Vancouver is a beautiful coastal city surrounded by ocean and mountains that offer plenty of outdoor adventures. However, with its rainy fall and winter months, Vancouver also boasts an array of indoor experiences to keep residents and visitors entertained year-round.
Whether you’re interested in museums and galleries that showcase local history and art, indoor playgrounds and arcades for family fun, axe throwing and escape rooms for some friendly competition, comedy shows for laughs, cooking classes to pick up new culinary skills, or spas for relaxation – Vancouver has it all.
Keep reading to discover some of the top indoor experiences in Vancouver to add to your itinerary. With so many options, you’ll never run out of things to do inside this vibrant West Coast city.
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Indoor Experiences, Things to Do in Vancouver
Escape the damp chill of Vancouver’s rainy days and dive into a world of captivating indoor experiences. While the city’s coastal charm beckons outdoor exploration, its rainy fall and winter months unveil a trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered indoors. From immersive museums and bustling arcades to adrenaline-pumping escape rooms and serene spas,
Vancouver offers a diverse array of indoor activities to suit every taste and mood. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly fun or a solo retreat from the rain-soaked streets, Vancouver’s indoor scene promises excitement, relaxation, and endless possibilities.
Museums
Vancouver has some of the best museums in Canada, making it a great indoor activity when the weather is unpleasant. The Vancouver Art Gallery located downtown features a diverse collection of over 10,000 artworks by renowned Canadian and international artists. Some of the highlights include the works of Emily Carr, one of Canada’s most iconic historical painters.
The Museum of Anthropology on the UBC campus contains one of the world’s finest collections of Northwest Coast First Nations art. You can view hundreds of carvings, weavings, and artifacts in the Great Hall. For families, Science World in False Creek offers hundreds of interactive exhibits that both kids and adults will enjoy. Some of the most popular displays include the Tinkering Space, the Motion Simulator, and the Bubbleology exhibit. With world-class museums like these, there’s always something interesting to discover indoors in Vancouver.
Aquariums
The Vancouver area is home to some world-class aquariums that offer fun and educational indoor activities for all ages. One of the best is the Vancouver Aquarium located in Stanley Park. This nonprofit aquarium and research facility is home to over 50,000 animals, many of which are local species. You can see harbor seals, sea otters, beluga whales, and more. Don’t miss the jellyfish exhibit, which showcases more than 15 species of these mesmerizing invertebrates.
The moon jellies with their pulsing movements are especially hypnotic. The aquarium also has a 4D theater with shows that let you experience swimming with dolphins or traveling through a kelp forest. Another top aquarium is the Anvil Centre Centennial Plazas Jellyfish Exhibit in New Westminster. Here you can gaze at colorful exotic jellyfish from around the world as they gracefully drift through large tank exhibits. It’s like having an underwater art installation that you can visit for free. Vancouver’s aquariums offer memorable aquatic encounters for animal lovers or those looking for indoor family fun.
Escape Rooms
Looking to add some excitement to indoor experiences while the rain pours outside? Try your hand at one of Vancouver’s many entertaining escape rooms. Escape rooms offer an immersive, team-based experience unlike anything else in the city.
Popular escape room companies like Escapology, and Exit Canada design incredibly inventive spaces with unique themes and puzzles. Work with a small team to find clues, solve riddles, and accomplish goals to “escape” the room within the allotted 60-minute time limit. Escape rooms encourage communication, creativity, and quick thinking. They provide a fun bonding experience for families, friends, coworkers, and more.
Some of the most popular escape room themes in Vancouver include prison breaks, spy missions, detective cases, hostage situations, and haunted houses. Rooms often feature intriguing props and technologies like black lights, hidden doors, and more. Beginner rooms have easier puzzles while advanced rooms put your skills to the test.
Vancouver escape rooms cater to both novice and experienced players. They offer an exciting way to spend an afternoon or evening when you want a thrill without having to be outdoors. Try out a few different rooms to see if you have what it takes to escape in time.
Axe Throwing
One of the most popular indoor experiences in Vancouver is axe throwing. This exciting sport has taken off in recent years, with venues popping up across the city to meet the growing demand.
For those new to the world of axe throwing, it involves throwing a small hatchet at a wooden target, similar to darts. Venues have safe lanes set up with all the necessary equipment provided. It’s a fun way to get your competitive juices flowing, while also being an ideal activity for groups and parties.
Some of the top axe-throwing spots in Vancouver include:
- Bad Axe Throwing – The original axe-throwing company, with locations in Gastown, Port Moody, Surrey, and Langley. They offer walk-in sessions, league play, and private events. Their arenas have been specially designed for axe throwing.
- FlannelJax’s – Located in Port Moody, this venue has a warm, lumberjack-inspired interior. FlannelJax provides a fun and welcoming environment for axe-throwing beginners.
Axe throwing is an activity that appeals to a wide demographic. It’s equal parts sport and nightlife entertainment. Visitors to Vancouver looking for a unique local experience are sure to enjoy testing their skills at one of these premier axe-throwing venues. Just be sure to book ahead, as slots fill up fast!
Arcades
Here is another one to add to your indoor experiences list, Vancouver has some fantastic arcades for the whole family to enjoy. One great option is The Rec Room, located right downtown on Granville Street. This massive entertainment hub has something for everyone with over 100 amusement games, a full bar and restaurant, and private event rooms. Families will love playing the latest simulator and redemption games, many of which offer prizes. Parents can also relax with a drink while the kids explore games like Jurassic Park, Mario Kart, and mini golf.
