Vancouver Event and Activity Ideas for June 2023

Can you feel heat? Summer is here! And with it comes a variety of festivals and events to take advantage of in Vancouver, BC. Our fair city plays hosts to some of the most popular events in Canada and this month is no exception. From Father’s Day celebrations to the International Children’s Festival, cycling, Indigenous Peoples Day, and more, there’s lots of fun to be had. Here’s our handy guide to what’s happening in June . . .

FATHER’S DAY

Father’s Day is just around the corner, and Vancouver has plenty of events to celebrate dads of all kinds. On June 18, 2023, families can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the city to show their appreciation for fathers everywhere. Whether you’re looking for a fun day out with the kids or something a little more laid back, Vancouver has something for everyone this Father’s Day. For example, the Father’s Day Walk and Run is a festive event that takes place at Burnaby Lake. Participants can choose between a 5k and 10k option and can run individually or as part of a team. The event also includes free lunch, live entertainment, and a large celebration at the end. Learn More.

VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL

The Vancouver International Children’s Festival is a fantastic event for children and families. This child-focused festival features a variety of entertaining and engaging activities that are perfect for kids of all ages. The festival takes place from May 30th to June 4th and offers a range of options for children to enjoy, including music, dance, theater, storytelling, and much more.

The festival is a great way for children to explore their creative side and learn new things. The activities are designed to be interactive and engaging, with plenty of opportunities for children to participate and have fun. Parents and caregivers can also join in on the fun and create lasting memories with their children. Learn More

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY EVENTS

On Tuesday, June 21st, the Carnegie Community Centre, in partnership with the UBC Learning Exchange and the City, is hosting an in-person event with live streaming to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day and learn about Indigenous culture and the Downtown Eastside. The event will be held from 12 to 3 p.m. and will feature tea from Hives for Humanity, crafts created by Cultural Sharing Elders, live performances, and more – including the Carnegie’s own lexwst’i:lem drum group, John Sam and the Big Drum, Larissa Healy, and much more. Additionally, for the month of June, 16 Indigenous flags will fly on City Hall’s flag island at 12th Ave and Cambie St to honour Host Nations and Indigenous Peoples, including flags from the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Indian Band, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation, and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation next to the National Indigenous Peoples Day flag designed by Sam McKay, in recognition that we are located on these Nations’ traditional, ancestral and unceded territories. Learn More

STANLEY PARK

Self-guided bike tours in Vancouver’s Stanley Park and Queen Elizabeth Park are a great way to get out and see the beautiful scenery of our city. Stanley Park is a 405-hectare urban park that offers a scenic view of the waterfront. The park features several attractions such as beaches, trails, playgrounds, and the Vancouver Aquarium. The self-guided bike tour in Stanley Park provides a unique opportunity to explore the park’s natural beauty and rich history. On the other hand, Queen Elizabeth Park is a 52-hectare park that offers a stunning view of the city skyline and the North Shore Mountains. The self-guided bike tour in Queen Elizabeth Park provides an excellent opportunity to explore the park’s manicured gardens and arboretum. Download the self-guided tours. And if you don’t have your bike with you, you can get two half day nike rentals when you book with stayvancouverhotels.com. Learn More.  

Don’t forget to celebrate Father’s Day and take advantage of the great weather by visiting festivals, events, and parks around Vancouver in June. And if you need a place to stay, check out stayvancouverhotels.com for the best prices on hotels and promotional incentives. These include numerous gift cards, a $100 shopping spree at Pacific Centre, half-day bike rentals, and more! Learn more.

Venture into the Great Outdoors! (Your May 2023 Guide To Vancouver)

In May we celebrate mothers, the Canadian baseball season begins, we venture outdoors as the weather turns much warmer, and some of us run through the city some 42 kilometers . . . for the fun of it! Now that Spring has officially sprung, it’s time to take full advantage of everything our fair city has to offer. Events and activities are aplenty as we kick off with warmer weather and the opportunity to venture outside. 

