Millions of tourists flock here every year. We’re ranked one of the best cities in the world, yet as locals, we often see Vancouver as a “no fun city”. I guess It’s easy to take things for granted, especially when it comes to the city you live in. What was once new and exciting can easily become, well… boring.
Photo: Youth Are Awesome.
Whether it was your favourite café, views of the mountains or the city’s landmarks, things have a way of just fading into the background of daily life. Wouldn’t it be nice to see the city like it’s our first time? Maybe it’s time to rediscover everything Vancouver has to offer. There are a ton of new experiences tucked away in even the most familiar corners of town. Check out our guide to rediscovering local favourites and fall in love all over again, you might be in for a treat.
Get Weird at the Museum of Vancouver
Photo: Rebecca Blissett / Museum of Vancouver.
Highly recommended by travel sites, tourists and locals, the MOV is great place to spend an afternoon or evening in Vancouver. With collections like All Together Now: Vancouver Collectors and Their Worlds happening now, as well as monthly lectures and happy hour events, the MOV can expose you to the best of the strange, fascinating and unexpected. We recommend their upcoming Public Pinball tournament, which invites you to square off against pinball enthusiasts on 8 vintage pinball machines. They’ve also sweetened the deal with drinks and prizes.
Rediscover the VAG
Photo: CBC.
The Vancouver Art Gallery has very much evolved from what you may have experienced on an elementary school field trip. This month they’re hosting Rendezvous Avec Picasso, a Picasso-themed evening with games, activities, tours, and cocktails. Starting in October, you can watch the gallery's Art Educators experiment with a range of dynamic mechanical drawing machines and robots at The Big Draw Festival 2016. Make sure not to miss the Art Book Fair from October 15-16 as well as regular artist talks throughout the year. And of course, the VAG is home to FUSE nights, Vancouver’s ultimate art party featuring live performances, DJs, a bar and lounge and a ton of surprises. For a full list of events, visit their website HERE.
Experience Night-time at Science World
Photo: Science World.
Admit it, you loved Science World as a kid and deep down you still love it. All the contraptions and crazy sounds felt so exciting as a kid, and probably still do. If you want to relive the good times with an adult twist, check out Science World After Dark. Mix, mingle and explore like a kid—without the kids. Events usually take place every two months. If you want to add a little more education to your mixing and mingling, make sure to check out Science World’s collaboration with KPU, the World Speaker series. Upcoming talks include Water Rights and Scarcity: A 21st Century Challenge, What can artists and filmmakers teach us about scientific visualization, The City Slicker's Diet for a Warming Planet and Sea and Sky: A Sensory Music Experience.
Unwind In Whistler
Photo: Scandinave Spa Whistler.
Whistler is home to pretty much every extreme sport you could imagine. If your adult self has become more hesitant to the prospect of injury and/or bodily harm, consider driving up the sea-to-sky to relax at the Scandinave Spa. Their steam rooms, saunas, hot tubs, cold pools, and extra comfy lounging areas offer you all the benefits of hydrotherapy amongst the beautiful greenery of a BC forest. We could all use a little more rest and relaxation, so trade in the cuts and scrapes of your youth for a bathrobe and clear mind.
Be a Giant in Langley
Photo: Vancouver Giants.
They might still be called the Vancouver Giants, but your favourite Western Hockey League team just made the move over to the Langley Events Centre. Their 2016-2017 season kicks-off this month and with single game tickets starting at only $23.00, it’s a great way for you, your friends, and your family to get your fill of concession stand food, organ music and, oh yeah… Hockey! BCAA Members can now save 30% on regular season single game tickets for all WHL teams, so why not head to Langley and make some new memories in the stands?
To receive discounted rates on any of the activities mentioned in this article, sign up for a BCAA Membership today. With your BCAA Membership, you’ll save up to 30% at hotspots around the city including Museum of Vancouver, Science World and the Vancouver Art Gallery, as well as numerous other BCAA saving partners including the Vancouver Zoo and Blenz Coffee. BCAA Members can save over $1,000 per year on BCAA Insurance, BCAA Auto Service Centres, Evo Car Share and at over 100,000 partner locations worldwide. Plus, we’ve got you covered with the Best Roadside Assistance in Canada, the US and 120 countries worldwide.
Have fun exploring Vancouver, we hope you discover or rediscover something great along the way. Not a BCAA Member? Join today and get a FREE $20 gift card to spend on hotels, restaurants, or gas.
