February 08, 2010 | Tips from Us >
Vancouver, Sightseeing Tours
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Yes, it rains here. Not as much as some people would have you believe (we’re not the number one rainiest city in North America), but enough to formulate a game plan for embracing the elements. Hiding inside when it rains is a waste of a perfectly good day in Vancouver.
First thing, be prepared. The Umbrella Shop will have you literally covered. This local company has been making umbrellas in Vancouver since 1935! I finally shelled out for a decent umbrella here, because they’re well made and there’s an incredible selection of colours and patterns. Forget basic black! (Although they have that, too.)
For your feet, head to Gumdrops, which I’m sure does its best business in puddle season. They have lots of practical yet cute soggy weather footwear.
Once you’re geared up, you can tackle pretty much any activity. But, if you’re unprepared (or just like staying very dry), here are some of my favorite Vancouver specific rainy day activities:
Vancouver Aquarium: Some like the belugas, but I like “sea” creatures – sea otters, sea stars, and especially the room of sea jellies (like my leggy buddy in the photo above).
Museum of Vancouver: Awesome exhibits lately! Bikes, taxidermy, crafts – what’s next?
Yoga: I love being in a cozy studio when it’s raining.
Stanley Park: The canopy of giant trees does a surprisingly good job of keeping the trails dry(ish). There are less people in the forest when it rains; watch for woodpeckers, owls and Douglas squirrels.
Public Market on Granville Island: Mangosteens, espresso, butternut squash ravioli, birch syrup... the list goes on. Yum.
The Umbrella Shop: Granville Island, 526 Pender St, and 1106 W Broadway; Gumdrops: 2029 West 4th Ave