Time is running out to try these favourite Vancouver summer activities

Summertime is flying by, and with so many Vancouver activities to choose from, it can be challenging to fit everything into our schedule.

But with the Labour Day long weekend just around the corner and September on the horizon, time is running out to enjoy some popular pastimes.

We’re here to help you out with a checklist of uniquely Vancouver summer activities you need to check out before the season wraps up.

Whether you’re outdoorsy, a foodie, or looking for something fun to do with friends and family, there’s something on this list for everyone.

Take a dip in an outdoor pool

Labour Day is your last chance to go swimming with your family and friends at several outdoor public pools. The following three pools close on Tuesday, Sept. 2.

• New Brighton
• Second Beach Pool
• Maple Grove Pool

On Wednesday, the Park Board said that it would be keeping Kits Pool open for a bit longer this season, giving locals the chance to enjoy the iconic swimming spot beyond Labour Day.

In its updated statement, the Park Board said it’s “pleased to make the necessary operational and staffing adjustments” to allow the pool to stay open until Sept. 7.

Find your thrills at the PNE Fair

The PNE Fair in Vancouver is on until Monday, Sept. 1, and there’s so much to see and do before the season ends.

A highlight of the fair every year is the huge summer night concerts. Music lovers won’t want to miss the exciting mix of music legends and rising stars coming to The Chevrolet Stage inside the Pacific Coliseum.

It wouldn’t be the PNE without some exciting entertainment. Save room in your fair schedule to see the SuperDogs’ new western-inspired show “Wild Wild Wolf” in the Agrodome, the ultimate aerial I-FLIP Show, The Flying Fools High Dive Show, and The Big Backyard free play zone. And don’t forget all of your favourite fair food!

Take to the streets with Car Free Days

Those looking for fun Vancouver activities will want to check out the ever-popular Car Free Day street festivals, which have expanded this summer with epic celebrations across the region.

The massive events are presented by TransLink, Interac Corp., local municipalities, and BIAs to promote the growth of car-free culture and spaces.

Each year, thousands of attendees enjoy entertainment, food vendors and community booths, kids’ activities, and more. Best of all, the events are free to check out, and there are a few more to catch before the end of the season.

Sing along to the Whistler Summer Concert Series

Summertime was made for outdoor concerts, and though it requires a bit of a drive, music lovers will want to check out the Whistler Summer Concert Series, which ends this week.

Head to Whistler Olympic Plaza on Thursday, Aug. 28, for Drag in the Mountains with opener DJs Vital Signs, and Friday, Aug. 29, for a concert by Hollow Coves with opener DJ Badger.

While you’re there, make plans for the Whistler Village Beer Festival returning to the heart of the resort from Sept. 9 to 14.

Explore historic Gastown during Sunday Set

Inspired by global pedestrian-first movements, the new Gastown Sunday Set car-free series will transform the cobblestone streets of Gastown into a gathering spot with exciting activations.

Check out live DJ sets, an outdoor flower market, an open-air art crawl, and plenty of expanded patios every Sunday until the end of August.

Take in a show at Bard on the Beach

Bard on the Beach is one of Canada’s largest not-for-profit, professional Shakespeare festivals. Presented in a magnificent setting on the waterfront in Vancouver’s Vanier Park, the festival offers Shakespeare’s plays, related dramas, and several special events from June through September each year.

This year’s lineup includes Much Ado About Nothing, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) and The Dark Lady. The last show of the season is on Saturday, Sept. 20

Kickstart your weekends with the Shipyards Night Market

North Vancouver’s Shipyards Night Market (SYNM) is celebrating its 12th anniversary in Lower Lonsdale in 2025. The popular free event takes place every Friday until Sept. 12, and features a beer garden, live music, market vendors and food trucks.

Don’t forget to take a stroll down by the water and catch the summer rays while they’re still in the sky.

Soak up the sun at the Richmond Sunflower Festival

Those who can’t get enough sunshine and summertime will want to head to the Richmond Sunflower Festival while the flowers are in bloom.

The seventh annual floral celebration is now welcoming guests to its over 20 acres of sunflowers and seasonal blooms at Richmond Country Farms.

Open until mid-September, the festival features dozens of varieties of stunning flowers as well as plenty of Instagram-worthy spots. Add this to your list of Vancouver activities to do before summer ends.

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