There are plenty of things to get frustrated about living in Vancouver (or living in general, really) — finding a home, another neighbourhood gem closed, dangerous traffic, climate change.
A primal yell would not solve all your problems, but it’s a good place to start. Like exercising and having a piece of dark chocolate, studies believe screaming releases endorphins and, in turn, alleviates anger and frustration (at least temporarily).
So with that in mind, here are the best places in Vancouver to let out your emotion without needing to feel embarrassed.
Top of Grouse Grind
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What’s better than having one endorphin stimulant? Duh, two stimulants — exercising and yelling. Also, it’s safe to say you’ve earned yourself a good roar from the top of the mountain after a sweaty climb, and people around would be too exhausted to raise an eyebrow.
Address: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver, BC
Zip-line tour
West Coast WILD
Whether you’re high above a mountain or travelling through a forest, there’s nowhere else in the world that you will find such beautiful views to fly by at insane speeds. And you can let out a huge scream while you’re at it.
Address: Various locations around BC
A waterfall hike
Susan Summers.
The perk of screaming into the void beside a waterfall? The meditative sounds of the flowing water will wash out your holler.
However, don’t get too carried away. Best to yell out your anguish away from the slope and when people are watching so they don’t mistake your shriek as a cry for help.
Iona Jetty
If you want to scream into the abyss but with some level of privacy, Iona Beach Regional Park next to YVR airport is your safe haven. Walk along the 4 km long narrow pier into the middle of the ocean. This spot is perfectly secluded, with just the occasional airplane sound to drown out your scream.
Address: Ferguson Road, Richmond, BC
Pickleball courts
Sometimes, the most obvious place is the safest. Why conceal your shout in fear of embarrassment? Unleash your inner howler when the howl is part of the routine. Just make sure the pickleball court is sanctioned so there won’t be any noise complaints.
Address: Pandora Park — 2325 Franklin Street, Vancouver, BC
Anger room
Action in the Anger Room (Exit Canada/YouTube)
Not everyone can play pickleball, but everyone could smash some glasses. And let’s be honest, who hasn’t secretly dreamt about letting it all out with a baseball bat without consequences? A furious scream and a glass breakage? We’re in.
Address: Exit Canada — 9111 Beckwith Road, Richmond, BC
Sound booth at Vancouver Public Library
Obviously.
Sound-proof, dark, a complete block from disturbance of the outside world – sound booths at Vancouver Public Library are great places to record a podcast or shoot a video. And maybe even let out a yell for your project as well.
Address: 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC
Belt out an angry song
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If you can’t scream it out, then sing it out! We recommend choosing your favourite angry or angsty 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.
Address: Various locations
Sports game
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Speaking of yelling as a collective, try supporting your local team vocally. Or even better, divert your anger into booing the opposing team at a sports event. There are several teams to cheer on, like the Vancouver Whitecaps, BC Lions, and the Vancouver Canucks.
Address: Rogers Arena, BC Place, and other venues
Go-kart racing track
Shutterstock
If you want to get competitive yourself while releasing pent-up stress, you could not go wrong with kart racing. Plus, it is probably one of the few instances you could yell at a bad driver without causing a scene.
Address: Various locations around Vancouver
Do you have a cherished place to yell out your rage? Let us know in the comments.