Vancouver in September is about as good as it gets, with good weather hanging around before the rain takes us down in October.
It’s the last chance to dance to discover Vancouver’s amazing nature in the warmth, though there are also plenty of September indoor activities.
Let’s dive right into the best things to do in Vancouver in September and find you something to do.
⚠️ Warning ⚠️ – Vancouver September activities tend to sell out quickly, being high season and all. Guarantee your tickets by booking in the Vancouver sightseeing shop at Viator.
It also helps us get one step closer to doing Vancouver Planner for a living ?
Vancouver in September 2024
- Things to do in Vancouver in September
- Vancouver September events
- September concerts
- September weather
- What to pack for September
- FAQ
Things to Do in Vancouver in September
Hike the Grouse Grind
Hike the Grouse GrindSeptember in Vancouver means it’s the last chance to dance on the Grouse Grind, affectionately known around these parts as Mother Nature’s Stairmaster.
This two-hour hike has an average grade of 30%. So we’ll call it a medium-difficulty hike. The Grind brings you up the face of Grouse Mountain for a spectacular panoramic view of the city. And there are also multiple attractions at the top.
September is still great for post-hike beers on Paradise Patio. And in September 2024, there’s even one more Music on the Mountain session on September 3rd (Julia Nicholson).
Go Whale Watching
If you’re looking for once-in-a-lifetime wildlife, remember that September is the peak season for Vancouver whale watching.
Seeing the Salish Sea’s resident killer whales follow migrating salmon inland is one of nature’s great events, and it’s right on Vancouver’s doorstep.
In all, expect to see three main species – orcas, humpbacks, and gray whales. Tours guarantee a whale sighting and leave from either Granville Island or Steveston.
You can get half-day tours starting at $165.00.
Take One Last Hop on Hop Off Bus Trip
If you’re looking for things to do in Vancouver in September, why not take an afternoon to see everything?
While it may be an exaggeration, getting the last tickets for the Vancouver hop on hop off bus (the buses stop for fall/winter) is a great way to enjoy the last of summer.
The bus takes you to all the top areas in the city: Granville Island, Gastown, Chinatown, Stanley Park, and more.
Being able to choose between double-decker buses or covered buses also means you can get around quickly on a rainy day (we average 14 in September ?)
Take in a Sporting Event
Excuse the blurry photo, but hockey season starts in September, and we Canadians might have the shakes after months of no NHL.
Yes, our beloved Vancouver Canucks return to action in September, even if it’s only the preseason. The great thing about preseason is that tickets are cheap and easily available.
The Vancouver Whitecaps of MLS also play at BC Place Stadium on September 30th (DC United).
The BC Lions of the Canadian Football League also take the field on Sept 2nd against Montreal and September 22nd against Edmonton.
Take a Vancouver Boat Cruise
September is still prime weather to get out and live Vancouver’s motto: by sea, land, and air, we prosper.
In fact, there are tons of ways to live it since Vancouver’s best boat tours cater to all tastes: wildlife boat tours, whale watching, city harbour cruises, sunset trips, dinner cruises, and more.
Expect a minimum of Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge, the Coast Mountains, the city beaches and the Vancouver skyline along the way.
Me? I prefer the Howe Sound Eco Safari Tour and its hidden waterfalls, bald eagle nesting spots, and sunbathing sea lions.
Explore Stanley Park
Stanley Park is as automatic as it gets on any Vancouver itinerary.
This old-growth forest park can give you a quick nature escape or deliver any variety of attractions like the Stanley Park Totem Poles, the Vancouver Aquarium, and Siwash Rock.
In September, you’ll be able to catch the last Theatre Under the Stars performances, but I prefer renting a bike in downtown Vancouver and going for a ride along the scenic Vancouver Seawall.
Stanley Park tours are also a great way to explore and learn the city.
Take a Gastown Walking Tour
Ask any Vancouverite about our city’s hippest, most historic neighbourhood, and they’ll probably only talk about Gastown restaurants and many of Vancouver’s top bars.
That said, it’s also been home to some of Vancouver’s most horrific murders, the Great Fire of 1886, and multiple fatal protests.
With September’s great walking weather, this makes it the place to learn about Vancouver history in a fun, rather macabre way.
The Lost Souls of Gastown Tour runs every day at 7:00 pm in September.
Explore Granville Island
Whether you’re visiting Vancouver in September or in the dead of winter, Granville Island is one of the best things to do in Vancouver.
Aside from having some of Vancouver’s best shopping (this is the place to get handmade gifts and unique souvenirs), this creative neighbourhood is best for trying local Vancouver food.
Granville Island Public Market delivers local artisan cheese, the best smoked salmon on earth, and even Seth Rogan’s favourite donut shop: Lee’s Donuts.
September is a great time to get local grapes, apples, and pears – even better made into pastries at A Bread Affair.
Discover Vancouver by Air
With a rainy season lasting over six months, September is the last chance to bank on Vancouver’s best seaplane tours, having consistent sunny skies.
I love how the tours are run by the world’s first carbon-neutral airline, which adds a touch of responsibility to this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Flights that really showcase our coast, skyline, and mountains start at ‘just’ $152.00.
