandwiches, mini savoury tartlets and sausage rolls, and swoon over the delicious warm butter scones (served with naughty Devonshire clotted cream and fruit preserves) and other sweets and pastries.
Museum of Anthropology
Get lost in the incredible Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia with its world-renowned collections. Set on the cliffs of Point Grey, its spectacular glass and concrete space (designed by renowned Canadian architect Arthur Erickson) overlooks the mountains and sea and is a magnificent home for the 38,000-plus ethnographic objects and 535,000 archaeological objects, many of which originate from the Northwest Coast of British Columbia.
Let the Museum of Anthropology provide you with access and insight into the cultures of indigenous peoples around the world.
Contemporary Art Gallery
Muse over cool artwork at this local gem: the Contemporary Art Gallery. In addition to being Vancouver’s only free public art gallery, it’s also the longest standing independent public art gallery dedicated to presenting contemporary visual art in Vancouver. Every year the gallery delivers between ten and twenty thought-provoking exhibitions and off-site projects so there is always something new to see and enjoy.