Visiting Vancouver in November? 29 Best Things to Do

November is not the month most people pick for a trip to Vancouver. This is the month when rain settles in, sun sets before 5 pm and fog hides most of the views. But, after years of living here, I’ll be honest, Vancouver in November has its own perks.

November marks the end of fall in Vancouver, turning the page from fall foliage to mossy rainforest walks, cozy pubs and the start of the holiday season. It’s also the month the Vancouver Christmas Market opens, ski season starts in Whistler and bald eagles gather in Squamish.

If rain is a deal breaker for you, the best time to visit Vancouver is June through September. But if you’re willing to give November a chance, this guide will show you why it’s worth it. I cover the best things to do in Vancouver in November and I include local tips to help you make the most of your trip, rain or shine.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep this site running and I only ever link to things I’d genuinely recommend.

Things to Know Before Visiting Vancouver in November

The first thing to know about visiting Vancouver in November is that it’s the start of the rainy season. Different to Vancouver in October, November is colder and wetter with fog rolling over Burrard Inlet in the morning. But, November is shoulder season, which means fewer crowds and cheaper prices.

One of the best things to do in Vancouver in November is going to museums or doing a day Spa. If you’re visiting in November, plan the outdoor activities in the morning and save evenings for live music shows and indoor plans.

What a Typical Vancouver November Day Looks Like

To me November is the quiet month, perfect for recharging and spending more time indoors. A typical November day in Vancouver usually starts quiet, watching the rain with a coffee in hand.

On a morning walk, you meet mostly locals and their pets. By midday, the clouds often thin out and if you’re lucky you might get some sun rays hitting the North Shore mountains. Afternoons are made for museums, shops on Robson Street or cafes in Mount Pleasant.

While November in Vancouver is not a sunny beach getaway, it still has its upsides for those knowing where to look.

What to Pack for Vancouver in November

When it comes to what to pack for Vancouver in November, the general rule is to dress in layers and wear waterproof gear, especially a rain jacket and waterproof boots.

I rarely carry an umbrella when it rains in Vancouver because of the wind, but it’s still good to have one in case of heavy rain. Make sure you also pack a warm beanie, scarf and gloves, if you tend to get cold fast. I would also recommend carrying a small daypack with a rain cover.

For the nights out, don’t forget to pack a nice outfit, whether you’re going out to a concert or a theatre.

Does it Snow in Vancouver in November?

In Vancouver itself, snow in November is very rare and usually doesn’t stick. It’s more likely in late November or December, but it’s more common on the North Shore Mountains or on the drive to Whistler along the Sea to Sky Highway.

Vancouver weather in November mostly means rain. But on a clear morning, you still get to see the first dust of snow over Grouse, Seymour and Cypress mountain.

If you want real snow, you’ll need to head up the mountain. Before you hit the road, check DriveBC for road conditions and make sure your vehicle has winter or M+S tires on.

29 Things to Do in Vancouver in November

Vancouver Christmas Market 2026

The Vancouver Christmas Market runs between November 16 and December 24 at Canada Place. You need to get a ticket to enter the area and I’d recommend going on weeknights or early evenings as weekends tend to be busier. Alternatively, you can visit the Shipyards Christmas Market or check here which over Christmas Markets can be found in Metro Vancouver Area.

If you’re up for a drive, one of the best towns to visit around Christmas is Leavenworth, about 4-5 hours drive from Vancouver.

Holiday Light Displays in Vancouver

With Christmas around the corner, Vancouver starts to be lit up in festive decorations starting in November. Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge runs from November 20 to January 10. Another option is visiting Lumiere or VanDusen Festival of Lights. For a more central alternative, visit Bright Nights in Stanley Park.

Since these are outdoors activities, make sure you dress warmly and visit at dark for the best light display.

Go on a Rainy Hike near Vancouver

Many believe that once rain starts, hiking stops. I’m a strong believer of the opposite. In fact, I love hiking in the rain which is great since Vancouver weather in November is mostly that.

There are several rainy hikes near Vancouver but my favorites are in Lynn Canyon Park in North Vancouver, where you get to walk on a free suspension bridge and through misty forest trails. Then the Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver is another great one, with several coastal views and easy paths to choose from.

If you’re looking for rainy day things to do in Vancouver, I recommend combining an easy hike with a visit to a seaside town by hiking to Quarry Rock in Deep Cove. On a rainy day, there are fewer people and the moss in the forest and the streams really come to life.