MOTHER’S DAY

One single day to celebrate mothers is simply not enough, but at this time of year it’s important that we recognize those who have helped raise and shape us and turn us into the (mostly) functioning humans we are today. Vancouver offers a variety of things to do to celebrate your mom on May 14th. The Pacific Arts Market at 1448 West Broadway holds a mom-centric event featuring mimosas, food, activities, and prizes. Toby’s Social Club on Main street will be hosting the Mother’s Day Comedy Night starring comedian John Cullen. Many restaurants in the downtown core are sporting special menus for the occasion. So, no excuses! Make plans with your mom on May 14th!

CANADIAN BASEBALL SEASON

The Canadian baseball season officially begins in May, with minor league and major league regular season games taking a swing for victory. The Vancouver Canadians, a minor league baseball team play throughout the season in Vancouver at Nat Bailey Stadium (next to Queen Elizabeth Park). Tickets are available online through Ticket Smarter. Learn more.

BMO MARATHON

Not for the faint of heart, the Vancouver BMO marathon takes place on May 7th, drawing participants from all over Canada and beyond as they take part in Western Canada’s biggest running race. With 8km and half marathon race lengths available, the real stretch of the legs (and mind) is the full 42km marathon that has athletes running through Vancouver’s downtown, UBC campus, and along the Stanley Park Seawall. There’s even a kids run that takes place on Saturday May 6th for younger participants. Book your stay with stayvancouverhotels.com and receive a $75 discount on your BMO marathon registration. Learn more

STANLEY PARK

The 405-hectare sprawling park nestled in the heart of the city, with a road along the seawall that loops for approximately 9.5 kms leaves a lot of ground to explore in Stanley Park. Over 500,000 cedar, fir, and hemlock trees fill this natural habitat along with various other vegetation and wildlife. A pool, waterpark, miniature railway, the aquarium, and much more make Stanley Park the perfect way to spend a spring day! Book your stay with Stay Vancouver Hotels and you can even get two half day bike rentals—a great way to explore the park. Learn more.

Whether you’re taking your mother out for a nice dinner or you’re sweating from every pore through a grueling 42km run, always remember to book your stay with stayvancouverhotels.com. The best prices on hotels, and great promotional incentives to choose from, including discounts on the BMO marathon, $100 shopping spree at Pacific Centre, half day bike rentals, and more! Learn more.

Your April 2023 Guide to Events and Attractions in Vancouver

Looking to run? Have a thirst for some classical music? Feel an inkling to search for inner peace among the cherry blossoms? Or simply want to sample the fruits of the vine? April in Vancouver has you covered on all bases! From running events to wine tasting, to the exquisite beauty of the cherry blossom, there’s more than enough to get you the Spring mood!

VANCOUVER SUN RUN

One of Vancouver’s longest running . . . runs, the Vancouver Sun Run is considered to be Canada’s largest 10k road race, and the third largest timed 10k in North America. The race takes place on April 16th, 2023, registration is available on the website. Since its inception in 1985, the Sun Run has attracted visitors from far and wide to partake in this exciting event, pacing participants throughout the heart of Vancouver. The event caters to all skill levels and makes special effort to include accessible community-based running/walking events and programs. Race categories include the main 10k race, a team run, the mini 2.5k, youth challenges, the walking program, and more! If you’re planning on running in the BMO Marathon in May, the Sun Run represents a great training opportunity to get you warmed up. Book your stay with stayvancouverhotels.com and receive a $75 discount on your BMO marathon registration. Learn more.

VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL WINE FESTIVAL

Taking place from April 22nd-30th, the Vancouver International Wine Festival features 148 wineries from 17 different countries. This year’s global spotlight is on sparkling wines with the theme region being South America. Tickets are available on the festival website. The event represents a premier marketing opportunity for wineries as well as the chance for wine-lovers to experience tastings from around the world. The event also acts as a fundraiser to help raise money for the Bard on the Beach Theatre Society. Experience the opportunity to taste over 800 different wines across 36 different events. 

