Vancouver Summer Guide: Stanley Park, Fireworks & Sunset Sushi
Lost (on purpose) in Vancouver Island’s rainforest
If winter is for skiing and spring is for soggy hikes, summer in Vancouver is when the city truly comes alive. The mountains are still in view, but suddenly you’re on a paddleboard instead of a trail, eating sushi by the ocean instead of hiding from the rain. Well, of course, rain DOES show up (this green forest needs it!), but sunny days are frequent, and we had some the 3 times we went there.
Vancouver is one of our favorite cities in the world, and we’re not city people. Not because it’s flashy (it’s not) — but because Vancouver has that rare combo of nature (ocean, moutain AND rainforest), neighborhood charm, absolute coolness, and chill. And, because skyscrapers are made of glass and most cars & public transport are green, you don’t get a sensorial overload.
Whether you’re planning a local staycation or adding Vancouver to your summer travels, here’s our shortlist of what to do when the weather’s warm and your sandals are ready.
1. Stanley Park Seawall: The classic (for a reason)
Our kind of city — view of Stanley Park Seawall
Why go: Iconic views, fresh air, and endless photo ops
What to do: Walk, bike, or blade the 10 km loop — with pit stops for herons, totem poles, and gelato.
Start at Coal Harbour and circle your way past Lions Gate Bridge, Siwash Rock, and beaches that beg for a break. You’ll pass joggers, dog-walkers, shirtless drummers, and maybe even a raccoon or two.
Stanley Park forever
This isn’t just a park — it’s Vancouver’s first and most beloved green space, opened in 1888 and named after Lord Stanley (yes, the same guy the Stanley Cup is named after). It's actually larger than NYC’s Central Park and home to 500,000+ trees — some over 800 years old. You’ll find Indigenous totem poles, remnants of early settlements, and even an old cannon that still fires daily at 9 p.m. (Don’t spill your gelato.)
2. Fireworks Festival: Count down with the locals
Waiting for the fireworks!
Why go: International fireworks + music + beach vibes = pure summer joy
When: Usually late July and/or early August (check exact dates here)
Go early. Bring some sushi. Soak in the cool vibes. Talk to locals. The show kicks off at sunset, launched from a barge on English Bay — and yes, there’s a countdown app, music, and a full-on free spectacle. This year’s teams were the Yukon, Quebec, and Nova Scotia. Last time we went, there was an amazing flyboarding show!
👉 Book a firework cruise on Viator
👉 Get an all-purpose foldable towel to sit on
3. Kitsilano Beach: Sand, swims & sunset sushi
Kits, the place to be in summer
Why go: Local beach life at its finest
What to do: Swim, spike a volleyball, or just laze on the lawn
Kits — if you want to sound local — is where locals go to summer. And when the sun starts to drop, grab sushi to-go and eat it barefoot on the sand. It’s a ritual for many.
While Kitsilano Beach is more about volleyball than whale-watching, keep your eyes on the water — you might spot seals, porpoises, or even the occasional orca or grey whale during migration season. It’s rare, but not impossible. Bring binoculars just in case, and you might catch a seal or two!
👉 Book a kayak tour on Viator
👉 Get an accommodation nearby on Booking
Track your own sea animal!
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👉 Get 20% off Sea Life Bracelets
Granville Island: Markets, musicians & picnic supplies
Vancouver skyline from Granville Bridge — not bad, right?
Why go: The Public Market is a sensory overload in the best way
What to do: Grab food, find a dock, and listen to a busker while you snack
There’s something about a picnic with view of boats and bridge arches that just hits right. Load up on cheese, berries, weird sodas, and the best samosas in town. You can hang out on the island or go back to the mainland and hit English Bay or Kits for a beach picnic! If you don’t take the ferry, the views from the Granville Bridge are stunning.
If you want to indulge, try the Sandbar Seafood Restaurant for fresh fish with a view!
👉 Book a food tour via Viator
👉 Get a day pass for the ferry to Granville on Viator
Grouse Mountain & Capilano: High vibes & tree bridges
Touristy? Yep. Sooo grammable? Yep!
Why go: Mountain air and zipline thrills without leaving the city
What to do: Take the Skyride gondola up Grouse for views and wildlife demos — or hike the Grind if you're feeling bold. Capilano offers hanging bridges, misty forest trails, and some of the best tree-top photos you’ll get this summer. We’ve actually include these 2 in our 5 magical trips from Vancouver.
👉 Get skip-the-line access via Viator
👉 Get a combo Grouse+Capilano tour on Viator
Zumba at Canada Place: Good vibes only
Move your body at Canada Place!
Why go: Free dance classes with harbor views? Yes please.
When: Mondays, usually 6–7 p.m., July and August (check the exact dates here)
I (Eli) stumbled upon this on my first trip to Vancouver. I was completely jetlagged and had 3 business meetings the next day, and the zumba class worked like magic! Check out our other tips to beat jet lag here
It’s like a summer block party where everyone speaks Zumba. Canada Place’s North Point becomes a dance floor with the best backdrop in town.
👉 Book a Canada Place tour on Viator
👉 Sleep it off in a downtown accommodation via Booking
English Bay evenings: The place to be
Why go: Ocean breezes, people-watching, and post-swim dinners
What to do: Chill on the logs, take a dip, listen to the drummers, or catch the sunset after sushi. You’ll find performers, roller skaters, and just enough city buzz to remind you you’re not dreaming.
👉 Book an evening tour of Stanley Park and English Bay via Viator
👉 Get an all-purpose foldable towel to sit on
Penguin Trampoline tip:
Don’t miss the Inukshuk! Just steps from the beach, you’ll spot a striking stone figure — an inukshuk, built by Indigenous peoples as a guidepost, landmark, or symbol of friendship. The one at English Bay was originally created for Expo 86 and has since become a beloved Vancouver icon — standing tall, watching over the sea, and reminding us to keep wandering somewhere.
Here is a song we love to get in the mood:
Summer in Vancouver isn’t about checking things off. It’s about being there. Letting your feet find the seawall. Letting your fingers find the perfect peach at the market. Letting your heart find that just-right spot between city buzz and salty air.
If you’re already in town — lucky you. If not, come find out why summer in Vancouver feels like a secret too good not to share. Trust us: whatever pictures you might have seen, they do not do it justice.
Need gear? Check our packing guide or Amazon packing list.
Need travel insurance? We use Heymondo and get 5% to 15% off through our exclusive link.
Want More?
🇨🇦 5 Magical Trips from Vancouver
🌊 Vancouver Island Guide
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