There are free events and activities in Vancouver in February 2025 including things to do on Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Day, Family Day and other times.
For a list of some of the best things to do in February 2025, including activities that aren’t free, check out Vancouver’s February Events Calendar. For a list of the best FREE (or almost free) special events this month though, see below. Another relevant article to check out is Vancouver on a Budget.
The Family Day Long Weekend is on February 14th to 17th in 2025.
Saturday, February 1st (2025)
- PuSh Festival – today, in addition to ticketed events that cost money, the performing arts festival features Slow Social: Around Sound (and Music and Drag).
- Fraser Valley Home & Garden Expo – a consumer tradeshow with free admission in Abbotsford at the TRADEX Centre.
- Lunar New Year Festivities – events celebrating the Year of the Snake happen at various venues around town including the following:
- International Village – there are art displays, craft demonstrations and market vendors at the mall in Chinatown.
- Lunarfest – today features an artists market at the Ocean Art Works Pavilion on Granville Island.
- The Lantern City – there are lantern art installations to admire outside the Vancouver Art Gallery and on Granville Island as well as at the Bentall Centre, Robson Plaza and the Pendulum Gallery.
- Lunar New Year Celebrations – free entertainment takes place at Lansdowne Mall in Richmond.
- Lunar New Year Celebrations – there are live Chinese cultural performances at Aberdeen Mall in Richmond.
- Granville Island – Vancouver’s world-famous shopping district and public market are open (and the False Creek Seawall is nice to walk around this time of year).
- Lights at Lafarge – on-going Christmas illuminations and decorations at night in Coquitlam at Lafarge Lake.
- Skating at the Shipyards – free skating on the massive rink at the Shipyards in North Vancouver (weather temperatures permitting).
- Robson Square Ice Skating – free ice skating on the covered rink all day behind the Vancouver Art Gallery (cold-enough temperatures permitting).
- Riley Park Farmers Market – from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm at Nat Bailey Stadium.
- Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market at 703 Terminal Avenue. Admission ranges from $2 to $4 depending on the day’s event. So it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.
- If good weather, check out Metro Vancouver’s best Parks and Places in Nature.
- If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.
Free & Affordable Museums
Sunday, February 2nd (2025)
- Fraser Valley Home & Garden Expo – a consumer tradeshow with free admission in Abbotsford at the TRADEX Centre.
- Skating at the Shipyards – free skating on the massive rink at the Shipyards in North Vancouver (weather temperatures permitting).
- Robson Square Ice Skating – free ice skating on the covered rink all day behind the Vancouver Art Gallery (cold-enough temperatures permitting).
- Granville Island – Vancouver’s world-famous shopping district and public market are open (and the False Creek Seawall is nice to walk around this time of year).
- Lights at Lafarge – on-going Christmas illuminations and decorations at night in Coquitlam at Lafarge Lake.
- Lunar New Year Festivities – events celebrating the Year of the Snake happen at various venues around town including the following:
- Chinatown Spring Festival Parade – a major parade in Vancouver’s Chinatown neighbourhood.
- International Village – there are art displays, craft demonstrations and market vendors at the mall in Chinatown.
- Lunarfest – today features an artists market at the Ocean Art Works Pavilion on Granville Island.
- The Lantern City – there are lantern art installations to admire outside the Vancouver Art Gallery and on Granville Island as well as at the Bentall Centre, Robson Plaza and the Pendulum Gallery.
- Lunar New Year Celebrations – there are live Chinese cultural performances at Aberdeen Mall in Richmond.
Markets
- Port Moody Winter Farmers Market – at the Port Moody Recreation Centre.
- Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market at 703 Terminal Avenue in Vancouver. Admission ranges from $2 to $4 depending on the day’s event. So it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.
- Cloverdale Flea Market – at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds. Admission is $2, but free for kids ages 12 and under.
Free & Affordable Museums
Monday, February 3rd (2025)
- The Lantern City – there are lantern art installations to admire outside the Vancouver Art Gallery and on Granville Island as well as at the Bentall Centre, Robson Plaza and the Pendulum Gallery.
- Granville Island – Vancouver’s world-famous shopping district and public market are open (and the False Creek Seawall is nice to walk around this time of year).
- C.P.R. Engine 374 – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
- Lights at Lafarge – on-going Christmas illuminations and decorations at night in Coquitlam at Lafarge Lake.
- Chinese New Year Flower & Gift Fair – there are special flower displays at Aberdeen Mall in Richmond.
- Skating at the Shipyards – free skating on the massive rink at the Shipyards in North Vancouver (weather temperatures permitting).