VANCOUVER PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Under conductor Jin Zhang, the Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing a multi-program concert on Saturday April 22nd, 2023. After you’ve visited the International Wine Festival, you can take in some classical music from the melodic minds of Adams, Rachmaninov, and Brahms. Taking place at the Shaughnessy Heights United Church, tickets for the event are available on the philharmonic website. Learn more.

VANCOUVER CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

Running from April 1st to April 23rd, the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival is a unique opportunity to enjoy a fleeting moment as winter fully turns to Spring in our beautiful city. The signature springtime event is an annual celebration of the age-old Japanese cultural tradition if hanami (flower viewing). The festival takes place at numerous locations around Vancouver. Be sure to check the website for the latest updates. Learn more.

Whether you’re taking in the blossoms of spring, sweating it out on the running track, or sharing a ‘cheers’ with your friends at the wine festival, be sure to book your stay with stayvancouverhotels.com. You’ll receive the best prices on hotels, and choose from a selection of awesome promotional items including tickets to the wine festival, discounts on the BMO marathon, and a variety of gift cards! Learn more.

6 Things to Do in Vancouver During Spring Break 2023

As they say, March roars in like a lion, and you will definitely hear the crowd roar at the annual Canada Sevens Tournament as the month kicks off.  Next, is what to do for spring break?  Thankfully, Vancouver is never short of activities and March 2023 is no exception. One of the glorious advantages of living on the West Coast is the ability to enjoy warm weather, while also hitting the slopes. Add to that incredible deals on downtown Vancouver accommodation and various other activities, there should be numerous answers to the dreaded spring break question!

1) CANADA SEVENS

The Canada Sevens rugby tournament is hosted at BC Place Stadium from March 3rd-5th, 2023. The event features 28 of the world’s top men’s and women’s sevens teams. The event has become well-known for its high-octane sports action, its costumes, colours, and general craziness. Book a 2-night hotel stay with stayvancouverhotels.com and receive 2 free tournament passes!  

2) HIT THE SLOPES AT GROUSE

1-2 night stays with stayvancouverhotels.com could also net you 1-2 free lift tickets for Grouse Mountain. Located just 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Grouse features 4 chair lifts servicing 33 runs, and 3 freestyle terrain parks—truly a winter playground!

3) VANCOUVER AQUARIUM

Featuring over 60,000 aquatic creatures, from sea lions and otters to penguins and jellyfish, and everything under the water and in between, the Vancouver Aquarium is the perfect place to spend a day. A 4D experience theater immerses you in the action, while informative and entertaining exhibits and shows provide lots of great information about conservation and nature. Tickets are available on the aquarium website

4) STANLEY PARK

A 405-hectare sprawling landscape of pristine beauty nestled in the heart of the city leaves a lot of ground to explore at Stanley Park. 500,000 cedar, fir, and hemlock trees round out the park along with various other vegetation and wildlife. A pool, waterpark, miniature railway, and much more make Stanley Park a great place to visit for those looking to enjoy a slice of Canadiana on a budget. 

5) SCIENCE WORLD

Built in 1986, Science World in Vancouver is one of the most recognizable structures on the coast. The ‘ball’ is home to an OMNIMAX theater, interactive science displays, and activities for all ages. As Science World is primarily indoors, it’s a great place to visit on a rainy day. Learn more

6) VANCOUVER PUBLIC LIBRARY

Featured in numerous movies, there’s more to the Vancouver Public Library than just books (although it has those too). The coliseum-shaped building is an architectural marvel, featuring high ceilings and multiple floors. It’s always easy to find a quiet place and nestle down with a good book, or venture skywards and explore the rooftop garden. The library also runs several events and activities during spring break. Check out their website for details.

Hop into spring break with a solid plan and you’ll never be bored! And remember, if you book your stay with stayvancouverhotels.com you’ll receive the best prices on hotels, and have your choice of amazing promotional items including lift passes to Grouse Mountain, free tickets, and a variety of gift cards! Check all offers and promotions here.