Day Trip to Whistler in November

Whistler is known for skiing but it’s also a great day trip for non-skiers. End of November marks the start of the ski season at Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb. If you’re visiting at the beginning of the month, the village will still be quiet. Read my guide on how to visit Whistler if you don’t ski.

The drive to Whistler from Vancouver takes about 2 hours, but in winter traffic tends to add a few extra hours to the drive. Check the road conditions before you go.

Grouse Peak of Christmas Event

Grouse Peak of Christmas opens around the end of November on top of Grouse Mountain. You’ll need a mountain admission ticket, which will cover most of the activities on the top. Some of the highlights are the Reindeer Talks, Santa’s Workshop or Breakfast with Santa.

Indoor or Outdoor Ice Skating in Vancouver

In Vancouver, you can decide between indoor or outdoor skating. If you want to ice skate outdoors, there are three main places you can choose from. The first one is the Robson Square rink. The area is covered by a clear dome, so you’re protected if it rains. It’s free to skate but rentals cost C$5.

Then there is an outdoor rink at The Shipyards Skate Plaza in North Vancouver. You can easily get there by SeaBus from the Waterfront station in Vancouver. I recommend going during the week when there are fewer crowds. This is also free to skate but rentals come at an extra charge.

If you prefer a more scenic alternative, the mountaintop skating pond at Grouse Mountain has the bonus of city views at night. You’ll need to pay for a mountain admission and it’s tailored more for kids. The area is quite small for ice skating for adults.

Pub Quiz Nights

The are several pubs in Vancouver that host pub quiz on a weekly basis. One of the better known one is the Lamplighter in Gastown that hosts trivia nights every Tuesday at 7 pm. They even have prizes for the top 3 teams.

Some additional pubs that organize pub quiz are East Van Brewing, Moose’s Down Under and East Side Craft House. If you’re planning to attend, arrive early to claim a table and make sure you have a reservation if the venue requires one.

Puppy Yoga in Vancouver

Puppy Yoga in Vancouver is one of my favorite rainy day things to do in Vancouver. Now imagine stretching (or trying to) while puppies wander the room. The classes are usually 1 hours long and cost around C$45. Expect more cuddle time than workout.

I loved learning that puppy yoga is a socializing opportunity for puppies before they go to their forever homes. So the studio takes great care of them and it’s a happy experience for everyone.

Cirque du Soleil

Luzia is a Cirque du Soleil show inspired by Mexico, with acrobatics and music built around light and rain. It’s the first Cirque touring production to use real water in its acrobatics. Check the official Cirque du Soleil site for face-value tickets. It’s a good activity for the rainy Vancouver weather in November.

Museums on a Rainy Day

Museums are some of the best rainy day things to do in Vancouver and there are several worth exploring. One of the most interesting is the Museum of Anthropology at UBC, where you’ll learn about the First Nations art and culture. Alternatively, there is also Vancouver Art Gallery, Museum of Vancouver, Maritime Museum and Science World.

Many museums offer free or discounted admission on certain evenings, so check out their website before you go.

Stanley Park Seawall

The seawall is a paved walkway that circles Stanley Park. You can decide whether to walk it, which takes around 3-4 hours for the entire loop or cycle it in about 1 hour.

In November and for the winter months a section of the seawall closes seasonally for maintenance. But there are still several detours that take you through the core area of Stanley Park. Make sure you stop at Prospect Point Lookout for some great views of Lion’s Gate bridge, West Vancouver and the Inlet.

Pottery Classes in Vancouver

I feel like pottery in Vancouver is just something you should try at least once. There are several class formats you can choose from. If you’re only interested in trying something new, try the intro to wheel throwing or hand building classes. I did a hand building class with Vancouver Ceramics Studio and had an overall positive experience.

Just remember that after the class, your piece will need to be fired and glazed. So pickup might take a few weeks. But if you’re only spending a weekend in Vancouver, ask about shipping.

Candlelight Concerts

I attended a candlelight concert in a local venue in East Vancouver and found it an extremely interesting activity. These are live classic and pop-tribute shows that are surrounded by lit candles. There are several concerts throughout the year at multiple locations in Vancouver. You can find all the upcoming November shows at the following link.

Theatre at Queen Elizabeth Theatre

The Queen Elizabeth Theatre is the best place to watch an opera or ballet show in Vancouver. November is the season start for Ballet BC, so it’s the best time to give it a visit. If you prefer to explore something different, browse the upcoming events to find another event.

Britannia Mine Museum near Squamish

Britannia Museum is a former copper mine at Britannia Beach. It’s one of the best Sea to Sky Highway stops on the Vancouver to Whistler drive.

