Indoor Summer Experiences Around Vancouver

Eat, dance and swim your way out of your winter funk

Missing the warmth of the sun and the sand between your toes? Or maybe just feeling a little nostalgic about your tropical vacation from last year? Have no fear, we have some activities for you that’ll bring you right back to summer until it stops raining outside.

The Shameful Tiki Room

Feeling nostalgic for Trader Vic’s? Step out of the rain and into a Polynesian paradise, where you’ll find exotic cocktails adorned with twee umbrellas, dark, moody lighting and retro music that will have you tappin’ your toes faster than you can say “mai tai.” The warm atmosphere and live entertainment will quickly put you in a vacation destination state of mind, so leave your worries, scarves, coats and mittens at the door.

4362 Main Street, Vancouver

shamefultikiroom.com

The Bloedel Conservatory

Tired of the never-ending grey outside your window? Head to Queen Elizabeth Park and enter a tropical rainforest bursting with vibrant plant life and colourful birds that you’d normally only see on a cereal box. With three different zones – tropical, subtropical and desert – you’ll get to experience everything from dry to humid heat. Throw in a healing garden that, according to the conservatory’s website, aims to excite all five of your senses and provides “positive effects on your emotional, mental, physical, spiritual, and social well being,” and you’ve got a tropical adventure that will stimulate both your body and mind. 

33rd Avenue between Cambie and Main St.

vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/bloedel-conservatory

Watermania

Oh. Hell. Yes. Nothing says summer more than a waterpark, and Richmond’s Watermania has it all: a wave pool, waterslides, springboards, whirlpools, a steam room and sauna, and even a five-metre tower that separates the meek from the brave. Grab your goggles and swimsuit (we advise leaving the Speedo at home), and get ready to for a wet and wild adventure. The best part? No chance of getting a sunburn.

14300 Entertainment Blvd.

richmond.ca/parksrec/pools/watermania

Salsa

Put on your dancing shoes and hit up Vancouver’s thriving salsa scene with a little help from VancouverSalsa.net. Established in 2005 by Jennifer and Stephen Dancey, Vancouver Salsa hosts regularly scheduled classes, events and workshops. Give in to the beat of the conga drum and get ready to work up a sweat busting out shimmies, shakes and spins.

Various locations

www.salsavancouver.net

6-pack Beach Volleyball

Bump, set, and spike thoughts of winter out of your mind at 6-pack. There’s just something about the feel of sand between your toes that stirs up memories of July and August, so even if it’s cold and wet outside, you’ll be feeling the competitive fire coursing through your veins as you try and own the sand court.

#115-13180 Mitchell Rd., Richmond

6packbeach.com