Summer in Vancouver is easily one of the best times to experience the city. The rain finally eases off, the hiking trails start opening up again, and suddenly everyone is outside making the most of the sunshine.
From evenings spent by the water to weekends in the mountains, summer in Vancouver is really centred around the outdoors. Here are some of my favourite ways to spend summer in and around the city.
1. Walk or bike the Stanley Park Seawall
The Stanley Park Seawall is one of the most popular places to walk or bike during summer in Vancouver.
The path loops around Stanley Park with views over the water, the North Shore mountains, and downtown Vancouver for most of the way.
2. Spend the day at Kitsilano Beach
Kitsilano Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Vancouver during summer.
There’s a large sandy beach, grassy areas, volleyball courts, and plenty of space to spend the afternoon by the water. The area around Kits Beach is also filled with cafés and restaurants, and during summer there are often markets and events running along the foreshore as well.
3. Go on a Sunset Hike
One of the best parts about summer in Vancouver is how many hiking trails are located nearby.
The longer days and warmer weather are the perfect combination for a sunset hike. Trails like Dog Mountain and St Mark’s Summit are both popular for views over the mountains, coastline, and city as the sun starts to set.
For more nearby hike ideas, check out my guide to the best hikes near Vancouver.
4. Visit a summer night market
Summer in Vancouver usually means night market season.
The Richmond Night Market is one of the most popular, running from April to September with huge food stalls, desserts, games, and live entertainment. It gets extremely busy though, so it’s worth getting there close to opening time.
The Shipyards Night Market in North Vancouver is another really nice option during summer, with food trucks, live music, local businesses, and views across the water towards downtown Vancouver.
5. Wander the streets of Gastown
Gastown is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Vancouver, filled with historic buildings, cafés, cocktail bars, restaurants, and boutiques.
During summer, it’s a really nice area to wander around in the evening before stopping somewhere for dinner or drinks. Di Beppe is one of my favourite spots in the area for pasta and cocktails.
6. Catch the ferry to Granville Island
Catching the Aquabus across False Creek is one of the best ways to get to Granville Island during summer.
Once you arrive, there’s the public market, cafés, local businesses, breweries, and waterfront areas around the island to wander around for a few hours.
7. Complete the Grouse Grind
The Grouse Grind is one of the most well-known hikes in Vancouver during summer.
The trail climbs straight up Grouse Mountain through the forest, with over 2,800 stairs and a pretty steady incline the entire way. Once you reach the top, there are views over Vancouver along with cafés, restaurants, and plenty of spots to sit and take a break before catching the gondola back down.
8. Walk across the Lions Gate Bridge
Walking across the Lions Gate Bridge is a really nice way to spend a summer evening in Vancouver.
From the bridge, there are views over Stanley Park, Burrard Inlet, and the North Shore mountains. It’s especially nice around sunset once the city starts to light up.
9. Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
The Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of the most popular attractions to visit during summer in Vancouver.
While the suspension bridge itself can get pretty busy, there are also treetop walkways, forest trails, and the cliffwalk throughout the park. It’s easy to spend a few hours wandering around once you’re there.
10. Go kayaking or paddle boarding at Deep Cove
Deep Cove is a really popular spot for kayaking and paddle boarding during summer.
Located in North Vancouver, the cove is surrounded by mountains and is one of the nicest places to spend a warm summer afternoon on the water. There are also kayak and paddle board rentals available around the area.
11. Spend the day at a nearby provincial park
There are plenty of provincial parks within a few hours of Vancouver that are worth visiting during summer.
From swimming and lake days to short hikes and picnics by the water, places like Golden Ears, Alice Lake, and Porteau Cove are some of the most popular spots to escape the city during warmer weather.
12. Take the summer gondola at Cypress Mountain
During summer, Cypress Mountain opens its chair lifts for sightseeing and hiking.
Heading up the mountain around sunset is one of the nicest ways to spend a summer evening, especially if you want the views without having to do a full hike. In August, the lifts also stay open later from Thursday through Sunday evenings.
13. Have dinner at The Shed on Cypress Mountain
The Shed on Cypress Mountain is a really nice place to head to on a summer evening for pizza and beers.
The outdoor pop up has patio seating with views over Burrard Inlet, and is especially popular around sunset after a day of hiking on Cypress.
14. Spend a weekend camping near Vancouver
Summer is one of the best times to plan a camping trip around British Columbia.
There are plenty of campgrounds and provincial parks within a few hours of Vancouver, from lakefront campgrounds to overnight hikes like Lindeman Lake and Garibaldi Lake.
15. Escape to Whistler for the day
Whistler is obviously best known as a winter destination, however it’s also one of the best places to visit during summer.
Once the snow melts, the hiking trails open up and the lakes around Whistler become some of the most popular places to spend summer in British Columbia. There’s everything from alpine hikes and lakes to bike trails, patios, and evenings spent wandering around Whistler Village.
I’ve also shared a full guide on the best things to do in Whistler during summer.
16. Ride the Sea to Sky Gondola
Summer is one of the best times to visit the Sea to Sky Gondola, located just outside Squamish. If you visit on a clear day, you’ll get views over Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains from the top.
There are also suspension bridges, walking trails, and hikes around the summit to explore once you reach the top.
How to Get There
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is located around 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver, with the SkyTrain, taxis, and rideshares all available from the airport into the city.
When to Visit
Summer in Vancouver usually runs from June to September, with July and August being the warmest months.
During this time, the hiking trails are usually snow free, patios and summer markets are open for the season, and the warmer weather makes it one of the best times to explore the city.
Where to Stay
For first time visitors, staying downtown is usually the easiest option. You’ll be close to restaurants, public transport, Stanley Park, and a lot of the main areas around Vancouver.
If you’re after somewhere a little quieter, North Vancouver is also a good area to stay during summer, especially if you’re planning to spend more time hiking or exploring the mountains nearby.
PLANNING TO EXPLORE MORE OF CANADA?
check out my other travel guides for more travel inspiration.
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