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Free Vancouver April Events | Vancouver’s Best Places Canada Reviews

31 Mins Read

There are lots of free things to do in Vancouver in April including Vaisakhi Festivals, markets and cherry blossom-viewing activities.

 

For a list of some of the best things to do in April including activities that aren’t free, check out the April Events Calendar.

For a list of the best FREE (or almost free) special events this month, see below.

 

VANCOUVER ON A BUDGET

In addition to checking out all the free activities listed below on specific dates, click Vancouver on a Budget for a list of activities that don’t cost a lot of money throughout the year.

 

StayVancouverHotels.com

 

Tuesday, April 1st (2025)

  • April Fools Day
  • Granville Island – Vancouver’s world-famous shopping district and public market are open. The False Creek Seawall is nice to walk around this time of year too.
  • Cheap Movie Night – at most Metro Vancouver cinemas (so it’s not free, but it is extra cheap).
  • Brahm’s Tam Drum Circle – an informal drumming event at Third Beach in Stanley Park from early evening until sunset (but only on sunny days). A few people arrive with their drums and many more just show up for the fun!
  • Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats 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 to save 25%.
  • Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
  • Lower Mainland Parks – on days with good weather, many of the region’s top parks are the best places to be! Other great areas to enjoy include Best Places to Walk, Jog and Cycle.
  • Vancouver Beaches – if the weather is warmer then go check out some of Vancouver’s best beaches! It might not be warm enough to swim in the ocean, but it might be good enough for a picnic or lying on the sand.
  • 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.

Other Events on A Budget

  • Vancouver on a Budget – other places to explore include the following:

 

Wednesday, April 2nd (2025)

  • Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats 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 to save 25%.
  • Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
  • Lower Mainland Parks – on days with good weather, many of the region’s top parks are the best places to be! Other great areas to enjoy include Best Places to Walk, Jog and Cycle.
  • 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.
  • 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).

 

 

Thursday, April 3rd (2025)

  • New West Farmers Market – a market with vendors selling fresh produce and other products at New Westminster’s Tipperary Park at 315 Queens Avenue.
  • Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats 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 to save 25%.
  • Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
  • Lower Mainland Parks – on days with good weather, many of the region’s top parks are the best places to be! Other great areas to enjoy include Best Places to Walk, Jog and Cycle.
  • 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.

 

VANCOUVER ON A BUDGET

Other places that are either free or with admission by donation on various days of the week include Granville Island, Old Hastings Mill Store Museum, Britannia Heritage Shipyard, Museum of Surrey, Polygon Gallery, Maple Ridge Museum, Mackin House, Port Moody Station Museum (now the POMO Museum) and Stewart Farm. See attraction articles and websites for details about hours and admission. For a list of other free and extra affordable places, see our article about Vancouver on a Budget.

 

Friday, April 4th (2025)

  • Bill Reid Gallery – free admission to the First Nations art gallery between 2:00 and 5:00 pm (because it’s 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).
  • Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats 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 to save 25%.
  • Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
  • Lower Mainland Parks – on days with good weather, many of the region’s top parks are the best places to be! Other great areas to enjoy include Best Places to Walk, Jog and Cycle.
  • 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.
  • 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).

 

Saturday, April 5th (2025)

Saturday Markets

  • Made in the 604 Market – a pop-up artisan market in the Pipe Shop in North Vancouver’s Shipyards District.
  • Squamish Farmers Market – between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm in Squamish.
  • Riley Park Farmers Market – at Nat Bailey Stadium and Riley Park between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
  • Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market at 703 Terminal Avenue in Vancouver. Admission ranges from $2 to $5 depending on the day’s event, so it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.

 

 

Sunday, April 6th (2025)

  • Vancouver Comic & Toy Show – a comic book and collectible toys trade show and convention at the PNE Forum. (Adults have to pay, but children under the age of 13 are free.)
  • Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival – a free event at Gary Point Park near Steveston Village.
  • 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 and admire the boats 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 to save 25%.
  • 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.

