#1 – Deep Cove Kayak Centre

Deep Cove

SUP is not as easy as is looks—but it’s not as hard as you might imagine. All you need to get over your fear are some basic techniques and some handy-dandy safety instructions, and you’re ready to go. At Deep Cove Kayak Centre you can take beginner (or advanced) lessons from May to September. Lessons are $60 and they are informative, practical, and fun.Paddling around Deep Cove is a great way to explore Vancouver’s beautiful coastline, up the 18km Indian Arm fjord.

GO HERE FOR: stunning scenery

#2 – Ecomarine Paddlesport Centres

Granville Island

You’re in luck because the water around Vancouver is pretty calm and that gives you a chance to bring your SUP skills to a whole new level. At Ecomarine Paddlesport Centres you can take a beginner lesson for $60—but once you’ve mastered the basics you can continue to improve with their wide selection of advanced classes. There have intermediate and advanced classes, weekend series, and more! This place is perfect for those who want to spend spring and summer down by the water.

GO HERE FOR: wide variety of classes

#3 – WazSUP

David Lam Park and Sunset Beach

Ah, the unavoidable pun. Everyone who likes to stand on the board will ask you, wazSUP?? However, at WazSUP in downtown Van, what is actually up is great a mood and positive energy that spreads like crazy. WazSUP is known for its super productive team building activities and social events—so think of them next time you want to see your boss in a wetsuit or want to shake up your best friend’s bachelor party. They operate our of David Lam Park and Sunset Beach and offer semi-private and group lessons starting at $90.

GO HERE FOR: SUP parties and team building events

#4- Stand Up Paddle Vancouver

Third Beach

Sometimes it’s the little things that make your day, like enjoying a beautiful sunset down by the water. If you’re on a mission to make this summer the best one yet, head down to Third Beach in Stanley Park and check out the SUP classes at Stand Up Paddle Vancouver. They offer basic SUP classes for beginners starting at $75, and SUP yoga workshops at the same price. They also offer a class called the Sunrise/Sunset Social—a one-hour, fully guided paddle under the bright colors of a Vancouver sunset.

GO HERE FOR: sunrise and sunset SUP

#5 – Windsure

Jericho Beach

SUP is popular because it’s calming, super fun, and gets you out on the water on a beautiful day, but it’s also a great exercise for your upper arms, core, and lower back. At Windsure at Jericho Beach you can sign up for beginner group lesson for just $40 and learn how to get most out of your SUP practice. Not only you will have fun, chill, and unwind, you’ll also get ripped. The staff here will teach you about safety before encouraging you to push just a little bit harder and get a SUPer body. (Sorry, we had to.)

GO HERE FOR: safe lessons and encouraging staff

About Hijinks

Hijinks is the online marketplace that makes it easy to discover and book life experiences to enjoy with friends, family, and co-workers. Whether it’s an escape room visit, cooking class, or team building activity, we provide comprehensive listings, customer ratings and reviews, and easy browse and search functionality to help you book with confidence. For more information check us out here!

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#1 – Escape to the steep forested mountains of Indian Arm

Beginner friendly

Indian Arm is an 18km-long fjord right in Vancouver’s backyard promising breathtaking views of steep forested mountains and rollicking waterfalls. Because it’s so close to the city this is one of the most popular kayaking destinations in Vancouver. Deep Cove Kayak Centre operating out of the cove at the base of the fjord offers regular tours up Indian Arm from April to September for paddlers of all abilities. Check out the three-hour Deep Cove Explorer Tour for $80 and enjoy the calm waters of the fjord.

Take this tour for: Getting in touch with nature

#2 – Enjoy the sunset from Stanley Park

Beginner friendly

You’ve probably explored Stanley Park on foot—but have you ever seen it from the water? Known for its rich wildlife, enchanting rainforests, and highly coveted beaches, Stanley Park is a slice of natural BC beauty right in the heart of Vancouver. Ecomarine Paddlesport Centres offers a Sunset Kayaking Tour most evenings in the summer which departs from Granville Island and takes you past Vancouver’s iconic seawall and the Stanley Park beaches. Enjoy the beautiful sunset on serene waters for $69 and watch as the sun kisses the horizon.

Take this tour for: Beautiful sunsets

#3 – Learn the legends of the Squamish people in Porteau Cove and Howe Sound

Intermediate to experienced

Departing from Porteau Cove Marine Park, about forty minutes up the north shore, this First Nations interpretive paddle on Howe Sound offers views of Squamish from the water. Talaysay Tours specializes in cultural tours that take you on a journey of discovery. The Howe Sound tour includes the history and legends of the Squamish people, and a complimentary lunch on the beach! Lasting just under four hours, it starts at $199.

