A Guide to the Best Things Happening in Vancouver This Weekend

Vancouver is one of Canada’s most vibrant cities, and it’s the perfect place to visit for an exciting weekend away. Whether you’re a visitor looking for an exciting urban adventure, or a local looking for fun things to do in your own city, Vancouver has plenty of unique attractions and activities to offer.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best things happening in Vancouver this weekend. From cultural festivals and outdoor activities to delicious restaurants and historic landmarks, there’s something for everyone in Vancouver. So read on and get ready for the perfect weekend getaway.

A Brief History of Vancouver

Vancouver is located in the province of British Columbia on the west coast of Canada. It is the country’s third-largest city, with an estimated population of more than 2.5 million people. The city was officially established in 1886, and it quickly became a major port for the logging, fishing, and fur industries.

In the 20th century, Vancouver grew and changed dramatically. The population exploded, and the city became known for its diverse cultural scene, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant music and arts culture. In the present day, Vancouver remains one of Canada’s most vibrant cities and is a major tourist destination.

Culture & Festival Events

Vancouver is home to many unique cultural and festival events throughout the year. This weekend, you can experience some of the city’s most popular events, such as the Vancouver Folk Music Festival and the Vancouver International Dance Festival.

The Vancouver Folk Music Festival is one of the city’s most popular events. Held in July every year, it features more than 100 performers from around the world across multiple stages. Attendees can enjoy a wide range of music styles, from folk and blues to jazz, rock, and world music. There are also plenty of activities for children, including storytelling, workshops, and art projects.

The Vancouver International Dance Festival is another event that draws thousands of visitors each year. Held in February, it features some of the world’s most renowned dancers, choreographers, and dance companies. Performances range from traditional dances to contemporary works. The festival also offers workshops and talks with industry professionals, making it a great opportunity to learn about Canada’s vibrant dance culture.

Outdoor Activities & Sports

Vancouver is known for its stunning natural beauty, and it’s an ideal city for outdoor activities and sports. This weekend, you can explore some of the city’s most popular outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and skiing.

Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Vancouver. The city has an extensive network of trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs. Some of the most popular trails include the Capilano Suspension Bridge Trail, which takes you through a stunning rainforest; the Grouse Grind Trail, which features a steep climb to stunning views; and the Lynn Valley Loop Trail, which takes you through a beautiful old-growth forest.

Biking is another popular outdoor activity in Vancouver. The city is home to many dedicated bike paths, making it easy to explore its parks and attractions without worrying about vehicle traffic. Some of the best bike paths include the Seaside Bike Route, which takes you through Stanley Park; the Central Valley Greenway, which takes you through some of downtown’s most scenic spots; and the North Shore Spirit Trail, which takes you along one of Vancouver’s most stunning waterways.

Kayaking is another great way to explore Vancouver’s waterways. The city is home to many kayak rental companies that offer tours around False Creek and other local waterways. These tours provide a great way to get out on the water and explore some of Vancouver’s most beautiful sights.

For winter sports enthusiasts, Vancouver also has plenty to offer. The city is home to several ski resorts that provide a great opportunity to hit the slopes and enjoy some winter fun. Some of the best ski resorts include Grouse Mountain Resort, Cypress Mountain Resort, Mount Seymour Resort, and Whistler Blackcomb Resort.

Delicious Restaurants & Bars

Vancouver has no shortage of delicious restaurants and bars to explore this weekend. From seafood restaurants and craft breweries to Michelin-starred restaurants and speakeasies, there’s something for every palate in Vancouver.

One of Vancouver’s most popular seafood restaurants is Fanny Bay Oyster Bar & Shellfish Market. Located in Kitsilano on Granville Island, this restaurant serves up fresh seafood dishes such as oysters on the half shell, steamed mussels, fish tacos, and fish and chips.