You can take a tour of the mine site and the underground train to experience the mine in its fullness. With the Vancouver weather in November often rainy, this is a great indoor activity that adults and kids both enjoy. After the mine tour, you can stop at Autostrada restaurant across the street for lunch or at Beaucoup Bakery for a coffee.

Day Trip to Squamish

Whenever I don’t know what to do, I go spend one day in Squamish. It’s just one hour drive from Vancouver and there are so many activities you can do in a short amount of time. In November the main highlight is eagle watching at Brackendale Eagles Park. But you can also combine it with a stop at Shannon Falls or a ride up the Sea to Sky Gondola. I included all my tips on what to do on the drive to Squamish in my Sea to Sky Highway guide.

The great news is that Squamish is also a great day trip from Vancouver without a car. You can take the Squamish Connectors from downtown Vancouver and enjoy the coastal views along the way.

Take a Spa Day

When it rains, a Spa day is one of the best decisions to take. The most famous Spa near Vancouver is Scandinave Spa in Whistler but there are several local ones in Vancouver as well. Most are equipped with hot pools, sauna, steam rooms, cold plunges and relaxation areas.

It’s best to reserve in advance, especially if you’re visiting on a weekend.

Mount Pleasant Brewery District

The Mount Pleasant and Main Street areas have one of the highest concentrations of craft breweries in Vancouver. I previously organized a self-made pub crawl with friends and just picked 3 breweries to check out. You can often order flights to sample different beers. Some breweries also have food, such as Luppolo that also makes great pizzas.

Granville Island Public Market

Granville Island is the typical rainy day activity in Vancouver. If visiting on a weekend, expect it to be crowded. Since the public market is mostly indoors, many locals tend to spend a few hours selecting the best fresh produce, baked good or sampling local food.

I haven’t visited Granville Island Public Market once without stopping at Lee’s Doughnuts. I also really like the Fish and Chips from Tony’s Fish & Oyster Cafe.

Comedy Night: Stand-up and Improv Shows

Over the years I checked several comedy shows in Vancouver. So far my favorite is at the Improv Centre on Granville Island. Many of their shows run between 90 minutes and 2 hours. They also have the option to purchase a drink and snack.

You can combine this activity by spending one day on Granville Island. In the morning or afternoon you can explore the Granville Island Public Market and local shops. You can finish then the day with a comedy show.

Visit Steveston in Richmond

Steveston is my favorite place for fish and chips near Vancouver. It’s a historic fishing village in Richmond and it’s about 45 min from downtown. Here you can walk around Garry Point Park or explore the old wharf and village.

If you’re up for something new, check out the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site to learn the story of the salmon canning industry.

Visit Deep Cove

The first time I visited Deep Cove, I fell in love with this small seaside village in North Vancouver. It’s best known for kayaking in summer in the Indian Arm, but it’s also popular for the Quarry Rock hike. If instead you prefer to relax in the town, head to one of the shops and enjoy a hot drink or the famous doughnut from Honey Doughnuts & Goodies.

Parking is limited but if you’re willing to park just outside the village, there is road side parking available.

Bowen Island Day Trip from Vancouver

Bowen Island is just a 20 min sail from Vancouver. Once you arrive at Snug Cove, you get to stop for a cafe or local restaurant before heading out on a walk in Crippen Regional Park. You don’t need to bring a car to Bowen Island, unless you want to reach the opposite side of the island.

In summer, you can also go kayaking at Bowen Island but November is best for exploring the internal bay.

Weekend in Victoria

Victoria is located on Vancouver Island and can be reached by ferry from Tsawwassen terminal. I’d recommend spending two days in Victoria to fully enjoy the city. Some of the stops I’d strongly recommend are China Town and Fan Tan Alley, the Inner Harbour area and Butchart Gardens.

You can also save the trip for later in the year and visit Victoria in spring. When the cherry blossoms are in bloom, the local streets are stunning.

Rec Room on Granville Street

The Rec Room Granville is the ideal activity on a rainy day in Vancouver. Inside you can find over 75 games, axe throwing, mini golf, pool table and much more. There is also a restaurant and bar, which really add brownie point to spend a full day indoors.

It’s also centrally located on Granville Street, which allows you to reach it easily on foot from a SkyTrain station.

Vancouver Canucks Hockey Game at Rogers Arena

I’ve watched several Canucks games live at Rogers Arena and the atmosphere is just unmatched. That holds true even when the team you’re cheering for is not the winning one… at least for me.

