9 free things to do in Vancouver this weekend, June 21 to 23
Music festivals, markets, and more!
Someone walking on a suspension bridge in the forest. Right: A birds-eye veiw on a market.
There's no shortage of free things to do in Vancouver, and this weekend some fun events are on deck, so you can get out and enjoy the summer.
The city can be pricey, to say the least, so most will welcome these wallet-friendly things to do. From parades and music festivals to outdoor fun and nature, this weekend will be anything but boring.
We did the work for you, to make your weekend planning that much easier. Here are eight free things to do in Vancouver this weekend, from June 21 to 23.
Vancouver International Jazz Festival
When: June 21 to June 30
Address: 750 Hornby St., Vancouver, BC
Why You Should Go: This annual music festival is back and there are a lot of free events to go with it. There will be over 150 performers and 50 free events during the festival, so Jazz lovers, rejoice! This weekend there's an array of free events on the go for it, which you can check out on the website.
Disc Golf at Little Mountain
Address: Southeast corner of Queen Elizabeth Park
Why You Should Go: It's summer so time to get outside, and maybe try out this relatively underrated sport. There are a few disc golf courses around the city, but this one in Queen Elizabeth Park is an especially fun location. After trying your hand at Disc Golf you can wander around the stunning gardens here, or settle down on the grassy areas for a picnic.
If you go later in the day make sure to stay for sunset, because you can get a great view from high up in this park.
Lynn Valley Days Parade and Fair
When: June 22
Address: Lynn Canyon Park
Why You Should Go: This long-standing event is community at its best. There's a pancake breakfast, a parade that will take over the streets, and then a fair to top it all off. If you want some wholesome fun this weekend then head here. It's also a beautiful area, so you can make a full day of it and explore the nearby trails and hikes.
Visit the MOA
Address: 6393 NW Marine Dr, Vancouver, BC
Why You Should Go: This museum admission is free for UBC staff, students, faculty, MOA Members, and Indigenous peoples — but others will have to pay to get in. The Museum of Anthropology is worth the visit, for may reasons, including the beautiful setting as well as the incredible works of art displayed. The museum actually recently reopened, so even if you've been before it will be a very new experience likely.
Vancouver Ice Cream Festival 2024
When: June 21 to August 5
Why You Should Go: Your weekend is about to get more delicious, because the Vancouver Ice Cream Festival is happening, and a ton of tasty creameries are participating. The festival is technically free as it's self-guided, but you'll need to pay for your cones.
A bunch of different Vancouver shops have limited-time creations for the festival for you to try out. You can spend the day exploring the map of vendors and satisfying your sweet tooth.
Head to the beach to enjoy the nice weather
Why You Should Go: This weekend is looking like decent weather for the city, with a high of 24 on Friday and a high of 22 on Saturday. Sometimes the sweltering heat of the mid-summer can push people indoors, so get out while it's at a more comfortable temperature like this weekend!
There are the classic beaches like Kitsilano, or you can explore the Wreck Beach shoreline and embrace the dress code — or lack thereof — if you feel so inclined. If you're willing to go a bit further then Whytecliff Park in West Vancouver offers a less busy beach option that's still beautiful.
North Vancouver Shipyards Night Market
When: Every Friday from May 10 to September 13.
Address: 19 Wallace Mews, North Vancouver
Why You Should Go: The waterfront in North Vancouver comes alive on summer Friday nights, with music, food trucks, artists, and vendors. Even if you don't buy anything it's just a fun atmosphere to walk around and enjoy. There's different musicians taking the stage every Friday night also, which adds to the vibe.
The market starts at 3 p.m. and runs until 10 p.m., so it makes for the perfect evening outing.
Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge
Address: 3663 Park Rd, North Vancouver, BC
Why You Should Go: The Capilano suspension bridge is a go-to activity for tourists and locals alike, but nearby is a free and stunning suspension bridge. The Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is tucked away in the lush forests of Lynn Canyon Park and takes you over a rushing creek. The best part of this spot is that it's a bit of a hidden gem, so there are less people crowding it, and it's totally free.
The surrounding area of the park is also ripe for exploration and brimming with beauty. There are fast-flowing waters, deep pools of bright emerald water, a calm lake, and powerful waterfalls. Surrounding it all is thick forests full of towering trees, with a network of trails running throughout that you can spend all day wandering around.
30 Foot Pool is also within this park and makes for a fun and free activity. You can sit out and enjoy the sun on the rocks surrounding the brightly coloured water, or cool off by diving into the chilly pool. It's pretty cold so you won't want to stay in for long, but it's one of the most picturesque swimming spots around.
One of the best parts about living in Vancouver is the abundance of nature all around, free of charge to explore (for the most part) and breathtaking. When in doubt you can always head over to one of the city parks, or make your way to North Vancouver for an outdoor adventure.