Free Activities in Vancouver

If you are the type of person who plans an affordable trip onlyover after first carefully reviewing your cheap traveloptions, such as cheapairplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, discounttravel deals, cheap auto rentals, and cheap vacation packages, thenVancouver is a destination to consider not only because it is a great city tovisit but also because of the many free, and inexpensive, things that can beenjoyed throughout the year.

The following are a few of the many free, or in some casesrelatively cheap, activities that can be found in Vancouver that arerecommended by Natasha John, a local Vancouver expert:

• StanleyPark, located in downtown Vancouver, is where tourists can enjoy aquintessential Vancouver experience. Thispark offers a green oasis to city dwellers and is spread out over 1,000 acres,with plenty of free things to do.

  There you can walk various trails, bikealong Seawall, cool off with your kids in the free water park, relax at Thirdbeach, and explore the varied seasonal attractions and beautiful gardens. The Vancouver Aquarium, the Malkin Bowl,carved totem poles, monuments, beaches, and a lighthouse all can be foundwithin this park. Though this park isright downtown you will feel miles away.

• LynnCanyon Park and Suspension Bridge is ideal for hiking, taking in the freshestof air, and magnificent scenery. Herevisitors check out natural swimming pools, an ecology centre, and a suspensionbride. Everything here is free.

• Culturelovers should check out the Vancouver Art Gallery on Tuesday nights whenadmission is by donation. This artgallery is home to impressive art and offers rotating exhibits that changeevery few months.

• HRMacMillan Space Center is a captivating space museum that offers a variety ofhi tech learning systems and interactive exhibits that include Virtual Voyagesand a flight simulator. There you checkout the Cosmic Courtyard which is a thrilling solar system exhibit and GroundStation Canada which touts Canadas space program achievements. Next to the main museum building is aplanetary complex open for stargazing.

• TheEquinox Gallery is a huge warehouse like building with nothing but bright whitewalls and tall ceilings. It representsonly select artists, such as Gordon Smith, David Hockney and Edweard Muybridge. This gallery is believed to be home to someof the finest paintings, photography, sculpture, and drawings.

• GranvilleIsland is where you can find many local artists, restaurants, theatres, ahotel, and the Emily Carr University of Art and Design. The island offers a childrens area, jewelrystores, art shops, a brewery, boat rental offices, and unique clothing. Its food hall is not to be missed as. Outside some of the citys finest streetperformers impress passerbys.

• EnglishBay Beach, located in the West End, is a favorite beach of the locals who gothere to relax, swim, and suntan.

• KitsilanoBeach is one of Vancouvers most visited beaches. It is close to downtown Vancouver and easy tovisit via public transportation, car, or bicycle. There are long stretches of sand and grassyareas. Tennis courts, basketball courts,an outdoor salt water pool and facilities that include washrooms, and changerooms can easily be found.

• Seawallstretches almost 6 miles around Stanley Park and is a popular spot to bike,walk, run, and blade around. There areplenty of benches, beaches, and scenic spots to stop along the way. Epic views are plentiful.

• LighthousePark is a rugged park about a 30 minute drive (public transportation is readilyavailable) from downtown. There you willfind multiple tails that lead to tidal pools and stunning views.