Enjoy the Last Beach Weather
OK, so we’re stretching it a bit here – September still should have plenty of beach weather early in the month, but if you’re visiting in the second half, forget about swimming!
Feel free to pick any of the best beaches in Vancouver, though, for my money; I’m going with Sunset Beach in the West End.
This gives you better flexibility to walk to the best restaurants in downtown Vancouver if the weather takes an unfortunate, rainy Vancouver turn.
Nearby, Craft Beer Market might have the best harbour patio in the city and the top Vancouver craft beer to match.
Vancouver Events September 2024
Vancouver Fringe Festival
The Vancouver Fringe Festival is the best arts festival in the city, hands down.
Each year in mid-September at Granville Island, you can find over 700 performances ranging from one-actor plays to spectacular modern dance shows.
Even better? The stages for each performance are drawn randomly so every performer (big or small) has the same opportunity to shine in the city’s largest theatre venues.
The tickets for these shows are also heavily discounted compared to regular Vancouver theatre evenings, making it a great budget thing to do in September.
2024 dates: September 7th to 17th.
Car Free Day Vancouver
As I mentioned in my Vancouver festivals post, September in Vancouver means it’s time to throw away the car keys and (drive? ?) over to Car Free Day.
This series of block parties throughout Vancouver’s best neighbourhoods leaves the city streets to pedestrians and cyclists.
It is a great opportunity to check out live music, performances, markets, food stalls, and all sorts of exhibitions and activities.
2024 dates: Commercial Drive (September 9), Main Street (September 16), West End (September 27).
The PNE
It’s not summer in Vancouver without a trip to the Pacific National Exhibition. This local institution runs from August 20th to September 5th in 2024.
Most people go to the amusement park. But there is also an incredible outdoor food fair and the summer concert series.
September 2024 includes Jason Derulo (September 1) and Blue Rodeo (September 4)
If you’re visiting Vancouver with kids, you’ll also enjoy their petting zoo and midway games. While adults may want to strap in for a visit to their casino or craft beer tents.
Vancouver September 2024 Concerts
- Ed Sheeran: September 2nd, BC Place
- Bonnie Rait: September 3rd, Queen Elizabeth Theatre
- Kansas: September 6th, Queen Elizabeth Theatre
- Pixies & Modest Mouse: September 9th, Doug Mitchell Sports Centre UBC
- Beyonce: September 11th, BC Place
- Lionel Ritchie: September 12th, Rogers Arena
- Coldplay: September 22nd and September 23rd, BC Place
- Arctic Monkeys: September 23rd, Pacific Coliseum
Need more information on concerts in Vancouver in September? Check out Songkick.
Vancouver Weather September
Vancouver weather in September can be warm and sunny. But the average temperature high averages between 10° and 18° degrees Celsius (50° to 64° Fahrenheit).
Of course, this won’t sound all that summery to many, but temperatures do every now and then push 25°C (77°F).
Just remember that Vancouver is a rain shadow city, so there is a chance of showers throughout the month. In fact, there are 14 days of precipitation in September.
What to Pack for Vancouver in September
If you’re visiting Vancouver in early September, pack a t-shirt and shorts, as beach weather rolls well into the month.
That said, the weather can become quite cool and rainy at times so a sweater and a light jacket are needed – as well as long pants and some good walking shoes for all our nature.
Visiting Vancouver in September FAQ
What’s happening in Vancouver in September 2024?
In September 2024 in Vancouver, you can attend the Vancouver Fringe Fest, go to the PNE, and enjoy Car Free Fest. Not to mention, you can see lots of concerts like Beyonce, Lionel Ritchie, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran and more.
What to wear in Vancouver in September?
Vancouver September weather is comparatively warm and dry. Expect lots of sunshine, especially earlier in the month. Do keep in mind, however, that the hot days are generally long gone. So temperatures typically range from 10° to 18° degrees Celsius (50° to 64° Fahrenheit) later on. Aside from anomalies, this is jeans, light jacket, and hoodie weather.
What time does it get dark in Vancouver in September?
In Vancouver, the sun sets at 7:54 pm on September 1st and 6:52 pm on September 30th. That means an average of around 12.5 hours of daylight every day.
How hot is Vancouver in September?
In Vancouver, in September, the average high temperature is 18°C with the average at low 10°C (50° F to 64° F). While occasionally highs reach 23°C or 25°C, don’t expect any scolding hot days. Remember, Vancouver is a coastal city with oceanic winds that keep temperatures rather moderate.
Visiting Vancouver in September?
This is all I’ve got on what to do in Vancouver in September.
That said, maybe you’re in the market for something a little more custom. If you’re planning a Vancouver September vacation, write me below – I’m always happy to help 🙂
I wanted to let you know Glass Animals announced last week their tour will include Vancouver on September 8th at Rogers Arena 🙂 Should add onto your list! It’s what’s bringing me to visit from Alaska.
Had never heard of this group until now 🙂 Let this comment stand as a testament! Hope you enjoy your stay.