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11 Fun Indoor Places in Vancouver for Rainy Days and Cold Nights
Who says Vancouver fun stops when the rain starts? Growing up here, I’ve learned that some of the best experiences don’t require stepping outside.
Regardless if it was ducking into a museum on a downpour day or finding the perfect café to escape the cold, I’ve always found ways to enjoy the city indoors.
Vancouver’s got no shortage of places to keep you entertained when the weather isn’t cooperating. From immersive art exhibits to cozy board game cafés, there’s always something to do that doesn’t require an umbrella.
So, here are some of the best indoor activities to check out when you’d rather stay warm and dry.
Science World
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Address: 1455 Quebec St.
Contact Details: +16044437440
Opening Hours: Daily 10 AM–5 PM
Entrance Fee:
- Adult (19+): $41.35
- Senior (65+): $33.30
- Youth (13-18): $33.30
You don’t have to be a kid to have fun at Science World. The giant geodesic dome is packed with hands-on exhibits, interactive displays, and mind-blowing science demos that make learning feel like a game.
One moment, you’re testing your reflexes in a physics lab, and the next, you’re walking through an immersive light show. The live science performances bring the space to life, with experiments that might just surprise you.
It’s really the type of place where you can easily lose track of time, whether you’re messing around with optical illusions or watching a film in the OMNIMAX Theatre. It’s all about exploring, playing, and letting curiosity take over.
Pro Tip: Visit later in the day when school groups clear out. You’ll have more space to try the hands-on exhibits without the extra crowd.
Bloedel Conservatory
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Address: 4600 Cambie St.
Contact Details: +16042578584
Opening Hours: Daily 10 AM–4 PM
Entrance Fee:
- Adult (19-64): $9.00
- Senior (65+): $6.30
- Youth (13-18): $6.30
- Child (5-12): $4.50
- Preschooler (4 and under): Free
Stepping into Bloedel Conservatory will really make you feel like walking into a hidden tropical world—at least, that’s how we felt, and we’re certain that’s how you’ll view it too!
The moment you enter, warm air, lush greenery, and the sounds of exotic birds make you forget you’re still in Vancouver.
Also, the dome is packed with over 100 free-flying birds and hundreds of tropical plants, creating a little oasis no matter the season. You’ll spot colorful parrots, towering palms, and orchids that seem too perfect to be real.
It’s a great way to escape the cold or rainy days while still being surrounded by nature. The pathways let you take your time, making it the kind of place where you can slow down and just enjoy the atmosphere.
Pro Tip: If you want to see the birds up close, visit in the morning when they’re most active and curious.
Granville Island Public Market
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Address: Public Market, 1689 Johnston St.
Contact Details: +16046666655
Opening Hours: Daily 9 AM–6 PM
Entrance Fee: Free
Website
Granville Island’s Public Market is the kind of place where you walk in just to look around and end up leaving with a bag full of food. The energy inside is nonstop, with vendors chopping, baking, and serving up everything from fresh seafood to handmade chocolates.
The variety is what makes it exciting—you can grab a hot meal, sample locally made cheeses, or pick up fresh fruit all in one trip. There’s always something new to try, whether it’s a pastry from a family-run bakery or a specialty spice you’ve never heard of before.
Even when it’s pouring outside, this market makes for an easy escape. It’s warm, packed with great smells, and full of small details that keep you exploring from stall to stall.
Pro Tip: Grab something from the food stalls and find a window seat near the waterfront for a great view while you eat.
Vancouver Aquarium
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Address: 845 Avison Way
Contact Details: +17786559554
Opening Hours: Daily 10 AM–5 PM
Entrance Fee:
- General Admission (13-64): $41.95 – $57.95 (varies by day)
- Child, Student, and Senior tickets available; prices vary.
Watching sea otters float on their backs while cracking shells never gets old. The Vancouver Aquarium is one of those places where you can stand in front of a tank for way longer than you planned, completely mesmerized by marine life.
Massive viewing windows let you get face-to-face with sea lions, glowing jellyfish, and sharks gliding through the water. The Amazon exhibit switches things up with tropical birds and slithering reptiles, making you forget you’re still in Vancouver.
It’s an easy escape from the weather, whether you’re exploring the underwater tunnels or catching a live feeding session. Every corner has something to look at, and the mix of playful animals and interactive displays keeps things fun.
Pro Tip: The sea otters draw the biggest crowds, so swing by early in the day if you want the best view without squeezing in.
FlyOver Canada
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Address: 999 Canada Pl #201, Vancouver
Contact Details: +18554634822
Opening Hours: Daily 10 AM–7 PM
Entrance Fee:
- Adult (13-64): $33.00
- Senior (65+): $27.00
- Child (12 and under): $23.00
You sit back, feet dangling, and before you know it, you’re lifted into the air. That’s basically what it feels like being in a flight sim at the FlyOver. Quite literally, the screen fills your vision, the wind picks up, and suddenly, you’re flying over the country’s most incredible landscapes.
The ride moves with every twist and turn, taking you through towering mountains, deep valleys, and crashing waves. With added effects like mist and scents, it’s easy to forget you’re still in a theater.
It’s the closest thing to flying without actually getting on a plane. Regardless if you’re new to Canada or have lived here forever, seeing the country from this perspective is something you won’t forget.
Pro Tip: The best seats are in the middle row. You’ll get the full effect without any distortion at the edges.
