25 Best Free Things to Do in Vancouver

By Vancouver Tow Truck Company – Tow Truck Titans Surrey BC

We love this town, and we love free stuff, so it seemed logical to combine both and compile this list of 25 free things to do in Vancouver. Consider it as the ultimate checklist for yearlong activities – all free of charge. Some are indoor, some outdoor. Some are exciting, others relaxing. Take your pick. We know you have a lot to select from, and at $0, you can do them over and over again.

Do not forget to check out our website for a lot more things to do in Vancouver!

1. Visit Granville Island
Once home to some critical business (hence its former title, Industrial Island), Granville Island has become anchored in the arts and crafts community, and is among the best places for families to experience Vancouver.

2. Hang Out in Stanley Park
Stroll along the Seawall, picnic on the greens, smell the roses. . .it does not get much better than Vancouver’s pride and joy.

3. People-Watch in Vancouver
How do visitors get to know the city? By hanging out in neighbourhoods and soaking in the vibes. Get the dish on all Vancity’s’hoods.

4. Hike the Grouse Grind
The famous Grouse Grind increase is a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts. Your legs may hate you then, but the views at the top are incredible. Hiking up is free, though you will want to cover the $10 for the gondola ride down. Get more information about Grouse Mountain.

5. Go Celeb-Spotting
Where, oh where do the stars hang out? Playing celeb-spotting is wholly free and surprisingly straightforward. Tip: get the inside scoop by reading our”Filmed in Vancouver” page.

6. Go to the Christ Church Cathedral
Designed in the Gothic Revival style, the church features ceiling beams of Douglas fir, intricately designed interior arches and many of stained glass windows – no wonder it has announced a Class A Heritage site.

7. Mountain Biking on the North Shore
Nothing like getting air and getting filthy to experience the best of Vancouver’s North Shore. Get the best mountain biking trails.

8. Walk Around Canada Place
Downtown’s Canada Place is only a terrific place to unwind and see the cruise ships glide in the town, or walk the Canadian Trail. Additionally, the photo-ops starring Stanley Park and the North Shore mountains are excellent.

9. Tour Vancouver’s Art
Vancouver’s art galleries never stop showcasing some of the very cutting-edge artwork in the country, a lot are free to browse. Try the Contemporary Art Gallery, or stroll down South Granville Street, aka”gallery ” And of course remember the Vancouver Art Gallery, entry is by-donation on Tuesdays.

10. Go to The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Staying at The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver might cost a pretty penny, but it does not cost a cent to test out”the Grand Lady,” which is now a verifiable tourist destination because of its history and architecture.

11. Window Shop at Vancouver’s Best Shopping Districts
Robson Street, Yaletown, Commercial Drive. . .the town’s shopping neighbourhoods give new meaning to”shop’til you fall.”

12. Hang Out at UBC
Is someone in the family preparing to apply to school? Have a tour of the University of British Columbia – it is among the most beautiful campuses in the nation.

13. Gaze at the Stars in GMS Observatory
Right beside this H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, the observatory is admission by donation and provides public viewings on Friday and Saturday evenings (July 1 to Labour Day), and Saturday evenings (Labour Day to July 1).

14. Take a Scenic Drive
There is no cost for admission to enjoy stunning Vancouver scenery. Take the legendary Sea-to-Sky Highway to get to Whistler and adventure glimmering turquoise inlets, old-growth rainforests and craggy cliffs.

15. Explore Olympic Village
Vancouver’s newest neighbourhood was home to athletes from all over the globe during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. It is situated in the southeast corner of False Creek, only steps from Science World. Grab a bite, explore the local habitat island, and have a look at some interesting public art installations.

16. Richmond Night Market
Throughout the summer, this Chinese night market situated in Richmond is free for people under 13 or over 60 ($2.75 for the rest of us) and definitely worth the trip to scope out (and dig ) fried squid, fish balls and Chinese knick- knacks.

17. Play Disc Golf in Queen Elizabeth Park
Get some friends together and play a round of disc golf, free at Queen Elizabeth Park, one of Vancouver’s most popular recreation areas. The course is situated close to the pitch & putt golf program. If Frisbees are not your thing, pick up a tennis racquet and slap the ball around at any one of the 18 courts that are free.

18. Visit Capilano Salmon Hatchery
It might sound odd, but seeing the salmon runs in the free Capilano Salmon Hatchery taps you to the majesty of nature and brings you into the terrific life cycle of the salmon that come through here.

19. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park
Not to be confused with the adjoining Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Gardens, which costs $10 entrance, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park provides the public with an chance to experience elements of a Chinese garden — all free of charge.

20. See Vancouver’s Free Museums
The city’s handful of free museums and learning centers provide a excellent way to spend the day without having to spend money. The Annals (beside the Space Centre at Vanier Park) is by-donation; and the Burnaby Village Museum provides free entrance yearlong.

21. Watch the Water in Lonsdale Quay
Fantastic for people who want a relaxing day, the quay provides seaside breezes which make this an ideal picnic spot, with an amazing view of Vancouver’s downtown.

22. Wander Around Lynn Canyon
This is one of Vancouver’s hottest free activities. Visit North Vancouver to hit the hiking trails and have a look at the waterfalls.

23. Go to the Beach (and possibly go skinny-dipping!)
Vancouver’s quintessential beach experiences present views of the mountain, water, downtown skyline and woods – all absolutely free of charge. If you are up for it, then strip down to your birthday suit and lounge at Wreck Beach, the town’s official nude beach.

24. Watch the Cruise Ships Proceed At Dundarave Pier
Located in West Vancouver, Dundarave Pier is a prime place to take in iconic views back to downtown Vancouver, including the Lions Gate Bridge and Stanley Park.

25. Tour Vancouver’s Olympic Sites
For future Olympians and Olympic fans alike, a look at Vancouver’s websites from the 2010 Winter Games is a fun way to commemorate those amazing events. Begin with the Olympic Cauldron in Jack Poole Plaza at Coal Harbour, beside the Vancouver Convention Centre, check out some of the athletic venues.