Depending on how far ahead in the season the Canucks made it, the ticket prices will vary. I recommend buying them ahead of time or checking for last-minute resale tickets.

Rogers Arena is located next to the Chinatown SkyTrain. So you don’t really need a car to get there.

Independent Cinemas in Vancouver

Two of the most unique cinemas in Vancouver are Rio Theatre and the Cinematheque. While the first one shows mostly cult screenings, the former one offers more international films. They’re good alternatives to the multiplex. Check the current schedule and showtimes. I’d also recommend booking in advance for popular screenings.

Karaoke Night

In Vancouver you can typically rent a karaoke room by the hour or pay per person. It’s very fun if you’re going with a small group of friends and singing skills are often options. You just need to bring good spirits.

If you’re interested in reserving a room for Friday or Saturday nights, book ahead. If you want a particular language, you can also check song libraries in advance.

Richmond Food Crawl

Richmond has some of the best Chinese food in North America. Most of the popular restaurants are located close to Aberdeen Centre or near Alexandra Road. If you go with a group of friends, you can share more plates.

I’ve been working in Richmond for several years and any occasion I got I tried out a new place. My favorite so far is Pho 37.

Best Day Trips from Vancouver in November

It might be an unpopular opinion, but I think the Vancouver weather in November makes it the perfect time for a road trip. You may drive in the rain, but some places along the coast are at their best in this weather.

November is the main month for eagle viewing in Squamish. More than 1,000 eagles migrate to the Squamish River from late November through February for the nesting season. You can combine a visit to the eagle viewpoint with a day trip to Squamish.

Another great day trip from Vancouver is to Whistler Village. In fact, you don’t need to necessarily ski in Whistler. There are several activities for non-skiers as well.

I would also consider a day trip to Steveston for some of the best fish and chips in Vancouver. But if you prefer antique shops and cafes, you can’t go wrong with Fort Langley.

Vancouver Island is one of my favorite places to visit in November. For a perfect day trip, take the ferry to Victoria and maybe spend a few extra days to explore the city.

Do I Need a Car to Visit Vancouver in November

You don’t need a car to get around Vancouver in November. Unless you’re planning a road trip from Vancouver, the public transit system in Vancouver is well connected and the downtown area is very walkable.

A car makes sense if you’re planning to visit the main Sea to Sky Highway stops, hike to Joffre Lakes or do a longer road trip. But before you rent a car, read my post of the best day trips from Vancouver without a car. This will give you an idea on whether it’s worth renting a car in Vancouver.

If you rent a car in November, ask the rental company about winter tires and check DriveBC before you go.

Can You Go Skiing near Vancouver in November?

The best place to ski near Vancouver in November is Whistler Blackcomb. They usually open for the winter season in the last week of November, if conditions are favorable.

The closest mountains where you can ski near Vancouver are Cypress, Grouse and Mount Seymour mountain. All three do not open until mid December, but dates shift with the weather. November is the better month for snowshoeing or winter hiking. But if you’re set on a ski trip from Vancouver, I’d recommend visiting in December or between January and March.

Can I Still See Fall Colors in Vancouver in November?

If you want to see fall colors in Vancouver in November, you should plan your visit for early in the month. By November many of the leaves have dropped and if you’re looking to do a fall hike near Vancouver, most of the trails will be likely already covered in snow.

This being said, I find that the first week of November can still have some great fall colors. The best places for fall colors in Vancouver are Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park and streets around the town. Along the seawall in Vancouver, Sylvia Hotel usually is still covered in colorful hues of red.

Pros and Cons of Visiting Vancouver in November

Is November a Good Time to Visit Vancouver

November is the wettest and quietest month of the year, which is exactly why some people decide to visit Vancouver. This is not the month for big summer hikes, but it’s the ideal month for cozy cabin stays and indoor activities.

I would recommend visiting Vancouver in November if you don’t mind rain and want to get into the holiday spirit before it gets busier in December. But if your priorities are mountain views and longer hikes, you’ll be happier if visiting Vancouver in July, August or September.

🍂❄️ If you’re visiting Vancouver in fall or winter, here are a few more ideas to help you plan your trip:

• Most scenic fall hikes near Vancouver
• Visiting Vancouver in September
• Best things to do in Vancouver in October
• 3 days in Vancouver without a car
• One day in Squamish
• Whistler in winter for non-skiers
• Joffre Lakes winter hike
• 8 snowy winter hikes near Vancouver
• Elfin Lakes winter hike near Squamish
• Best day hikes on Cypress Mountain
• Best stops on the Vancouver to Whistler drive