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

• Taste locally made pastries, artisan breads, specialty cheeses and more at the Granville Island Public Market.

• Sample premium sake at the country’s first boutique sake winery.

• Throw back a pint of Railspur IPA or Pelican Bay Brown Ale at Dockside Brewing Company.

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.