- Robson Square Ice Skating – free ice skating on the covered rink all day behind the Vancouver Art Gallery (cold-enough temperatures permitting).
- Fort Langley – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
- If good weather, check out Metro Vancouver’s best Parks and Places in Nature.
- If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.
Tuesday, February 4th (2025)
- The Lantern City – there are lantern art installations to admire outside the Vancouver Art Gallery and on Granville Island as well as at the Bentall Centre, Robson Plaza and the Pendulum Gallery.
- Lights at Lafarge – on-going Christmas illuminations and decorations at night in Coquitlam at Lafarge Lake.
- Granville Island – Vancouver’s world-famous shopping district and public market are open (and the False Creek Seawall is nice to walk around this time of year).
- Chinese New Year Flower & Gift Fair – there are special flower displays at Aberdeen Mall in Richmond.
- Skating at the Shipyards – free skating on the massive rink at the Shipyards in North Vancouver (weather temperatures permitting).
- Robson Square Ice Skating – free ice skating on the covered rink all day behind the Vancouver Art Gallery (cold-enough temperatures permitting).
- Cheap Movie Night – at various movie theatres throughout Metro Vancouver (so although not free, it is less expensive than usual).
Free & Affordable Museums
- Engine 374 Pavilion – a free train museum at the Roundhouse Community Centre in Yaletown.
- Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks in front of the Vancouver Maritime Museum for free. Also, if you want to go inside the museum, use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER when purchasing your tickets online. Do that and you’ll save 25%.
- Polygon Gallery – an art museum that focuses on photography in North Vancouver’s Shipyards District. Admission is by donation.
- Museum of Surrey – a free museum in Cloverdale.
- Fort Langley – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
- Harrison Sasquatch Museum – a free attraction with exhibits about local folklore and culture.
The Family Day Long Weekend is on February 14th to 17th in 2025.
Wednesday, February 5th (2025)
- The Lantern City – there are lantern art installations to admire outside the Vancouver Art Gallery and on Granville Island as well as at the Bentall Centre, Robson Plaza and the Pendulum Gallery.
- Granville Island – Vancouver’s world-famous shopping district and public market are open (and the False Creek Seawall is nice to walk around this time of year).
- Lights at Lafarge – on-going Christmas illuminations and decorations at night in Coquitlam at Lafarge Lake.
- Chinese New Year Flower & Gift Fair – there are special flower displays at Aberdeen Mall in Richmond.
- Skating at the Shipyards – free skating on the massive rink at the Shipyards in North Vancouver (weather temperatures permitting).
- Robson Square Ice Skating – free ice skating on the covered rink all day behind the Vancouver Art Gallery (cold-enough temperatures permitting).
- If good weather, check out Metro Vancouver’s best Parks and Places in Nature.
- If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.
Free & Affordable Museums
- Engine 374 Pavilion – a free train museum at the Roundhouse Community Centre in Yaletown.
- Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks in front of the Vancouver Maritime Museum for free. Also, if you want to go inside the museum, use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER when purchasing your tickets online. Do that and you’ll save 25%.
- Polygon Gallery – an art museum that focuses on photography in North Vancouver’s Shipyards District. Admission is by donation.
- Museum of Surrey – a free museum in Cloverdale.
- Fort Langley – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
- Harrison Sasquatch Museum – a free attraction with exhibits about local folklore and culture.
Thursday, February 6th (2025)
- The Lantern City – there are lantern art installations to admire outside the Vancouver Art Gallery and on Granville Island as well as at the Bentall Centre, Robson Plaza and the Pendulum Gallery.
- Granville Island – Vancouver’s world-famous shopping district and public market are open (and the False Creek Seawall is nice to walk around this time of year).
- Lights at Lafarge – on-going Christmas illuminations and decorations at night in Coquitlam at Lafarge Lake.
- Chinese New Year Flower & Gift Fair – there are special flower displays at Aberdeen Mall in Richmond.
- Skating at the Shipyards – free skating on the massive rink at the Shipyards in North Vancouver (weather temperatures permitting).
- Robson Square Ice Skating – free ice skating on the covered rink all day behind the Vancouver Art Gallery (cold-enough temperatures permitting).
- If good weather, check out Metro Vancouver’s best Parks and Places in Nature.
- If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.
Free & Affordable Museums
- Engine 374 Pavilion – a free train museum at the Roundhouse Community Centre in Yaletown.
- Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks in front of the Vancouver Maritime Museum for free. Also, if you want to go inside the museum, use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER when purchasing your tickets online. Do that and you’ll save 25%.
- Polygon Gallery – an art museum that focuses on photography in North Vancouver’s Shipyards District. Admission is by donation.