For craft beer fans, Vancouver has plenty of breweries to explore. Some of the city’s most popular breweries include Steel & Oak Brewing Co., which serves up classic ales and lagers; Strange Fellows Brewing Co., which offers unique beers such as sour ales and wild ales; and Bomber Brewing Co., which specializes in classic German-style beers.

For fine dining fans, Vancouver has no shortage of Michelin-starred restaurants to explore. These restaurants offer an array of delicious dishes crafted by award-winning chefs from around the world. Some of the city’s best Michelin-starred restaurants include Hawksworth Restaurant, Maenam Thai Restaurant, L’Abattoir Restaurant, and Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill & Enoteca.

Finally, for those looking for something a bit more unique, Vancouver also has several speakeasies to explore this weekend. These hidden bars offer a fun atmosphere and classic cocktails made with local ingredients. Some of the city’s best speakeasies include Prohibition at The American Hotel, Clough Club at The Keefer Bar, The Diamond at Alibi Room, and 1919 at The Keefer Bar.

Explore Historic Landmarks

Vancouver is home to many historic landmarks that are worth exploring this weekend. From old churches to iconic buildings and monuments, exploring these sites provides a great opportunity to learn more about the city’s history and culture.

One of Vancouver’s most iconic landmarks is Stanley Park. This 400-hectare park was established in 1888 by Governor General Lord Stanley and features stunning views of the ocean as well as many walking trails and wildlife habitats. It’s also home to several monuments such as Lord Stanley’s Monument and The Nine O’Clock Gun.

Gastown is another historic district worth exploring this weekend. Located in downtown Vancouver, this area was originally founded as “Gassy Jack Deighton’s Saloon” in 1867 and it has since been transformed into one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods with cafes, galleries, boutiques, bars, and restaurants. Gastown is also home to several historic landmarks such as the Gastown Steam Clock and the Marine Building.

The Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is another historic landmark worth exploring this weekend. Located in Chinatown, this garden was built in 1986 as a tribute to Chinese culture and it features traditional Chinese architecture along with stunning gardens filled with rare plants and trees.

Book An Example Tour: Hiking In Stanley Park

Take in the sights of Stanley Park on a guided hike with an experienced local guide who will lead you through some of the park’s most scenic spots while sharing stories about its history and culture along the way. Along your hike you’ll discover hidden coves and waterfalls, spot wildlife like bald eagles and sea lions, visit iconic landmarks such as Lord Stanley’s Monument and The Nine O’Clock Gun, learn about native plants like salal berries and western red cedars,and take in stunning views of the ocean. To book a hiking tour in Stanley Park click here.

Book Another Example Tour: Kayaking In False Creek

Explore Vancouver’s beautiful False Creek on a guided kayaking tour with an experienced local guide who will lead you through some of False Creek’s most scenic waterways while sharing stories about its history along the way. Along your tour you’ll spot wildlife like seals and bald eagles, view spectacular downtown skyline views from English Bay and Granville Island, learn about False Creek’s ecosystems from your guide’s expert knowledge, paddle past historic landmarks like Science World and Granville Island Public Market ,and get up close with houseboats on Granville Island’s shoreline . To book a kayaking tour in False Creek click here.

Book Another Example Tour: Brewery Tour In Gastown

Explore Gastown’s craft beer scene on a guided brewery tour with an experienced local guide who will lead you through some of Gastown’s best breweries while sharing stories about its history along the way. Along your tour you’ll sample unique beers at Steel & Oak Brewing Co., Strange Fellows Brewing Co., Bomber Brewing Co., experience exclusive behind-the-scenes tours at each brewery , learn about beer production processes from your guide’s expert knowledge , mingle with locals over a pint at each brewery ,and take in stunning views of downtown from Gastown’s cobbled streets . To book a brewery tour in Gastown click here.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for cultural events like festivals or outdoor activities like hiking and biking or delicious restaurants or historic landmarks like Stanley Park or Gastown , there’s something for everyone in Vancouver . With so much to explore this weekend , use this guide as your starting point for discovering everything that this vibrant city has to offer .