Things to Do in Vancouver in June: Local Events, Day Trips, Hikes + What to Wear

Sick of crowds but still want to soak up summer in Vancouver?

You’re not alone. June hits that sweet spot—longer days, fewer tourists, and just enough sunshine to tempt you outside without the chaos of peak season. If you’re searching for things to do in Vancouver in June, this guide is packed with options that locals actually enjoy.

My birthday’s on June 30th, and after more than 20 years of living here, I’ve given up on trying to camp that weekend—it’s always fully booked. But that’s led me to find better ways to enjoy the month: berry farms, chill hikes, day trips, and those early summer beach days that feel like you’ve won the weather lottery.

Go Berry Picking Near Vancouver

Mid-June means strawberries and raspberries are ready for the picking. If you’ve never gone before, berry picking in the Vancouver area is a peaceful, satisfying way to spend a morning.

• Emma Lea Farms (Delta) – Relaxed and scenic
• Krause Berry Farms (Langley) – Fun waffles and markets
• Maan Farms (Abbotsford) – Great for kids

What I pack:

• Wide-brimmed sun hat
• Reusable berry containers
• Water bottle that clips to my bag

Recommended posts:
– Berry Picking in Vancouver: The Ultimate Guide to a Sweet Summer
– Uncover the Best Metro Vancouver Fruit Picking Locations

Early Summer Hikes I Actually Recommend

One thing I learned from running a women’s hiking group? Not all “easy hikes” are enjoyable—and some are just straight-up overrated. I’ve done Dog Mountain a few times and honestly? I never liked it. The trail’s muddy, rooty, and chaotic, especially when it’s busy. There are better options that still keep things accessible but actually feel like a rewarding escape.

Here are three hikes I do recommend in June—trails I return to year after year:

Lighthouse Park (West Vancouver)

Old-growth trees, ocean views, and that perfect mix of forested trail and open air. You don’t have to commit to a huge distance to get something special here. I like starting from the upper parking lot and winding down to the viewpoints. Go on a weekday morning for maximum peace.

• Trail type: Loop options
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Why I love it: Coastal cliffs, lots of places to stop and sit, feels like you’ve gone way farther from the city than you have.

Jug Island Trail (Belcarra)

Here’s one that balances forest with a big ocean payoff at the end. It’s just under 5 km round trip, and the beach at the end is quiet and beautiful—bring a snack, and stay awhile.

• Trail type: Out-and-back
• Difficulty: Moderate (some short climbs)
• Why I love it: Forest-to-water is my dream combo. You feel like you’ve earned the view.

Quarry Rock (Deep Cove)

Yes, it’s open again—and if you hit it on a weekday morning, it can still be a lovely walk. The trail is short but includes stairs and enough incline to feel satisfying, especially with the view over Indian Arm at the top.

• My take: Nice if you’ve never done it. Bring a snack and sit for a while—it’s the lingering that makes it worth it.
• Watch for: Slippery sections after rain, and crowds if you go on a weekend.

Beach Days Without the Crowds

Vancouver’s beaches really come into their own in June—before school’s out, before the tourists fully roll in, and while the tide’s still turning in your favour. And for those of us who live (or lived) near the water, there’s a kind of rhythm to these spots that guidebooks can’t capture.

Spanish Banks

When I used to live on West 10th, I’d walk down to Spanish Banks almost every evening in June. It was part ritual, part reset. You get big skies, wide-open sand at low tide, and this incredible quiet that feels impossible so close to the city.

• Why it’s still my go-to: It’s less hectic than Kits or English Bay, and the beach is actually walkable when the tide’s out. You can sit, watch the mountains, and just be for a while.
• What to pack: A light hoodie for the evening breeze, something to sit on, and snacks you don’t mind getting a bit sandy.

Third Beach

If I want something that feels tucked away but still gives me those golden hour views, I head to Third Beach. It’s a short walk through Stanley Park, and if you time it right, you’ll catch drummers warming up as the sun dips.

