Don't Let the Rain Put a Damper on Your Plans
Spring means flowers in bloom, spring break for many and a prelude to summer. But let’s face it, spring in Vancouver also means bucketloads of rain. (Is it any wonder they call us Raincouver?) Even if you’re not a fan of drizzly days, don’t let the rain put a damper on your plans. There are a number of interesting ways to spend a rainy day in Vancouver. Here are a couple around the Lower Mainland to get you started.
Hit the (Indoor) Beach
If your thoughts turn to the beach on gloomy days, Richmond’s 6pack Indoor Beach Centre is the place for you. This indoor beach facility boasts 5 full-sized volleyball courts, soft sand and of course, no rain. Gather a group of friends for a friendly game of beach volleyball or drop-in by yourself anytime during the week. They offer special drop-in discounts on Wednesdays and Thursday is Ladies Night where women can drop in for free.
Have a Cuppa
A steaming cup of tea is the perfect way to beat the rainy day blues. For an added dose of whimsy, head to the Neverland Tea Salon on West Broadway, where they offer over 60 types of teas. This cosy place with its quaint chandeliers, mismatched easy chairs and china tea cups also serves up a delicious high tea for adults and children alike. Have dietary restrictions? Not a problem, they’ll have a tasty assortment of gluten or dairy-omitted treats just for you.
Escape from a Locked Room
Spice up any dull, wet day with an unforgettable ‘escape game’ experience. The premise is simple even if the execution is not – you and your group are locked in a themed room of your choice. (Some popular themes include a prison cell or a laboratory). You have 45 minutes to find hidden clues, piece together codes and solve riddles to escape. Richmond’s EXIT Canada and Xscape Vancouver are two popular facilities where you can enjoy this exhilarating 5-D gaming experience.
Enjoy a Pizza and Game Night
For a lazy rainy day outing, head to Ludica’s Pizzeria & Game Room in Vancouver. While you wait for your freshly-made pizza or pasta, pass the time by playing a board game. With over 600 board games to choose from, you’ll be sure to find one that your entire group will enjoy! They also have fun specials running all week long. On Mondays, all pasta dishes are just $12. On Thursdays, enjoy $4 draught beer. On Fridays, winning a game at your table will earn you a free dessert.
Go for a Climb
If you like to keep active, spend the next rainy day at the Coastal Climbing Centre in Surrey and do some indoor rock climbing. This facility has over 100 full length routes to climb designed for both experienced climbers and beginners. First time climbers can opt for the drop-in climbing, two hours sessions which are suitable for ages 6 and above.
Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery
The Vancouver Art Gallery is an idyllic spot to spend a rainy day with your friends, family or even just on your own. There are a number of interesting exhibitions to examine at the Gallery, but the one that you must catch this spring is Cezanne and the Modern. Featuring works from the renowned post-impressionist French painter, Paul Cezanne, this is the first time in over 50 years that this specific collection has travelled.