The frigid cold in Vancouver’s weather forecast may bring the winter blahs to many people, but we’re here to help you lift your spirits.
After all, while crying can be cathartic, there are few things better than when we’re in a good mood. To paraphrase the immortal words of Buddy the Elf, we just like to smile. Smiling is our favourite.
So don’t worry if the upcoming Blue Monday has got you down because we’ve put together a list of the best places to find happiness in Vancouver.
Cat and bunny cafes
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A surefire way to lift your spirits is to cuddle up with a furry friend. That’s why we’re grateful that Metro Vancouver is home to some wonderful cafes that let us snuggle with adorable animals while sipping a delicious drink.
Adorable places you should check out include Catoro on East Broadway, Catfe in the International Village Mall, and Bunny Cafe in East Van. You can also make plans for RAPS Cat Sanctuary when it reopens for the season in the spring.
A-maze-ing Laughter sculpture
EB Adventure Photography/Shutterstock
The laughing statues located by English Bay at Morton Park are part of the Vancouver Biennale 2009-2011 edition and have brought joy to the many visitors they attract daily.
Sculpted to make people laugh, “A-maze-ing Laughter” by artist Yue Minjundoes features 14 jolly giants. There’s ample room for photos with friends, so bring some pals for a pose-off!
Hilarious comedy shows
Just For Laughs Vancouver/Instagram
Vancouver is a world-class comedy city, with international touring acts and local comics rocking the mic every week. From stand-up to improv, sketch to open mics, there is something for every funny bone to enjoy.
Comedy fans can look forward to a star-studded Just For Laughs Vancouver returning in February, with Jerry Seinfeld, Margaret Cho, Kumail Nanjani, and more. There’s also The Improv Centre, Comedy After Dark, Little Mountain Gallery, Yuk Yuk’s Surrey, and more to help put you in a good mood!
Karaoke bars
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If you can’t scream or cry it out, then sing it out! We recommend choosing your favourite happy song and heading to one of the many karaoke bars or nights in Vancouver.
And whether you’re into performing in a small room or on a large stage, there’s a place for everyone. Check out Fantacity, Prive, Switch, or one of the dozens of bars and pubs hosting karaoke nights throughout the week.
Hiking and walking trails
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Getting fresh air is a fantastic natural remedy for stress. Studies have shown that spending time in nature is linked to happiness, higher self-esteem, and a reduction in depression and anxiety. We’ve even put together a list of 15 easy winter hikes and eight intense winter hikes in and around Metro Vancouver, so lace on your boots and hit the trails!
And if walking is more your speed, we’ve got you covered too. Here is our list of the best parks for winter walks this season
Movie theatres
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Whether you’re a rom-com fanatic or an action movie aficionado, a trip to the movie theatre is sure to put you in a good mood. Escape from the blahs, at least for a few hours, by getting a bag of popcorn and enjoying your favourite flick.
Some of the great local theatres you can visit include the VIFF Centre, Rio Theatre, The Cinematheque, Cineplex and Landmark Cinemas. Just remember to turn off your ringer!
Beautiful gardens
Nitobe Memorial Garden/botanicalgarden.ubc.ca
Sometimes the hustle and bustle of life can really stress us out. That’s when you need to find a green space to zen out for a while. We recommend a blissful visit to one of the region’s beautiful gardens to recharge your battery.
There are plenty of beautiful gardens to choose from, including the Nitobe Memorial Garden at UBC, VanDusen Botanical Garden, and Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.
Arcades
Greta Bar
No matter the weather outside, arcades are guaranteed to deliver you a good time!
The entertainment icon has evolved in many ways to keep gamers coming in, with flashing lights, MIDI explosions, and so many quarters.
Metro Vancouver is home to several popular arcade bars where you can enjoy drinks and meals along with your games. There are also classic spots with plenty of retro cabinets and modern touches to ensure a fun experience for all ages.
Where is your favourite place to find happiness in Vancouver? How do you relieve stress when times are tough? Let us know in the comments below.
With files from Daily Hive staff