Fun Vancouver Rainy Day Activities: 30 Things to Do in Vancouver When it Rains

Looking for the best things to do in Vancouver when it rains? From the best indoor activities in Vancouver to the attractions that are even better in the rain, there’s still plenty of fun things to do! Keep on reading for all the best Vancouver rainy day activities!

There’s plenty to love about Vancouver – lush natural beauty, a diverse culture, and amazing food, to name a few things. It’s one of the most vibrant cities in Canada and one of the most beautiful destinations in the Pacific Northwest.

However, if there’s one thing to know about Vancouver, it’s that it rains. Like…kinda a lot.

With the city earning a nickname like “Raincover,” it’s likely that you will encounter rain at some point during your trip. But not to worry – there’s plenty of fun things to do in Vancouver when it rains!

I’ve been to Vancouver twice now, and both times it’s rained. While most of the time, the “rain” is actually a very light drizzle, I’ve also been caught in some torrential downpours. Luckily, I’ve never let the rain dampen my fun (haha, pun intended), as I’ve still found plenty of fun activities to add to my Vancouver itinerary.

Vancouver is one of those cities that’s extra magical in the rain. It’s surrounded by water, mountains, and lush rainforests that are somehow extra alluring in the rain. And aside from that, there’s tons of cool indoor activities in Vancouver for when you want to escape the rain.

Below, I’ve put together this list of Vancouver rainy day activities – from the iconic sights that are even better in the rain, the best indoor attractions, and much more. 

Even if you see rain in the forecast for your upcoming trip, trust me, you’re gonna have an amazing time anyway!

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How much does it rain in Vancouver anyway?

With the nickname “Raincover,” you might be wondering…exactly how much does it rain in Vancouver?

It rains 180 days out of the year and the city receives an average of 92.6 inches of rain annually. So you can say that it rains a fair amount (half the year!), but it’s only the 9th rainiest city in Canada in terms of rainfall. It also ranks 34th for the least sunshine year round and 26th for the fewest sunny days.  

One thing to note about the rain in Vancouver is that it rarely pours all day. Most of the time, it’s a misty, drizzly rain (sort of like what they mean when they say it rains a lot in Seattle). You might see a heavy downpour for an hour or two, but then it might just stay overcast and drizzly the rest of the day (or might clear up altogether).

The rainiest months are November and December, although the city sees a good amount of rain between October and March. The driest months are in the summer, July and August in particular.

If you see rain in the forecast for when you’re visiting Vancouver (which is very probable), don’t despair as there are still plenty of fun things to do in Vancouver when it rains!

A few tips for visiting Vancouver in the rain…

• Bring a rain jacket: You know that saying – there’s no bad weather, just bad clothing? Well, that’s basically true, especially in Vancouver! I find it much easier to make my way around the city with just a good rain jacket, rather than dealing with an umbrella. As long as you have a good rain jacket, you can have fun in the rain. If you don’t have the right gear, you might find yourself wet and miserable. Be sure to pack a good rain jacket so you can be prepared – this is my favorite but a light, compact one like this is also good for lighter rain.!

• Wear waterproof shoes: There’s nothing worse than having soggy socks and cold, wet feet! Pack a pair of waterproof sneakers or rain boots. Otherwise, you can spray your favorite boots with waterproof spray, which is what I did.
  
• Don’t be afraid to spend time outdoors: While there are plenty of fun indoor activities in Vancouver, some of the best things to do in the city are outdoors. And, just because it’s raining doesn’t mean that you need to avoid these things! I might say that some of the best Vancouver attractions are even better in the rain, so don’t be afraid to spend time outdoors. As long as you have the proper gear, you’ll be good to go!

If you’re looking to plan the perfect Vancouver trip, be sure to also read my 2 day Vancouver itinerary!

30 Fun Vancouver Rainy Day Activities 

Best Things to Do in Vancouver When it Rains

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Given that it’s outdoors in nature, visiting the Capilano Suspension Bridge may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about what to do in Vancouver when it rains. But…I think it’s one of those places that’s even better in the rain!

