Popular Activities
Every week there are free activities, trips to major tourism destinations, and social events at local bars and restaurants. We also have clubs for you to join, like our weekly conversation club.
Rocky Mountains
Banff National Park is the most photographed place in Canada. The cascading mountains, clear lakes, raging rivers, glaciers, bears, eagles, elk, and other animals are just the backdrop. In summer gondola rides, campfires, nightclubs, sightseeing, are some of the activities. The winter months attract skiers, snowboarders, and ice skaters.
Seattle
Pike Market, the first Starbucks, shopping, and Seattle Mariner's baseball are tour highlights. This multi-cultural United States cosmopolitan city is full of world-class street performers, restaurants, and activities.
Grouse Mountain
Vancouver's top tourist attraction in summer features, grizzly bear habitat, wolves habitat, wind turbine, gondola, theatre, hiking, and more. In the winter, experience ice skating, skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
Science World
Located at the end of False Creek, this is a Vancouver landmark. Learning about science is made fun through interactive exhibits. Watch an Omnimax movie on a giant movie screen like none other. Feature exhibits like Body World examines real human bodies.
Playland
Up and down, around and around. I hope you're not afraid of heights. This is Vancouver's only amusement park. With games, roller coasters, and all kinds of rides, I'm sure you will have a good time.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Escape into the majestic rainforest on one of the longest foot suspension bridges in the world. The Treetop adventure consists of 7 smaller suspension bridges in the canopy of the trees. Opening for 2011 is the cliffhanger walk. Walk along the side of a cliff…..if you dare.
Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge
This rustic adventure crosses a raging river in North Vancouver. Set in the mountains, it's a perfect place for a leisurely hike.
Chinatown
Vancouver has the 2nd largest Chinatown in North America. It's history dates back to when Chinese settlers worked on the National railroad, as well as the mining industry. See Dr. Sun Yat Sen Gardens, the world's narrowest building, shops, bubble tea, and many monuments.
Victoria
Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and it holds our beautiful parliament buildings. The city is full of old English style character including the Butchart Gardens (traditional English gardens), as well as horse and carriage rides. See the Royal BC Museum and discover the roots of this great land, the miniature museum, a castle, and much more. Take a ferry to Vancouver Island view the West Coast islands.
Granville Island
Street performers, fresh local farmer's market, Canadian hand-made souvenirs, live theatre, restaurants; these are some of the reasons why thousands of tourists visit this Vancouver attraction.
Whistler
Just 2 hours from downtown Vancouver, Whistler just hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics. You can do anything in Whistler; skiing, snowboarding, bungee jumping, kayaking, biking, hiking, helicopter tours, white water rafting, swimming in a lake, shopping, ziplines, atv tours, jeep tours, and more. This is where Canadians get outside and play in our beautiful mountains.
Bike Riding Stanley Park
Rent bikes and join our guide around the 10 km seawall. The 1000-acre Stanley Park has 1/3 of it in its natural state. Located in the downtown of Vancouver (2 million population), feel like your traveling through a remote temperate rainforest, because you are.
Vancouver Aquarium
Whales, dolphins, sea lions and otters, oh my! Vancouver Aquarium is active in conserving our oceans through research. This non-profit organization uses its animals and fish to educate people about ocean sustainability. The Aquarium has dolphin and beluga whale shows as well as a 4D experience movie theatre.
UBC Walking Tour
University of British Columbia campus is isolated on the tip of Point Grey. It's 3 parts surrounded by ocean and 1 part surrounded by Pacific Spirit Regional Park. 40,000 students attend UBC and it's history dates back to the beginning of the 20th century.
SFU Walking Tour
Simon Fraser University is located on the top of Burnaby Mountain. Its architecture is extremely distinctive and the views are unbeatable. Learn about the different programs the University offers for education and student clubs and activities.
