For those days when Kits Beach feels too crowded and hiking feels like death, there are still plenty of cheap things to do in Vancouver that are still fun, without blowing your entire food budget for the week.
Whether you're car-free (the 99 is a ride or die), broke, or just vibing in your "nothing sounds fun" era — here are nine fun things to do in Vancouver for around $5 or less.
$5 late night entry to the Richmond Night Market
Price: $5 (after 10 p.m.)
When: Friday - Sunday, until September 2, 2025.
Address: 8351 River Rd., Richmond
Why You Need To Go: It's the most chaotic, neon-drenched, snack-stuffed night out you can have without crying in an Uber home. General admission is $7, but if you're looking to stretch a dollar, tickets drop to $5 after 10 p.m. The Richmond Night Market is basically one big pop-up, and it's genuinely fun. There's something for everyone — no matter your age or impulse control. Honestly? It's the savvy spender's PNE.
Hit up a famer's market and find a dog (or your next date)
When: Saturdays - Downtown on Thursdays, Trout Lake on Saturdays, Mt. Pleasant and Kitsilano on Sundays.
Address: Various locations across Vancouver (see full list here).
Why You Need To Go: Vancouver's farmers markets are disgustingly cute. They make you want to throw on white linen, carry a baguette in a basket, and pretend you remember the French we were all forced to learn in school for a decade. Summer in the city just makes you want to cosplay a Québécois provincial life.
Also — there's heirloom tomatoes, banjos, and enough dog-spotting to make your third date fall in love with you mid-tote bag squat. Berries are definitely marked up, so if you're not looking to drop $9 on a handful of strawberries, grab that Driscoll's from Save On Foods and bring your best poker face. Technically, you were still shopping local... right?
Watch a free outdoor movie at Stanley Park
Price: Free
When: Every Tuesday, from July 8 to August 26 (movies start at sunset).
Why You Need To Go: The Evo Summer Cinema Series turns Stanley Park into a giant open-air movie theatre every Tuesday night, complete with food trucks, fresh popcorn, and sponsor giveaways.
Bring a blanket, a date, or your dad — because most of the films in this year's killer lineup are pre-1989 (Top Gun, Princess Bride) AND YOU KNOW he can quote that sh*t by heart. Tom Cruise and Farrah Fawcett built Gen X Dads, and we thank them for their service. Honestly, call your Dad. Take him out of the cage for a night out on the town. Your mom will thank you for it.
Ride the Aquabus for a scenic $4 adventure
Price: $4.50 (one-way to Granville Island)
When: Daily, 7 a.m - 9:30 p.m.
Address: Multiple docks including Granville Island, Yaletown, Olympic Village and Hornby Street.
Why You Need To Go: It's a tiny rainbow boat that costs less to ride than your last butter croissant at Small Victory (worth it though, I love those things).
My perfect day? Walk the seawall from Olympic Village to the Hornby dock, hop on the Aquabus to Granville Island, wander the Public Market, then stroll to Kits Beach to catch the sunset OR get tipsy at LOCAL. Perfect summer's day.
Take a dip at Second Beach Pool
Price: $7.93 for a regular adult ticket, but there is a discounted rate for a household, and each additional member is only $3.97.
When: Daily, 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 p.m..
Address: Second Beach Pool, Stanley Park Dr., Vancouver, BC.
Why You Need To Go: If you don't have a pool in your backyard or a hose and an inflatable out front, Second Beach Pool is your next best bet. It's also less crowded than Kits Pool (will that reno ever end?).
Laugh at a $5 improv or comedy night
Price: $5 or free!
When:
- Mondays, 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. — Off Grid Comedy (Free)
- Mondays, 8 - 10 p.m. — Crumby Comedy ($6.68)
- Various nights - Comedy After Dark New Comic Showcase ($5)
- Various nights - House of Pandemonium Open Mic (Free)
Why You Need To Go: Vancouver's comedy scene is like you're last situationship you hid from your friends — weird, cheap, a little bit cringe but also? Surprisingly great.
Laughing is still the best medicine, and free stand-up is cheaper than therapy (and arguably more effective).
I've walked into shows in a full spiral thinking "let's just get this over with," and walked out like "wait...it's already over?" Don't underestimate it, and don't dismiss a show just because there's no big headliner.
'Cause you know what pizza, sex, your last situationship, and improv troupes all have in common? Even when it's bad, it's good.
Off Grid Comedy Open Mic Night Tickets , Comedy After Dark Tickets, Crumby Comedy: Nights In Mount Pleasant Tickets,
Walk Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge
Price: Free
When: Open daily, 7 a.m - 9 p.m.
Address: 3663 Park Rd., North Vancouver, BC.
Why You Need To Go: This is the cooler, scrappier, budget-conscious cousin of the Capilano Suspension Bridge. While it shouldn't be a local secret, it still kind of is. Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge has the misty rainforest vibes, a dramatic (but sturdy) suspension bridge, and a less-than-expected number of tourists. However! I won't lie... it's high up. So it's not for the faint of heart or the afraid-of-heights.
Pro Tip: There's a swimming hole nearby that's as close to Hawaii as Vancouver gets.
Grab a beer at the Waldorf Bottle Shop and hang at Woodland Park
Price: 4.50 for a tall boy.
When: Anytime (but golden hour hits different)
Address: 1489 E Hastings St., Vancouver, BC.
Why You Need To Go: This is peak East Van cheap-date or girl-dinner energy. Grab a tall boy with your short king from the Waldorf's vibey little bottle shop. The Bottle Shop is the kind of place you and your disposable camera aren't just welcome, but encouraged.
Take your photogenic PBR and get nostalgic at Woodland Park. Ideal for a date where you're actually starting to fall for them, or a spontaneous girl's day in your early 20's when everyone's between summer jobs and life is good.
Bonus points if you're in cowboy boots or something linen.
Spend your Sunday at Gastown Sunday Set
Price: Free
When: Every Sunday, from June 15 to August 31, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Address: Water Street
Why You Need To Go: Patio season is upon us — and it's never looked better.
Every Sunday from June to August 31, Water Street in Gastown transforms into a car-free zone, with live DJs, pop-up flower stalls, markets, games, and more. Each week offers a new lineup of music, art, and food with special rotating events like street discos and live painting competitions.
It's free, family-friendly, and packed with fun afternoon activities in Vancouver's coolest neighbourhood.
The views expressed in this Opinion article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media.
