Vancouver is one of the most popular cities in North America and is known as the hub of West Coast culture, with a beautiful blue ocean, majestic mountains, and warm, welcoming locals. But, with the city’s reputation for being one of the most expensive cities in Canada, you may be wondering how to make your dollar go further while still having fun. Luckily, there are plenty of free or cheap things to do in Vancouver and the surrounding area that won’t drain your wallet!
Whether you live in Vancouver or are planning on visiting, here are 6 fantastic things to do on a budget in Vancouver.
1. Try free walking tours
If you’re a first-time visitor to Vancouver and want to learn more about the city’s history and culture, consider taking a free walking tour. The tour guides are usually very passionate about the city and come prepared with many interesting stories to share with the group.
As well as telling you about the most famous landmarks in Vancouver, they may give you tips on where to find some delicious food or share some lesser-known facts about existing attractions. The tours often take place with a group, so all you need is yourself, a pair of comfy shoes and an umbrella, just in case.
Though, the tours are free, it’s common to tip your tour guide for an awesome look at the city if you can.
2. Enjoy some of the best hiking trails in Canada
With its temperate rainforest climate and proximity to the ocean, Vancouver is home to many great hiking trails. From the challenging and breathtaking North Shore Mountains to the more approachable paths around Prospect Point, there’s something for everyone.
You don’t need to be a professional hiker to get in on the fun. There are many hiking trails in Vancouver, so you can choose one that suits your needs. Bring water and snacks with you, sunscreen if it’s sunny—and make sure to wear comfortable shoes! Since it’s Vancouver, the chance of rain is always high, so we’ve got a few tips on hiking in the rain.
3. Visit Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge
The Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is one of Vancouver’s most popular attractions, and for good reason. The bridge has been around since 1911 and spans the canyon with a depth of about 300 feet. It’s a free alternative to another famous bridge in the city, The Capilano Suspension Bridge.
It’s always pretty busy, so heading there earlier in the morning, may give you the opportunity for stunning pictures as it will be empty. Also, don’t forget the trail down from the bridge, it’s steep and narrow; but the view of the North Shore mountains makes it worth the hike.
4. See exhibits at the Vancouver Art Gallery
The Vancouver Art Gallery (VAG) is one of the best places to visit in Vancouver to appease your creativity, with an abundance of art and events. Usually, for admission into the gallery, visitors’ pay a fee. But on Tuesday nights from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., entrance is donation, so you can pay what you can.
The gallery itself has an enormous collection of paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints and photographs from around the world. It often holds various exhibits throughout the year ranging from contemporary art to historical pieces that showcase some of Canada’s most iconic artists such as Emily Carr and Anne Savage.
5. Explore Stanley Park and bike the Seawall
Renowned as Vancouver’s first and largest Urban park, Stanley Park, offers miles of winding trails through its lush landscape, with views of the forest and beaches. The seawall begins at Stanley Park, extending all the way around False Creek, Granville Island and ends at Kitsilano Beach. It stretches for 8.8km with several great cafes and restaurants around the area for you to grab a bite to eat.
If you don’t have your own bicycle, there are several rental shops around. And for a cheaper alternative, you can rent from Mobi by Shaw Go bikes, which are usually parked around the area. If you’re not into biking much, you can still stroll around the area. There’s so much to see and you can even spend the day exploring the area or have a picnic on the beach.
6. Spend the day at Granville Island
Nestled in the arts and culture district, Granville Island is a great place to visit if you’re looking for things to do in Vancouver, as it’s a vibrant and creative destination. At any time, you’ll be able see live theatre performances, watch street artists perform along the pier and even shop at unique boutiques and shops as well.
Let’s not forget the Public Market, which is a local market filled with many artisans and foods for you to try! Additionally, if you want a more active day out with friends or family members then there are plenty of activities such as kayaking, paddle-boarding around False Creek and much more.
Whether you’re visiting on vacation or living in Vancouver, there are plenty of things to do that won’t break the bank! Hopefully, this blog has helped you discover some new cheap things to do in Vancouver.
Let us know if there are any other affordable things to do in the city below in the comments.
Happy travels,
Monique