Take this tour for: History and legends of the Squamish people

#4 –  Catch a whale sighting or two at White Rock

Beginner friendly

If you want to get on the water to get closer to nature, check out the Gray Whale Tour by David Dreves Kayak in White Rock. In the spring and summer months gray whales come to White Rock to rest and feed before continuing their journey up the coast. And while a whale sighting is not always guaranteed, you’ll for sure catch a glimpse of a harbour porpoise or two. This tour lasts three hours and costs $70.

Take this tour for: Gray whale sightings

#5 – Go sea kayaking in Haida Gwaii

Advanced

Those looking to get out of the city—way out of the city—should check out the week-long kayaking adventure to Haida Gwaii offered by Ecomarine Paddlesport Centre. This archipelago of steep forested islands, arching out of the Pacific Ocean, is breathtaking, possessing a bewitching natural beauty that’s hard to find anywhere else. On this is eight-day tour you’ll see stunning scenery, remote wilderness, fantastic wildlife, and the chance to visit important Haida cultural sites.

Take this tour for: A once-in-a-lifetime adventure

About Hijinks

Hijinks is the online marketplace that makes it easy to discover and book life experiences to enjoy with friends, family, and co-workers. Whether it’s an escape room visit, cooking class, or team building activity, we provide comprehensive listings, customer ratings and reviews, and easy browse and search functionality to help you book with confidence. For more information check us out here!

The post Most Beautiful Kayaking Tours In and Around Vancouver appeared first on Hijinks.

#1 – Cruise a craft beer tour in historic Gastown

Re-discover the beauty of historic Gastown on a craft beer tour. When you combine classic architecture, warm streetlights, and lots of delicious craft beer, magic happens. You’ll discover the secrets of the brewing process and the history of craft beer while munching on snacks and learning about the best beer-food pairings. Try some of most delicious craft beer the northwest has to offer as well as sampling some exotic international ones.

#2 – Show off your axe throwing skills at Bad Axe Throwing

Axe throwing is like darts’s hip younger cousin. If you’ve ever played darts before, you’ll know what we mean. This is a great opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and have a laugh—because axe throwing is not as easy as it looks! Thankfully, Bad Axe Throwing is a laid back venue with a friendly atmosphere and awesome staff. Since there are just two of you, visit them during their drop-in hours, Thursdays 8:00pm–10:30pm. Bad Axe is located in Surrey, so make this date a mini adventure.

#3 – Get cozy in the kitchen at cooking school

There’s no denying that dinner out is one of the classic date night options—so why not turn this old standard on its head with a cooking class? Bring an interactive element into dinner together at the Dirty Apron in Gastown. At the Dirty Apron Cooking School, you can learn to master the art of classic Italian cuisine, French bistro fare, local seafood cooking, or even a delicious brunch class for a day date. Work together to make the perfect meal while enjoying delicious appetizers and stolen glances. This is a pricey option at $170 per person, but considering dinner is included, it’s a pretty good deal.

#4 – Play detective together at SmartyPantz

Who wouldn’t want to get locked into a room together on a date? That’s exactly what will happen at SmartyPantz in Gastown. One of the best escape rooms in downtown Vancouver, SmartyPantz combines excellent puzzle design with full room immersion to create an awesome escape room experience. Choose from Spies & Lies, Doomed Submarine, Dream’scape, and Morning Never Comes, all varying in difficultly and scare factor. Just don’t pick something too spooky—after all, you’re still getting to know each other! You’ll want a minimum four people, so double date for this one, and have a beer after in nearby Gastown.

#5 – Get fast and furious at indoor go-karting

Whether you’ve got racing experience or not, go-karts are easy to maneuver and super fun. Speeders Indoor ProKarts has one of the largest indoor go-kart tracks in Richmond. You can drop in here for a few races and get the competitive juices flowing before going out for some post-race drinks. It’s an adrenaline-fuelled activity that will shake you up and make room for some real bonding. A three-race pack here, with each race lasting 8–10 minutes, is $16, so bonus points for affordability.

#6 – Take them out for a drink (and some painting)

There’s no reason to be afraid of painting in front of total strangers when you’ve got a glass of wine in your hand! Painting nights are a great way to do something fun together while also enjoying a drink or two. Paint Nite organizes relaxed painting workshops at bars and restaurants all over Vancouver, and you’ll be guided step-by-step through the process of creating a masterpiece.

#7 – Learn how to make the perfect cocktail

Shaken or stirred is only one of the mysteries you’ll uncover at Brandywine Bartending School. Take a recreational cocktail making class here and learn how to use the best ingredients to make the tastiest cocktails. You’ll get a chance to make something on your own while also getting tipsy together.

