Best End of Summer Activities in Vancouver
Summertime can be so fun yet feel so short at the same time. Salvaging as many memories with family and friends as possible is vital in making this most coveted of seasons count. With summer's end fast approaching, you'll be looking for things to do in Vancouver, whether it be attractions near your hotel, at hot spots, or events. Here are a few fun recommendations.
Hiking
Resolve that dispute about who your family’s fittest person is at the Grouse Grind. Known as ‘Mother Nature’s Stairmaster’ this 2.9-kilometre trail located at the face of Grouse Mountain will be a definitive test of endurance.
If this grind is too much for you, there are several alternatives. You can hike along Deep Cove in North Vancouver and make a pit stop at Honey Doughnuts & Goodies afterwards. Other notable hiking spots with stunning views include Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver, Mount Seymour, Garibaldi Lake, and Stawamus Chief.
Stanley Park Seawall
Considered a major recreational spot in Vancouver, the Stanley Park Seawall gives you a view of this city’s gorgeous waterfront. Extending from the Vancouver Convention Centre to Spanish Banks, you can ride your bike or run along this pathway to nature.
Plus, from now until August 21, there are FREE outdoor movies shown after dark every Tuesday at the Ceperley Meadows in Stanley Park. Grab some popcorn or try some tasty food trucks nearby after your day’s activities. Bring your lawn chair or blanket while catching your favourite flick.
Be a Beach Bum
Kitsilano Beach is a popular spot for all kinds of ocean lovers and offers you a chance to flex your one-on-one skills in the basketball or tennis courts. Not to mention Kitsilano Beach boasts the city’s largest fully accessible playground.
Facing Kitsilano is English Bay, where you can slide down swim rafts to cure your need for speed. Spanish Banks Beach, Second Beach, Third Beach, and Jericho Beach are other beach options full of sporting and relaxing activities to enjoy! If you’re staying near Vancouver International Airport, you can also visit the long, sandy shores of Iona Beach to watch planes fly over, as well as the birds and the stars, making a wish that you can come back sooner!
Patio Hang Out
Summer is all about patio hangouts and soaking up the rays. Before and after the beach, you can eat, drink and chill out on the patio at Prestons Restaurant + Lounge. Slurp on a cold one whenever you want with happy hour going every day of the week. Prestons offers a distinctively west coast menu introducing you to delectable dishes and unique flavours. Music lovers can also enjoy noteworthy live music from local bands every Wednesday night!
Notable Events
The Fair at the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) is a must-attend summer event in Vancouver. You can watch live performances, play games, eat mini-doughnuts or ribs on top of checking out the summer concert series. If thrill is what you’re seeking, head over to the Playland Amusement Park side for some fun rides and hop on board the most historic Wooden Roller Coaster! Speaking of nights, visit the Richmond Night Market to sample a variety of cuisine from countless food trucks and stalls or go to North Vancouver Shipyard Night Market for a more farmers market type atmosphere.
Where to Stay
If convenience and location are what you’re after, experience the comforts of our Vancouver hotels such as Coast Coal Harbour Hotel by APA. They both provide wheelchair accessible and pet-friendly rooms as well as free Wi-Fi so you can stay connected!
Coast Coal Harbour Vancouver Hotel by APA is close to Stanley Park, Coal Harbour seawall as well as Vancouver Convention Centre. It also is a zero-waste green hotel offering valet-only parking, an extensive private health club and electric vehicle stations. The hotel has similar amenities found at APA Hotels in Japan, including an Electric Bidet Seat, a 55" flat screen TV, comfortable slippers, and more! During your stay, make sure to escape to Sanatio Spa for a unique Japanese Omotenashi spa experience. The newly opened hotel spa offers a wide range of services including in-room spa services. Visit coasthotels.com and book your stay so you can get in on all these great activities right away!