Sunday Markets

  • Made in the 604 Market – a pop-up artisan market in the Pipe Shop in North Vancouver’s Shipyards District.
  • Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market at 703 Terminal Avenue in Vancouver. Admission ranges from $2 to $5 depending on the day’s event, so it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.
  • Cloverdale Flea Market – between 6:00 am and 3:00 pm at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds. Admission is $2, but free for kids ages 12 and under.
  • Port Moody Farmers Market – at the Port Moody Recreation Centre at 300 Ioco Road from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

 

Monday, April 7th (2025)

  • Free TED Conference Screenings – admission to the actual conference costs thousands of dollars. You can watch it live-streamed and for free, however, at a couple of public Lower Mainland venues. (To be confirmed.)
  • 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).
  • Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
  • Lower Mainland Parks – on days with good weather, many of the region’s top parks are the best places to be! Other great areas to enjoy include Best Places to Walk, Jog and Cycle.
  • Vancouver Beaches – if the weather is warmer then go check out some of Vancouver’s best beaches! It might not be warm enough to swim in the ocean, but it might be good enough for a picnic or lying on the sand.
  • 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.

 

VANCOUVER ON A BUDGET

Other places that are either free or with admission by donation on various days of the week include Granville Island, Old Hastings Mill Store Museum, Britannia Heritage Shipyard, Museum of Surrey, Polygon Gallery, Maple Ridge Museum, Mackin House, Port Moody Station Museum (now the POMO Museum) and Stewart Farm. See attraction articles and websites for details about hours and admission. For a list of other free and extra affordable places, see our article about Vancouver on a Budget.

 

Tuesday, April 8th (2025)

  • Brahm’s Tam Drum Circle – an informal drumming event at Third Beach in Stanley Park from early evening until sunset (but only on sunny days). A few people arrive with their drums and many more just show up for the fun!
  • Free TED Conference Screenings – admission to the actual conference costs thousands of dollars. You can watch it live-streamed and for free, however, at a couple of public Lower Mainland venues. (To be confirmed.)
  • Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats 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 to save 25%.
  • Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
  • Lower Mainland Parks – on days with good weather, many of the region’s top parks are the best places to be! Other great areas to enjoy include Best Places to Walk, Jog and Cycle.
  • Cheap Movie Night – at most Metro Vancouver cinemas (so it’s not free, but it is extra cheap).

 

Wednesday, April 9th (2025)

  • Free TED Conference Screenings – admission to the actual conference costs thousands of dollars. You can watch it live-streamed and for free, however, at a couple of public Lower Mainland venues. (To be confirmed.)
  • Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats 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 to save 25%.
  • Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
  • Vancouver Parks – regardless of whether it’s sunny or raining, try to get outside and go for a walk, even if it’s just around the streets in your immediate neighbourhood. If the weather is good though, go explore a larger park near your community.
  • 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).
  • Vancouver Beaches – if the weather is warmer then go check out some of Vancouver’s best beaches! It might not be warm enough to swim in the ocean, but it might be good enough for a picnic or lying on the sand.
  • 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.

 

 

Thursday, April 10th (2025)

  • New West Farmers Market – a market with vendors selling fresh produce and other products at New Westminster’s Tipperary Park at 315 Queens Avenue.
  • Free TED Conference Screenings – admission to the actual conference costs thousands of dollars. You can watch it live-streamed and for free, however, at a couple of public Lower Mainland venues. (To be confirmed.)
  • Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats 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 to save 25%.
  • Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
  • 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.

 

Friday, April 11th (2025)

  • Food Truck Wars – a food truck event with market vendors, beer and live entertainment at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey. Admission is by donation.
  • Free TED Conference Screenings – admission to the actual conference costs thousands of dollars. You can watch it live-streamed and for free, however, at a couple of public Lower Mainland venues. (To be confirmed.)
  • Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats 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 to save 25%.
  • Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
  • Vancouver Parks – regardless of whether it’s sunny or raining, try to get outside and go for a walk, even if it’s just around the streets in your immediate neighbourhood. If the weather is good though, go explore a larger park near your community.
  • 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).
  • Vancouver Beaches – if the weather is warmer then go check out some of Vancouver’s best beaches! It might not be warm enough to swim in the ocean, but it might be good enough for a picnic or lying on the sand.
  • 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.

