In a city that never stops raining it’s a good idea to have a list of things to do while it pours outside. And while yes, a rainy cozy day is good here and there, in a city where it practically never stops raining from September to May, you can’t always just stay inside. As a born and raised Vancouverite I’ve mastered rainy day itineraries. 

Cabin fever is real and staying inside all day can take a serious toll on your mental health whether you realize it or not. Although we had a pretty lucky January with some amazing sunny streaks, my weather app is showing straight rain and clouds for the next 2 weeks … nice. But don’t get too alarmed. Spring is right around the corner if you do some of my favourite rainy day activities before you know it the sun will be shining and it’s back to picnics and days at the beach. 

The Vancouver Aquarium:

This is a childhood classic for me! Some of my best memories growing up spending a rainy Sunday at the aquarium with my dad. And even though 15 some odd years have passed since those days the aquarium still hits every single time. And ya, there definitely is some sea life that you have to go outside to see but it’s so worth it! Grab lunch or a coffee and take a friend and walk around and explore the aquarium. The gift shop is pretty awesome too. 

Vancouver Art Gallery 

How many times have you driven past the art gallery on your way in or out of town and always wondered what kinds of exhibits are going on inside. I mean for me personally if I’m being honest the last time I visited was a school field trip in grade 5, I just added this on to my list for rainy day activities cause it really is the perfect thing to do. 

Closet Clean Out

Yup, I know, ugh.. How long have you been putting this one off for? I mean a spring clean is good right? How many unmatched socks do you have? Or just clothes thrown in a pile of stuffed in your dresser? And really, do you actually need every single one of those graphic tees? I may be outing myself out here, but my closet is a disaster. And if you’re going to spend the day inside, why not make it a productive one? Better yet, head down and donate some clothes or if you have some stuff in good shape, list it on Facebook Marketplace, then you can even make some extra cash! 

Deep Clean 

Whether it’s your car, your bathroom, your room, or heck maybe even your whole house, nothing feels better than just getting it done. All the nooks and crannies, vacuuming, dusting high to low, there’s just never time to do it all. But what about that rainy Saturday coming up? Get it done in the am then the pm is all yours for some quality rainy day rest and relaxation. 

Science World

Science World just hits differently in the rain. I mean the dome shape with the rain coming down, ah so nice. And again, how many times have you driven past just wondering what’s going on inside? Probably quite a bit so why not check it out! 

Fly Over Canada 

I love Fly Over Canada. Well I love all rides actually. But Fly Over Canada is just awesome. In this economy who’s getting away anyway? The price of a round trip flight costs an arm and a leg so why not skip the cost and go all around Canada in one day? It’s also located in a great area too, so grab a bite to eat, walk around, take in the views, and visit all around the country in just one day.

Seawall

Who said the rain had to stop ya from having outdoor fun? The Seawall, Stanley Park or West Van, is my absolute number one favourite walk to do in the city, and I honestly like doing it in the rain. Put on that raincoat, grab a friend and a warm coffee, and get those steps in! You’ll feel accomplished cause you did a little bit of workout but also fresh air heals. Maybe your mindset is stuck in a dark rainy cloud just like the one outside, but that’s nothing a little jaunt on the Seawall can’t fix! Every time I walk it, rain or shine, I’m reminded just how lucky Vancourites are to live in such a beautiful city and it makes my $8 latte in my hand feel just a bit more worth it. 

Hikes

The best part about a forest hike on a rainy day is that trees stop some of the rain from coming down on you so you actually won’t get as wet as just walking out in the open on the streets. I love to do the Cleveland Dam or Lynn Canyon because the water is always rushing so fast with the rain. If you want a bit more of a challenge, Grouse Mountain or Quarry Rock can still be great rainy-day hikes—just be prepared for a bit of mud and some slippery sections and the views at the top are totally worth it. If you’re feeling extra crazy head down the BCMC when you do the Grouse Grind, you won’t have to pay for a lift ticket down and it’s an extra workout. 

Cafes and Coffee Shops

Of course, not every rainy day calls for an outdoor adventure. Some days, you just want to be somewhere warm, dry, and full of good food or entertainment. Vancouver has no shortage of cozy cafes. My personal favourites to escape a storm are Crema in West Vancouver, Pure Bread in Kits, and Nemesis in Gastown. 

Ramen 

Ramen + a rainy day = pure joy. There’s nothing like a bowl of ramen to warm your rainy day up. Ramen Danbo and Kinton Ramen are my go to’s. I’m never one to crave ramen on the regular but when the rain starts pouring it’s something I always need to get into my system. Go with some friends or order it in on and watch some movies on your couch, either way, it’s the perfect rainy day meal in my opinion. 

Honestly, rainy days are the perfect days to become a tourist in your own city. Life gets busy, work piles up and all those things that you’ve been wanting to do just get pushed off. If you let the rain stop you from making plans, you’ll end up missing out on so much of what makes Vancouver special. Instead of avoiding it, learning to work with it or, even enjoy it, can completely change the way you experience the city. So, invest in good rain gear, find your favourite rainy day spots, and embrace the cozy charm of Vancouver in the rain. After all, when the sun does eventually come out, it makes you appreciate those blue-sky days even more.