The fog and rain just give it such a beautiful, moody vibe. Both times that I’ve visited have been in the rain, and it just feels so magical. It’s like you’re walking amongst the trees and clouds, and seeing and hearing the rain adds to the mystical feel. You’ll also be standing under tree cover, so you’ll be partially shielded from the elements.

Rain or shine, this is one of the top attractions in Vancouver, so it is essential to book your tickets ahead of time! I also suggest visiting right when it opens at 9am to beat the crowds. We were one of the first ones in, and even had the bridge to ourselves for a few minutes! By the time we left the park, it was swarming with people (and the bridge sways more when there’s a ton of people on it too).

Besides the famous bridge, there are several other activities that you can do here. Many people miss them, so don’t be one of those people! Be sure to check out the Treetops Adventure, a series of 7 smaller suspension bridges that hang directly over the canopy. There’s also Cliffwalk, a series of narrow bridges and walkways that jut out from the cliff high above the river.

Finally, there is a collection of totem poles and exhibits that are dedicated to the native people that once occupied this area, which are super interesting and also worth a visit.

The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is located about 20 minutes north of downtown Vancouver. The easiest way to get there is via the shuttle bus that departs from downtown. The shuttle is free, and runs every 30 minutes from Canada Place, with stops at the Hyatt Regency and Blue Horizon hotels as well.

Lynn Canyon Park

Another alternative is to visit Lynn Canyon, which also has a suspension bridge of its own. The best part about visiting Lynn Canyon is that there is no admission fee – it is absolutely free!

The only caveat is that there is no shuttle or direct bus to Lynn Canyon Park, so it is best if you have a car if you want to visit. If you don’t have a car, the best option is to book a guided tour, which includes transportation and a local guide who is also a professional photographer (who will also show you hidden gems in the park!). You can also take the bus, but the trip takes over an hour.

Aside from the suspension bridge, there are many hiking trails and waterfalls within the park, which are especially enchanting in the rain. It’s a beautiful place to enjoy nature right outside of the city, and many people say that it has a more local feel than Capilano.

Take the ferry to Granville Island

Another one of the best Vancouver rainy day activities is to take the ferry out to Granville Island. It’s accessible by both car and boat (you can even walk there), but taking the ferry is by far the most fun way to get there. 

There are two companies that offer ferry service from downtown Vancouver – False Creek Ferries and AquaBus. The ferries make a number of stops in central Vancouver, and run fairly frequently. The historic ferries are super cute, and you get some amazing views of the city and the waterfront on the way over to Granville Island.

Once you hop off the ferry, you’ll find yourself on Granville Island, a shopping and food emporium. You can easily spend an entire day wandering around the island, eating your way through the market, visiting all the unique shops, and visiting all the breweries and restaurants. 

And the best part? Much of it is indoors!

My favorite part of Granville Island is the Granville Island Market, an indoor food market that’s similar to Pike Place Market in Seattle. Here, you’ll find vendors selling everything from fresh produce, gourmet cheeses, local seafood, baked goods, ethnic foods, and other specialty food items. 

I recommend spending at least a few hours wandering through the market, and sampling all its offerings. It’s a great place to have lunch, because there are so many delicious things on offer! To find the best of what the market has to offer, you can also go on a food tour with a local chef.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

Vancouver is home to the third largest Chinatown in North America (right behind New York City and San Francisco). One of the top attractions here is the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, which is the first full-scale Chinese classical garden outside of Asia. 

The gardens are stunning no matter when you visit, regardless of if it’s raining or not. There’s lots of traditional plants, ponds, pagodas, pavilions, pagodas, bridges, and rock gardens that reflect Chinese history and symbolism. There’s a mix of outdoor and partially indoor spaces here, making it an ideal place to visit in the rain.

It’s a beautiful oasis right in the middle of the city, and it’s a fantastic place to learn more about Chinese history and culture. The garden also hosts a variety of cultural events, including festivals, lectures, performances, and more.

There’s also a public park across from the gardens that has a lovely view of the pagoda’s and the city skyline, that’s also worth a quick visit. Do note that you’ll have to exit the gardens before entering the park.