• Why I still love it: The combo of forest path + ocean always feels like a full reset. And the crowd here’s usually pretty mellow.
• My tip: Bring a book or journal—you’ll want to stay longer than you think.

Ambleside Beach (My Favourite Beach)

Living in the city, it’s easy to forget the North Shore has its own relaxed pace. Ambleside’s perfect for those low-effort, high-reward afternoons—especially if you want a view of the Lions Gate Bridge without the Stanley Park crowds.

Good to know: There’s a seawall, washrooms, and enough café options nearby to make a whole afternoon of it.

Why it works: Accessible, great views, and usually a little quieter in June.

Day Trips That Feel Like Summer (Without Booking a Thing)

Here’s the thing about June: the days are long, the weather’s finally decent, and you don’t need to leave at the crack of dawn to make a trip feel worth it. This is when I start easing into longer drives and ferry rides—not rushing, not over-planning, just letting the day stretch out.

These are the day trips I’ve taken many times over the years, especially when I need a break from city noise but still want to be home for dinner.

Bowen Island

There’s something magic about hopping on the ferry at Horseshoe Bay without your car. You land, walk off, and instantly slow down. I usually grab a coffee in Snug Cove, then wander into Crippen Regional Park or along the shore near Sandy Beach.

• Why it works in June: Fewer weekend crowds, and it’s green and fresh from spring rain.
• My usual move: Grab lunch, find a sunny bench, read, leave when I feel like it.

Recommended Post:
– Bowen Island Day Trip Itinerary from Vancouver

Steveston Village

This one’s all about coastal atmosphere. I love walking the dyke trail, poking into little shops, and just being near the water. It’s not flashy, which is exactly the point.

• Great for: Slow mornings, last-minute plans, people who love salty air and small-town calm.
• Vegan snack tip: Grab takeaway from one of the spots along Moncton Street and eat by the cannery.

Sea to Sky Wandering

I never go with a full itinerary. Sometimes I stop at Shannon Falls. Sometimes I keep driving until I feel like turning around. The key is not trying to do all the stops—just pick one or two and enjoy them.

• What makes it a good June route: Shoulder season prices in Squamish and Whistler, and those views are honestly better with a bit of lingering cloud.
• Detour worth doing: Britannia Mine Museum, especially if you haven’t been since you were a kid.

If you’re into these kinds of no-pressure getaways, you’ll find a few more personal favourites:

More Articles About Stops Along the Sea to Sky Highway

• Driving to Whistler from Vancouver: Sea to Sky Highway Stops
• The Best Vancouver to Whistler Day Trip Itinerary
• Eagle Viewing Squamish: Tips for the Best Experience
• Best Squamish Day Trip From Vancouver For Those Short on Time
• The Mamquam Falls Trail: Hidden Gem in Squamish
• Porteau Cove Provincial Park: A Hidden Gem on the Sea-to-Sky Highway
• Is Britannia Mine Museum Worth the Visit? Here’s What You Need to Know
• Discover the Shannon Falls Hike: A Local’s Favourite Along the Sea to Sky Highway

Vancouver Events in June 2025

Looking for something specific happening during your trip? June’s packed with local events—music, food, theatre, culture—many of them outdoors or free. Here’s a roundup of events worth checking out this year:

Vancouver International Jazz Festival

Dates: June 20 – July 1, 2025
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, this festival offers over 150 free and ticketed events across downtown and Granville Island, including world-class performances, workshops, and artist talks.

• Website: coastaljazz.ca

Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival

Dates: June 20–22, 2025
North America’s flagship dragon boat festival returns to False Creek with over 200 teams from around the world. Enjoy competitive racing, live music, cultural pavilions, and family-friendly programming.

• Website: concorddragonboatfestival.ca

5X Festival

Dates: June 12–14, 2025
This South Asian culture and music festival features DJs, art installations, block parties, and panels across Surrey and Vancouver, celebrating Panjabi music, art, and culture.

