Top 5 Rainy Day Adventures in Vancouver

In the winter of 1953, it rained in Vancouver for 28 consecutive days.  Not exactly 40 days and 40 nights – but pretty close.

This February has been a typically wet one in the city.  But never fear, spring is right around the corner (fingers crossed).  In the meantime, here are five, time-honoured ways to beat the rain in the city.

Got more rainy day ideas? Please comment below.

Bloedel Conservatory: It’s always a balmy, summer day inside this enormous bio-dome perched atop Queen Elizabeth Park.  Step inside and take off your raincoat for an instant vacation, with hundreds of tropical trees and plants, free-flying birds and more.  The price is right, too ($5 for adults).

Vancouver Aquarium: It never rains underwater.  This is Canada’s largest aquarium complex, with 70,000 fish, whales, dolphins, jellyfish and other sea creatures.  Catch an aquatic show featuring the very talented Pacific white-sided dolphins, watch a 4D movie complete with smell-o-vision and try to spot the sloth in the rainforest exhibit.

Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch: This one’s a bit nerdy, but the Vancouver Public Library at West Georgia and Homer Streets is absolutely worth a visit.  First of all, it’s a stunning work of architecture: a modern day coliseum of glass and brick.  Plus, there are hundreds of thousands of books inside and plenty of chairs to curl up in and read away the afternoon.

Granville Island Public Market: Rain or shine, foodies flock to this giant indoor market, filled to the brim with dozens of vendors selling fresh fruit and vegetables, baked goods and desserts, gourmet teas and coffees, organic fish and meat, delicious prepared food and more.  Edible Canada and the Pacific Culinary Institute both offer tours to help you navigate the maze of stalls.

Gastown: I think Gastown is one of the few places in Vancouver that actually gets prettier in the rain.  Between the cobblestone streets, Victorian buildings and temperamental old steam clock, it feels like you’re stepping onto an old black-and-white movie set.   Hunker down in the Irish Heather for a round or two, nibble on small plate delights at the Diamond and learn to love the drizzle.

Any more rainy day ideas?

Article source: http://www.insidevancouver.ca/2012/02/17/top-5-rainy-day-adventures-in-vancouver/