- Museum of Surrey – a free museum in Cloverdale.
- Maple Ridge Museum – a museum in Maple Ridge with admission by donation.
- Fort Langley – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
- Harrison Sasquatch Museum – a free attraction with exhibits about local folklore and culture.
Friday, February 7th (2025)
- The Lantern City – there are lantern art installations to admire outside the Vancouver Art Gallery and on Granville Island as well as at the Bentall Centre, Robson Plaza and the Pendulum Gallery.
- LunarFest – today there is an art workshop at Granville Island.
- Bill Reid Gallery – free admission to the First Nations art gallery between 2:00 and 5:00 pm (as it is the first Friday of the month).
- Vancouver Art Gallery – admission from 4:00 to 8:00 pm is free (as it’s the first Friday of the month).
- Granville Island – Vancouver’s world-famous shopping district and public market are open (and the False Creek Seawall is nice to walk around this time of year).
- Lights at Lafarge – on-going Christmas illuminations and decorations at night in Coquitlam at Lafarge Lake.
- Skating at the Shipyards – free ice skating on the massive rink at the Shipyards in North Vancouver (weather temperatures permitting).
- Robson Square Ice Skating – free ice skating on the covered rink all day behind the Vancouver Art Gallery (cold-enough temperatures permitting).
- If good weather, check out Metro Vancouver’s best Parks and Places in Nature.
- If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.
Free & Affordable Museums
Saturday, February 8th (2025)
- LunarFest – today there is an artist market as well as workshops at Granville Island.
- Lights at Lafarge – on-going Christmas illuminations and decorations at night in Coquitlam at Lafarge Lake.
- Skating at the Shipyards – free ice skating on the massive rink at the Shipyards in North Vancouver (weather temperatures permitting).
- Robson Square Ice Skating – free ice skating on the covered rink all day behind the Vancouver Art Gallery (cold-enough temperatures permitting).
- The Lantern City – there are lantern art installations to admire outside the Vancouver Art Gallery and on Granville Island as well as at the Bentall Centre, Robson Plaza and the Pendulum Gallery.
- Lunar New Year at the Museum of Surrey – free activities at the Museum of Surrey including live performances, dance lessons, storytelling and more.
Saturday Markets
- LunarFest Art Market – there are market vendors at the Ocean Artworks Pavilion at Granville Island from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm.
- Riley Park Farmers Market – from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm at Nat Bailey Stadium.
- Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market at 703 Terminal Avenue in Vancouver between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. Admission ranges from $2 to $4 depending on the day’s event. So it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.
Free & Affordable Museums
- Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
- Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks in front of the Vancouver Maritime Museum for free. Also, if you want to go inside the museum, use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER when purchasing your tickets online. Do that and you’ll save 25%.
- Britannia Heritage Shipyards – interesting buildings to walk around in Steveston Village.
- Polygon Gallery – an art museum that focuses on photography in North Vancouver’s Shipyards District. Admission is by donation.
- Maple Ridge Museum – a museum in Maple Ridge with admission by donation.
- Fort Langley – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
- Harrison Sasquatch Museum – a free attraction with exhibits about local folklore and culture.
Sunday, February 9th (2025)
- Family Day at PdA – free visual and performing arts-related activities at Place des Arts in Coquitlam.
- LunarFest – today there is an artist market as well as workshops at Granville Island.
- Lights at Lafarge – on-going Christmas illuminations and decorations at night in Coquitlam at Lafarge Lake.
- Granville Island – Vancouver’s world-famous shopping district and public market are open (and the False Creek Seawall is nice to walk around this time of year).
- The Lantern City – there are lantern art installations to admire outside the Vancouver Art Gallery and on Granville Island as well as at the Bentall Centre, Robson Plaza and the Pendulum Gallery.
- Skating at the Shipyards – free ice skating on the massive rink at the Shipyards in North Vancouver (weather temperatures permitting).
- Robson Square Ice Skating – free ice skating on the covered rink all day behind the Vancouver Art Gallery (cold-enough temperatures permitting).
Sunday Markets
- LunarFest Art Market – there are market vendors at the Ocean Artworks Pavilion at Granville Island from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm.
- Port Moody Winter Farmers Market – at the Port Moody Recreation Centre.
- Cloverdale Flea Market – at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds. Admission is $2, but free for kids ages 12 and under.
- Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market at 703 Terminal Avenue in Vancouver. Admission ranges from $2 to $4 depending on the day’s event. So it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.
Free & Affordable Museums
Monday, February 10th (2025)
- Granville Island – Vancouver’s world-famous shopping district and public market are open (and the False Creek Seawall is nice to walk around this time of year).