 

Saturday, April 12th (2025)

  • Vancouver Vaisakhi Parade – a huge cultural event celebrating the Punjabi New Near in South Vancouver.
  • Food Truck Wars – a food truck event with market vendors, beer and live entertainment at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey. Admission is by donation.
  • Squamish Farmers Market – between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm in Squamish.
  • Riley Park Farmers Market – at Nat Bailey Stadium and Riley Park between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
  • Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market at 703 Terminal Avenue in Vancouver. Admission ranges from $2 to $5 depending on the day’s event, so it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.
  • Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats 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 to save 25%.
  • Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
  • Lower Mainland Parks – on days with good weather, many of the region’s top parks are the best places to be! Other great areas to enjoy include Best Places to Walk, Jog and Cycle.

 

 

Sunday, April 13th (2025)

  • Food Truck Wars – a food truck event with market vendors, beer and live entertainment at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey. Admission is by donation.
  • Port Moody Farmers Market – at the Port Moody Recreation Centre between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
  • Cloverdale Flea Market – between 6:00 am and 3:00 pm at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds. Admission is $2, but free for kids ages 12 and under.
  • Jazz Vespers – at 3:30 pm at Northwood United Church in Surrey. Today features Linda Szentes and Jazzlinks. Admission is by donation.
  • Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market at 703 Terminal Avenue in Vancouver. Admission ranges from $2 to $5 depending on the day’s event, so it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.
  • Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats 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 to save 25%.
  • Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
  • 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.

 

Monday, April 14th (2025)

  • Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
  • Lower Mainland Parks – on days with good weather, many of the region’s top parks are the best places to be! Other great areas to enjoy include Best Places to Walk, Jog and Cycle.
  • 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.
  • 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).

 

VANCOUVER ON A BUDGET

Other places that are either free or with admission by donation on various days of the week include Granville Island, Old Hastings Mill Store Museum, Britannia Heritage Shipyard, Museum of Surrey, Polygon Gallery, Maple Ridge Museum, Mackin House, Port Moody Station Museum (now the POMO Museum) and Stewart Farm. See attraction articles and websites for details about hours and admission. For a list of other free and extra affordable places, see our article about Vancouver on a Budget.

 

Tuesday, April 15th (2025)

  • Brahm’s Tam Drum Circle – an informal drumming event at Third Beach in Stanley Park from early evening until sunset (but only on sunny days). A few people arrive with their drums and many more just show up for the fun!
  • Cheap Movie Night – at most Metro Vancouver cinemas (so it’s not free, but it is extra cheap).
  • Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats 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 to save 25%.
  • Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
  • Lower Mainland Parks – on days with good weather, many of the region’s top parks are the best places to be! Other great areas to enjoy include Best Places to Walk, Jog and Cycle.

 

 

Wednesday, April 16th (2025)

  • Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats 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 to save 25%.
  • Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
  • Vancouver Parks – regardless of whether it’s sunny or raining, try to get outside and go for a walk, even if it’s just around the streets in your immediate neighbourhood. If the weather is good though, go explore a larger park near your community.
  • 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).
  • Vancouver Beaches – if the weather is warmer then go check out some of Vancouver’s best beaches! It might not be warm enough to swim in the ocean, but it might be good enough for a picnic or lying on the sand.

 

 

Thursday, April 17th (2025)

  • Beaty Nocturnal – admission to UBC’s Beaty Biodiversity Museum is by donation this evening between 5:00 and 8:30 pm.
  • New West Farmers Market – a market with vendors selling fresh produce and other products at New Westminster’s Tipperary Park.
  • Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats 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 to save 25%.
  • Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
  • Lower Mainland Parks – on days with good weather, many of the region’s top parks are the best places to be! Other great areas to enjoy include Best Places to Walk, Jog and Cycle.
  • 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.

 

Friday, April 18th (2025)

  • Good Friday – a stat holiday that’s part of the Easter Long Weekend.
  • Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats 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 to save 25%.
  • Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
  • Vancouver Parks – regardless of whether it’s sunny or raining, try to get outside and go for a walk, even if it’s just around the streets in your immediate neighbourhood. If the weather is good though, go explore a larger park near your community.
  • 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).
  • Vancouver Beaches – if the weather is warmer then go check out some of Vancouver’s best beaches! It might not be warm enough to swim in the ocean, but it might be good enough for a picnic or lying on the sand.

