Visiting Vancouver in July

Summer in Vancouver is when locals are finally out of their homes and participate in different outdoor activities. July is one of the best times to visit Vancouver as it is filled with sunshine, outstanding weather that is warm but very pleasant, lush green forests, mountains, rivers, and so much more. The walking trails are actually really busy during summertime. You will find lots of tourists as well as locals on the street. 

If you are planning a trip to Vancouver, you will find some nice restaurants and lively music, art, and theater scenes there. The real challenge you will face is deciding which places to fill in your schedule. Worry not! I'll help you out with this guide. Let's go! 

Is July a Good Time to Visit Vancouver?

Vancouver can be visited all year long, but July is the peak season there and the busiest. People love to go out and enjoy themselves. Also, there are many outdoor activities that you can do as the city's location is close to the ocean. Some of these activities are hiking, kayaking, whale watching, and more. 

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For food lovers, Vancouver is a great place with diverse culinary choices including fresh sushi bars and some amazing cafes. Because Vancouver offers many indoor and outdoor attractions, don't miss out on the opportunity to see this place in July. 

Reasons to Visit Vancouver in July 

One of the main reasons to visit Vancouver in July is because people from the surrounding cities swarm over there to enjoy outdoor activities and various unique events. Some of the main July events that take place in Vancouver are:

Canada Day

The birthday of Canada on the 1st of July should be at the top of your list because of its grand celebrations. And how exactly do you get there? The day celebrations are held in downtown Vancouver at Canada Place, which is just across the Vancouver Cruise Terminal. Canada's birthday is celebrated by arranging free concerts and diverse cultural performances. Also, there are activities for the kids and lots of food trucks.

Vancouver Folk Music Festival 

This event is held at Jericho Beach Park, which features more than 100 performers and is a blend of folk, country, and roots music. It usually takes three days for this event to come to an end. There are also food stalls and activities for kids to enjoy. If you love music, then be sure to check out this place!

Festival and Parade for Vancouver Pride

The west end of Vancouver, especially Davie Street, is an open-minded and gay-friendly community. It is also famous for its rainbow colors, especially in late July when the festival is held and lasts till August. It's a gay festival for Canada's LGBTQ community, and there is also a special pride parade. Visitors from around the world celebrate this festival. 

Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival

In the heart of Vancouver, you can enjoy Shakespeare in modern theatre tents. The festival is displayed against a spectacular scenery of mountains, sea, and sky. At this festival, you will find some excellent actors, their amazing dance performances and beautifully choreographed scenes. 

Things to do in Vancouver in July 

There are a lot of things to do in Vancouver, but some of the things you can tick off from your bucket list during July are:

Stanley Park

Stanley Park in July is the best time to visit. With the rains gone and the sun shining bright, it is a great place to be. For picnics, nothing could be better than Stanley Park. You can watch boats go by Prospect Point. Another great thing to do here is to play golf at Stanley Park pitch and putt. 

There are guided tours with Stanley Park as a highlight, be sure to book them as the tour package also includes other top attractions of the city from Suspension Bridge to Grouse Mountain! 

Whale Watching

If you want to see whales, the peak season for them is July. Around this time, you will get to see some of the very rarely seen whales, such as killer whales, humpback whales, and grey whales. Oh, and I almost forgot about the Orcas. The beautiful coastal rainforest scenery is another gorgeous thing to observe during this time.

Kayaking in False Creek

In July, go kayaking in False Creek. The creek is like a protected area that separates downtown Vancouver from the rest of the city to the south. You can also begin your kayak lessons here. As a beginner, it's a great place for you because there isn't much motorboat traffic that makes you nervous. 

Grouse Mountain

Want to have the greatest Birds Eye view of Vancouver? Then, you can either hike the Grouse Grind to get to the top or take the Grouse Mountain Skyride, whichever you prefer. 

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This is an amazing mountain getaway a few minutes from downtown Vancouver. Some other fun things to do here are zip-lining and paragliding. Enjoy your breakfast in peace or maybe with a grizzly bear. 

Capilano Suspension Bridge

Capilano River in North Vancouver is something that you must take notice of. For the most beautiful view of this river, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of the top tour attractions. Try not to miss this place because you will regret not seeing it.

Sea to Sky Gondola

Now, this does not reside in Vancouver but is located outside at a distance of around one hour. It gives the most magnificent view of British Columbia. As you reach the top, you will get many options, such as hiking and biking. The most amazing thing is that there is an outside BBQ plaza in July.

Vancouver beaches

July is the best time to visit Vancouver beaches and enjoy some swimming. After spending quality time at the beach, head to English Bay Beach for a bite and a good drink. If you want a view of the skyline and mountains, you must visit Jericho Beach. Another unique beach in Vancouver is Wreck Beach, also known as a nude beach.

Granville Island 

Now this place is quite famous, why? Because it is home to various shopping destinations, artisan galleries, and some of the best restaurants. You can bring a souvenir and all different kinds of unique gifts from here.

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Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour

Vancouver has one of the quite famous hop-on-hop-off buses, and July is the best time to get in. Also, their guides are quite knowledgeable and helpful. You'll get to all the top attractions in less than 2 hours, including Yaletown, Robson Street, Gaston's Chinatown, Granville Island, and more. 

Vancouver July Weather

During the month of July, the weather in Vancouver is around 70°F. So it's not that warm, but people still love visiting the Kitsilano beach in English Bay. And if you love beaches, keep your swimwear ready!

What should we pack for a trip to Vancouver in July?

During the day, it is usually hot, so keep some light clothing with you. You'll be waking and visiting places all day, so you should wear clothes made of cotton; they are also easier to layer. But also make sure to keep a jacket with you as evenings in Vancouver can be chilly even in July. The most important thing is to have some comfortable shoes. And if you are heading to Kitsilano Beach, don't forget your swimsuit. Lastly, bring an umbrella with you because sometimes there can be a little rain. 

To Wrap it all Up:

In conclusion, Vancouver is a place that can be visited all year round, but to get the most out of this place, it is best to visit it in July. You will get to see some rare sightings of killer and humpback whales. Also, some of the grandest festivals, such as Canada Day, Vancouver Pride Festival, and Vancouver Folk Music Festival, are held during this time of the month. Moreover, you can cool off at the beaches in your swimwear, as this is the hottest month in Vancouver. I hope you enjoy all the events in Vancouver in July and have a blast!