- The Lantern City – there are lantern art installations to admire outside the Vancouver Art Gallery and on Granville Island as well as at the Bentall Centre, Robson Plaza and the Pendulum Gallery.
- C.P.R. Engine 374 – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
- Snowshoeing at Mt. Seymour – the trails adjacent to the ski hill at the provincial park are free to explore.
- Lights at Lafarge – on-going Christmas illuminations and decorations at night in Coquitlam at Lafarge Lake.
- Skating at the Shipyards – free ice skating on the massive rink at the Shipyards in North Vancouver (weather temperatures permitting).
- Robson Square Ice Skating – free ice skating on the covered rink all day behind the Vancouver Art Gallery (cold-enough temperatures permitting).
- Fort Langley – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
- If good weather, check out Metro Vancouver’s best Parks and Places in Nature.
- If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.
Tuesday, February 11th (2025)
- The Lantern City – there are lantern art installations to admire outside the Vancouver Art Gallery and on Granville Island as well as at the Bentall Centre, Robson Plaza and the Pendulum Gallery.
- LunarFest – today there is a guided tour (in Mandarin) at the Pendulum Gallery.
- Cheap Movie Night – at various movie theatres throughout Metro Vancouver (so although not free, it is less expensive than usual).
- Lights at Lafarge – on-going Christmas illuminations and decorations at night in Coquitlam at Lafarge Lake.
- Granville Island – Vancouver’s world-famous shopping district and public market are open (and the False Creek Seawall is nice to walk around this time of year).
- Snowshoeing at Mt. Seymour – the trails adjacent to the ski hill at the provincial park are free to explore.
- Skating at the Shipyards – free ice skating on the massive rink at the Shipyards in North Vancouver (weather temperatures permitting).
- Robson Square Ice Skating – free ice skating on the covered rink all day behind the Vancouver Art Gallery (cold-enough temperatures permitting).
- If good weather, check out Metro Vancouver’s best Parks and Places in Nature.
- If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.
Free & Affordable Museums
Wednesday, February 12th (2025)
- Valentine’s Day
- Lights at Lafarge – on-going Christmas illuminations and decorations at night in Coquitlam at Lafarge Lake.
- Black History Month Events – various events take place around the Lower Mainland to celebrate the contributions of Black artists and other Black Canadians. Today features free spoken word performances at the Central Branch of the Vancouver Public Library.
- Snowshoeing at Mt. Seymour – the trails adjacent to the ski hill at the provincial park are free to explore.
- Granville Island – Vancouver’s world-famous shopping district and public market are open (and the False Creek Seawall is nice to walk around this time of year).
- The Lantern City – there are lantern art installations to admire outside the Vancouver Art Gallery and on Granville Island as well as at the Bentall Centre, Robson Plaza and the Pendulum Gallery.
- LunarFest – today there is an artist talk at the UBC Anime Club.
- Skating at the Shipyards – free ice skating on the massive rink at the Shipyards in North Vancouver (weather temperatures permitting).
- Robson Square Ice Skating – free ice skating on the covered rink all day behind the Vancouver Art Gallery (cold-enough temperatures permitting).
- If good weather, check out Metro Vancouver’s best Parks and Places in Nature.
- If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.
Free & Affordable Museums
- Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
- Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks in front of the Vancouver Maritime Museum for free. Also, if you want to go inside the museum, use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER when purchasing your tickets online. Do that and you’ll save 25%.
- Polygon Gallery – an art museum that focuses on photography in North Vancouver’s Shipyards District. Admission is by donation.
- Museum of Surrey – a free museum in Cloverdale.
- Fort Langley – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
- Harrison Sasquatch Museum – a free attraction with exhibits about local folklore and culture.
Thursday, February 13th (2025)
- The Lantern City – there are lantern art installations to admire outside the Vancouver Art Gallery and on Granville Island as well as at the Bentall Centre, Robson Plaza and the Pendulum Gallery.
- LunarFest – today there is an artists talk and guided tour (in Mandarin) at the Pendulum Gallery in downtown Vancouver.
- Lights at Lafarge – on-going Christmas illuminations and decorations at night in Coquitlam at Lafarge Lake.
- Snowshoeing at Mt. Seymour – the trails adjacent to the ski hill at the provincial park are free to explore.
- Skating at the Shipyards – free ice skating on the massive rink at the Shipyards in North Vancouver (weather temperatures permitting).
- Robson Square Ice Skating – free ice skating on the covered rink all day behind the Vancouver Art Gallery (cold-enough temperatures permitting).