Valentine’s Day, Laughter, Art, and That Sweet Sweet Powder

February always brings an unusual mix of events and things to do, mainly because we’re still sitting squarely in Winter, so the ski hills are very active, but Spring is starting to show signs of arriving here on the coast. It’s also the month to celebrate love AND also to celebrate laughter. If you’re looking for something to do in Vancouver, as a visitor or as a resident, here’s our handy guide to everything you need to know: 

HIT THE POWDER

Between Whistler, Seymour, Cypress, and Grouse Mountain, you’re never too far away from some of the best skiing in Canada. Slightly increased rainfall at this time of year means there’s more snow on the mountains and you can expect a steady fall of fresh powder to help you shred up those slopes. If you book your stay with stayvancouverhotels.com, you can even receive free lift tickets to Grouse Mountain until the end of March! Learn more.

LAUGH UNTIL IT HURTS

Throughout the month of February, Just for Laughs Vancouver brings some of the top comedians from around the world to our fair city to deliver their hilarious views on life, love, and everything in between. Taking place at various venues around the city, you can see top headliners such as Patton Oswalt, Sarah Silverman, and Margaret Cho. Tickets are available on the Just for Laughs Vancouver website. Learn more.

GET ARTSY WITH VMF

The VMF Winter Arts Festival takes place from February 16th-26th and transforms downtown Vancouver into an open-air gallery full of exhibits and entertainment. Live music, dance, music, food, drink, pop-up parties, and more can be expected from this third annual event that’s sure to light up Vancouver. The festival aims to highlight the culture and art of the diverse communities of our city and province, creating an inclusive event that celebrates the arts. More information can be found on the Winter Arts Festival website. Learn more.

HAPPILY DROWN IN HOT CHOCOLATE

The 13th annual hot chocolate festival comes to Vancouver! While it started back in January, it runs until February 14th and features artisan-created hot chocolate from 66 vendors at 95 different locations throughout Vancouver. Do you believe there’s only one type of hot chocolate? This festival plans to prove you wrong with 143 different flavors and styles of hot chocolate on offer. View the full list of locations. Learn more.

Celebrate love, hot chocolate, and amazing skiing and boarding in Vancouver this month. And while you’re at it, be sure to book your stay with stayvancouverhotels.com. Not only will you receive the best prices on hotels, but you’ll also have your choice of amazing promotional gifts including lift passes to Grouse Mountain, free tickets, and a variety of gift cards! Learn more.

The Dine Out Vancouver Festival and Other Culinary Adventures

It’s a new year and so why not try some new food? There’s no better opportunity than the Dine Out Vancouver Festival, taking place at the end of January. On top of that, eight Vancouver local restaurants just received their Michelin Star, and if none of that interests you, we even have a couple of unique dining experiences for you to try. Our recommendation—make sure you’re not hungry before you start reading this handy guide.

Dine Out Vancouver Festival

Dine Out Vancouver Festival has been in operation for over twenty years, and this year runs from January 20th to February 5th. The festival includes over “300 restaurants, wineries, craft breweries, suppliers, and more for a month of dining, food-forward virtual events, and experiences designed to give culinary enthusiasts the opportunity to taste the best flavours of the city.” Now considered to be Canada’s largest food and drink festival, the event offers fixed-price menu deals to encourage community involvement and ushers people to dine out during a season when restaurants are generally quieter. Been thinking of trying a restaurant, but haven’t pulled the trigger yet? Now’s your chance!

New Michelin Star Restaurants

Michelin has long been classed as the gold standard when it comes to gastronomic art, and Vancouver restaurants stand among the best in the world. At a Michelin evening gala event last October, eight restaurants were awarded the coveted Michelin Star, framing them as places for exceptional culinary experiences. The list of restaurants include: 

  • AnnaLena (contemporary)
  • Barbara (contemporary)
  • Burdock & Co (contemporary)
  • iDen & QuanJuDe Beijing Duck House (Chinese)
  • Kissa Tanto (Japanese-Italian fusion)
  • Masayoshi (Japanese)
  • Published on Main (contemporary)
  • St. Lawrence (Quebecois)

Be sure to visit one of these restaurants, and discover just what fine dining is all about!