 

Saturday, April 19th (2025)

  • Surrey Vaisakhi Parade – a massive East Indian cultural event with music, parade floats and free food in Surrey.
  • Riley Park Farmers Market – at Nat Bailey Stadium and Riley Park between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
  • Squamish Farmers Market – between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm in Squamish.
  • Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market at 703 Terminal Avenue in Vancouver. Admission ranges from $2 to $5 depending on the day’s event, so it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.
  • Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats 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 to save 25%.
  • Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
  • Lower Mainland Parks – on days with good weather, many of the region’s top parks are the best places to be! Other great areas to enjoy include Best Places to Walk, Jog and Cycle.
  • 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.

 

Sunday, April 20th (2025)

  • Easter – various Easter activities take place around Metro Vancouver on the holiday weekend (although most aren’t free).
  • Port Moody Farmers Market – at the Port Moody Recreation Centre between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
  • Cloverdale Flea Market – between 6:00 am and 3:00 pm 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 $5 depending on the day’s event, so it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.
  • Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats 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 to save 25%.
  • Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
  • 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).
  • Vancouver Beaches – if the weather is warmer then go check out some of Vancouver’s best beaches! It might not be warm enough to swim in the ocean, but it might be good enough for a picnic or lying on the sand.

 

VANCOUVER ON A BUDGET

Other places that are either free or with admission by donation on various days of the week include Granville Island, Old Hastings Mill Store Museum, Britannia Heritage Shipyard, Museum of Surrey, Polygon Gallery, Maple Ridge Museum, Mackin House, Port Moody Station Museum (now the POMO Museum) and Stewart Farm. See attraction articles and websites for details about hours and admission. For a list of other free and extra affordable places, see our article about Vancouver on a Budget.

 

Monday, April 21st (2025)

  • Easter Monday – various Easter activities take place around Metro Vancouver on the holiday weekend (although most aren’t free).
  • Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
  • 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).
  • Lower Mainland Parks – on days with good weather, many of the region’s top parks are the best places to be! Other great areas to enjoy include Best Places to Walk, Jog and Cycle.
  • Vancouver Beaches – if the weather is warmer then go check out some of Vancouver’s best beaches! It might not be warm enough to swim in the ocean, but it might be good enough for a picnic or lying on the sand.

 

Tuesday, April 22nd (2025)

  • Earth Day – a day that’s commemorated around the world with activities that celebrate the planet we live on and the importance of taking care of it. Various environmental-themed activities take place around the Lower Mainland.
  • Brahm’s Tam Drum Circle – an informal drumming event at Third Beach in Stanley Park from early evening until sunset (but only on sunny days). A few people arrive with their drums and many more just show up for the fun!
  • Cheap Movie Night – at most Metro Vancouver cinemas (so it’s not free, but it is extra cheap).
  • Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats 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 to save 25%.
  • Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
  • Lower Mainland Parks – on days with good weather, many of the region’s top parks are the best places to be! Other great areas to enjoy include Best Places to Walk, Jog and Cycle.
  • Vancouver Beaches – if the weather is warmer then go check out some of Vancouver’s best beaches! It might not be warm enough to swim in the ocean, but it might be good enough for a picnic or lying on the sand.
  • 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.

 

Wednesday, April 23rd (2025)

  • Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats 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 to save 25%.
  • Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
  • Vancouver Parks – regardless of whether it’s sunny or raining, try to get outside and go for a walk, even if it’s just around the streets in your immediate neighbourhood. If the weather is good though, go explore a larger park near your community.
  • 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).
  • Vancouver Beaches – if the weather is warmer then go check out some of Vancouver’s best beaches! It might not be warm enough to swim in the ocean, but it might be good enough for a picnic or lying on the sand.
  • 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.

 

Thursday, April 24th (2025)

  • New West Farmers Market – a market with vendors selling fresh produce and other products at New Westminster’s Tipperary Park.
  • Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats 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 to save 25%.
  • Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
  • 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.
  • 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).