#8 – Hit the wall—the rocking climbing wall

You know what they say about moving mountains for love, well how about climbing one? Okay, so it’s not actually a mountain, but a rock climbing date is definitely a unique way to change up your date night. At The Hive indoor rock climbing in downtown Vancouver, you can drop-in for some bouldering for just $20. But if top-roping is more your thing, check out Cliffhanger Climbing just next door. If you’re both beginners make sure you check out the intro to climbing options for maximum safety. The only falling here will be in love!

#9 – Shake things up at Extreme Air Park

Trampoline jumping certainly beats dinner and movie on a fun-o-meter. Just remember to eat after jumping, not before. You don’t want to bouncing around on a full stomach! A trampoline park is definitely outside the norm for date night—but it’s a total blast. Check out Extreme Air Park with locations in Richmond and Langley. You can drop-in for open jump for just $14 and enjoy an hour of free jumping. For those with a competitive edge, check out their 3-D Dodgeball League Night and drop in for a wild game of trampoline dodgeball.

About Hijinks

Hijinks is the online marketplace that makes it easy to discover and book life experiences to enjoy with friends, family, and co-workers. Whether it’s an escape room visit, cooking class, or team building activity, we provide comprehensive listings, customer ratings and reviews, and easy browse and search functionality to help you book with confidence. For more information check us out here!

The post Unique Date Ideas in Vancouver appeared first on Hijinks.

#1 – Escape from G.U.E.S.S. HQ

Immersive stories, twisting plots, top-notch room design, and puzzles that will blow your mind are just some of the perks at G.U.E.S.S. HQ in Gastown. There’s a reason hardcore escape artists consider this escape house one of the best. There are two rooms here, both with incredible, immersive game design that will not disappoint. These puzzles will tire your noggin right out, so we suggest heading off to the nearest pub after for a pint, like the Irish Heather down on Carrall Street.

#2 – Go rock climbing at The Hive

For awesome rock climbing right in Downtown Van check out The Hive on Industrial Avenue. This bouldering gym is bright and welcoming with lots of bouldering problems to tackle. This is a great way to get out with your friends or a super alternative to your local gym if you’re getting bored of the treadmill/weights rotation. They also offer yoga classes at The Hive, perfect for post-climb stretching.

#3 – Learn to make cocktails like a bartender

Shake up home entertaining with your own cocktail creations. Check out Brandywine Bartending School in Strathcona where you can take recreational cocktail making classes or host team building events. What makes Brandywine special is their innovative approach to cocktail making. They even make their own ingredients, like smoked spirits and bitters. Check out their Modern Classics recreational workshop or their World of Bitters class and start setting up your drink cart.

#4 – Explore the tastes of Railtown

Have you been to Railtown yet? This up-and-coming area east of Gastown is fast becoming the top destination for trendy eateries and design shops in Van. Check out this awesome food tour of Railtown offered by BC-based Off the Eaten Track. Railtown Urban Eats will take you on a two-hour culinary journey, visiting five different culinary stops nestled among some of the oldest still-standing houses in Vancouver. Expect ten food tastings, wine and beer samplers, and lots of artsy culture.

#5 – Pick up a paintbrush at Paint Nite

It doesn’t matter if you’re an avid painter or haven’t picked up a paintbrush since grade school—social painting is for everyone. Check out the Paint Nite nearest you for a different night out with friends. Here they’ll take you through the process step-by-step from color mixing and application to composition and finishing—all while you have a glass of wine in your hand. What could be better?

#6 – Take a cooking class at the Dirty Apron

Learning how to cook is simple, all you need to do is follow some simple instructions, not set the kitchen on fire, and make something edible. But if you’re looking to take your skills to the next level, sometimes you need a little push. The Dirty Apron is a culinary haven in Gastown. Their cooking classes are the perfect blend of seasonal ingredients, fresh produce, and classic recipes. For your next night out, date night, or special occasion, check out their courses in delicious seafood, French cuisine, Italian fare, classic barbecue, and more.

#7 – Find out who’s really a smarty pants at SmartyPantz

Located on Abbott Street in Gastown you’ll find SmartyPantz, a unique escape room with top-notch design. SmartyPantz is popular with Vancouver escapers for its high-quality room design, awesome immersive storytelling, and cool retro vibe. There are four rooms here all with fun stories, from classic spy noir to spooky haunted house. If you’re looking for something totally different check out Doomed Submarine, a player vs. player game that will pit you against your pals.

About Hijinks

Hijinks is the online marketplace that makes it easy to discover and book life experiences to enjoy with friends, family, and co-workers. Whether it’s an escape room visit, cooking class, or team building activity, we provide comprehensive listings, customer ratings and reviews, and easy browse and search functionality to help you book with confidence. For more information check us out here!

The post Fun Things To Do In Downtown Vancouver appeared first on Hijinks.