• Website: 5xfest.com

Bard on the Beach

Dates: June – September 2025
Held at Vanier Park, this open-air Shakespeare festival features four productions: Much Ado About Nothing, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again], and The Dark Lady.

• Website: bardonthebeach.org

What to Wear in Vancouver in June (and What I Always Pack)

Let’s get straight to it: Vancouver’s June weather is unpredictable. You might get perfect sunny days and long golden evenings—or you might get misty mornings, cool wind, and that brand of drizzle we all pretend isn’t really rain.

On average, June temps range from 12°C to 20°C (53°F to 68°F). It warms up in the afternoon, but mornings and evenings can feel chilly—especially near the water. Layers are everything.

Here’s what I actually wear (and pack) when I’m out and about in the city, hitting trails, or heading to the beach for a few hours:

Essentials for City Wandering

• Light trench or packable waterproof jacket – always in my tote
• Breathable t-shirt or tank + light knit cardigan – layering is key
• Straight-leg jeans or linen trousers – comfy but polished
• Comfortable walking shoes – I rotate between Veja sneakers and waterproof Blundstones
• Crossbody bag with room for snacks + sunglasses

My Go-To Beach Setup

• Oversized button-down shirt (for sun coverage)
• Quick-dry towel or picnic blanket
• A wide-brimmed hat (mine’s packable)
• Slip-on sandals – waterproof and easy to clean
• A reusable tote with snacks, SPF 50, and a paperback

For a Hike or Day Trip

• Moisture-wicking tank + light fleece or zip-up
• Trail runners or low hikers
• Rain shell tucked into your pack just in case
• Reusable water bottle, protein bar, and a small power bank

Don’t Forget These (I Always Do)

• Sunglasses – even when it’s overcast
• A small travel umbrella
• Lip balm with SPF
• Layers for evenings – it always gets colder than you think

This isn’t a city where you have to be ultra-styled—but it helps to be practical, comfy, and ready for anything. You can absolutely look pulled together without lugging around a giant suitcase.

What to Do If You Didn’t Book Anything for the Long Weekend

Let’s talk about Canada Day weekend—and my birthday. It’s on June 30, which sounds like perfect camping timing, right? Wrong. Every single year I think maybe this year I’ll get a spot. Every single year it’s booked solid months in advance. I’ve accepted it. And honestly? I’ve grown to love the alternatives.

If you didn’t reserve a campsite or book a trip out of town, you can still have a weekend that feels like a reset—without braving ferry traffic or the sardine-packed seawall. My favourite move now? Staying local, but skipping all the obvious spots.

Instead of lining up at Granville Island or squeezing into Stanley Park, I spend long weekends doing non-touristy things in Vancouver—wandering unfamiliar neighbourhoods, checking out independent bookstores, or revisiting quiet corners I haven’t seen in years. No big crowds. No “must-sees.” Just a slower pace that still feels special.

It’s not about cramming in more. It’s about reclaiming the long weekend in a way that actually feels good.

Frequently Asked Questions

One Last Thing Before You Go

If you’re planning a trip to Vancouver in June—or just trying to figure out how to enjoy where you live—don’t overthink it. This month is all about that soft start to summer: not everything’s open yet, but the city feels like it’s waking up. You don’t need to do it all.

Pick one or two things from this list. Take a walk. Sit by the water. Let the day stretch out a bit longer than usual.

And if you’re still figuring out where summer’s taking you next, you’ll find more ideas woven throughout the site. Just follow whatever pulls you—trailhead, berry field, or road out of town.

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Are you tired of rushing through someone else’s bucket list? Curious about how slow travel and nature connection can transform your adventures and mindset? Sign up for the free 5-Day Nature Connection Challenge here to start embracing a slower, more intentional way of exploring the world and reconnecting with nature.