Are you ready to welcome the sunshine and exciting summer plans? You aren’t alone! With higher than average rain and colder temperatures this Spring, Lower Mainlanders are looking forward to enjoying all the city’s activities. 

Vancouver isn’t the only place you’ll find summer events in the next few months. You’ll have your choice of neighbourhoods and cities to explore across the Lower Mainland this summer. You’ll find plenty of places to stroll, relax, or enjoy some ice cream in Burnaby, New Westminster, Surrey, and Langley. 

Whether you enjoy relaxing in the sunshine or grabbing a bicycle and exploring BC’s famous forests, we’ve got something for you on our list. So, let’s jump in!

Enjoy the Sound of Music Festivals

The 2022 Vancouver International Jazz Festival is just around the corner. Ranging from Jazz Clubs to open concerts on Granville Island, this festival is a mix of free and ticketed shows. Beginning June 24th, the festival runs until July 3rd across a variety of venues across the city. Visit coastaljazz.ca for more information. 

If you can’t make it to Vancouver, Fort Langley begins its jazz festival in July from Thursday, July 21st to Sunday, the 24th. Fort Langley is the perfect place to listen to tunes while you stroll down charming Glover Road. Visit the antique mall and eclectic shops, and take your pick of delicious treats at one of its many coffee shops and bakeries. 

Come August, you can visit the 21st Annual Roots + Blues Festival in Burnaby on Saturday, August 6th, at Deer Lake Park. This outdoor concert series runs all day, so grab your friends and enjoy the music.

Take Advantage of Patio Season

There’s no better time to enjoy friends and cocktails on the patio with the sunshine. The Yaletown neighbourhood of Vancouver boasts the restaurants with the most outdoor patios in the city, so you can’t go wrong checking out Mainland Street. 

If you head in the other direction towards the ocean, you’ll find Marine Drive lined with outdoor patios and ice cream shops on White Rock beach. And you’ll be a stone’s throw away from the Peace Arch border crossing if you want to hop over to go shopping (or even get gas). Moby Dick’s on West Beach serves up classic fish and chips at the restaurant or to go so you can picnic on the beach. Or grab happy hour at The Boathouse restaurant on their rooftop patio that boasts gorgeous ocean views. 

Visit a Summer Market 

There’s no better time to visit a farmer’s market than summertime when the fruit is fresh, and all the vendors are out to show off their unique goods. The Richmond Night Market is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights until September. You’ll have plenty to see at the largest night market in North America! You’ll enjoy incredible Asian food from all over, including dumplings, pork buns, squid, and a variety of barbecue. 

In Vancouver, you can visit the Granville Island market year-round for artisan foods, produce, and shops. Farmer’s Markets run across the city in False Creek, Mount Pleasant, the UBC Farmer’s Market, and more. 

Go Wine or Beer Tasting

It’s hard to choose just one spot in the Lower Mainland to get your tasting on. If you haven’t been, try to visit the breweries by Port Moody’s Rocky Point Park. You’ll enjoy the scenic inlet, grab dinner or ice cream at Rocky Point Ice Cream, and stroll to each brewery. Check out Moody Ales & Co., The Parkside Brewery, and Yellow Dog Brewing to see which brew is your favourite. 

For wine lovers, the Fraser Valley has you covered with over a dozen wineries within just a few kilometres. Canadian Craft Tours even offers a tour of Langley wineries equipped with transportation from winery to winery. Don’t forget to check out the Fraser Valley Cider Company, too. Pick traditional cider made from heritage cider apples, or try their elderflower or blackcurrant and cardamom flavours to try something new. 

Whatever you choose, we hope you enjoy all the fun, nature, and beauty the Lower Mainland offers. As Pacific Northwesterners, we know how to take advantage of good weather when it comes around each year.