Happy Summer!
It honestly has been quite some time that I have written about anything (busy life problems, am I right?).
I have been going through so many personal adventures and I have had so many things to share. I decided to come back and write about some of things that I have been up to this summer. Summer is so glorious in Vancouver, I cannot complain. Although, I work Monday to Friday, the weekends are spent exploring the city. The best part of Vancouver is that there is an endless supply of adventures. If you are into low-key sitting by the water, we have tons of bodies of water whether you live in the city or more outside of the lower mainland, there are various options. If you’re into the more intense exploration, we have anything and everything to cater to your adventure needs.
Personally, some weekends I need major adventures and other times I am very low-key and just require a tree to sit under to read my books. I wanted to share 5 things that I think are the best things to do in Vancouver (that are free or a low cost). Of course, this is entirely my opinion and there are many other blog posts out there of even more exciting things to do in Vancouver.
- Vancouver Symphony Orchestra @ Sunset or Deer Lake Park
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlPO8IiHDHF/?taken-by=marthaeelenaa
This was my first year attending the free concert and I will forever make it a summer tradition. The orchestra shares with us a display of wonderful music, talent and beauty. The concert lasts about 2 hours. My friends and I made it into a thing. We brough a picnic basket, dressed up and basked in the sun while we lived our disney princess dreams. Although, I ended up with heat exhaustion (at the beach performance), it was worth it. I would highly recommend that you take transit or do what we did and get there early, since finding parking basically sucks.
2. Surrey Fusion Festival
https://www.instagram.com/p/BW4OvVDgxLD/?taken-by=marthaeelenaa
Another fantastic event is the Surrey Fusion Festival. Although, my video is from last years’ event (I’m heading there tonight for the final day), I had to share. The Surrey Fusion Festival is a culmination of different countries coming together to share their music, their food and culture with the City of Surrey. The Fusion Fesitival has played a large part growing up in the Surrey/Delta area. My dad has performed at this event a couple of times and it makes me proud that we live in a place where we can share this with others. Plus, I really like food. I am quite adventurous when it comes to food, so this is the perfect place to try new things. This year Walk off the Earth is performing and I am super excited.
3. Celebration of Lights
Although I have not gone to the Honda Celebration of Lights since I was a kid, I hear it is a great experience. I hope to go this year. Every year, different countries show us a display of colorful lights (I only see pictures through instagram). This year the line up is Sweden, South Korea and South Africa. This event draws a major crowd. It is highly recommended that you make a day of it, find a place and stay until the end. The event is divided into three separate nights and at the end, a winner is chosen.
I really hope that I finally get to go on one of the nights. Its hard when you live outside of the city.
4. Lakes & Beaches
Not including the cost of gas and food to take on adventures. This is the least costly thing to do in Vancouver. Again, depending on where you are in Vancouver, there are tons of bodies of water to plant yourself to and enjoy. My three top places to go are Sunset Beach, Crescent Beach (which is about 45 minutes from Vancouver) and Buntzen Lake (about an hour from downtown Vancouver). Our parks and beachs draw a lot of attention in the summer. Being by the water makes me so happy. I enjoy sitting outside, reading my book and listening to the water splash. I don’t know how to swim (so being in the water terrifies me). And before you laugh at my not knowing to swim, I legit have this thing where if I cannot touch the ground, I freak. However being near the water is so soothing for me. I love it. When I was younger being at the lake was my childhood. Unfortunately, adulting sometimes gets in the way of being by the water.
5. Playland (FAIR AT THE PNE)
Okay, so this is the most expensive on this list. But when the PNE Fair at Playland starts, it is fantastic. Playland is already great on its own with all the rides and carnival foods, but the Fair makes summer wonderful. More attractions, more random foods, more fun. They also have amazing performances (Summer Nights Concerts Series) on given nights and that’s what really lures me in. This year Cyndi Lauper, Boyz II Men, Salt N Pepa (for 90’s night) will be performing and I think that is absolutely exciting.
These are so many other things to do in Vancouver. I could honestly go on. There is always something happening in the summer and I think that’s why I love summer. I think I want to share more about my adventures in Vancouver and outside of Vancouver. Let me know if that is something you are down to read.
❤
being maarthaa 