5 things to do on a rainy day in Vancouver, B.C.
Behold the best of beautiful Vancouver, B.C.
Vancouver is beautiful. There’s no doubt about it. On the way to procuring its beauty, the city must absorb heavy volumes of rain. Rain is a good thing, sure, but not when you’ve only got a few days to spend in the city and aren’t interested in wearing soaked socks and an ugly poncho. Here are five things you can do in Vancouver whether the weather co-operates or not.
Vancouver Lookout
A lot of people go to Vancouver for spectacular scenery, and for good reason. The views are stunning.
The Vancouver Lookout is located in the downtown Harbour Centre and stands at a height of 130 metres (427 feet), making it the perfect perch to plan your day. Said to be the “best first stop,” the Vancouver Lookout offers a spectacular 360° view of Metro Vancouver, the majestic North Shore Mountains and, on a clear day, perhaps even Vancouver Island just off the Pacific Coast.
In a mere 40 seconds, you’ll ascend the outside of the building in an exterior glass elevator, whisking you from street level to the observation deck. Look down on one of the most beautiful cities in the world from 167 metres (548 feet) above sea level.
After you’ve scanned your surroundings, discover the hidden treasures Vancouver has to offer by referring to the information plaques located around the deck.
Vancouver Aquarium
The Vancouver Aquarium, located minutes from downtown in world famous Stanley Park, is home to over 50,000 fascinating creatures from the Arctic to the Amazon.
Enjoy daily dolphin, shark and sea otter shows, as well as the free-roaming animals found in the popular Amazon gallery. Visit the Treasures of the B.C. Coast gallery to discover the unique animals that live in B.C.’s local waters, including the Pacific octopus. You can also immerse yourself in the 4-D Experience Theatre, which combines the high-definition excitement of a 3-D film with nifty sensory effects.
You can even participate in personalized, hands-on animal encounters with adorable sea otters, dolphins, penguins and Steller sea lions, so long as you book an appointment in advance.
Science World
Ignite your mind and discover the wonders of science with popular, hands-on interactive displays, inspirational feature exhibitions, jaw-dropping science demonstrations on Centre Stage, immersive films in the domed Omnimax Theatre and awesome shows in the Science Theatre.
FlyOver Canada
Soar from coast to coast across some of Canada’s most spectacular sights. FlyOver Canada at Canada Place is a breathtaking, all-ages flight simulation ride like no other. The Ultimate Flying Ride takes off into a huge dome screen with the latest in projection and ride technology, creating a true flying experience complete with wind, scents and mist. The complete FlyOver Canada experience lasts 25 minutes.
Vancouver Art Gallery
This highly acclaimed collection of national and international contemporary art is worth spending at least an afternoon exploring. Don’t miss the collection of work by the well-known British Columbian artist Emily Carr.
Immerse yourself in ground-breaking historical and contemporary exhibitions. Encounter artworks by Canadian, Indigenous and internationally acclaimed artists, with special attention to the art of the Asia Pacific region through the gallery’s Institute of Asian Art. Take a break for lunch on the Gallery Café’s rooftop patio, one of the city’s best-kept secrets.