Another top arcade pick is Espot in Richmond. This arcade features classic cabinet games, pinball, air hockey, skeeball, and more. Kids will be thrilled by the neon lighting, graffiti art, and exciting games like Terminator and Star Wars. There’s also a lounge area for adults to take a break. With reasonable prices and extended hours, it’s a fantastic indoor experiences for all ages.
Whether you’re looking for ticket redemption games, simulators, pinball, or classic cabinet games, Vancouver has arcade options the whole family can enjoy right in the city center or suburbs. It’s the perfect rainy day or evening activity when you need a break from the outdoors.
Standup Comedy
Vancouver has a thriving standup comedy scene, with several venues hosting regular comedy shows and open mic nights. Two of the most popular comedy clubs in the city are The Comedy Mix and Yuk Yuk’s Vancouver.
The Comedy Mix is located downtown on Granville Street (the current location was closed on April 23 but looking for a new location) and hosts shows Thursday through Saturday. They bring in top Canadian comedians as well as big-name acts from the United States. The intimate theater seats 230 people, so you’ll feel close to all the action on stage. Tickets usually run $15-25 per person.
Yuk Yuk’s Vancouver can be found on Cambie Street in central Vancouver. They have shows Tuesday through Sunday and also host the Vancouver International Comedy Competition each year. Yuk Yuk’s showcases talented local comics in addition to touring pros. Ticket prices are comparable to The Comedy Mix.
Both The Comedy Mix and Yuk Yuk’s serve food and drinks during their shows, so you can enjoy a full night out on the town. Just don’t heckle the comics or you might get roasted! Beyond the main comedy clubs, you can find open mic nights around the city where aspiring comics hone their material.
Seeing live standup is a fun and engaging indoor activity for date nights, to enjoy with friends, or for a good laugh on your own. Don’t miss the chance to catch Vancouver’s rising comedy talent.
Cooking Classes
Get hands-on in the kitchen and learn to cook delicious food at one of Vancouver’s top cooking schools. Expand your culinary skills and have fun at the same time with a unique cooking class experience.
Some of the best cooking class options in Vancouver include:
- The Dirty Apron Cooking School – Regarded as one of the top cooking schools in the city, The Dirty Apron offers a fantastic variety of classes for all skill levels. Learn to make pastries, knife skills, regional cuisines, and more. Classes are kept small for a personalized experience.
- Savoury Chef Studio – At Savoury Chef’s open-concept cooking studio, you can take classes like Learn to Cook Indonesian, Spanish Tapas, or Modern Chinese. Their hands-on, technique-focused classes will have you cooking like a pro.
- The Pie Shoppe – If you love pie, take a class at The Pie Shoppe to learn hands-on pie-making skills. Offerings include sweet and savory pies, with both beginner and advanced-level classes.
- Earnest Ice Cream – For a super fun experience, take an ice cream-making class at Earnest Ice Cream. Learn how to make your own delicious artisanal ice cream from scratch.
Cooking classes are a great way to pick up new culinary techniques, bond with friends and family, and sample your delicious creations. With top-rated cooking schools to choose from, Vancouver is a fantastic place to take your cooking skills to the next level.
Relax at Soothing Spas
Looking to unwind and pamper yourself indoors? Vancouver has some excellent spa options where you can escape the bustle of the city.
Spa Utopia is a great choice located right downtown. They offer luxurious facilities including a hydrotherapy tub, sauna, steam room, and both hot and cold plunge pools. You can treat yourself to a relaxing massage, body treatment, or facial. Their therapists are all highly trained to help you de-stress.
For a truly relaxing experience, head to Scandinave Spa in Whistler. This spa specializes in hydrotherapy using alternating hot and cold baths and showers. Enjoy the Finnish sauna, eucalyptus steam room, and outdoor baths integrated beautifully into the natural landscape. The spa promotes a tranquil, technology-free environment to help you focus on relaxation and rejuvenation.
Getting some spa treatments is a great way to unwind indoors, especially during Vancouver’s rainier months. Take some time for self-care at one of these soothing spas.
Bonus: FlyOver Canada
Indoor activities in Vancouver offer a diverse array of experiences, and one not to miss is FlyOver Canada. Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, FlyOver Canada provides an exhilarating indoor adventure unlike any other.
Embark on a breathtaking virtual journey that takes you soaring over the stunning landscapes of Canada. From coast to coast, you’ll feel the rush of wind as you glide over majestic mountains, lush forests, and iconic landmarks. With state-of-the-art technology and immersive effects, FlyOver Canada transports you to the heart of the country’s most awe-inspiring destinations.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a nature enthusiast, FlyOver Canada promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you inspired and in awe of Canada’s natural beauty. Soar high above the clouds and embark on an adventure you’ll never forget at FlyOver Canada.
Conclusion
Vancouver has an exciting array of indoor experiences to explore regardless of the weather outside. From world-class museums like the Vancouver Art Gallery to hands-on experiences like axe throwing, something is thrilling for everyone.
Some of the top indoor experiences highlighted in this article include the Vancouver Aquarium for animal encounters, escape rooms like Locked for Team Challenges, the Storm Crow Alehouse for a unique bar experience, and the Diefenbaker Spa for ultimate relaxation.
With so many options, it’s easy to have unforgettable indoor experiences in Vancouver. The activities mentioned here are just a sampling of what the city has to offer. Consider mixing up rainy days by trying something new and thrilling indoors during your next visit to Vancouver. Don’t let poor weather stop you from exploring this vibrant city and creating memorable moments.
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