Go Biking in Stanley Park

Stanley Park is known as one of the best urban parks in the world, and is often called the Central Park of Vancouver (except it’s larger than it’s NYC counterpart!). Spanning 1000 acres, it’s a sprawling green space right next to bustling downtown Vancouver.

It’s not exactly one of those places that come to mind when thinking about what to do in Vancouver when it rains. However, it’s one of the city’s top attractions, drawing over 8 million visitors a year. So, not only is it an incredible place to visit on a sunny day, it’s also one of the best things to do in Vancouver when it rains!

The park is surrounded by water on all sides, and is home to a variety of attractions and ecosystems. There are lush rainforests, rugged beaches, incredible views, beautiful gardens, historic landmarks, cafes, and more.

The best way to see Stanley Park is by bicycle (yes, even when it rains!). This will allow you to cover more ground, and see many of the park’s top sights. The absolute highlight of Stanley Park is its seawall, which stretches 10 kilometers around the perimeter of the park and passes by some of its iconic sights. Biking through the park is the easiest and best way to see the Seawall!

You can bike the entire Seawall in as little as an hour, but I recommend making stops along the way because there’s tons of interesting landmarks and some asll beautiful views.

There are tons of bike rental shops in the West End neighborhood, which borders the park. Both times I’ve been to Vancouver, I rented a bike from Spokes, which offers rentals for a variety of different bikes – and has bikes for shorter people like myself. Our rentals cost $12/hour and it took us around 3 hours to bike around the Seawall. Helmets and baskets are included as well.

One tip I have for biking through Stanley Park in the rain? Be sure you grab a poncho (or wear a good rain jacket)! My first time in Vancouver, I didn’t know you could get one and it didn’t look like it was going to rain. Halfway through my ride, I was caught in a torrential downpour, huddled under an umbrella waiting until it subsided a bit. I kept seeing tons of people pass through on their bikes, with their ponchos on and immediately regretted not having one.

Well, it never actually let up very much, so I just said screw it and decided to bike back to the rental place – and got soaked in the process. Of course, as soon as I dropped off the bike it stopped raining. That’s how it goes sometimes lol.

Explore Gastown

Gastown is Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood, offering a rich history and unique sights. Walking through here feels like you’re taking a step back in time, and you’ll find lots of brick buildings, cobblestone streets, and antique lamp posts.

There’s also plenty to do in Gastown, as the neighborhood has a number of historic attractions and interesting sights. It is home to tons of restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, and galleries that you can pop your head into to escape the rain (especially if it’s pouring).

I ended up coming to Gastown on a rainy afternoon, and I thought the rain added a bit more to the charm and mystique of the neighborhood. 

One of the most iconic sights in Gastown is the antique Gastown Steam Clock, one of the only remaining clocks of its kind in the world. It was initially built to cover a steam grate over the city’s underground heating system, and you can see it puff out steam and let out a whistle every 15 minutes or so.

There’s also plenty of interesting architecture in the neighborhood, which is fun to look at when wandering around. One of the most unique buildings is Hotel Europe, which has also been nicknamed the Flatiron Building of Vancouver.

One way to take in the neighborhood and learn more about it is to take a tour. One popular tour is the Lost Souls of Gastown tour, which shows the wild and boisterous side of Gastown’s history. The tour takes place at night, and you’ll hear wild tales of murder, disease, revenge, and fires that once took place here, told via a theatrical performance by an in-character guide,

If you’re feeling hungry, you can also go on the Gastown Walking Food Tour, which visits 6 of the most popular eateries in the neighborhood. You’ll learn more about the history of Gastown, while sampling a variety of delicious food and drink! 

Best Indoor Activities in Vancouver

Vancouver Lookout

For some amazing views of the entire city of Vancouver, head over to the Vancouver Lookout. This observation deck and tower stands 168 meters (533 feet) atop the Harbour Center, and kinda resembles the Space Needle.