Kick off the bachelorette party in style with a cocktail making class or paint night—or give the bride-to-be the time of her life at axe throwing or paintball. Check out these sweet bachelorette party ideas in Vancouver and throw the bachelorette that everyone will be talking about.

#1 – Mix your own signature cocktails at Brandywine Bartending School

Strathcona

What’s a bachelorette party without signature cocktails? At Brandywine Bartending School you can book group cocktail making classes for 10–15 people or more—choose from their Modern Cocktails party or Intimate Cocktail Wars, which introduces an element of trivia to the mixology.

#2 – Find some inner peace with SUP Yoga

White Rock | Vancouver | Deep Cove

Start the bachelorette party off right with some yoga on the calming waters of Vancouver, Deep Cove, or White Rock. Stand Up Paddle Vancouver offers private SUP Yoga classes for parties of 6 people. Relaxing on the water and breathing in the fresh air is just what you’ll need before the big party starts. You can decide when and where you want to take the class and customize it to fit your needs.

#3 – Get creatively tipsy at paint class

Vancouver

Drink creatively with Paint Nite. With painting parties in local bars and restaurants all over the city, you’re bound to find one that works for you. You’ll have fun learning how to recreate the feature painting—even more so the more wine you drink. You can take a class at your favorite local bar, just check out what Paint Nite has to offer.

#4 – Make it a cooking party at Nourish

Point Grey

There’s a reason this Point Grey café and cooking studio is a go-to spot for Vancouverites. This beautifully designed space with its fresh white décor is heaven for foodies and amateur cooks alike. Gather your friends for a private cooking party and learn how to make French, Italian, or Middle Eastern fare in this classy bacheloretty party affair.

#5 – Take down the bride at Delta Force Paintball

Maple Ridge

There’s nothing like sending your friend off with a paintball fight to the death. At Delta Force Paintball you can organize an action-packed bachelorette party and engage in an epic paintball party in the woods, surrounded by nature. This outdoor paintball provider has great party packages, and don’t forget to ask them about special effects so you can spice things up with some red fog!

#6 – Let loose at axe throwing

Surrey

Bad Axe Throwing in Surrey has just what your friend needs before the big day—an outlet for her wedding-related stress. It’s also crazy fun and super cool. A private booking for eight people or more is perfect for a bachelorette party at $44 per person–and you can bring your own food and soft drinks.

#7 – Go trampoline jumping at Apex Adventure Plex

Richmond

Trampoline jumping may send your back to days of yore when you were just a tiny tot—but the trampoline parks of today are nothing like the ones we had when we were young. At Apex Adventure Plex there are dodgeball and basketball courts as well as freestyle jumping zones and foam pits. Spice up your bachelorette party; for a group of eight you can get one hour of jumping for $144.

#8 – Have a foodie fest at Posh Pantry

Burnaby

If your friend is a real foodie, take her to the best cooking school in Vancouver: Posh Pantry. This chic culinary school has the best menus and the most delicious courses. Book a private cooking party and choose Italian, Thai, Chinese, Spanish, or Mexican cuisine. Pick a date and menu, and the chef will take care of the rest.

#9 – Get creative at Create-It Emporium

Surrey

If your friend is the artsy type, you can organize a private bachelorette party at Create-It Emporium. This is a lovely Pinterest-primed studio in Surrey where you can paint on canvas or pottery, do something called glass fusing, and more.

#10 – Escape the room at G.U.E.S.S. HQ

Gastown

Can you crack the most immersive escape rooms in the Vancouver Area? G.U.E.S.S. HQ isn’t just an escape room, it’s a full-body experience. Here you’ll find superb production value, fabulous room design, and awe-inspiring hi-tech puzzles that will leave you speechless. If your friend is an escape room aficionado, this is the ultimate bachelorette party for her. The price for each room is $30 and the maximum capacity is eight people.

#11 – Go Glamping with Wildcoast

Quathiaski Cove

Pull out all the stops with a bachelorette party with Wildcoast . If your friend is the outdoorsy type, check out the fabulous glamping options from Wildcoast. This kayaking adventure company organizes four- to seven-day excursions with forest cabins, gourmet chefs, and warm sleeping accommodation. See the orcas, kayak Desolution Sound, or explore the Discovery Islands. These trips don’t come cheap but one thing’s for sure, it’s a trip none of you will ever forget.

About Hijinks

Hijinks is the online marketplace that makes it easy to discover and book life experiences to enjoy with friends, family, and co-workers. Whether it’s an escape room visit, cooking class, or team building activity, we provide comprehensive listings, customer ratings and reviews, and easy browse and search functionality to help you book with confidence. For more information check us out here!

The post Best Bachelorette Party Ideas In And Around Vancouver appeared first on Hijinks.