- If good weather, check out Metro Vancouver’s best Parks and Places in Nature.
- If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.
Free & Affordable Museums
- Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
- Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks in front of the Vancouver Maritime Museum for free. Also, if you want to go inside the museum, use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER when purchasing your tickets online. Do that and you’ll save 25%.
- Polygon Gallery – an art museum that focuses on photography in North Vancouver’s Shipyards District. Admission is by donation.
- Museum of Surrey – a free museum in Cloverdale.
- Maple Ridge Museum – a museum in Maple Ridge with admission by donation.
- Fort Langley – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
- Harrison Sasquatch Museum – a free attraction with exhibits about local folklore and culture.
Friday, February 14th (2025)
- The Lantern City – there are lantern art installations to admire outside the Vancouver Art Gallery and on Granville Island as well as at the Bentall Centre, Robson Plaza and the Pendulum Gallery.
- LunarFest – today there is a craft workshop and a couple of artist talks.
- Skating at the Shipyards – free ice skating on the massive rink at the Shipyards in North Vancouver (weather temperatures permitting).
- Robson Square Ice Skating – free ice skating on the covered rink all day behind the Vancouver Art Gallery (cold-enough temperatures permitting).
- Lights at Lafarge – on-going Christmas illuminations and decorations at night in Coquitlam at Lafarge Lake.
- Snowshoeing at Mt. Seymour – the trails adjacent to the ski hill at the provincial park are free to explore.
- If good weather, check out Metro Vancouver’s best Parks and Places in Nature.
- If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.
Free & Affordable Museums
Saturday, February 15th (2025)
- BC Family Day Long Weekend – a long weekend with family-friendly activities at various places around the Lower Mainland. A number of attractions also have free and discounted admission today including the following places:
- Open House at Queen E. Theatre – free tours and family-friendly activities happen at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm.
- Black History Month Family Day – a free celebration with music, performances and other activities at Mackin House in Coquitlam.
- Black History Month Events – various events take place around the Lower Mainland to celebrate the contributions of Black artists and other Black Canadians. Today there is a free African Fashion Week preview at the Vancouver Public Library’s Central Branch.
Other Events & Activities
- Lunarfest – various activities take place at the Ocean Art Works Pavilion at Granville Island and other venues.
- The Lantern City – there are lantern art installations to admire outside the Vancouver Art Gallery and on Granville Island as well as at the Bentall Centre, Robson Plaza and the Pendulum Gallery.
- Lights at Lafarge – on-going Christmas illuminations and decorations at night in Coquitlam at Lafarge Lake.
- Snowshoeing at Mt. Seymour – the trails adjacent to the ski hill at the provincial park are free to explore.
- Skating at the Shipyards – free ice skating on the massive rink at the Shipyards in North Vancouver.
- Robson Square Ice Skating – free ice skating on the covered rink all day behind the Vancouver Art Gallery (cold-enough temperatures permitting).
Saturday Markets
- LunarFest Art Market – there are market vendors at the Ocean Artworks Pavilion at Granville Island from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm.
- Riley Park Farmers Market – from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm at Nat Bailey Stadium.
- Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market at 703 Terminal Avenue in Vancouver between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. Admission ranges from $2 to $4 depending on the day’s event. So it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.
Free & Affordable Museums
Sunday, February 16th (2025)
- BC Family Day Long Weekend – a long weekend with family-friendly activities at various places around the Lower Mainland.
- Lunarfest – various activities take place at the Ocean Art Works Pavilion at Granville Island and other venues.
- The Lantern City – there are lantern art installations to admire outside the Vancouver Art Gallery and on Granville Island as well as at the Bentall Centre, Robson Plaza and the Pendulum Gallery.
- Granville Island – Vancouver’s world-famous shopping district and public market are open (and the False Creek Seawall is nice to walk around this time of year).
- Lights at Lafarge – on-going Christmas illuminations and decorations at night in Coquitlam at Lafarge Lake.
- Skating at the Shipyards – free ice skating on the massive rink at the Shipyards in North Vancouver (weather temperatures permitting).
- Robson Square Ice Skating – free ice skating on the covered rink all day behind the Vancouver Art Gallery (cold-enough temperatures permitting).
Sunday Markets
- LunarFest Art Market – there are market vendors at the Ocean Artworks Pavilion at Granville Island from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm.
- Port Moody Winter Farmers Market – at the Port Moody Recreation Centre at 300 Ioco Road from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
- Cloverdale Flea Market – a large yard and garage sale-style market that’s both indoors and outdoors at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds. Admission is around $2, but free for kids ages 12 and under.
- Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market at 703 Terminal Avenue in Vancouver. Admission ranges from $2 to $4 depending on the day’s event. So it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.
Free & Affordable Museums
Monday, February 17th (2025)
- BC Family Day – a long weekend with family-friendly activities at various places around the Lower Mainland. Some attractions also offer free and discounted admission today including the following places:
- Vancouver Maritime Museum – admission is by donation today because of the Family Day statutory holiday.
- Fraser River Discovery Centre – special family-friendly activities with free admission happen at the attraction in New Westminster. (TBC)
- Britannia Mine – admission at the historic copper mining museum in the Sea-to-Sky Region is half price today.
- MONOVA – there are special activities and free admission at the Museum of North Vancouver. (TBC)
Other Events and Activities
- Richmond Children’s Arts Festival – free kid-friendly activities happen at the Richmond Cultural Centre.
- The Lantern City – there are lantern art installations to admire outside the Vancouver Art Gallery and on Granville Island as well as at the Bentall Centre, Robson Plaza and the Pendulum Gallery.
- Lunarfest – various activities take place at the Ocean Art Works Pavilion at Granville Island and other venues.
- C.P.R. Engine 374 – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
- Snowshoeing at Mt. Seymour – the trails adjacent to the ski hill at the provincial park are free to explore.
- Lights at Lafarge – on-going Christmas illuminations and decorations at night in Coquitlam at Lafarge Lake.
- Skating at the Shipyards – free ice skating on the massive rink at the Shipyards in North Vancouver (weather temperatures permitting).
- Robson Square Ice Skating – free ice skating on the covered rink all day behind the Vancouver Art Gallery (cold-enough temperatures permitting).
- Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market at 703 Terminal Avenue in Vancouver. Admission ranges from $2 to $4 depending on the day’s event. So it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.
- Fort Langley – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
- If good weather, check out Metro Vancouver’s best Parks and Places in Nature.
- If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.
Tuesday, February 18th (2025)
- The Lantern City – there are lantern art installations to admire outside the Vancouver Art Gallery as well as at the Bentall Centre, Robson Plaza and the Pendulum Gallery.
- Lunarfest – today there is a guided tour of the art exhibition at the Pendulum Gallery.
- Lights at Lafarge – on-going Christmas illuminations and decorations at night in Coquitlam at Lafarge Lake.
- Cheap Movie Night – at various movie theatres throughout Metro Vancouver (so although not free, it is less expensive than usual).
- Granville Island – Vancouver’s world-famous shopping district and public market are open (and the False Creek Seawall is nice to walk around this time of year).
- Snowshoeing at Mt. Seymour – the trails adjacent to the ski hill at the provincial park are free to explore.
- Skating at the Shipyards – free ice skating on the massive rink at the Shipyards in North Vancouver (weather temperatures permitting).
- Robson Square Ice Skating – free ice skating on the covered rink all day behind the Vancouver Art Gallery (cold-enough temperatures permitting).
- If good weather, check out Metro Vancouver’s best Parks and Places in Nature.
- If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.
Free & Affordable Museums
- Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
- Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks in front of the Vancouver Maritime Museum for free. Also, if you want to go inside the museum, use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER when purchasing your tickets online. Do that and you’ll save 25%.
- Polygon Gallery – an art museum that focuses on photography in North Vancouver’s Shipyards District. Admission is by donation.
- Museum of Surrey – a free museum in Cloverdale.
- Fort Langley – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
- Harrison Sasquatch Museum – a free attraction with exhibits about local folklore and culture.
Wednesday, February 19th (2025)
- Granville Island – Vancouver’s world-famous shopping district and public market are open (and the False Creek Seawall is nice to walk around this time of year).
- Snowshoeing at Mt. Seymour – the trails adjacent to the ski hill at the provincial park are free to explore.
- Skating at the Shipyards – free ice skating on the massive rink at the Shipyards in North Vancouver (weather temperatures permitting).
- Robson Square Ice Skating – free ice skating on the covered rink all day behind the Vancouver Art Gallery (cold-enough temperatures permitting).
- If good weather, check out Metro Vancouver’s best Parks and Places in Nature.
- If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.
Free & Affordable Museums
- Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
- Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks in front of the Vancouver Maritime Museum for free. Also, if you want to go inside the museum, use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER when purchasing your tickets online. Do that and you’ll save 25%.
- Polygon Gallery – an art museum that focuses on photography in North Vancouver’s Shipyards District. Admission is by donation.
- Museum of Surrey – a free museum in Cloverdale.
- Fort Langley – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
- Harrison Sasquatch Museum – a free attraction with exhibits about local folklore and culture.
