Do more, buy less

Museum of Vancouver
Image by Flickr / Qole Pejorian

Winter in Vancouver is a great time to enjoy the city’s wealth of museums and galleries, especially during a recession

The New York Times recently had a story that said one of the benefits that has come from the recession is people doing more but spending less.

The article notes that, “Quietly but noticeably over the past year, Americans have rejiggered their lives to elevate experiences over things.” Then it goes on to note that attendance in parks and museums is up, as is cooking at home, and that audiences for concerts and plays are growing.

Canadians tend to be behind U.S. trends by a few months, but statistics here show we’re also cooking at home and bringing lunch to work. So if the trend continues we’ll also be buying less non-essential stuff and heading out to the theatre to celebrate.

My thought is the trend is a great one—so we’re going to do our best to give it a boost this winter by visiting museums and parks and hosting dinner parties for friends and family.

Vancouver museums and galleries (some with discounts)


Winter in Vancouver can seem like a tricky time to do more and spend less, but it’s actually a great time to head out to our museums and galleries and take in a play or two.

Here are just a few things we love to do during the rainy season that don’t cost much and won’t result in a shopping bag full of stuff. Plus, if you go in the off-season, the places won’t be packed with tourists:
 

The Vancouver Maritime Museum


Print out the online coupons for a discount then explore BC’s maritime history.
 

The Museum of Anthropology

Image: Flickr / afcone

The Museum of Anthropology


Head to the museum on a Tuesday night for a discount admission. (pictured right)

 

The Vancouver Art Gallery


Check out the family-friendly weekend activities, they’re perfect for getting little ones interested in art.

The Museum of Vancouver


If you haven’t been lately you’ll learn loads about our city. (Pictured at top)
 

Vancouver Police Museum


Learn the history of the Vancouver Police as well as how they solve crimes. (Maia loves that they also run birthday parties.)
 

Roedde House Museum


I love imagining how the West End once looked when I visit this 1893 heritage home. The $6 afternoon tea and tour on Sundays is a great way to spend a rainy day.

About the Author : Diane Selkirk

Diane Selkirk was looking for a way to combine her desire to avoid a real job with her interest in travel and the environment — leading her to write about her travels. She writes for publications including Travel + Leisure, Islands and Reader’s Digest about living sustainably on as little money as she can get away with.

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