Vancouver knows how to do summer. Even if you're not into hiking, photography, or yoga, you can seize and make the most of those lazy hazy days. Here are 10 completely free ideas to add to your calendar.
Learn how to salsa dance
Every Sunday at 3 PM until August 25th you can take part in a beginner class in Robson Square. It's taught by some of the city's most experienced salsa elites, and all are welcome. Arriba!
Watch a movie under the stars
Grab a blanket and a hot chocolate and park it at Stanley Park or Jericho beach for a late night classic film screening. Right under the stars = way more fun than a drive in.
Take it off at Wreck Beach
Get a load of Vancouver's' finest views at Canada's first and largest legal nude beach. We're talking landscape here, ok? Think 200 foot cliffs, sparkling waters and exotic wild life. Some say it's one of the best clothing optional beaches in the world. Find out the naked truth for yourself.
Visit the Jimi Hendrix shrine
At the former site of "Vie's Chicken and Steakhouse" (796 Main St.) where Jimi's Grandmother used to cook, is a homemade tribute to Jimi. Press the button and get experienced.
Watch the buskers at Granville Island
There's a ton of free stuff to be seen and eaten at Granville Island. The public market is a foodie-haven where samples abound. Listen to buskers, relax on the waterfront, or window shop for hammocks, hats, and hairpins.
Play chess on Denman Street
It's car free day on Sunday June 16th from 10 AM – 8 PM. Stroll around Denman Street between Davie and Robson with the west end community and check out some local street entertainment.
Check out the Chinatown night market
Every weekend until September 8th from 6 – 11 PM, Chinatown comes alive with trinket vendors, wheel cake stands and hip hop karaoke (!) Brush up on your Biggie. It's hard to watch without wanting to get up there yourself.
Hang out in Queen Elizabeth Park
These gorgeous gardens are a total hidden gem in the city. You can play some pitch and putt, lawn bowl, or splurge on the $6.00 admission to the Bloedel Conservatory and peep the 100 free-flying exotic birds.
Take on the Grouse Grind
If you only get a chance to do one hike this summer, make it a killer one. The Grouse Grind is an 850 metre foray up Grouse Mountain that will definitely leave you sweating – few people actually brave it. If you're not the hiking type, cheer those few people on from the gondola.
Stare into space
At the Gordon MacMillan Southam Observatory (1100 Chestnut St. in Vanier Park), a 10 metre observatory dome lets you get a stellar view of the Vancouver skies for a donation. It's a far out way to spend a summer day.