Dine at the Dark Table

If you’re looking for something completely different in your dining experience, why not try a dinner reservation at the Dark Table? At this restaurant you’ll dine in complete darkness. The concept being that if your sight is removed, your other senses will be much stronger. You’ll choose your menu items when you arrive and then a blind or visually impaired server will guide you into the dining room and ensure you’re comfortable. Following that, you’ll be treated to a multi-course meal in the dark. It doesn’t get much more unique than that. Not recommended for messy eaters.

Eat at the Very Top of Vancouver

Finally, we want to highlight a Vancouver staple that’s still considered to be a unique dining experience despite it being around since 1977. Top of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant sits 553 feet above the city and completes a full rotation every hour. Diners are treated to beautiful views of Vancouver while enjoying a delicious meal at what’s considered to be one of the best restaurants in Vancouver. 

No matter your gastronomic preferences, be sure to try something different this month and take advantage of Vancouver’s culinary delights. Whether visiting or being a tourist in your own town, be sure to book your stay with stayvancouverhotels.com and receive amazing promotional gifts including free tickets and numerous gift cards to choose from!

December is a month of giveaways with the return of Very Merry Vancouver

Imagine walking across a breathtaking bridge suspended two hundred and thirty feet above a river gorge and adorned with a million glittering lights.. walking through a traditional German Christmas Market, sipping on hot chocolate, and shopping for that perfect holiday keepsake from one of its 90 jolly merchants… an evening stroll in the garden of twinkling lights at Van Dusen…or fly like Santa and take an exhilarating trip to the North Pole with Fly Over Canada! 

As if there wasn’t already enough to draw you to Very Merry Vancouver during this most magical time of the year! 

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But now Stay Vancouver Hotels is enchanting tourists with an online advent calendar that is giving away attraction prizes every single day, with the chance to win a grand prize of a luxurious, experience-packed stay in Vancouver that will promise memories or a lifetime. Prizes include: 

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Festive Favourites Market Tour of Granville Island, which will be buzzing with festive foods, Christmas decor, and one-of-a-kind artisan shops, as the perfect place for friends and families to share in the holiday spirit! 

Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience. Go beyond the mask and see Ancient Egypt’s most iconic king like never before. 

Family packs to PNE Winter Fair The event runs for ten festive nights and will feature a nightly Christmas-themed concert series, a classic Canadian Winter Ice Pond with live musical performances and large indoor skating rink, magical holiday theatre shows that will be a favourite for the little ones, a winter market, tasty food and beverages, and a sparkling walk-thru WinterLights display! 

Reindeer and little girl in Vancouver

Family passes to Santa’s winter wonderland at the Peak of Grouse Mountain and its awe-inspiring views of the city and the ocean below.  

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An underwater winter wonderland and holiday traditions at the Vancouver Aquarium including popular daily Scuba Claus dives. And so much more! 

And the shopping! Visit the world-class Cadillac Fairview Pacific Centre mall, with a prize SHOP! Card® for use at CF Pacific Centre.

More than twenty, must-see holiday attractions and events are giving away tickets and gift packages as part of the Very Merry Vancouver promotion. Not to mention hotel partners giving away accommodation as well. 

VeryMerryVancouver.com is now welcoming online visitors to try and win those daily holiday prizes and encouraging those online visitors to visit Vancouver in person during the holiday season.  

Already renowned for its natural beauty, cosmopolitan diversity, unbelievable food, and shopping, Vancouver is now also sure to become known for one more thing – a perennial favourite for visitors seeking to enjoy the best of the holiday season with all that Very Merry Vancouver has to offer.