Museum of Anthropology
Nobody really knows how far back the aboriginals were here on this land. See the evidence of their history and uncover the clues to how it all began. Feature exhibits change but the archives have pieces from all over the world to see and learn about.
Planetarium
Up, up, and away. This dedication to astronomy has moon rocks, flight simulators, and a giant movie theatre. Learn more about our universe, planets, our sun, and stars.
Vancouver Lookout
Once was the tallest building in Vancouver, still today the Vancouver Lookout helps you see our city from an eagle's perspective. A tour guide will highlight our city's greatest buildings, industries, and landscapes. A touch of history will put the pieces together.
Vancouver Museum
Newly renovated, this museum has exhibits that feature British Columbia, like local farming, local shoe designers, and history for example. See an Egyptian mummy.
Vancouver Maritime Museum
European explorers discovered Vancouver in the late 1800s. The ships remain. If you like boats, you will love this local collection. There is so much to learn.
Burnaby Village Museum
Burnaby Village Museum will take you back in time. It has an old carrousel ride that still works. Flashback to the past and learn how to pan for gold or make horse hooves.
Salmon Hatchery
Located on the Capilano River, this is a perfect place to learn about the salmon life cycle. In and around it is our West Coast Rainforest perfect for a afternoon hike.
Cleveland Dam
This popular tourist attraction provides Vancouver with 1/3 of its fresh water supply. Perfect for hiking and taking pictures, this place is simply beautiful. With the lake, trees, and river, you're jumping into the wilderness.
218 Flavors of Gelato
Just 10 minutes from downtown Vancouver, La Casa Gelato has a flavor of ice cream for everyone. With 218 choices to choose from, you can try garlic, wasabi, or even curry ice cream. Still the most popular flavor is chocolate.
Butchart Gardens
On Vancouver Island, the Butchart Gardens transports you to Queen Elizabeth's gardens in England. The traditional English gardens has acres of plant varieties.
VanDusen Gardens
The Christmas lights at VanDusen Gardens are the best in Vancouver, During the summer months, the flowers are in bloom and local animals are out and about. The hedge maze is really cool. Walk through the entrance and navigate your way through the bushes to find the exit.
Queen Elizabeth Park
The views from the top of this hill show you the North Vancouver Mountains and the city skyline. The Bloedel Conservatory has exotic birds and animals to see and take pictures of. Walk through a rose garden and through the trails.
Police Museum
The Vancouver Police Department has a fantastic forensic science program special for English Language students. CSI and other science TV shows have sparked an interest in the museum (former Vancouver city Morgue). Try on the police costumes, or see real body parts taken from autopsies, or even see real illegal drugs and weapons.
UBC Botanical Gardens
The University of British Columbia has beautiful gardens that have a unique feature. Their tree canopy walk let's you walk through the trees hundreds of meters high. Understand new vocabulary through their ecology tours.
Local Business Tour
Vancouver is full of new businesses, small businesses, and entrepreneurs. Ideas that start here like Lululemon, and Greenpeace become worldwide organizations. Get inside and see how it all started and get to know the future of these companies first hand.
Seniors Centre Volunteering
What a great way to practice English and meet local people. Seniors always have a great story to tell and they love meeting new students to Vancouver. Play games, do arts and crafts, and drink tea with hundreds of senior citizens.
Vancouver Art Gallery
Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, this building is a Vancouver landmark. What once was the original law courts is now the gathering place for political and cultural activists. The British Columbian painter Emily Carr features a permanent exhibit highlighting aboriginal themes and landscapes.
Animal Shelter
SPCA and Vancouver Animal Control have a tough job finding homes for abandoned animals. Fortunately in British Columbia, few animals are left without a home. See the rabbits, dogs, cats, snakes, and other pets and learn how they are found and how they find a new family.
Fire Hall
Meet the fire men and woman who risk their lives to take people and animals out of burning situations. Learn about fire prevention.
Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre
Both Canada Place and the new Vancouver Convention Centre are Vancouver landmarks. Learn about the architecture and how to make one of the largest environmentally friendly buildings in the world. This building has beehives and even a Salmon hatchery below it.
