Your Guide to Visiting Vancouver In The Summer

Visiting Vancouver in the summer is simply the best. With warm weather and endless activities, there’s no better time to experience this stunning city. Whether you’re soaking up the natural beauty on the beach or hiking one of the many trails in the area, you are in for an amazing time.

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Why Visit Vancouver in the Summer?

How To Get To Vancouver

Vancouver is easily accessible via flying into Vancouver International Airport (YVR) located in Richmond, British Columbia, 12 kms from downtown. If you are feeling adventurous and want to see more of the Canadian Rockies, then another popular way to get to the Vancouver area is taking a road trip from Calgary. If you decide to take a road trip, ensure you are prepared with a packing list.

Is It Easy To Get Around Vancouver Without A Car?

It is totally doable to travel around Vancouver without a car. The efficient Translink system includes SkyTrain, SeaBus, and buses. Vancouver is definitely a walkable city. We have visited without a vehicle and we were able to get where we needed to go, without a vehicle.

On another visit, we had a vehicle which definitely made it easier to get to certain areas outside of downtown Vancouver. I recommend renting a car if you plan to venture outside the city.

Vancouver Summer Activities

Go Whale Watching

Imagine seeing majestic orcas, humpback whales, and seals. Vancouver offers some of the best whale watching tours, with trips leaving from downtown Vancouver or Steveston. Enjoy onboard naturists, educational materials, drinks, and snacks. Whale Watching for a half day with Prince of Whales was my favorite activity we did in Vancouver and it did not disappoint!

Visit English Bay

English Bay Beach is a popular spot for swimming, volleyball, and dining. Enjoy the beautiful views, vibrant atmosphere, and nearby restaurants. If you plan correctly, nothing beats a summer sunset at English Bay in Vancouver.

Relax at Kitsilano Beach

Kits Beach is perfect for people-watching, suntanning, swimming in the ocean or taking in the vibes. Beautiful views of the North Shore Mountains are the backdrop you get to admire. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon and into the evening and enjoy a busker singing! If you take your dog to the beach, you have to stay on the grass as they are not allowed on the sand.

Visit Grouse Mountain

Grouse Mountain transforms into a summer playground with zip-lining, lumberjack shows, paragliding, and a wildlife refuge to explore, as a few of things to do on Grouse Mountain. Take the Skyride up the mountain, located just 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver. Enjoy dining or a quick drink on the stunning panorama deck, all while taking in the skyline.

See the Whole City with One Ticket

The Hop on Hop Off Tour is perfect for packing in attractions quickly. With stops including Granville Island, Stanley Park, Olympic Village and Chinatown, it’s a great way to explore Vancouver if you are limited on your time when visiting.

Visit Stanley Park

Stanley Park offers beaches, the Vancouver Aquarium, landmarks, and the 10 km Seawall for walking or biking. It’s a perfect escape from the urban grind and a must-visit for anyone visiting Vancouver in the summer.

Explore Granville Island

Granville Island is full of things to do in Vancouver in the summer, with a public market offering fresh produce, meats, and artisanal goods. We went there twice in one week because it had such a great vibe and the fruit and desserts were amazing!

Leave the car behind and access Granville Island by Aquabus, bicycle or on foot. Enjoy shopping, street performances, and a vibrant dining scene, especially Tap & Barrel which had amazing food.

Visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge

The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park features a 460-foot-long bridge, treetop walkways, and a glass-floor lookout. Located 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver, it’s a popular summer attraction with stunning views. If you visit Vancouver without a vehicle, then you can take a guided day tour that includes Capilano and Grouse Mountain, making it one of the best things to do in Vancouver in the summer.

Eat in Historic Gastown

Gastown offers unique souvenirs, art galleries, and the famous Gastown Steam Clock. This is one of my favorite places to visit and explore. Every time we go there we eat at some of the best restaurants in Vancouver. Make sure you catch the Steam Clock ‘chiming’ every 30 minutes.

Visit Canada Place

Canada Place is an iconic landmark on the Vancouver waterfront. Explore the promenade, enjoy the views, or for an immersive experience, try FlyOver Canada, a 4D flight simulation ride.

Venture over to W Hastings St and make sure you visit Brekka Bakery & Cafe. This amazing cafe is open 24/7 and has 7 locations around Vancouver – but we always love visiting this place for wonderful treats! As you can see, there is lots to choose from!

If you are walking around downtown Vancouver and looking for another amazing treat, head up a few blocks to Robson Street and explore the stores. Make sure you visit Perverted Licks which is ice cream with a twist, off of Robson St & Howe St. This was one of the many other treats we enjoy when we visit!

Hike Quarry Rock in Deep Cove

Deep Cove in West Vancouver is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking Quarry Rock for stunning views of Indian Arm. Quarry Rock is a very popular, somewhat easy hike with stunning views of the Indian Arm inlet. Start from Deep Cove, hike through serene forest trails, and reward yourself with a great view. Be prepared – there are lots of stairs!

Go Kayaking in False Creek

Kayaking in False Creek is a must-do summer activity in Vancouver. Rent kayaks and enjoy paddling in a protected area with stunning views of Vancouver.

Enjoy La Casa Gelato

Every visit to Vancouver always includes a stop at La Casa Gelato. Be prepared for a line up and spending at least 10-15 minutes deciding which flavor you want to try. They have over 238 flavors of gelato. It’s a sweet treat that’s perfect for a summer day in Vancouver!

Ride the Sea to Sky Gondola

This short beautiful drive from Vancouver is a must. The Sea to Sky Gondola offers breathtaking views of Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains. The gondola ride takes you up to hiking trails, a suspension bridge, and the stunning Summit Lodge Viewing Deck.

From the gondola parking lot – take the short detour to Shannon Falls – I promise it is worth the short hike and visit!

Visit Whistler

If you take the Sea to Sky Highway to take the gondola and see Shannon Falls, then continue on one of the most scenic road trips to Whistler. 

Whistler is a mountain town known for its outdoor activities. In the summer, enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the vibrant village.

Hike Cheakamus Trail To The Train Wreckage

Just outside of Whistler, you must stop and do the scenic Cheakamus Trail, where you go over a suspension bridge and visit the colorful train wreckage site that has become a historical site. It’s a unique outdoor adventure that is suitable for even beginner hikers. 

FAQs on Visiting Vancouver In The Summer

Conclusion

There are many things to do in Vancouver in the summer, that you can fill your time with so many activities. Every time I visit, I always find somewhere new to explore. Whether you are visiting for a weekend, passing through on the way to one of the islands like Mayne Island, or spending a week or more – you will find so many ways to keep busy and experience all that Vancouver has to offer.

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