We’re using the term ‘weird’ liberally here, because some of these activities are off the beaten path but not exactly super weird. On the other hand, there are a couple of things that would mess with your more conservative friends for sure. Pick the activity you feel comfortable with, and go explore some of Vancouver’s not-so-common activities.
Here are 9 weird things to do in Vancouver.
Note: This article was published prior to new public health restrictions in place in British Columbia. As always, make sure to follow both provincial and any local health guidelines when planning activities.
Check out Vancouver’s first morgue
Betcha didn’t know that the Police Museum has Vancouver’s first morgue in the basement, did you? Learn about the history of deviancy in Vancouver, from the opium trade to serial killers. Then, go chill out in the morgue for a few minutes.
Figure out a hedge maze
Kind of a one-and-done attraction, but the hedge maze at the Van Dusen Gardens is worth the headache. Apparently one of only four in Canada, it’s a great venue to roleplay as Theseus and the Minotaur. If that’s what you’re into.
Check out the world’s skinniest building
The Sam Kee building, now home to Jack Chow Insurance, claims the title as the skinniest freestanding commercial building in the world. The result of a dispute between a wealthy Chinatown firm and the city, the building used to have public baths in the basement. We say bring them back.
Listen to a big gun
The 9 O’ Clock Gun in Stanley Park is the ultimate example of Canadian BGE (big gun energy). It used to be for ships so they could set their chronometers, but now it’s just for goofs. Fun fact- it was stolen by UBC Engineering students, who have gotten up to all sorts of wacky things. Like hanging a car off a bridge.
Related Posts:
Here are 10 restaurants to get the best pho in Vancouver
10 of the best places to go for happy hour in Vancouver
Haggle at a Flea Market
Not Eastside Flea though. If you want a real experience, then go to the Vancouver Flea Market. You can buy art, furniture, knives, tools… If you want it, someone there will get it for you. Bonus points if you go for one of their special days and fight a grandma over a vintage toy.
Do some scuba diving
This is more around Vancouver than in it, but can still be done in a daytrip. Turns out, the coastal seas around Vancouver offer some of the best scuba diving around. But don’t just take our word for it- BC is in the top 5 diving destinations in North America.
Go on a weird tour
Forbidden Vancouver is a one-stop-shop for learning about Vancouver’s weirder side. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of a strip club, or get a different look at the history of Stanley Park. Some tours are more worthwhile than others, so choose wisely.
Watch a burlesque show
The Rio Theatre is your best chance of seeing a really good (and sometimes crazy) burlesque show. While it doesn’t have the same flair as buying a bunch of $1s at No. 5, it does have a wider appeal. Bonus points if you turn it into a crazy first date.
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Vibe out in nature
Of course, Wreck Beach has to be on this list. The only fully nude beach in Vancouver, this is a great spot to let your proverbial hair down. While you don’t have to be nude to go, it’s bad form if you’re not at least in your most revealing swimwear. Bonus points for finding a surprisingly hairless old guy (there’s a lot) and doing yoga with him.
And that’s our list of the (legal) weird stuff to get up to in Vancouver. While there’s a lot more fun to be had in this city, we don’t necessarily feel the need to expose all of it. If you know, you know.
Here are 9 weird things to do in Vancouver.
Note: This article was published prior to new public health restrictions in place in British Columbia. As always, make sure to follow both provincial and any local health guidelines when planning activities.
Check out Vancouver’s first morgue
Betcha didn’t know that the Police Museum has Vancouver’s first morgue in the basement, did you? Learn about the history of deviancy in Vancouver, from the opium trade to serial killers. Then, go chill out in the morgue for a few minutes.
Figure out a hedge maze
Kind of a one-and-done attraction, but the hedge maze at the Van Dusen Gardens is worth the headache. Apparently one of only four in Canada, it’s a great venue to roleplay as Theseus and the Minotaur. If that’s what you’re into.
Check out the world’s skinniest building
The Sam Kee building, now home to Jack Chow Insurance, claims the title as the skinniest freestanding commercial building in the world. The result of a dispute between a wealthy Chinatown firm and the city, the building used to have public baths in the basement. We say bring them back.
Listen to a big gun
The 9 O’ Clock Gun in Stanley Park is the ultimate example of Canadian BGE (big gun energy). It used to be for ships so they could set their chronometers, but now it’s just for goofs. Fun fact- it was stolen by UBC Engineering students, who have gotten up to all sorts of wacky things. Like hanging a car off a bridge.
Related Posts:
Here are 10 restaurants to get the best pho in Vancouver
10 of the best places to go for happy hour in Vancouver
Haggle at a Flea Market
Not Eastside Flea though. If you want a real experience, then go to the Vancouver Flea Market. You can buy art, furniture, knives, tools… If you want it, someone there will get it for you. Bonus points if you go for one of their special days and fight a grandma over a vintage toy.
Do some scuba diving
This is more around Vancouver than in it, but can still be done in a daytrip. Turns out, the coastal seas around Vancouver offer some of the best scuba diving around. But don’t just take our word for it- BC is in the top 5 diving destinations in North America.
Go on a weird tour
Forbidden Vancouver is a one-stop-shop for learning about Vancouver’s weirder side. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of a strip club, or get a different look at the history of Stanley Park. Some tours are more worthwhile than others, so choose wisely.
Watch a burlesque show
The Rio Theatre is your best chance of seeing a really good (and sometimes crazy) burlesque show. While it doesn’t have the same flair as buying a bunch of $1s at No. 5, it does have a wider appeal. Bonus points if you turn it into a crazy first date.
ADVERTISING
Vibe out in nature
Of course, Wreck Beach has to be on this list. The only fully nude beach in Vancouver, this is a great spot to let your proverbial hair down. While you don’t have to be nude to go, it’s bad form if you’re not at least in your most revealing swimwear. Bonus points for finding a surprisingly hairless old guy (there’s a lot) and doing yoga with him.
And that’s our list of the (legal) weird stuff to get up to in Vancouver. While there’s a lot more fun to be had in this city, we don’t necessarily feel the need to expose all of it. If you know, you know.
