Best Free Things to Do in Vancouver

We love this city and we love free stuff, so we thought it would be a good idea to mix the two and put together this list of 25 free things to do in Vancouver. Consider it the ultimate year-round activity checklist - and it's all free. Some are inside, while others are outside. Some are thrilling, while others are soothing. Pick your poison.

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We realise you have a lot of options, and for $0, you can do them again and again.

1. Spend time on Granville Island

Granville Island, once known as Industrial Island, is now a hub for the arts and crafts sector, and is one of the finest locations for families to visit in Vancouver. More information may be found here.

2. Spend some time at Stanley Park

It doesn't get much better than strolling along the Seawall, picnicking on the greens, and smelling the flowers.

3. Keep an eye on the locals in Vancouver.

How can tourists gain a true sense of the city? By hanging around in different neighbourhoods and taking in the atmosphere. Get the scoop on all of the 'hoods in Vancity.

4. Go on a Grouse Grind Hike

For outdoor lovers, the renowned Grouse Grind trek is a must-do. Your legs may chafe later, but the views from the summit are breathtaking. The hike up is free, but you must pay $10 for the gondola trip down. Find out more about Grouse Mountain.

5. Go on a celebrity hunt

Where, oh where, do the celebrities congregate? Celebrity spotting is a completely free and surprisingly simple game. Hint: check our "Filmed in Vancouver" section for the inside scoop.

6. Pay a visit to the Christ Church Cathedral

The church, which was built in the Gothic Revival style and includes Douglas fir ceiling beams, elaborately constructed internal arches, and a number of stained glass windows, has been designated as a Class A Heritage site.

7. Mountain biking on the North Shore

There's nothing like going out in the fresh air and getting filthy to really appreciate Vancouver's North Shore. The finest mountain bike trails may be found here.

8. Take a stroll around Canada Place.

Canada Location in downtown Vancouver is a wonderful place to unwind and watch the cruise ships arrive, or to take a stroll along the Canadian Trail. In addition, the picture opportunities with Stanley Park and the North Shore mountains are spectacular.

9. Take a tour of Vancouver's art galleries.

Vancouver's art galleries are always exhibiting some of the country's most cutting-edge art, and many of them are free to see. Take a walk along South Granville Street, dubbed "gallery row," or visit the Contemporary Art Gallery. Don't forget about the Vancouver Art Gallery, which accepts donations on Tuesdays.

10. Pay a visit to Vancouver's Fairmont Hotel.

It may be expensive to stay at The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, but it is free to see "the Grand Lady," which has become a veritable tourist attraction due to her unique history and architecture.

11. Window Shop in the Best Shopping Districts in Vancouver

The city's retail districts, including Robson Street, Yaletown, and Commercial Drive, give new meaning to the phrase "shop 'til you drop."

12. Spend some time at UBC

Is someone in your family planning on applying to colleges? Take a tour of the University of British Columbia, which is home to one of the country's most beautiful campuses.

13. Visit the GMS Observatory to gaze at the stars

The observatory is located adjacent to the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre and provides public viewings on Friday and Saturday nights (July 1 to Labour Day) and Sunday evenings (July 1 to Labour Day) (Labour Day to July 1).

14. Take a Beautiful Drive

There is no charge to enjoy the beautiful landscape of Vancouver. To arrive to Whistler, take the famous Sea-to-Sky Highway and see glistening blue inlets, old-growth rainforests, and jagged cliffs.

15. Take a tour of the Olympic Village

During the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, athletes from all over the globe were housed in Vancouver's newest neighbourhood. It's just across the street from Science World on the southeast corner of False Creek. Grab a bite to eat, then go over to the adjacent habitat island to see some intriguing public art works.

16. Richmond Night Market

This Chinese night market in Richmond is free for anyone under the age of 13 or over the age of 60 during the summer ($2.75 for the rest of us) and well worth the journey to see (and eat) fried squid, fish balls, and Chinese trinkets.

17. At Queen Elizabeth Park, you may play disc golf.

Play a game of free disc golf with your pals in Queen Elizabeth Park, one of Vancouver's most popular leisure sites. The course is next to a pitch-and-putt golf course. Pick up a tennis racket and smash the ball around on any of the 18 free courts if Frisbees aren't your thing.

18. Take a trip to the Capilano Salmon Hatchery

Viewing the salmon runs at the free Capilano Salmon Hatchery connects you to the grandeur of nature and immerses you in the fascinating life cycle of the salmon that pass through.

19. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park is not to be mistaken with the nearby Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Gardens, which costs $10 for entry. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park offers the public free access to parts of a Chinese garden.

20. Pay a visit to one of Vancouver's free museums.

The city's free museums and learning centres provide a fun way to spend the day without breaking the bank. The Burnaby Village Museum provides free entry year-round, while the Observatory (next to the Space Centre in Vanier Park) is by contribution.