If you’ve been tapped to plan a bachelor party for your good friend, kick off the party in style with something outside the box and super fun, from paintball to axe throwing, pub crawls and more. Check out this list of awesome ways to kick off a bachelor party in Vancouver.

#1 – Take the groom down at a paintball game

Maple Ridge

If your friend is a fan of paintball, then book the bachelor party with Delta Force Paintball in Maple Ridge. This outdoor paintball provider has huge fields of varying terrains and styles including a massive forested field full of dystopian obstacles.

#2 – Go axe throwing like real badasses

Surrey

Blow off some steam at axe throwing before hitting your favorite Vancouver bars. At Bad Axe Throwing in Surrey, you can book a private lane for groups of eight or more and give the groom the ultimate bachelor party experience.

#3 – Soar over Grouse Mountain on a zip line

Grouse Mountain

Get that sweet adrenaline rush at Grouse Mountain Ziplines. Depending on the time of year, book the three- or five-line tour of the mountain and enjoy an afternoon in nature before hitting the bars later that night.

#4 – Go racing at Speeders Indoor ProKarts

Richmond

If your friend is a fan of go-karts he knows that a track doesn’t need to be all that challenging but the karts have got to run smooth. At Speeders Indoor ProKarts you get both, plus some of the fastest karts in Vancouver. Pit the boys against each other in this fast-and-furious style bachelor party.

#5 – Show off your ninja skills at obstacle course racing

Mount Pleasant

For those crews that like a little competition, check out obstacle course racing at Origins Parkour & Athletic Facility in Mount Pleasant. This massive indoor playground is perfect for competitive parkour and they offer private bookings on weekends, a great option for a bachelor party.

#6 – Scare the crap out of him at these horror-themed rooms

East Vancouver

Take the groom to the ultimate spooky escape room experience at Locked Canada in East Vancouver. Choose between six different horror-themed rooms, like The Asylum and Isolation Chamber and see who cracks first.

#7 – Explore hidden tastes of Railtown

Railtown

Any foodies in the house? If your friend loves food and is always looking for new flavors, treat him to a smorgasbord of fun tastes in Railtown on this Urban Eats Tour. This Off the Eaten Track tour includes wine, beer, food tastings, secret stories about old brothels and the history of the Japanese community–a great way to start a bachelor party before hitting Gastown’s bars.

#8 – Go on a beer tasting tour

Gastown

Or maybe you want to skip the food tastings and get right to the good stuff. Follow your beer guide to the best pubs in Gastown on Vancouver Food Tour’s Craft Beer ‘n Bites Tour. This pub crawl with a twist will teach you about the brewing process and the history of beer while treating the guys to great pub snacks.

#9 – Rent a private boat and enjoy the view from the water

Granville Island

Start early with a private cruise up the coast. At Vancouver Boat Rentals you can rent a speed boat and enjoy the spectacular view of the city skyline. These boats can accommodate from five to six people and are perfect for blowing off some steam before further bachelor party shenanigans.

#10 – Get shaken and stirred at a Brandywine bartending school

Gastown

You probably already know how to mix a good cocktail, but for a bachelor party you want to go the extra mile. Those of you who really care about the culture of drinking and proper ingredients will enjoy Modern Classics workshop class at Brandywine. You’ll get professional tips, make your own cocktails, and get to drink them!

#11 – Eviscerate the groom at archery tag

Richmond

A bit easier to get to than paintball, check out archery tag at 6pack Indoor Beach in Richmond. This indoor archery tag arena is exactly as the name suggests, an indoor beach. Enjoy all the strategy and adrenaline of combat, while taking advantage of all the sweet dives a soft landing affords in this action-packed bachelor party option.

#12 – Celebrate in style on a West Coast Dinner Sail

West Vancouver

Sailing into the sunset with your friends while eating a steak dinner and cracking open a cold one is a pretty freaking awesome way to celebrate a rite of passage. Check out Orca Wind Sail Charters’s twilight sail and dinner cruise. Pro tip: this charter cruise is BYOB.

About Hijinks

Hijinks is the online marketplace that makes it easy to discover and book life experiences to enjoy with friends, family, and co‐workers. Whether it’s an escape room visit, cooking class, or team building activity, we provide comprehensive listings, customer ratings and reviews, and easy browse and search functionality to help you book with confidence. For more information check us out here!

The post Awesome Ways To Kick Off A Bachelor Party In Vancouver appeared first on Hijinks.

Cliffhanger Climbing Gyms

Cliffhanger Climbing Gyms has been a fixture in the Vancouver climbing community for more than 20 years. Once you’re inside you’ll see its bigger than it seems, with plenty of bouldering routes and top rope walls with a lot of levels. Absolute beginners can take the Intro to Climbing course for $69 where they’ll learn all about climbing equipment, knots, belaying, and techniques. What makes this course popular is the two-week climbing membership they toss in, totally for free. A day pass, for experienced climbers, is $20. Regular climbers like this gym for its ever-changing routes, and beginners praise its staff for great customer service and teaching skills.