 

 

Friday, April 25th (2025)

  • Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats 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 to save 25%.
  • Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
  • Vancouver Parks – regardless of whether it’s sunny or raining, try to get outside and go for a walk, even if it’s just around the streets in your immediate neighbourhood. If the weather is good though, go explore a larger park near your community.
  • 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).
  • Vancouver Beaches – if the weather is warmer then go check out some of Vancouver’s best beaches! It might not be warm enough to swim in the ocean, but it might be good enough for a picnic or lying on the sand.
  • 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.

 

Saturday, April 26th (2025)

Saturday Markets

 

 

Sunday, April 27th (2025)

  • Jazz Vespers – at 4:00 pm at St. Andrew’s United Church in North Vancouver. Today features the Wild Blue Herons. Admission is by donation.
  • Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats 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 to save 25%.
  • Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
  • 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).
  • Vancouver Beaches – if the weather is warmer then go check out some of Vancouver’s best beaches! It might not be warm enough to swim in the ocean, but it might be good enough for a picnic or lying on the sand.

Sunday Markets

  • Made in the 604 Market – a pop-up artisan market at Heritage Hall in Vancouver.
  • Port Moody Farmers Market – at the Port Moody Recreation Centre between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
  • Cloverdale Flea Market – between 6:00 am and 3:00 pm 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 $5 depending on the day’s event, so it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.

 

Monday, April 28th (2025)

  • Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
  • 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).
  • Vancouver Beaches – if the weather is warmer then go check out some of Vancouver’s best beaches! It might not be warm enough to swim in the ocean, but it might be good enough for a picnic or lying on the sand.
  • Lower Mainland Parks – on days with good weather, many of the region’s top parks are the best places to be! Other great areas to enjoy include Best Places to Walk, Jog and Cycle.
  • Vancouver Beaches – if the weather is warmer then go check out some of Vancouver’s best beaches! It might not be warm enough to swim in the ocean, but it might be good enough for a picnic or lying on the sand.
  • 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.

 

VANCOUVER ON A BUDGET

Other places that are either free or with admission by donation on various days of the week include Granville Island, Old Hastings Mill Store Museum, Britannia Heritage Shipyard, Museum of Surrey, Polygon Gallery, Maple Ridge Museum, Mackin House, Port Moody Station Museum (now the POMO Museum) and Stewart Farm. See attraction articles and websites for details about hours and admission. For a list of other free and extra affordable places, see our article about Vancouver on a Budget.

 

Tuesday, April 29th (2025)

  • Brahm’s Tam Drum Circle – an informal drumming event at Third Beach in Stanley Park from early evening until sunset (but only on sunny days). A few people arrive with their drums and many more just show up for the fun!
  • Cheap Movie Night – at most Metro Vancouver cinemas (so it’s not free, but it is extra cheap).
  • Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats 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 to save 25%.
  • Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
  • Lower Mainland Parks – on days with good weather, many of the region’s top parks are the best places to be! Other great areas to enjoy include Best Places to Walk, Jog and Cycle.
  • Vancouver Beaches – if the weather is warmer then go check out some of Vancouver’s best beaches! It might not be warm enough to swim in the ocean, but it might be good enough for a picnic or lying on the sand.
  • 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.

 

Wednesday, April 30th (2025)

  • Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats 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 to save 25%.
  • Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
  • Vancouver Parks – regardless of whether it’s sunny or raining, try to get outside and go for a walk, even if it’s just around the streets in your immediate neighbourhood. If the weather is good though, go explore a larger park near your community.
  • 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).
  • Vancouver Beaches – if the weather is warmer then go check out some of Vancouver’s best beaches! It might not be warm enough to swim in the ocean, but it might be good enough for a picnic or lying on the sand.
  • 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.

 

Other Information

For a more complete list of things to do in April, including activities that aren’t free, see Vancouver’s April Events Calendar.

And for a list of great activities that don’t cost a lot of money throughout the year, click Vancouver on a Budget.

For other ideas on things to do that are both free and expensive, check out the website WhatToDoInWhistler.ca.

 

 

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