Destinations
Things to Do in Vancouver on a Rainy Day
Rain or shine, Vancouver has you covered. Whether you’re sipping craft beer in cozy taprooms, exploring world-class galleries, or laughing through a comedy show, this city knows how to turn a downpour into a day of unforgettable experiences.
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Save this list for a rainy day: by now, locals are experts at finding things to do, eat and drink even in a classic, super-soaking downpour… here’s how to have an out-of-this-world time, indoors.
Catch a flight at a local brewery
Crack open a cold one—rain or shine—at one of Vancouver’s cozy breweries. There’s a ton of tap rooms to choose from, so let your heart (and hops) guide you. For bold IPAs and loaded hot dogs, hit up Superflux, a brewery nestled in between Strathcona and East Vancouver that boasts indoor seating and a covered patio. For sessionable, sun-inspired sipping in a beautifully minimalist room, check out 33 Acres, a community brewery in the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood. If you want to add a sauna to your tasting session, check out Container, a two-level lounge and tasting room built for comfort… Yes, there’s a sauna/cold plunge in the parking lot.
Explore an art gallery (and gift shop)
The city’s galleries aren’t just visually pleasing: they’re easy on the wallet, too. The grandiose Vancouver Art Gallery in the heart of downtown has free admission the first Friday of every month. Take a quick trip across the bridge or via Seabus to the North Shore and you’ll find contemporary photography and media art at The Polygon, a brilliant space that offers admission by donation. A ticket to downtown’s Bill Reid Gallery is $13 or less (free if you’re Indigenous) and offers a window into the world of contemporary Indigenous Northwest Coast art. Pro tip: never skip the gift shops. There’s art prints, unique mugs and locally made wares galore.
Laugh it up at a comedy show
It’s the best medicine, especially on a gray day. Vancouver’s fearless venues host nightly shows that will send you into comedic orbit: think endless experimental laughs at Little Mountain Gallery in historic Gastown, mind-blowing improv at Tightrope Impro Theatre on Main Street and seriously good stand-up with local and touring comedians at the intimate, speakeasy-style Underground Comedy Club.
Alyssa Hirose
Contributor
Alyssa Hirose (she/her) is a writer, editor and illustrator based in Vancouver, BC. Her work focuses on food, travel, interior design, arts and culture, and her stories have been featured in Vancouver magazine, Western Living, BCLiving, BCBusiness, Nuvo and Avenue Calgary. She’s a regular contributor to Hootsuite’s blog for social media managers, and a regular goofball on her own social media and in real life.