You can get a birds-eye view of the entire city from here, from downtown Vancouver, the waterfront, Stanley Park, and the surrounding mountains. As long as the clouds aren’t low hanging, the view is still pretty awesome even on a rainy day, which makes it one of the best Vancouver indoor activities.

There are legends at each window that tell you exactly what you’re looking at, and I was impressed at exactly how much you can see!

Science World

The Science World museum is one of Vancouver’s top museums, housed in a unique dome-shaped building that’s one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. 

Both adults and kids will learn something new at this interactive science and technology focused museum, which makes it one of the best Vancouver rainy day activities. There are a range of hands-on exhibits and displays, along with live shows and demonstrations.

There are exhibits on the human body, space, dinosaurs, sustainability, and more, along with interesting rotating special exhibitions focusing on a variety of topics.

Vancouver Aquarium 

Located in Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium is one of the city’s most popular attractions, rain or shine. The aquarium is home to over 70,000 marine animals and is one of the most renowned aquariums in the world.

You’ll learn lots about the marine ecosystems from the tropics to the arctic, and even Vancuver itself. There’s plenty of animals to see here, from topical sharks, glow-in-the-dark jellyfish, penguins, seals, otters, and plenty more! 

One thing that makes the Vancouver Aquarium special is that they have a focus on education and conservation. They have a marine mammal rescue program, which rehabilitates over 150 animals a year. In addition, there are plenty of educational exhibits that teach visitors about conservation and protecting the ocean’s ecosystems.

FlyOver Canada 

Sure, you may be in Vancouver and it might be raining, but don’t let that stop you from exploring Canada. Located in Canada Place, FlyOver Canada is one of the city’s most unique attractions. 

In the 8 minute simulated flight experience, you’ll soar over the skies of Canada, taking in dramatic views of the country’s majestic landscapes. See some of Canada’s most iconic sights, including Banff National Park and the Canadian Rockies to Niagara Falls.

It’s a super immersive experience, with a seat that moves slightly over the screen and cool special effects so that it truly feels like you’re flying! If you’ve ever been on Soarin’ at Disney’s California Adventure, then this is similar to that.

Vancouver Art Gallery

The Vancouver Art Gallery is the largest art museum in Western Canada, so there’s plenty of art to look at here. The museum is located in a beautiful historic building, which is a work of art in itself! 

There are over 11,000 works on display, so there’s plenty to see, making it the perfect activity for a rainy afternoon. The collection features famous Canadian artists (like Emily Carr), along with some of the greats like Monet.

You’ll also find a focus on First Nation artists, as well as exhibits focusing on art from the Asia Pacific region.

Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art

And if you’re wanting to look at more art (it’s definitely one of the best Vancouver indoor activities!), you can also check out the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art.

This is the only public gallery in Canada dedicated to contemporary Indigenous Northwest Coast Art. They have a number of special programs and exhibitions that aim to build bridges between all peoples, including Indigenous and settler populations.

The gallery also have an exhibit honoring Bill Reid, a famous British Columbia artist who was also a community activist.

Hang out in a cozy cafe

Few things are better on a rainy day than to hang out in a cafe with a warm drink and a book. It’s just one of those things that has maximum cozy vibes, making it one of the best indoor activities in Vancouver! 

Vancouver is home to some amazing coffee shops and cafes (this is the PNW after all), that are perfect for spending a few hours in on a rainy afternoon. 

Many of the city’s best coffee shops are located in Gastown, and one of my absolute favorite coffee shops in Vancouver is Revolver. It was one of the first third-wave coffee shops in the city and is consistently ranked as having some of the best coffee in the city. 

They serve a rotating selection of beans (hence the name “revolver”), and have some immaculate hipster vibes, with rich wood accents and metal details. It’s acclaimed by all the coffee snobs, but you don’t necessarily need to be a coffee snob in order to enjoy it!

Another spot that I enjoyed was Timbertrain Coffee Roasters, located just a few blocks from Revolver. The cafe is super spacious, with high ceilings, large windows, and a row of train carriage seating.

They break down their coffee into 3 categories: classic, curious, and wild, so you can find the perfect cup that suits your tastes.