Port of Vancouver
The Port of Vancouver one of the largest in the world. From raw materials like coal, or steel, to cruise ships, this port is heavy traffic. Learn about controversial issues like transporting crude oil, and relationships with hundreds of countries around the world.
Conversation Club
This 1 hour class let's you discuss your world view on politics, environmental issues, ethics, or even business in English. Many topics are covered in an hour and everyone gets the chance to speak and practice their English.
Post Office
Retired mail worker, Ken Mulgrave, guides you through his 30 years experience working for Canada Post. Mail comes in and out from everywhere, even North Korea. How does a letter from your hand end up in Europe in 2 days?
City Hall
Vancouver is a young city and like every city, it needs direction. Vancouver City Hall does everything from urban planning to business licenses. Meet Betty Harris, a city clerk for the city for over 40 years. The city sure has changed over the years.
Local Farm
Maplewood Farm in North Vancouver is a great place to learn new vocabulary. From cows to chickens you'll see it all.
Chocolate Factory
Charlie's Chocolate Factory has one of the largest mold collections in the world. With over 50 years of experience, Charlie has a tour you don't want to miss. Get free chocolate and learn how it's made.
2010 Olympic Venues
Vancouver used hundreds of venues to host the 2010 Winter Olympics. Learn about the sport history here and how new technology was used in construction.
Brewery Tour and Tasting
Granville Island Brewing Company has a microbrewery just minutes for Downtown Vancouver. This location creates new flavors like pupkin, or raspberry beer. Learn how to make beer and drink it.
Wine Tasting
British Columbia has hundreds of different wineries. Learn about the basics of how to choose a good wine. Smell, taste, and colour all play a role in this process. Taste food pairings and learn how to pair your wine with the right food.
Architectural Institute of BC
Over the past 130 years, Vancouver's skyline has been revered as the city of glass. Learn about construction laws and the different architects that shaped our downtown core.
Yoga
This Indian tradition combining exercise with the relaxation of the mind and soul has taken over Vancouver. Everywhere you go there is a new type of yoga to try. Let's get in shape and have fun doing it.
Go-karting
If you have ever wanted to be a racecar driver, now is your chance. These cars can reach up to 80 kilometers per hour. Our activity coordinator always wins the race so if you're up for a challenge come on out.
Theatre
Vancouver is full of thriving arts. Theatre can be expensive but in Vancouver see the professionals for less. Comedy Improvisation is a local favorite.
Opera
The opera community in Vancouver puts on a memorable show. The Queen Elizabeth Theatre is spectacular and the voices just fill the room.
Circus
Cirque du Soleil is a Canadian legacy that has dominated Las Vegas. Their traveling circus' always sell out in Vancouver.
Dance Classes
A professional dance instructor comes to CCEL and teaches our students Hip Hop free. Learn other styles like country line dancing, or salsa.
Laser Tag
This is your chance to be like James Bond. Practice your shot with lasers! This activity really gets you work in a team to get the highest score. This after school activity runs all year.
Dinner and Movie Night
Meet at the trendy Eh Restaurant and choose from a variety of options on their dinner menu. Receive a Cineplex Odeon Movie ticket valid for any movie playing at Cineplex theatres (3D movies have an additional glasses charge).
BBQ
Canadian College has a beautiful roof garden. Enjoy a BBQ full of hot dogs, burgers, and many more Canadian favorites.
Zip Line
If you are into extreme sports, this one is for you. Grouse Mountain and Whistler have zip lines that will fulfill your need for adrenaline. Glide from one tree to another at top speeds and over canyons, lakes, and rivers.
Sky Diving
Are you a thrill seeker? Jump out of a plane and free your mind. Many people make their first jump with an experienced and trained instructor - this type of skydive may be in the form of a tandem skydive.
