Cheap Thrills in Vancouver

Cheap Thrills in Vancouver

Justin Mongiardo
Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada

Let’s face it; cities are expensive places to have fun. However, there are ways to make the most of a free day or long vacation without emptying your wallet. In fact, Vancouver has tons of activities to choose from that cost little or no money at all, especially if you visit in the summer. From exploring nature to experiencing the city’s unique culture, you’ll find there’s plenty you can do in this magnificent city.

If you are a nature-lover, you’ll find an endless array of cheap ways to pursue your passion. At the Lynn Canyon Ecology Center, you can view movies about the environment, play with interactive displays, or participate in a special nature program. There’s also the Seymour Conservation Reserve where you can see the Seymour River, visit a fish hatchery, or listen in on a nature lecture. You can also check out one of the city’s free parks, like Central Park, where you can have a picnic, take a bike ride, or simply take a relaxing walk. Another great choice is Lighthouse Park, which has acre upon acre of untouched temperate rainforest. Walk through Douglas Fir trees, view the Pacific Ocean, and bring a picnic lunch to share!

If you prefer a more intense hike, head over to the Grouse Grind. The trail is nearly three kilometers long and leads up to the top of Grouse Mountain. It can take up to two hours to make the steep trek, but it’s well worth the views you’ll get at the top. Unfortunately, once you’re up there you’ll probably want to pay the $5.00 to take the gondola back down. It’s not safe to make the return journey on foot, and the gondola offers some amazing sights.

Want to explore the diverse culture of Vancouver? Try taking a walk through Chinatown. During the summer, you will find an open-air market lit with neon lights and filled with curious passerby. Stalls here sell everything from seafood to giant stuffed toys. You might also enjoy a stroll through Davie Village, one of Canada’s most vibrant homosexual communities. There, you’ll see rainbow flags hanging from buildings and can stop for coffee in some of the trendiest cafes. If you prefer to see an older variety of Vancouver culture, then Kerrisdale might be the place to go. Its low-rise apartment buildings and historic homes include several buildings listed on the Vancouver Heritage Inventory. Also, be on the lookout for free or low-cost theater and dance events. These are offered several times throughout the year and are a great cultural experience.

Those with a passion for history will enjoy Vancouver’s free walking tours of Gastown. These are held daily from June 15th to August 30th. Guests simply meet at the Gassy Jack statue in Maple Tree Square at 2:00pm. A knowledgeable guide will take the assembled group around the city and explain the people, events, and architecture that shaped Vancouver. You could also take a trip over to Fort Langley, one of Canada’s national historic sites. It costs a small fee to get in, but the site promises a realistic walk through history. Visitors can truly experience life on the frontier as they interact with real artifacts and educated actors demonstrating how past residents lived in Vancouver. Special events are also offered, so call ahead or check their website to see what’s offered when you want to visit.

As you can see, Vancouver is a great place to have fun even if your wallet isn’t bursting at the seams. With so much cheap stuff to do, you’re sure to have money left over to splurge on a great meal or go shopping. Even Vancouver natives could benefit from some inexpensive recreation. No matter what your plans or interests, there is sure to be something you can do in Vancouver without spending too much money.