Vancouver

Cheap Activities in Every Neighbourhood

Budget-minded travellers will find no shortage of cultural attractions, fun activities and sightseeing destinations in Vancouver. Just reference our guide for cheap things to do throughout Vancouver’s diverse neighbourhoods.

Chinatown

  • Wander the colourful aisles of Chinatown’s traditional markets.
  • Sip a piping hot cup of oolong tea in one of the many teashops.
  • Eat traditional dim sum dishes, such as shu mai and har gau.

Gastown

  • Take a picture next to the famous steam-powered clock.
  • Get a glimpse of aboriginal art at one of the many First Nations galleries.
  • Enjoy a pint of locally brewed beer at a nearby public house.

Granville Island

West End

  • Watch the sunset at English Bay Beach.
  • Explore Davie Village, where you’ll find Vancouver’s thriving LGBT community.
  • Browse unique boutiques, bookstores and gourmet markets.

Oakridge/Shaughnessy

  • Spread out a picnic blanket in the beautiful Quarry Gardens at Queen Elizabeth Park.
  • Explore a tropical oasis inside the glass-domed Bloedel Floral Conservatory.

Robson Street

  • Window shop high-end designer boutiques like Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Chanel.
  • During winter months, do some laps around the Robson Square Ice Rink.
  • Order a JapaDog, Vancouver’s signature Asian-style hotdog.

Commercial Drive

  • Browse eclectic record stores, vintage clothing boutiques, used bookstores, skate shops and more.
  • Eat a scoop of authentic Italian gelato. 
  • Attend a Saturday morning Farmers’ Market at Trout Lake. 

Kitsilano 

  • Join a game of volleyball on Kitsilano Beach.
  • Relax at a sidewalk café with coffee from a local roaster.
  • Take a dip in Kitsilano Pool, the city’s only heated saltwater pool.

Punjabi Market

  • Fill up on Indian specialties at a vegetarian buffet. 
  • Shop for sparkly bangles and vibrantly coloured pashminas.
  • Peek inside the Ross Street Sikh Temple, designed by renowned architect Arthur Erickson.
  • Take home an exotic spice or new ingredient from an Indian grocery store.