Climb Base5

Climb Base5 is an excellent choice for those who have tried rock climbing a few time before. This indoor climbing gym is located in Coquitlam and it’s huge—over 17,000 square feet of climbing terrain. There are a lead climbing routes, bouldering options, and even crack climbing. A day pass is $19, and for those who want unlimited gym time, there is a monthly option for $62/month. This rock climbing gym is different from the rest because it’s big, super challenging, and constantly changing. This is a good option for those who have a climbing buddy, or are looking to find one.

The Hive

The Hive bouldering gyms are some of the fanciest climbing facilities in Vancouver. They are massive, well-organized, diverse, and designed for skill levels. The Hive North Shore is a great gym for beginner boulders. The walls are challenging, so everyone can enjoy them, but there is also great teaching area in the back and plenty of courses to choose from. Feeling stiff after a climbing? Check out their yoga classes for a good stretch after your workout. The Hive in Strathcona, even has a course called Women in Bouldering, dedicated to tackled aspects that are unique to women in climbing. The good thing is you can climb in bouldering areas without a partner, though there will be plenty of opportunities to meet a new one here. The drop-in pass for both gyms is $21, and if you’re late night climber you can drop in for $16.

Coastal Climbing Centre

What makes Coastal Climbing Centre a favorite is their creative wall design. They have a great variety of routes, lead climbs, an extensive bouldering area, including two caves, and a full-gym traverse. This is definitely a place where experienced climbers can experiment with different routes and push their limits. A lot of climbers from downtown Vancouver come to Surry to progress at Coastal Climbing. If you are new to climbing then the Beginner Climbing Course is for here. Here you’ll learn about knots, equipment, and two-week gym pass. Not bad. The beginner course is $60 and a day pass is $18.

The Rock Wall Climbing Gym

If you are looking for great instruction and a good time, then The Rock Wall Climbing Gym is the place for you. At this family-run gym, they believe that rock climbing will change your life—and they’ve been watching it do just that for over ten years. They promote social climbing, but there are also a bunch of auto-belay options for those who prefer to fly solo. Instead of specifically making routes for beginners like other gyms, they have a really robust beginner training program that will help you to grow and develop as a climber. Their Top Rope Belay lesson is $65 and once you complete it you can successfully climb on your own. Public drop-in is $15, and a day pass is $17.

The Edge Climbing Centre

Another great North Vancouver gym, The Edge Climbing Centre, has everything a beginner climber could wish for. The atmosphere is relaxed, which means the design is not quite as polished as other rock climbing gyms, but the laidback policy means a lot of freedom for climbers. It’s rarely overcrowded, so you can take your first lesson knowing that you’ll have the instructor’s full attention. Their Introduction to Indoor Climbing class covers the basics of climbing in three hours for $69. If you enjoy yourself, a one-week membership is included so you can come back and try your skills. A day pass is $20.

About Hijinks

Hijinks is the online marketplace that makes it easy to discover and book life experiences to enjoy with friends, family, and co-workers. Whether it’s an escape room visit, cooking class, or team building activity, we provide comprehensive listings, customer ratings and reviews, and easy browse and search functionality to help you book with confidence. For more information check us out here!

The post Best Rock Climbing Gyms in Vancouver appeared first on Hijinks.

#1 – Archery Tag at 6pack Indoor Beach

Don’t worry, you don’t have to have a six pack to pick up a game of archery tag here. Open seven days a week, 6pack Indoor Beach is a great place to get up to something fun with your friends. Archery tag is like paintball, only instead of super painful capsules of paint hurtling at you at ungodly speeds, you’ll be whipping foam-tipped arrows at your friends. You can book a session with your pals, or you can drop by for open archery and play with other archers at the arena. The beach sand adds a sweet new level to this popular game—soft landings.

#2 – Lockdown Escape Room

There’s a reason Lockdown is a favorite across Vancouver, not only in Richmond. They’ve got four rooms here, each filled with puzzles to solve and mysteries to crack. Experienced players will enjoy Nuclear Crisis which has absolutely no lockboxes (escape roomer’s dream!). They’re super nice too so if it’s your first time, they’ll make sure you’re set before they lock the door. The price for all the rooms is $25, and you’ll need at least four people to play the game.

#3 – Speeders Indoor ProKarts

If you’ve got a need for speed, Speeders Indoor ProKarts is the place for you. While there’s no empirical data out on this—yet—Speeders fans swear up and down these are the fastest go-karts in Richmond. Speed comes at a premium, because this place is the more expensive option in the city. The venue is massive, and there’s a comfy area for your pals to watch (if they let you drag them out the race track anymore!). One race, which includes 14 laps, is $20, but if you’re really a fan you can buy three or even five races.

