Solo in Vancouver and looking for some things to do? We’ve got you covered.
Summer is in full swing, and people are out and about in Vancouver in couples and friend groups doing fun stuff. That can make some of us more solitary folks feel left out.
This city is full of almost too much to do, and if you pride yourself on being independent — or are just sick of your pals — the good news is that there’s lots to do by yourself. Of course, you could stay in, catch up on your favourite TV shows, or play some video games, but venturing out alone can be a liberating and rewarding experience.
Travelling alone benefits your health and helps you become more self-reliant and independent.
Here are some things to do in Vancouver that are perfect for a day out all by yourself.
A great way to spend some solo time is at one of Vancouver’s finest arcades.
Glitch is located on West Broadway and features classic and modern games, including consoles like Nintendo 64.
They also have fun gaming-themed food options, like the Koopa Crunch Fries. Who knows, you might even make a friend who wants to challenge you to a game of Mario Kart 64.
Address: 2287 W Broadway, Vancouver
Phone: 604-288-4400
It might seem like an obvious choice, but the Vancouver Art Gallery is a great place to spend enriching time alone.
Thanks to the new free admission nights, you can also spend time at the art gallery without spending any money.
Where: 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver
BC is one of the world’s premier destinations for nature exploration.
The great part is that you don’t need to venture out very far to find things to do that allow you to immerse yourself in the beautiful nature this province offers, as so much of it can be done right here in Vancouver.
There’s Stanley Park, the seawall, and the rest of Vancouver’s beautiful parks. Cool nature-focused spots like Vandusen Botanical Garden and Bloedel Conservatory are also super accessible.
The solo possibilities are endless.
One way to forget about solitude is to realize how small we are, and the HR Macmillan Space Centre can help you do this.
In the grand scheme of things, we’re all relatively solo on this planet we call Earth. The space centre has some jaw-dropping and awe-inspiring exhibits that’ll take your mind off of being solo.
Where: 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver
When you’re feeling alone and overwhelmed, you sometimes want to break stuff.
Thankfully, there’s a place to do it. Exit Canada’s Richmond location offers an anger room that is exactly what it sounds like.
You get in a room and break s**t. What’s not to love?
Where: 9111 Beckwith Road
Maybe you don’t lack friends to do things with, but you’re just tired of humans in general.
A great place to spend some solo time without being completely solo is by visiting the Catfe. Yes, Catfe, not café.
An hour-long visit will cost just under $17, and you will spend time with 20-25 adoptable cats. You can do it while sipping on a catuccino.
(They don’t actually call their cappuccino’s catuccinos).
It is not recommended for people with cat allergies.
Where: International Village Mall
We previously mentioned the seawall on this list, but it deserved its spot.
If you’re alone, there’s almost no better way to spend your time than to rent a bike and get on the seawall.
Just Google “bike rentals Vancouver,” and there is no shortage of spots to grab two wheels from near the seawall.
North Vancouver’s Lonsdale Quay is a beautiful place to spend time, and it’s incredibly easy to get there.
All you have to do is get to Waterfront SkyTrain Station and hop on a SeaBus, which is an adventure in itself.
No friends are required.
Granville Island is one of Vancouver’s gems, and it’s the perfect place to spend a solo day. There’s so much to see, eat, and do!
Watch an improv show, grab a beer, and take a class. You can do all of that in one day on Granville Island if you want to.
We recommend not driving there, though.
Do you have some suggestions on how to spend a solo day in Vancouver? Let us know in the comments.
This piece was originally published in 2021. It has since been updated.