Part of the deal we make to enjoy a beautiful West Coast rainforest is dealing with the wet stuff. And while the rain does keep everything lush and beautiful, sometimes it can put a damper on your favourite outdoor activities. But fear not, the drops! No matter what’s happening outside, there are plenty of ways to spend a fun-filled day inside on Vancouver’s North Shore.
North Shore galleries and museums consistently host captivating exhibitions that tell the tale of our region and its inhabitants. All the while promoting the discovery of significant artists from around the globe. The Polygon Gallery stands as BC’s hub for photography and cutting-edge visual arts, while North Van Arts is a great place to explore the latest works of both emerging and established artists across many mediums. Indigenous art takes center stage at the Inuit Gallery of Vancouver and its museum-quality collection of masterpieces from Inuit, Northwest Coast First Nations, and other Canadian artists. For history buffs, MONOVA houses artifacts and digital content that weave the rich tapestry of life on the North Shore.
If the rains bring the blues, lift your spirits with a little treasure hunting. Just steps from the SeaBus station, you can take a stroll through The Quay Market and Food Hall, to discover local artisans and craftspeople, from toy makers to fashion setters to tasty treats, all in a beautiful atrium setting. You can make a day of it at Canada’s oldest enclosed shopping centre, Park Royal in West Vancouver, where you’ll find all the big brand names you love, plus a trove of surprises at over 250 stores.
And if the rain brings a little chill to the air, meet up for quality time with a friend or just a good book at one of Vancouver’s North Shore’s many cafes and eateries. Tuck into buttery, flaky croissants made in house at Shipyards Coffee, or get cozy with a warm beverage from Nomad Coffee, the North Shore’s first “No Single Use Cup, Zero-Guilt Coffee Shop” – a tasty way to support the city’s 100-Year Sustainability Vision. Andrew’s on 8th is housed in a heritage building built over 100 years ago and has all the quaint charm that comes with such a legacy. When your appetite starts calling the shots, head to Cream Pony for some of the North Shore’s best small-batch donuts and lip-smacking fried chicken.
Image Courtesy of @soso_eat_so
Sometimes rainy days call for a beer and a warm place to hide out. Fortunately, there are plenty of North Shore breweries at which to do just that, including our newest Beva Brewing & Blending, where you’ll complement your BC craft beer with freshly made and very comforting sandwiches and La Cerveceria Astilleros, where you can snag some tacos and yummy eats to go with your craft beer. Or you can always go for something a little different, like the delicious handcrafted gin cocktails served up all week at Copperpenny Distilling Co., or the exciting experiments in old-world cider-making at Windfall Cider Co.
It’s well known that the North Shore is a glorious buzz of fun on a sunny summer day, but the good times don’t stop rolling when the clouds roll in.
Looking to make a weekend out of it? Check out our fabulous hotel package deals, where you can enjoy special deals at your favourite local attractions this season. For more information on these and other activities on Vancouver’s North Shore, browse our website.