Bungee Jumping
1,2,3…..Jump! Whistler Bungee is just 2 hours from Vancouver. Jump off a bridge into the icy river below. What an amazing experience!
Whale Watching
Victoria and Vancouver has great whale watching tours. Guaranteed to see whales, these tours are perfect for tourists. Get out on a boat into the open ocean and take pictures of the landscape and wildlife.
Snowball Fight
If it's the Rocky Mountains, Grouse Mountain, or Whistler, where there is snow, there will be a snowball fight. It's a cold fight that usually ends with everyone wet and tired. The good news is hot chocolate is an easy cure, available in a nearby chalet.
Fitness Class
Our activity coordinator teaches new fitness classes every month. We teach basic dance classes, yoga, cardio kickboxing, and even a bootcamp. Come to Canada and get fit.
Casino Night
Vancouver has a wide range of casinos. The River Rock (Richmond) Casino and the Edgewater (Downtown) Casino are both great options for slots or cards. Try blackjack and try your luck with Lady Luck!
Snow Tubing
Vancouver has two local mountains that offer snow tubing. If you thought sledding on snow was fun, wait until you fly 60 kilometers per hour down this hill. Go down the snow-covered mountain by yourself or in a group.
Making Sushi
Vancouver has 225 sushi restaurant. That doesn't even include neighboring cities like Burnaby, or Richmond. Learn how to make sushi from the beginning. Eat it and understand why we like it so much.
Amazing Race
Race through Downtown Vancouver with a list of instructions. The first team to finish all the instructions wins. Find famous landmarks, talk to strangers, and bring back rare objects.
Karaoke
Come to CCEL's restaurant Eh Restaurant and sing your heart out. We have thousands of songs to choose from. Later we do a singing competition. Are you the next CCEL idol?
Cooking Class
Chef Ashley from Eh Restaurant has been the head chef at popular Vancouver Restaurants like Il Giardino, and Capilano Suspension Bridge House Restaurant. Learn how to cook all kinds of food and then eat it. Some classes are for baking cookies where other classes teach you how to make pizza.
Rock Band Competition
Are you good at video games? Many of our students are too! Come to our activities room and compete to see who is the best player. Prizes are awarded too.
Paint Ceramics
Painting a mug or plate is a great gift. Make a souvenir for family at home or for a friend. Canadian themes are popular so you can remember Canada. Bring out the artist in you.
Canadians Baseball Game
Vancouver Canadians is a minor league baseball team based out of Vancouver. Watch at Nat Bailey Stadium, a beautiful outdoor venue in Queen Elizabeth Park.
BC Lions Football Game
Canadian Football, like American Football, is very popular to watch. BC Place stadium, home of the 2010 Winter Olympics Opening/Closing Ceremonies is in the heart of Downtown Vancouver. Watch this truly North American sport and cheer on Vancouver's BC Lions.
Kayaking
North Vancouver, Granville Island, and West Vancouver are all great places to ocean Kayak. Rent a kayak and gear and paddle out on the open waters. We usually discover new land we have never seen before and we start a few races.
White Water Rafting
Rip through a raging river in a 6-person raft. The waters carve through the Coastal Mountains. Hold on tight and paddle hard because you never know when you may flip.
Soccer
CCEL has a winning soccer team. Play against other local schools and compete for the trophy. Soccer is a serious sport and many students are not good enough for our team. We play 'just for fun' soccer too! If you think you are good enough for the team, tryouts are every week.
Bowling
The historic Commodore Bowling Lanes is on Granville Street. Try five-pin bowling and compete to find a winner. This local social hot spot is full of International Students.
Billiards
The historic Commodore Bowling Lanes is on Granville Street. Shoot pool and drink beer. This local social hot spot is full of International Students.
Basketball
Shoot hoops with our activities coordinator and other students. We set up the teams and play for hours.
Badminton
Play one on one or in teams of two. We supply the rackets, net, and birdie and you bring the fun. It's great to get outside in a park and play this popular leisure sport.