#4 – Richmond Indoor Paintball

Whether you get a thrill out of shooting your buddies in the behind or are still trying to recreate that iconic scene from 10 Things I Hate About You, paintball’s a pastime for everyone. Richmond Indoor Paintball is the premier indoor paintball experience in the Vancouver area. Book an all-day game for $50, including 100 paintballs and gear rental. Sure you can get a cheaper game in one of the outdoor fields around the city, but you pay top dollar here for the high-quality facility—including the clean bathrooms. (Trust us, you’ll be grateful.) This is a place for real paintball, with music blasting from the speakers and zealous paintballers rushing through the field.

#5 – Time Escape

Near the Aberdeen Centre is another great Vancouver escape room, Time Escape. Time Escape is known for its logical room design, with high quality puzzles and super friendly, down-to-earth staff. If you and your friends like to play games and don’t easily get intimidated by a brain twister or two, then book a room at Time Escape. These rooms challenge your logic skills and push you to think outside of the box—and with over six rooms to choose from you can keep coming back for more. Exciting and challenging, for $24 per escaper this could be your next adventure.

#6- TBC Indoor Racing

Stepping into TBC Indoor Racing may feel like stepping back into the 1990s with their coin operated arcade machines, but the go-karts speak for themselves. This is a smaller space than Speeders, but if you’ve got a small group this might be the best option for you. Admission is a bit cheaper and if there’s only six or so in your group, there’s plenty of track for everyone. The awesome bonus are the two super tight turns in the track where you can practice your Toyko drift. Check out their special price deals if you’re looking for deeper savings.

About Hijinks

Hijinks is the online marketplace that makes it easy to discover and book life experiences to enjoy with friends, family, and co-workers. Whether it’s an escape room visit, cooking class, or team building activity, we provide comprehensive listings, customer ratings and reviews, and easy browse and search functionality to help you book with confidence. For more information check us out here!

The post Super Fun Things To Do In Richmond, BC appeared first on Hijinks.

Lockdown

Richmond

Lockdown escape is one of the largest-scale escape rooms in Vancouver. It has four different rooms all with stellar, ultra-realistic design and high-tech puzzles. One of their most popular rooms, Nuclear Escape, has absolutely no lockboxes—an escape artists’ dream. The production here is solid and the rooms spacious, so it’s great for larger groups.

Krakit

Burnaby

Krakit takes the escape room experience one step further by using live-actors in most of its rooms. Three out of four escape rooms here feature zombies, killers, and crazy doctors, so good luck dealing with those creepy effects and jump scares while trying to beat clock. The fourth room—Alice in Wonderland—is for those who like puzzles without the spooky effects. The game design is logical here and the puzzles moderately difficult, good for experienced players and first-timers alike.

SmartyPantz

Gastown

Location and originality—two reasons why you’ve got to visit SmartyPantz. This is one of the most popular escape rooms in Vancouver due to its high-quality room design, awesome immersive storytelling, and cool retro vibe. It doesn’t hurt that their game design is top-notch, loaded with interesting and logic-based puzzles. Some of the rooms here will take you way out of your comfort zone, like working completely in the dark or being pitted against your own pals in the player vs. player game, Doomed Submarine. (That one sounds jolly, doesn’t it?)

Time Escape

Richmond

Time Escape has over six rooms to choose from, varying in difficulty from beginner to expert. While the room design and immersion isn’t as in-depth here as some of the other rooms in the area, the puzzle design and customer service is top drawer. Time escape has linear, intuitive puzzle design, and they don’t mess around with those super frustrating non-sensical puzzles that totally take you out of the experience. A good place for a first-timer!

Locked Canada

Kensington-Cedar Cottage

There’s a reason they list a “scare factor” rating for each theme at this escape room. From the Crimson Room to Isolation Chamber and Zombie Apocalypse, the rooms at Locked Canada will get the hair standing up on the back of your neck. The experience here is solid, and while the immersion isn’t as advanced as other escape rooms, they deliver in thoughtful game design and logical puzzle flow. If you’re in the mood to give yourself a scare, try Asylum. Consider yourself warned.

