Go Skating at Robson Square
If you're looking for a cheap date or fun activity to do with friends, consider going skating at Robson Square. It's the only free public outdoor skating rink in Vancouver, and opened in November 2009 in anticipation of the Vancouver Winter Olympics. A glass canopy covers the rink and protects skaters from snow (or rain, given the Vancouver climate), while ever-changing multicolored lights shine down on the ice. Skate rentals are only $3, or you can bring your own for a completely free outing.
Robson Square is located downtown and is within easy walking distance from the Granville Skytrain. The rink is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays; it will be open until the end of February, cold weather permitting.
Visit Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden
Located in the heart of Chinatown, the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden is a peaceful oasis amid the hustle and bustle of urban Vancouver. The park has two elements: a free park with paths, pavilions, benches and a stunning koi pond, as well as garden with a small admission fee. Visitors with small children will appreciate this park, as will nature and animal lovers. Keep your eye out for turtles and the occasional bird, as well as the many multicolored koi swimming through the water.
The Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden is located at 578 Carrall Street and right next door to the Chinese Cultural Center. Tickets to the admission-only garden are $10 for adults, with reduced prices for students, seniors and families. The Stadium-Chinatown Skytrain and several bus stops are within walking distance.
Explore the Vancouver Art Gallery
For those who enjoy art and culture, don't miss the Vancouver Art Gallery. The fifth-largest art museum in Canada offers a fun way to spend an evening indoors away from the sleet and rain. Explore the permanent collection, including an extensive collection of work by well-known Canadian artist Emily Carr, or spend a few hours wandering through the traveling exhibitions.
Although regular admission can be pricey, Tuesday evenings from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. are by donation and are a great way to go on a fun but inexpensive outing. The gallery has a cafe and gift shop for those who wish to take home a souvenir or two. The Vancouver Art Gallery is located at 750 Hornby St and is within walking distance of the Granville and Burrard Skytrains.
M. Mitchell - M. Mitchell is a a literate twenty-something with a Bachelors of Arts in the social sciences. She currently resides in beautiful British ...