Link: www.verymerryvancouver.com 

Getting Cultured in Vancouver

Sometimes the best sort of entertainment comes in the form of education. Vancouver is a wealth of culture and history. From historic landmarks in gastown and beyond, to exhibits and shows that call Vancouver home, either temporarily or permanently. Whether you’re looking to admire beautiful art or get lost in an ancient civilization, Vancouver never fails to deliver, and that’s why it’s one of the best places to visit in Canada! Here are just a few cultural highlights happening in our beautiful city this November …

Beyond King Tut Immersive Experience

If you do absolutely nothing else this November, you should at least treat yourself to an experience that plants you straight in the middle of ancient Egypt—unlocking a story over three thousand years in the making. The Beyond King Tut Immersive Experience features nine distinct multi-sensory galleries that take you through the story of King Tut’s life and his death. Fun and informative for the whole family, the exhibit will be on display at the Vancouver Convention Center from November through to January. Learn more.

Science World

Possibly one of the most recognizable buildings in Vancouver, Science World has been a staple of the city for years. With its shiny golf ball-esque design, the center boasts a number of floors, rooms, and rotating exhibits to explore. You can learn first hand and hands-on about physics and biology while interacting with exhibits and machines that make learning fun for all ages. The current rotating exhibit is T-Rex: The Ultimate Predator and takes a look at the most famous dinosaur in the world. Learn more.

Museum of Vancouver

The Museum of Vancouver made some drastic changes in the past two years and now offers both in-person and virtual exhibits for all to enjoy. Many exhibits remain on permanent rotation, while others are switched out on a regular basis to provide variety and opportunity for visitors to learn about a wide range of cultural highlights and oddities in equal measure. Learn more.

Vancouver Art Gallery

Founded just under a hundred years ago, the Vancouver Art Gallery is a famous downtown landmark that has been featured in numerous documentaries and feature films thanks to its unique architecture. Its galleries and exhibits contribute to the Art Gallery being recognized as one of North America’s most respected and innovative visual arts institutions. If you’re looking for a true sense of creative culture, look no further. Learn more.

Season of Lights

Christmas is just around the corner and from the downtown core to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, you’ll find the season of lights begin to emerge as more and more business and landmarks get into the festive season and light up the nights. Learn more.

Soak up the culture that Vancouver has to offer and don’t forget to book with stayvancouverhotels.com in order to receive some awesome promotional gifts! Not only do we offer high quality accommodations for your stay but from November 4th, we’re also providing tickets to the Beyond King Tut Immersive Experience or gift certificates for Amazon, Starbucks, iTunes, and more. Learn more!

Trick or Treat and Eats

‘Tis the spooky season and there’s no better place to celebrate than Vancouver. Our beautiful city always gets in the festive spirit, no matter what the season. This year, there are numerous events that offer scares, food, drink, and more, all in equal measure. If you’re looking for something to do as a local or visiting the city from out of town, there’s lots to tingle your spine and taste buds this October . . .

HARVEST HAUS 

Before the scary stuff happens, why not embark on a cultural experience full of bier, bratwurst, and lederhosen? Harvest Haus returns to Vancouver this year from Sept 30th to Oct 31st at the PNE Forum. This authentic European harvest tradition with a modern flare hosts several fun events and highlights including local brewers, vintners, chefs, and entertainers galore. Enjoy new tastes plus all the Oktoberfest classics you already know and love. Tickets are limited, so purchasing early is recommended. Learn more.

PNE HALLOWEEN FRIGHT NIGHTS

After taking a covid break, Fright Night at Playland is returning in 2022. This spooky event that boasts you’ll “scream your face off” runs from October 7th to October 31st. Watch Playland turn into a carnival of horrors with night rides, a haunted mansion, Hollywood horrors, creepy clowns, a doll factory, and more! Check the website for admission days and rates and be prepared to scream.  Learn more. 