Vancouver Whitecaps Soccer
This is Vancouver's professional soccer team. Watch them play other Canadian and American teams. Now the Whitecaps play at BC Place Stadium, home of the Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Downtown Vancouver.
Beach Volleyball
English Bay is a beautiful beach in Downtown Vancouver. Our activities coordinator will set up the teams. Get some exercise out in the sun.
Canucks Hockey Game
Hockey is Canada's favorite sport. We play it and watch it. It's so hard to see a professional game because tickets are hard to find.
Vancouver Giants Hockey Game
This minor league team knows how to fight! Watch real hockey with young players who play hard to make it on the Canucks. This is an exciting way to see a truly Canadian sport.
Rock Climbing
Indoor rock climbing is a safe way to learn this sport. Indoor climbing centers have got very high and difficult. Whether you are a beginner or advanced, there is something for everyone.
Ice Skating
There is nothing more Canadian that putting on some ice skates and skating with your friends. Beginners are welcome.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Vancouver has 3 local ski / snowboard mountains. Whistler and the Rocky Mountains are also great places for skiing or snowboarding. Learn how to do this from professional instructors.
Ping Pong
CCEL has some great ping pong players. There is a table tennis competition two times a month. Come to the activities room and see if you are the best player. There are prizes.
Golf
The business sport golf is normally very expensive all over the world. Play 18 holes of golf for under $20 in Downtown Vancouver. Learn how to play if this if your first time.
Horseback Riding
Get on a horse in Whistler and head up the mountain. Even if you're a beginner, this activity is for you. Whistler is beautiful. Experience it like the country folk here in Canada.
Swimming
There is no greater exercise than swimming. Relax and swim in a 100-meter pool right near Downtown Vancouver.
Rollerblading
This is very similar to ice skating but on the road. Take off into Stanley Park and travel 10 kilometers around this beautiful park in Downtown Vancouver on rollerblades.
Snowshoeing
This activity is very similar to hiking but on snow. Seymour Mountain has a beautiful route. Rent the snowshoes and take off on an adventure.
Fireworks
Every July Vancouver hosts the Celebration of Light fireworks competition. An estimated 1 million people come out to see each show. There are 4 different countries that compete on different nights. Vancouver often hosts fireworks for New Years Eve and Canada Day (July 1st) as well.
Nightclub Bar Hop
Go to 4 different nightclubs in Vancouver in one night! In between nightclubs join the party bus and keep the excitement going. Drinking competitions like beer pong always make for a night you wont remember. Literally.
Longboat Festival
Hundreds of boats race through Vancouver's waters in competition. This aboriginal tradition is shared with many teams (some formed independently and some organized by the festival for independent participants). Participate or volunteer in this great Vancouver tradition.
Vancouver International Jazz Festival
Hundreds of professional jazz performers hit the clubs, tourist attractions, and streets to share their love for jazz music. The streets of Gastown are filled with people just groovin and having a good time.
Vancouver International Film Festival
Movies submitted from over 200 countries flood Vancouver theatres for 2 weeks. If you like drama, comedy, documentaries, or other genres, this festival has it all. Tickets are very affordable.
Vancouver Folk Festival
See hundreds of local and international folk singers in a beautiful setting. Jerhico Beach is a great place to watch the sun set whilst being serenaded with great music.
Santa Clause Parade
Children and parents fill Downtown Vancouver to watch Santa Clause parade through our city. Understand the real meaning of Christmas by seeing our traditions, charities, and performers.
Harbour Boat Cruise
What a way to party! There is no better party than a party on a boat. See the beautiful landscape, dance, drink, and have a good time. In summer cruises are during the day or at night. In winter Christmas caroling ships fill our coastal waters.
Live Music Concerts
Vancouver is a hot spot for International Music Artists. Singers like Michael Buble, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, ACDC, Green Day, U2 and many more have all performed in Downtown Vancouver.
