10 fun things to do around Vancouver this summer

Vancouver is a great place to be during the summer, with plenty of outdoor activities, cultural events and natural beauty to enjoy.

Last year we posted a “Top 10 fun things to do in Vancouver this summer” blog, but there are so many fun things to do in and around Vancouver, we’ve come up with a list of 10 completely different Vancouver summer activities.

Here our latest list of things to do in Vancouver in the summer:

təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park. Located north of Port Moody, this area is a 1,100-hectare regional park in the village of Belcarra. Belcarra Regional Park is known for its spectacular mountain and ocean views, and it extends from Belcarra Bay to pleasantly warm Sasamat Lake. The park features a picnic area with large BBQ shelters, expansive green lawns, a dock out into the water, a playground for kids and a concession stand. 2375 Bedwell Bay Rd, Belcarra.

BCMC Trail. The B.C. Mountaineering Club Trail is a steep and challenging point-to-point trail near North Vancouver that starts at the base of Grouse Mountain and ends at the chalet. It is a workout-based hike that allows hikers to break a sweat while climbing a short but steep incline. Compared to the Grouse Grind, the BCMC Trail is slightly less steep but a little bit longer, making them comparable in difficulty and time needed. Located east of the Grouse Grind, it’s lot less busy and some hikers find the BCMC Trail simpler and more enjoyable.

Burnaby Central Railway. While the Stanley Park railway is down for long-term maintenance, miniature railway fans do have an alternative in Burnaby. The Burnaby Central Railway is a fun miniature railway located in Confederation Park in Burnaby and operated by the B.C. Society of Model Engineers. While it is meant to be more of a child-friendly experience, it’s charm can appeal to the kid in all of us. Open 11 am to 5 pm on weekends and statutory holidays from Good Friday to Thanksgiving. 120 North Willingdon Ave., Burnaby.

Capilano River Regional Park. You’ve all heard of the popular Capilano Suspension Bridge, but just a short jaunt upriver is Capilano River Regional Park. The park features forested trails, steep canyon walls and river views, a hatchery and awesome views of the Cleveland Dam. 5077 Capilano Rd., North Vancouver.

Celebration of Light. The Honda Celebration of Light is an annual fireworks display that takes place in English Bay, near University Canada West’s Vancouver House campus. This year, teams from Australia (July 22), Mexico (July 26) and The Philippines (July 29) will be lighting up the night sky beginning at 10 pm.

Lighthouse Park. This popular West Vancouver park is named for the Point Atkinson Lighthouse, located at the southernmost tip of the peninsula. It features of 75 hectares of rainforest and beautiful ocean views. Lighthouse Park has many hikes ranging from easy to moderate plus plenty of picnic areas.  4902 Beacon Lane, West Vancouver.

Nitobe Memorial Garden and UBC Botanical Garden. Nitobe Memorial Garden (1895 Lower Mall, UBC) is a traditional Japanese stroll garden with a teahouse located at the University of British Columbia. Nearby UBC Botanical Garden (6804 SW Marine Dr.) is a 44-hectare garden that is home to more than 8,000 species of plants, including native, exotic  and endangered species. It also has a gift shop and hosts the UBC Apple Festival in the fall.

Playland. Vancouver’s Playland is a thrilling amusement park located on the PNE grounds at Hastings Park. It is one of Vancouver’s most popular things to do in summer, featuring a wide range of exhilarating rides and attractions that cater to all ages, from heart-pounding roller coasters to family-friendly carousels and games. With its vibrant atmosphere, tasty food options and a dedicated section for younger children, Playland offers a memorable and fun-filled experience for visitors seeking entertainment and adventure. There’s also a spooky haunted house! 2901 East Hastings, Vancouver.

Reifel Bird Sanctuary. The George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary is a protected area located on Westham Island, in Delta. It consists of nearly 300 hectares of managed wetlands, natural marshes, and low dykes, and has numerous walking trails, bird blinds, lookouts and a gift shop. It is home to resident nesting sites for sandhill cranes, bald eagles, mallards, spotted towhees and many others. 5191 Robertson Rd, Delta.

Richmond Night Market. Food and fun are on display at Richmond Night Market, a vibrant and bustling Asian-style, open-air market. The night market known for its diverse array of food stalls, entertainment and shopping. Visitors can immerse themselves in a lively atmosphere filled with delicious international cuisine, cultural performances and unique merchandise, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. It’s conveniently located next to Bridgeport SkyTrain Station at 8351 River Road.