Summer weekend in Vancouver
How locals do summer in Vancouver — patios, beaches, festivals and the long-evening rituals that only happen in July and August.
Top spots in Vancouver
Kitsilano Beach
FamilyKitsilano
Saltwater pool with mountain views.
VanDusen Festival of Lights
FamilyShaughnessy
A million lights through the gardens in December.
Grouse Mountain
OutdoorsNorth Shore
Hike the Grind in summer, ski + skate in winter.
Queen Elizabeth Park
OutdoorsRiley Park
Cherry blossoms in April, panoramic city views.
Stanley Park Seawall
OutdoorsWest End
10 km of ocean-edge cycling under cedars and totem poles.
Commercial Drive
NightlifeThe Drive
Patios, Italian cafes and live music.
Granville Island
Food & DrinkFalse Creek
Public market, craft breweries and harbourfront buskers.
Where to eat
Joe Fortes
$$$Seafood · West End
Roof patio, oysters and the classic Caesar.
Kissa Tanto
$$$Japanese-Italian · Chinatown
1960s Tokyo jazz club, hardest reso in town.
Phnom Penh
$$Cambodian-Vietnamese · Chinatown
Famous butter beef + chicken wings.
Vij's
$$$Modern Indian · Cambie
Vikram Vij — no reservations, worth the wait.
Live & on stage
FVDED in the Park
Holland Park · Jul 5–6 · Electronic
Khatsahlano Street Party
Kitsilano · Jul 13 · Indie / Free
Vancouver Christmas Market
Jack Poole Plaza · Nov 19 – Dec 24 · Holiday
Vancouver Folk Fest
Jericho Beach · Jul 19–21 · Folk
Frequently asked
- Standouts right now: Stanley Park Seawall, Kitsilano Beach, Granville Island. The shortlist is curated by people who live in Vancouver and refreshed regularly so it reflects what's actually open and worth your time.