Lastly, the chocolate lovers need to hit up Thomas Haas Chocolates and Patisserie! This isn’t exactly a coffee shop, but they do serve coffee, as well as hot chocolates and mochas. 

The focus here, obviously, is the chocolate and you’ll find an array of decadent truffles and bonbons. Aside from that, they also have lots of scrumptious pastries and desserts to go with your coffee. SO delicious and a perfect treat for a rainy day!

Attend a Canucks Game

If you happen to find yourself in town between October and April, which are basically the rainiest months of the year, you’ll be in town during hockey season. So, one of the best things to do in Vancouver on a rainy day is to go to a hockey game. 

Hockey is basically the national sport of Canada, so what better way to spend your time indoors than at a hockey game?

The Canucks are Vancouver’s home team and they play at Rogers Arena. Games take place a few times a week, and ticket prices depend on who they’re playing and the location of your seat.

You can buy your tickets on Viator and select the seats that suit your budget. They also offer a lowest price guarantee.

Vancouver Library

If you’re a bookworm, you’ll definitely want to head over to the Central Branch of the Vancouver Library. And even if you’re not, you’ll still want to check it out, as it’s one of the architectural gems of the city, reminiscent of the Roman Colosseum.

Either way, visiting the library is one of the best Vancouver indoor activities, and an ideal way to escape the rain. The inside of the library is just as beautiful as the outside, with nine floors filled with tons of books. You can even catch a view of the city from the top floor.

Museum of Anthropology

One of the most interesting museums in Vancouver is the Museum of Anthropology, located on the University of British Columbia campus. 

You’ll learn a lot about the people who have occupied the area over time, and get an understanding and awareness of cultural diversity. They especially have a focus on the indigenous First Nations people who lived in the area, along with the cultural communities of British Columbia.

They put on a number of rotating exhibitions, events, and cultural programming throughout the year.

Slurp on a bowl of ramen

To me, few things are better on a rainy day than to slurp on a bowl of hot noodles and soup. Particularly, I love a good bowl of ramen, and I am a self-proclaimed ramen snob.

Vancouver is home to a large Japanese population, and as such, there are many amazing Japanese restaurants in the city, including ramen joints. Many of them are clustered around the West End neighborhood, which is just outside of Stanley Park.

I remember being soaked after biking through the park, sitting down for a bowl of ramen, and just how comforting that was. The place I stopped into that day was Ramen Danbo, and the tonkotsu broth here was so rich and satisfying.

Another favorite ramen spot is Maruhachi Ramen, which I dined at on my last trip to Vancouver. They are consistently ranked as having some of the best ramen in Vancouver, and specialize in a tori paitan (chicken) broth. It’s lighter than a tonkotsu broth but super creamy and flavorful!

Museum of Vancouver

If you want to learn more about the history of Vancouver, then head on over to the Museum of Vancouver. It’s the oldest museum in Vancouver and has a mission to encourage a deeper understanding of the city through stories, objects, and shared experiences.  

There are permanent galleries, exhibits, and events that are intended to foster connection and learning of Vancouver’s diverse communities and histories.

Go to brunch

Ahh brunch, aka the best meal of the day. Enjoying a leisurely brunch is one of the best things to do in Vancouver on a rainy day, especially as it tends to bring on a slower pace. 

One of my favorite brunch spots in the city is Cafe Medina. I came here during my first trip to Vancouver, and loved it so much that I came back a second time, and then again on a subsequent trip. 

They offer amazing  brunch dishes with a Mediterranean twist. They are known for their fricasses, and I ordered a mushroom one which was delicious. You also *need* to order a Belgian waffle, they are divine!

Other popular brunch spots in Vancouver include OEB Breakfast Co (classic breakfast dishes with a twist), Jam Cafe (comfort food with big portions), and Yolks (amazing egg dishes).

Vancouver Maritime Museum

One of the city’s most unique museums, the Vancouver Maritime Museum is dedicated to the maritime history of British Columbia. 

You’ll find a range of exhibits, displays, and model ships, including the St. Roch, the first vessel to circumnavigate North America, providing the only link between remote Canadian Arctic communities in the early 20th century.

