8 fun things to do in Vancouver to stay dry and out of the rain
When the weather outside is storm-ful, indoor adventures around Vancouver can be quite delightful.
To help you make the most of your rainy day activities, here are some fun things to do that will keep you entertained and dry — no Gore-Tex required.
Be sure to check out our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town.
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Learn sword fighting
Academie Duello
Channel the spirit of Aragorn or Brienne of Tarth at Academie Duello. This swashbuckling school teaches swordplay and archery, which means you’ll be wielding a weapon like Aragorn or Inigo Montoya in no time. You can even liven up a birthday party or corporate team-building event by booking one of their private classes.
There are several other sword-fighting schools in the region to check out, including Vancouver Eishin Ryu Iaido Club and Valour Fencing Club.
Golf
Play a round — virtually — at Pebble Beach, Pacific Dunes, Nicklaus North, Cabo Del Sol or several other of the world’s best golf courses at One Under. Right in the heart of downtown’s Financial District, this luxurious club boasts six golf simulation bays along with handcrafted cocktails, an array of craft beers and tasty nibbles such as sliders, charcuterie, banh mi and pizza.
Other places to play a round include The Rec Room Granville, Par-Tee Putt, and Par4 Sport Bar and Grill.
Admire art
While away a leisurely morning wandering through the Vancouver Art Gallery and admiring pieces by Emily Carr (the VAG has the world’s largest collection of her work) and other BC artists, along with thought-provoking temporary exhibitions. Admission is free for anyone under 18 and on the first Friday evening of every month.
Other great local galleries include the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art and the Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery at UBC.
Arcades
Industry Arcade
No matter the weather outside, arcades are guaranteed to deliver you a good time!
The entertainment icon has evolved in many ways to keep gamers coming in, with flashing lights, MIDI explosions, and so many quarters.
Metro Vancouver is home to a number of popular arcade bars where you can enjoy drinks and meals along with your games. There are also classic spots with plenty of retro cabinets and modern touches to ensure a fun experience for all ages.
Go thrifting
Whether you’re hunting for a vintage fall coat, cozy sweater, or a one-of-a-kind home decor piece, Vancouver’s thrift scene is overflowing with secondhand treasures this season.
Throw an axe
Release your inner lumberjack at Urban Axe Throwing in Port Coquitlam or North Vancouver. Throwing axes for an hour or two releases tons of tension and provides a good upper-body workout, and the thud of the axe hitting the target is surprisingly satisfying. Plus, it’s just plain fun to ignore your mother’s advice and throw sharp, heavy objects.
Other places to throw axes include Bad Axe Throwing, The Rec Room Granville, and Academie Duello.
Learn to cook
Dirty Apron
Whether you’re looking to sharpen your kitchen competence, you’re a newly fledgling foodie, or really want to dirty your hands on a date night, a lively cooking class is an unforgettable experience.
Tour breweries
Raise a glass to Vancouver Brewery Tours, which transports eager hopheads to sip, sample, and savour handcrafted local brews in popular brewery districts. Depending on the tour you choose, you may find yourself visiting Brewers Row, Brewery Creek, Yeast Van or North Van.
There are also plenty of other dining and drink destinations to discover around the city during your next rainy day activities.
With files from Sheri Radford and Daily Hive staff