FORBIDDEN VANCOUVER WALKING TOURS 

If being chased through a carnival by clowns isn’t really your scene, you might want to consider a walking tour by Forbidden Vancouver. While many of the tours are steeped in history, The Lost Souls of Gastown Tour is a popular feature at Halloween. Detailing a gruesome history of Victorian Gastown full of murder and revenge, this unique theatrical performance is both educational and fun and a great way to spend an evening. Learn more.

HOWLOVER (FLYOVER) CANADA <LINK: 

Certainly more of an event for the kids, this magical adventure put on by Flyover Canada has you soaring through the skies on a magical adventure to a spooky music festival alongside some interesting characters. The event runs from September 27th to October 31st so get your tickets and head out for a fun ride! If you book with stayvancouverhotels.com before October 31st, you could also receive 2 free tickets to Flyover Canada! Learn more. 

Whether you’re eating and drinking at Oktoberfest, running from scary clowns at Playland, or enjoying a spooky journey through Vancouver, be sure to book with stayvancouverhotels.com in order to receive some awesome incentives! Not only do we offer high-quality accommodations for your stay, we also provide exclusive offers on bike rentals, tickets to the Egyptian exhibit and Flyover Canada, or gift certificates for Amazon, Starbucks, and iTunes. Learn more!

Celebrate the last days of summer with these 5 craft breweries in Vancouver

As summer begins to wind down and we enjoy the last days of the season, there’s a lot of opportunity to take advantage of some of Vancouver’s brewmasters. The craft beer scene in Vancouver has been growing steadily over the last several years, with more and more options available for those wanting to sample unique offerings and explore the length and breadth of IPAs, sours, dark beers, and more. 

We’ve compiled a list of some of the best craft brewery experiences in or close to downtown Vancouver. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor in this amazing city and you’re a lover of excellent beer, you’ll want to visit every location on this list. 

GRANVILLE ISLAND BREWING

Opened in 1984, Granville Island Brewing is Canada’s first microbrewery. Their innovation in the field of craft beer has been recognized nationally and internationally and they specialize in providing premium beer alongside limited-release small batches. You can find their beer in most liquor stores, but if you’re looking for a special treat, they offer special one-off brews available only in their taproom. 

STANLEY PARK BREWING

Inspired by the park itself, Stanley Park Brewing’s beers are all inspired by the experience of being in the park. Whether it’s a wind storm, a sunset, or spending time in the forest, the beers are meant to be “explored and savored.” 

YALETOWN BREWING COMPANY

Located in the trendy Yaletown district of Vancouver, Yaletown Brewing was originally founded in 1994. Initially framed as a friendly neighborhood pub, the brand has evolved into one that’s well known for its superb beer offerings and an inspired menu that’s both innovative and delicious. It has been voted Best Brew Pub in Canada on several occasions and boasts as “a welcoming gathering place whether you arrived dressed in a suit or flip-flops.”

STRATHCONA BEER COMPANY

One of the newer breweries in Vancouver, Strathcona is quickly making a name for themselves on the craft beer scene. They specialize in a modern traditional beer and supplement it by serving fresh made in-house Neapolitan-style pizza. Started by a group of friends with a serious appreciation for beer, Strathcona embraces a funky modern vibe centered around interests such as art, music, and skateboarding.

STEAMWORKS BREWING

The first to use a traditional steam-powered brewing method in Canada, Steamworks Brewing featured 20 rotating taps throughout the year, including specially brewed seasonal flavors. Located in Burnaby, their brew pub also offers delectable food offerings that pair perfectly with their craft beer options. 

Remember to drink responsibly when visiting these breweries. There’s a number of brewery tours you can also hop on so everyone can enjoy the experience and not worry about driving.  If you’re a visitor to Vancouver, be sure to book with stayvancouverhotels.com in order to receive some amazing deals! We offer high quality accommodations for your stay and in addition provide exclusive offers on bike rentals, tickets to the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Egyptian exhibit, or gift certificates for Amazon, Starbucks, iTunes, and shopping. Learn more!