Visitors can climb aboard the ship, walk the decks, and explore the quarters, making it one of the most interesting Vancouver rainy day activities.

Bloedel Conservatory

Vancouver may sometimes get cold and rainy, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t escape to the tropics. Located the highest point of the city in Queen Elizabeth Park, the Bloedel Conservatory is a lush tropical conservatory and aviary housed in a unique dome-shaped building.

Here, you’ll find over 500 types of exotic plants and flowers, as well as 100 species of exotic birds. It’s all indoors and temperature controlled to mimic the tropics, so it’s the perfect place to go to escape cold, wet weather.

Admission only costs $8.30 CAD, making it one of the most affordable things to do in Vancouver on a rainy day.

HR MacMillan Space Centre

Located in Vanier Park, the HR MacMillan Space Centre is an astronomy museum with an exhibit gallery, demonstration theater, and a planetarium. 

It’s a relatively small museum but they do have some interesting exhibits focusing on Canadian contributions to space, and unique events that make learning about space fun.

What to Do in Vancouver When it Rains: Even More Fun Activities

Go on a brewery crawl

Beer lovers rejoice, because Vancouver has a number of acclaimed craft breweries, and what better thing to do on a rainy day than to enjoy a few brewskies? 

There’s tons of breweries all over the city, including many spots downtown and other tourist-frequented areas. One of the most popular spots is Granville Island Brewing, which is also one of Canada’s first microbreweries! Be sure to stop for a beer (or a flight) when you’re visiting the island, which I suggested earlier in this list of things to do in Vancouver on a rainy day.

To explore more of Vancouver’s craft brewing scene outside of the downtown area, you can go on a Craft Beer Revolution & Tasting Tour. This bus tour takes you out to the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood, which is nicknamed Brewery Creek. 

Here, you’ll taste up to 12 beers from some of the top breweries in the city, all while getting a behind-the-scenes tour at one of the breweries, and hearing more about the evolution of Canada’s craft brewing industry.

Take a food tour

Vancouver is a city with some amazing food, so much that you probably won’t have time to eat it all! I always love going on food tours to sample all the best food in any given city, and Vancouver has some awesome food tours available.

Here are some options for the best food tours in Vancouver:

• Small-Group Vancouver Walking and Food Tour: This tour takes you to some of the best eateries in downtown and Gastown, including some hidden gems. Sample some of the area’s diverse cuisine, including sushi, poutine, chocolate, and more, while learning more about the city’s history and culture.

• Gastown Walking Food Tour: Visit 6 of the most popular eateries in the  historic Gastown neighborhood. You’ll learn more about the history of Gastown, while sampling a variety of delicious food and drink! 

• Granville Island Food Tour: Granville Island is one of Vancouver’s top foodie spots, and the best way to explore and find its most delicious eats is on a food tour with a local chef.
  
• VIP Downtown Vancouver Asian Eats: Vancouver is known to have some amazing Asian food, and this tour introduces you to some of the top Asian eateries in the downtown area, while learning more about the diverse culture of the city. 

Go on a whale watching tour

You may not think of going whale watching when deciding what to do in Vancouver when it rains, but it’s actually one of the top activities! 

The whales are out rain or shine during whale watching season, so it’s still a perfect time to go. The boats have indoor spaces, so you can enjoy the tour without getting wet, if you prefer (although the best views are from the outdoor decks).

This half-day whale watching cruise sails around the waters surrounding Vancouver, with Gulf Islands, San Juan Islands and Howe Sound, which are prime breeding grounds for humpback and orca whales. 

In addition, you’ll get a chance to spot other wildlife, including porpoises, seabirds, seals, sea lions, and more.

Take a seaplane flight over the city

One of the most unique ways to see the city of Vancouver is from the air via a seaplane flight. On this Classic Panorama Tour by Seaplane, you’ll get an epic aerial view of the entire city on a 30 minute seaplane flight.

Vancouver is such a beautiful city, boasting lush forests, stunning beaches, snow-covered mountains, and urban architecture. It’s even more beautiful from up above, and you can literally see everything.