G.U.E.S.S. HQ

Gastown

G.U.E.S.S. HQ in Gastown doesn’t just create escape rooms, they’re in the Adventure Room business. Or at least that’s what they call it. G.U.E.S.S. HQ does one better than the standard escape room experience—their rooms are completely and utterly immersive. The storytelling in this space is top notch, as is the room design. They’ve also incorporated automatic and interactive tech into their puzzles, doing away with the maddening math puzzles and combination locks so common in escape rooms today. They have only two rooms here, but when you consider how much work goes into each room, it’s no wonder. If you’re going to try only one room in Vancouver, this is the place.

i-Exit

Granville Entertainment District

If you like smooth game play, effective props, and great game design without the scary factor, then i-Exit should definitely be on your list. Located on the edge of the Entertainment District in downtown Vancouver, i-Exit has four rooms to choose from that will take you from the sunset strip in Las Vegas to the decks of a doomed pirate ship in the Caribbean. The puzzle design here is very good with the clues all following a logical and linear flow. And this is a great room for first-time escapers since they are super generous with hints.

EXIT

Mount Pleasant

EXIT on West Broadway is part of a escape room franchise with locations across BC and Alberta—but don’t let the word franchise turn you off. Unlike other escape room chains, each EXIT location has its own rooms and design—it’s not like being in an escape room factory. The room design at the West Broadway location is super high quality, with excellent story design and immersion. The puzzles are fairly easy, especially for a seasoned escaper.  They also have good clues-to-locks ratio in their rooms, so you won’t end up frustrated and brain-dead.

About Hijinks

Hijinks is the online marketplace that makes it easy to discover and book life experiences to enjoy with friends, family, and co-workers. Whether it’s an escape room visit, cooking class, or team building activity, we provide comprehensive listings, customer ratings and reviews, and easy browse and search functionality to help you book with confidence. For more information check us out here!

The post Top Escape Rooms In Vancouver appeared first on Hijinks.

Find and Seek Puzzle Adventures

88 W Pender Street

Once you try The Majestic Theatre at Find and Seek Puzzle Adventures on West Pender you’ll be waiting with bated breath to see what they come up with next. This popular escape house currently has just one escape room open–but they’re working on more. The Majestic Theatre has it all, from super high quality production design right down to custom made props, all the way to the seamless incorporation of technology. Solving certain puzzles will trigger lighting changes or cause a door to open to the next room—making the whole experience that much more immersive. You’ll also enjoy the hinting system—there are encouraging dings that sound when you’re on the right track, and hints and clues will appear on the TV screen in the room when you get stuck. The price is great too, at $25 per person.

GO HERE FOR: full room immersion and customer experience

Exit

309 W Broadway

This escape room on West Broadway has a wide variety of rooms to choose from, including escape room classics like CSI: The Butcher Shop featuring a psycho killer and Transylvania: Vampire Hunters. But if you’re looking for something a little lighter, check out Candy Coaster, a Willy Wonka–inspired room with lots of visual interest. Like the other Exit locations across Vancouver, Exit on West Broadway features top-notch room design and immersion. There are a fair amount of lockboxes, so die-hard escape artists keep that in mind when booking. The price is $24 per person.

GO HERE FOR: classic escape room experience

G.U.E.S.S. HQ

150 W Hastings Street

Even if you feel like you’ve tried every escape room in Vancouver, you’ve got to try G.U.E.S.S. HQ in Gastown. G.U.E.S.S. HQ takes the standard escape experience and turbocharges it with two super produced rooms, full of creative puzzles and more than your typical dollar shop props. Each room has a full backstory, and the rooms themselves are designed for full immersion. You’ve never done a room like this before—and you probably never will again. Luckily there are a bunch of great pubs in Gastown where you can recuperate after the quest. The price is $30 per person.

GO HERE FOR: out-of-this-world production and design

SmartyPantz

289 Abbott Street

SmartyPantz goes the extra mile when it comes to providing you with the best possible escape room experience. They don’t mind keeping you in the dark (until you find the light yourself), squeezing you into tiny spaces, and entertaining your wits to the max. If you’re in a mood for a fast-paced adventure with only 45 minutes to escape, then check out one of their four rooms. There is a cool retro waiting area where you can chill before the game. The price per player is $25.

GO HERE FOR: original rooms and retro vibe

i-Exit

1129 Granville Street

While escape rooms may be all the rage, no one wants to spend their allotted time being frustrated, agitated, and confused. That’s what’s great about i-Exit on Granville. Its puzzles are logical and follow a linear progression and there are no jump scares or nerve wrecking riddles. All you need to escape one of the four rooms is a good team, great communication, and a curious mind. i-Exit may not rank in the top ten for room design and immersion, but this is a solid escape experience that will delight first timers and die-hards alike. The price for these rooms is $30 per person.

GO HERE FOR: classic escape room experience

About Hijinks

Hijinks is the online marketplace that makes it easy to discover and book life experiences to enjoy with friends, family, and co-workers. Whether it’s an escape room visit, cooking class, or team building activity, we provide comprehensive listings, customer ratings and reviews, and easy browse and search functionality to help you book with confidence. For more information check us out here!

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