Thursday, February 20th (2025)
- Granville Island – Vancouver’s world-famous shopping district and public market are open (and the False Creek Seawall is nice to walk around this time of year).
- Snowshoeing at Mt. Seymour – the trails adjacent to the ski hill at the provincial park are free to explore.
- Skating at the Shipyards – free ice skating on the massive rink at the Shipyards in North Vancouver (weather temperatures permitting).
- Robson Square Ice Skating – free ice skating on the covered rink all day behind the Vancouver Art Gallery (cold-enough temperatures permitting).
- If good weather, check out Metro Vancouver’s best Parks and Places in Nature.
- If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.
Free & Affordable Museums
- Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
- Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks in front of the Vancouver Maritime Museum for free. Also, if you want to go inside the museum, use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER when purchasing your tickets online. Do that and you’ll save 25%.
- Polygon Gallery – an art museum that focuses on photography in North Vancouver’s Shipyards District. Admission is by donation.
- Museum of Surrey – a free museum in Cloverdale.
- Maple Ridge Museum – a museum in Maple Ridge with admission by donation.
- Fort Langley – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
- Harrison Sasquatch Museum – a free attraction with exhibits about local folklore and culture.
Friday, February 21st (2025)
- Granville Island – Vancouver’s world-famous shopping district and public market are open (and the False Creek Seawall is nice to walk around this time of year).
- Snowshoeing at Mt. Seymour – the trails adjacent to the ski hill at the provincial park are free to explore.
- Skating at the Shipyards – free ice skating on the massive rink at the Shipyards in North Vancouver (weather temperatures permitting).
- Robson Square Ice Skating – free ice skating on the covered rink all day behind the Vancouver Art Gallery (cold-enough temperatures permitting).
- If good weather, check out Metro Vancouver’s best Parks and Places in Nature.
- If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.
Free & Affordable Museums
Saturday, February 22nd (2025)
- Black History Month Events – various events take place around the Lower Mainland to celebrate the contributions of Black artists and other Black Canadians. Today there are free performances for children at the Central Branch of the Vancouver Public Library.
- Maple Ridge Rock & Gem Show – a trade show about rocks, gems and stone carvings in Pitt Meadows. Admission is by donation. (TBC)
- Granville Island – Vancouver’s world-famous shopping district and public market are open (and the False Creek Seawall is nice to walk around this time of year).
- Snowshoeing at Mt. Seymour – the trails adjacent to the ski hill at the provincial park are free to explore.
- Skating at the Shipyards – free ice skating on the massive rink at the Shipyards in North Vancouver (weather temperatures permitting).
- Robson Square Ice Skating – free ice skating on the covered rink all day behind the Vancouver Art Gallery (cold-enough temperatures permitting).
Saturday Markets
- Riley Park Farmers Market – from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm at Nat Bailey Stadium.
- Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market at 703 Terminal Avenue in Vancouver between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. Admission ranges from $2 to $4 depending on the day’s event. So it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.
Free & Affordable Museums
Sunday, February 23rd (2025)
- Maple Ridge Rock & Gem Show – a trade show about rocks, gems and stone carvings in Pitt Meadows. Admission is by donation. (TBC)
- Granville Island – Vancouver’s world-famous shopping district and public market are open (and the False Creek Seawall is nice to walk around this time of year).
- Snowshoeing at Mt. Seymour – the trails adjacent to the ski hill at the provincial park are free to explore.
- Skating at the Shipyards –free ice skating on the massive rink at the Shipyards in North Vancouver (weather temperatures permitting).
- Robson Square Ice Skating – free ice skating on the covered rink all day behind the Vancouver Art Gallery (cold-enough temperatures permitting).
Sunday Markets
- Port Moody Winter Farmers Market – at the Port Moody Recreation Centre.
- Cloverdale Flea Market – a large yard and garage sale-style market that’s both indoors and outdoors at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds. Admission is around $2, but free for kids ages 12 and under.
- Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market at 703 Terminal Avenue in Vancouver. Admission ranges from $2 to $4 depending on the day’s event. So it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.
Free & Affordable Museums
Monday, February 24th (2025)
- Granville Island – Vancouver’s world-famous shopping district and public market are open (and the False Creek Seawall is nice to walk around this time of year).
- C.P.R. Engine 374 – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
- Snowshoeing at Mt. Seymour – the trails adjacent to the ski hill at the provincial park are free to explore.
- Skating at the Shipyards – free ice skating on the massive rink at the Shipyards in North Vancouver (weather temperatures permitting).