You also get the unique experience of taking off and landing on the water!

Escape to Grouse Mountain 

If you’re visiting Vancouver in the winter (or on a chilly fall or spring day), then it’s likely snowing up in the mountains if there’s rain in the city. There are a number of mountain ranges that surround Vancouver, and make for a fun day trip into the snow.

One of the most popular escapes is Grouse Mountain, located just 13 kilometers outside of downtown Vancouver.

Grouse Mountain is home to a variety of outdoor activities year-round, but it’s especially popular in the winter. Skiing and snowboarding are popular activities here, and the village also turns into a winter wonderland around Christmas, complete with sleigh rides, reindeer, and a magical light walk.

Your admission ticket gets you access to some of the top activities and attractions on the mountain, including the scenic Skyride cable car, access to the Mountain Chalet, and to the light walk. 

Grouse Mountain is easily accessible from downtown Vancouver, and is less than a 30 minute drive. If you don’t have a car, you can even get there by public transportation. You can also take a Capilano Suspension Bridge + Grouse Mountain tour, which combines a visit to the mountain with one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.

Day trip to Whistler 

Whistler is one of the most popular destinations in British Columbia, known for its breathtaking mountain scenery and world-class ski resorts. It’s an especially popular destination in the winter, thanks to its ample winter recreation opportunities, but it’s a beautiful escape in the summer as well.

The journey from Vancouver to Whistler is a highlight in itself, as you will drive along the iconic Sea to Sky Highway. The drive is extra scenic, with breathtaking views everywhere you look that extend from the sky to the sky. 

There’s plenty of places to stop along the way, including the famous Sea to Sky Gondola in the town of Squamish, numerous waterfalls, lakes, and more.

Whistler is located about 120 kilometers outside of Vancouver. While you can certainly rent a car and drive yourself there, you don’t necessarily need to. If you’re short on time, consider booking a guided tour that takes care of the transportation and all the details for you.

This full-day Whistler tour departs downtown Vancouver and makes some scenic stops along the way, including the Sea to Sky Gondola and Shannon Falls. Once in Whistler, you’ll have 4 hours of free time to explore the town before heading back to the city.

Take the ferry to Victoria

While Vancouver and Victoria are located fairly close from each other, the weather can be completely different. This is thanks to the fact that Vancouver gets a lot of rain thanks to the low clouds hitting the mountains. Meanwhile, Victoria is located on Vancouver Island, which is shielded from the rain.

So, while it may be raining in Vancouver, you might not encounter any rain in Victoria, making it an ideal day trip on a rainy day in Vancouver.

The ferry trip to Victoria takes about 90 minutes and departs from Tsawwassen, located 36 kilometers south of Vancouver. Since the ferry terminal is located a bit outside the city, I think that the easiest way to get to Victoria is going to be via organized tour, especially if you don’t have a car.

This higly-rated, full-day Victoria tour offers pickup from several hotels in downtown Vancouver, and round-trip ferry transportation. Once in Victoria, you’ll visit the famous Butchart Gardens, and then have free time to explore the downtown area.

Go wine tasting in Fraser Valley

One of the best ways to escape the rain in Vancouver is to go wine tasting! Located just outside of Vancouver is Fraser Valley, known as one of the top wine regions in Canada. 

There’s tons of wineries in Fraser Valley, and all the tasting rooms are indoors, making it the perfect rainy day activity.

You can book this 5-hour Fraser Valley tour, which includes tastings at 3 different wineries, with at least 4 tastings at each location. There’s also a light lunch of cheese and charcuterie included at one of the stops.

And, since round-trip transportation is included from Vancouver, you don’t need to worry about a designated driver so you can fully enjoy the day and all the wine!

Have you ever been to Vancouver in the rain? What are some of your favorite things to do in Vancouver when it rains?

More Vancouver + Pacific Northwest content you may enjoy:
The Perfect 2 Days in Vancouver Itinerary
A Complete 2 Day Seattle Itinerary
Seattle in One Day: The Perfect Itinerary

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