Museum of Vancouver
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Address: 1100 Chestnut St, Vancouver
Contact Details: +16047364431
Opening Hours: Daily 10 AM–5 PM
Entrance Fee:
- Adult: $20.00
- Senior (65+): $16.00
- Student (with ID): $16.00
- Youth (5-18): $10.00
- Child (4 and under): Free
You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy the Museum of Vancouver. It’s got a mix of exhibits that walk you through the city’s past, from its Indigenous roots to the neon-lit streets of the ‘50s.
The displays make everything feel more personal, with vintage artifacts, old city maps, and even full-sized retro signs lighting up the space. Some sections pull you in more than others, like the immersive exhibits that let you experience different time periods up close.
It’s an easy way to learn a little more about Vancouver while staying indoors. Plus, the rotating exhibits mean you’ll always find something new, even if you’ve been before.
Pro Tip: The neon sign collection is worth lingering around. It’s one of the coolest parts of the museum and a great spot for photos.
Museum of Anthropology at UBC
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Address: 6393 NW Marine Dr.
Contact Details: +16048275932
Opening Hours: Daily 10 AM–9 PM
Entrance Fee:
- Adult: $18.00
- Senior (65+): $16.00
- Student (with ID): $16.00
- Youth (6-17): $10.00
- Child (5 and under): Free
Unlike the more general Museum of Vancouver, The Museum of Anthropology puts you right in front of manmade or human history. You’ll find massive carved totem poles, intricate Indigenous artifacts, and exhibits that give real insight into First Nations culture.
The glass walls open up to a view of the ocean and mountains, making the space feel even more connected to the land. There’s also an impressive collection of global artifacts, but the focus on the Pacific Northwest is what makes it stand out.
It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down and take everything in. With guided tours and interactive displays, you get more than just a look at history—you get the stories behind it.
Pro Tip: Give yourself extra time for the outdoor exhibits. The totem poles outside are just as impressive as the ones inside.
Orpheum Theatre
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Address: 601 Smithe St.
Contact Details: +16046653035
Opening Hours: Per show or schedule basis
Entrance Fee: Varies from show to show ($$-$$$)
Website
If you love live performances, the Orpheum is a must-see. This historic venue has been hosting concerts, symphonies, and theatrical shows for decades, and the atmosphere alone makes any event feel special.
And we can’t stress enough how stunning the architecture is, with intricate details, grand chandeliers, and a ceiling that looks straight out of a European opera house. Even if you’re just there for the music, you’ll catch yourself staring up at the design between sets.
Acoustics here are next level, making everything from classical concerts to rock performances sound incredible. And also, the smaller size means you don’t have to worry about bad seats—every spot feels close to the stage.
Pro Tip: If you get a chance, take a guided tour. You’ll hear the history behind the theatre and get to see parts of the building most people miss.
SkyTrain
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Address: Metro Vancouver
Entrance Fee:
- Fares vary based on zones and time of day.
- Adult fares range from $3.05 to $5.90.
- Concession fares (seniors and children) range from $2.00 to $4.05.
Getting around Vancouver is a breeze with the SkyTrain. It’s fast, easy to use, and gives you some great views along the way, especially on the Expo and Millennium Lines.
Unlike most transit systems, this one is fully automated, so trains arrive often, and you’re never waiting too long. You can get from downtown to the suburbs in no time, skipping traffic while watching the city roll by.
It’s also a solid option for airport transfers, taking you straight from Vancouver International Airport to the heart of the city. Stations are also really well-connected to buses, making it simple to reach just about anywhere.
Pro Tip: Grab a Compass Card if you plan on using transit more than once. It makes fares cheaper and saves you from fumbling with change.
Rogers Arena
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Address: 800 Griffiths Wy.
Contact Details: +16048997400
Opening Hours: Per show/tour basis
Entrance Fee: Varies from events scheduled ($$-$$$)
Website
Catching a game or concert at Rogers Arena is something you won’t forget. Home to the Vancouver Canucks, this place comes alive on game nights with roaring crowds and nonstop energy.
It’s not just for hockey—big-name artists and events roll through all year, making it one of the best spots for live entertainment in the city. The sound system and setup mean no matter where you sit, you’ll still get a solid view and experience.
The arena is also super easy to get to, sitting right near transit and downtown’s main spots. There’s also plenty of food options inside, and you won’t have to rush dinner before heading in.
Pro Tip: If you’re going for a Canucks game, get there early. Watching warmups from the glass is worth it, and you’ll avoid the long lines at the entrance.
Vancouver Lookout
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Address: 555 W Hastings St.
Contact Details: +16046890421
Opening Hours: Daily 10 AM–6 PM
Entrance Fee:
- Adult: $18.25
- Senior (60+): $15.25
- Student (with ID): $13.25
- Youth (6-17): $13.25
- Child (5 and under): Free
Riding the glass elevator up to the Vancouver Lookout is a quick trip, but the view at the top makes it all worthwhile in our opinion! From here, you can see the entire city stretched out below, with the mountains, ocean, and skyline all in one frame.
The observation deck wraps around, giving you a 360-degree look at everything from Stanley Park to distant islands. There are info panels pointing out key landmarks, so even if you’re new to the city, you’ll get a sense of where everything is.
It’s a solid stop whether you’re starting your day or winding down as the sun sets. Plus, your ticket lets you come back later in the evening, so you can see the view during the day and at night.
Pro Tip: If you’re going for a Canucks game, get there early. Watching warmups from the glass is worth it, and you’ll avoid the long lines at the entrance.
