Vancouver is known for its bustling city life and its connection with nature, but when looking for “Things to do in Vancouver” you usually end up with the same repetitive list over and over: “You should go to Stanley Park,” “visit Granville Island,” or “visit some coffee shops in Gastown”. Therefore, we wanted to go beyond the mainstream suggestions and tell you about some hidden gems that many people don't know about but we want you to experience. Whether you're a local or a tourist, here are some unique things to do in Vancouver that you might not have heard of before.
Moon & Back Gallery: Let your inner model/photographer take control and visit this unique gallery! An immersive experience that combines art and optical illusions to provide you with the most unique and Instagramable settings. The gallery is located in Richmond, and you can easily get there using the Canada Line.
2nd floor Gastown: Gastown is a popular tourist destination known for its historic architecture and trendy restaurants. But did you know that there's a hidden gem on the second floor of one of its buildings? 2nd floor Gastown is a speakeasy-style bar within Water St. Cafe. The intimate setting and creative cocktails make the live music performance even more valuable. It’s the perfect spot for a first date or for anyone looking to discover new local artists!
Monkey 9 Brewing & Lanes: Beer and bowling might not seem like an obvious combination, but Monkey 9 Brewing & Lanes make it work 😎. This brewery and bowling alley hybrid is located in Richmond and offers a fun and unique way to spend an evening. With its tasty beer selection and retro vibe, Monkey 9 is a great spot for a night out with friends.
Gum Ying Richmond Archery: If you're looking for a more active way to spend your day, consider trying archery at Gum Ying Richmond Archery. This family-run business offers a variety of archery classes and events for people of all skill levels. With its peaceful indoor setting and expert instruction, Gum Ying is a great way to unwind and learn a new skill.
Orpheum Theatre: While the Orpheum Theatre might not be as well-known as some other Vancouver performance venues, it's definitely worth a visit. The theatre's grand interior and historic architecture make it a stunning place to catch a show (it’s really beautiful, we can’t deny that). From concerts to plays to comedy shows, the Orpheum hosts a variety of events throughout the year.
Visit UBC or SFU: Vancouver is home to two world-renowned universities: the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Simon Fraser University (SFU). Even if you're not a student, both campuses offer a range of exciting attractions to explore. From museums to botanical gardens to hiking trails, there's something for everyone at UBC and SFU and they are definitely worth visiting.
Visit an Antique Shop: Vancouver has plenty of shops to explore if you're a fan of vintage or antique items. From Main Street to Commercial Drive, there are numerous locations with antique stores that have unique and interesting finds. Whether you're looking for a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture or a vintage record, you're sure to find something that catches your eye.
Take a Cookie decorating Class: Step out of your comfort zone and jump into this fun and delicious activity! The Gourmet Warehouse, which is a unique specialty store for food and houseware supplies, offers multiple classes for you to choose from. Still, definitely the ones that attract our eye the most are the cookie decorating classes taught by @lizzyfrizzybakery. You can usually find seasonal classes so you can choose the time of the year you like the most. (Halloween cookies, anyone?)
These are just some of our suggestions when it comes to things to do in Vancity. But we want to hear from you, Thrivvers! Do you have any other activities you would like to share with us? Maybe we can feature them in our next issue 😉. Join our Slack Community and let us know!
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