- Robson Square Ice Skating – free ice skating on the covered rink all day behind the Vancouver Art Gallery (cold-enough temperatures permitting).
- Fort Langley – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
- If good weather, check out Metro Vancouver’s best Parks and Places in Nature.
- If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.
Tuesday, February 25th (2025)
- Cheap Movie Night – at various movie theatres throughout Metro Vancouver (so although not free, it is less expensive than usual).
- Granville Island – Vancouver’s world-famous shopping district and public market are open (and the False Creek Seawall is nice to walk around this time of year).
- Snowshoeing at Mt. Seymour – the trails adjacent to the ski hill at the provincial park are free to explore.
- Skating at the Shipyards – free ice skating on the massive rink at the Shipyards in North Vancouver (weather temperatures permitting).
- Robson Square Ice Skating – free ice skating on the covered rink all day behind the Vancouver Art Gallery (cold-enough temperatures permitting).
- If good weather, check out Metro Vancouver’s best Parks and Places in Nature.
- If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.
Free & Affordable Museums
- Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
- Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks in front of the Vancouver Maritime Museum for free. Also, if you want to go inside the museum, use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER when purchasing your tickets online. Do that and you’ll save 25%.
- Polygon Gallery – an art museum that focuses on photography in North Vancouver’s Shipyards District. Admission is by donation.
- Museum of Surrey – a free museum in Cloverdale.
- Fort Langley – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
- Harrison Sasquatch Museum – a free attraction with exhibits about local folklore and culture.
Wednesday, February 26th (2025)
- Pink Shirt Day – a day to wear a pink shirt to help raise awareness about bullying and the importance of standing up against it.
- Granville Island – Vancouver’s world-famous shopping district and public market are open (and the False Creek Seawall is nice to walk around this time of year).
- Lights at Lafarge – on-going Christmas illuminations and decorations at night in Coquitlam at Lafarge Lake.
- Snowshoeing at Mt. Seymour – the trails adjacent to the ski hill at the provincial park are free to explore.
- Skating at the Shipyards – free ice skating on the massive rink at the Shipyards in North Vancouver (weather temperatures permitting).
- Robson Square Ice Skating – free ice skating on the covered rink all day behind the Vancouver Art Gallery (cold-enough temperatures permitting).
- If good weather, check out Metro Vancouver’s best Parks and Places in Nature.
- If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.
Free & Affordable Museums
- Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
- Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks in front of the Vancouver Maritime Museum for free. Also, if you want to go inside the museum, use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER when purchasing your tickets online. Do that and you’ll save 25%.
- Polygon Gallery – an art museum that focuses on photography in North Vancouver’s Shipyards District. Admission is by donation.
- Museum of Surrey – a free museum in Cloverdale.
- Fort Langley – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
- Harrison Sasquatch Museum – a free attraction with exhibits about local folklore and culture.
Thursday, February 27th (2025)
Free & Affordable Museums
- Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
- Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks in front of the Vancouver Maritime Museum for free. Also, if you want to go inside the museum, use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER when purchasing your tickets online. Do that and you’ll save 25%.
- Polygon Gallery – an art museum that focuses on photography in North Vancouver’s Shipyards District. Admission is by donation.
- Museum of Surrey – a free museum in Cloverdale.
- Maple Ridge Museum – a museum in Maple Ridge with admission by donation.
- Fort Langley – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
- Harrison Sasquatch Museum – a free attraction with exhibits about local folklore and culture.
Friday, February 28th (2025)
- Hoobiyee – cultural celebrations of the Nisga’a Nation’s New Year with live entertainment and more at the PNE Forum.
- Granville Island – Vancouver’s world-famous shopping district and public market are open (and the False Creek Seawall is nice to walk around this time of year).
- Snowshoeing at Mt. Seymour – the trails adjacent to the ski hill at the provincial park are free to explore.
- Skating at the Shipyards – free ice skating on the massive rink at the Shipyards in North Vancouver (weather temperatures permitting).
- Robson Square Ice Skating – free ice skating on the covered rink all day behind the Vancouver Art Gallery (cold-enough temperatures permitting).
- If good weather, check out Metro Vancouver’s best Parks and Places in Nature.
- If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s Best Places on a Rainy Day (although most aren’t free) or go window Shopping at an indoor mall.
Free & Affordable Museums
Other Information
For a list of both free and not free events this month in the Lower Mainland, click February Calendar.
To see what’s happening next month, click March Calendar of Events.
Another article that might be of interest is Vancouver on a Budget.
In case you live or plan to be in either Victoria or Whistler, check out the websites VictoriasBestPlaces.com or WhatToDoInWhistler.ca for things to do in those communities.
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