Archie MontroseThe 15 Best Team Building Activities in Vancouver
Every once in a while, it’s good to get out of the office and do something fun with your coworkers. Team building activities are a great way to bring people closer together in a professional (and even personal) way!
We had a ton of fun trying out these team building activities in Vancouver and we thought of sharing them with you to give you an idea for your next team outing!
1. Go on a City Treasure Hunt
What better way to get out of the office than by going on a city treasure hunt? You have to work as a team to find hidden mysteries in various places in the city. Plus, it gets you out of that office desk once in a while.
Vancouver Gastown Scavenger Hunt
Website: Vancouver: Gastown Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Tour
Contact details: Help Center
Book here
The Vancouver Gastown Scavenger Hunt is a great choice if you’d like to explore the city streets. You get to solve a lot of puzzles and learn about the Gastown area of Vancouver, and all you need to bring is your phone!
Foxtrail
Website: https://foxtrail.ca/
Contact details: +1 604-834-5827
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 8am to 7 pm
Book here
We also recommend the Foxtrail. There are two trails that both start in Yaletown: Compass and Amphibious.
We did the amphibious trail with our co-workers, and while the mechanic games were a bit challenging, the trail was very scenic as it took us to parks and the Seawall.
Pro tip:
At the Vancouver Gastown Scavenger Hunt, we highly recommend you get a head start by studying up the Gastown area. Trust us, it gives you a big advantage.
If you’re going for Foxtrail, take some breaks and get some food while on the trail. Don’t hurry too much, you have plenty of time!
2. Battle in Beach Olympics
Want a more competitive activity to engage in with your co-workers? Well, we introduce you to the beach olympics! We’ve done this a couple of times at Kitsilano Beach and Wreck Beach. It was fantastic!
Kitsilano Beach
Website: http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/kitsilano-beach.aspx
Address: 2305 Cornwall Ave., Vancouver, BC V6K 1B6
Contact details: +1 604-731-0011
Operating hours: Monday to Friday: 9 am to 8:30 pm
One of the most popular beaches in Vancouver, Kitsilano Beach is the perfect place to play beach volleyball, soak up the sun, and enjoy stunning views of the city skyline (if you don’t mind the crowds).
You can choose from a variety of exciting sports like beach volleyball, badminton, soccer, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, even wrestling!
And to spice things up, we highly recommend adding a sand art competition into the mix. It’s sure entertaining to see your co-workers struggling to make a sand castle.
Wreck Beach
Website: https://visit.ubc.ca/see-and-do/gardens-and-nature/wreck-beach/
Address: SW Marine Dr, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-628-4510
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 7 am until dusk
If you want to avoid the crowds, you can also opt to have your beach olympics at Wreck Beach. Expect a more secluded and peaceful atmosphere at Wreck Beach compared to other popular beaches.
But don’t be surprised to see some nude sunbathers, as Wreck Beach is known for its clothing-optional policy!
Pro tip:
It can get crowded fast at Kitsilano and Wreck Beach, so we highly recommend you and your team arrive early in the morning, around 9 am, and secure a good spot on the beach.
3. Shoot Arrows at an Indoor Beach Arena
Website: http://www.6packbeach.com/
Address: 13180 Mitchell Rd #115, Richmond, BC V6V 1M8, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-321-6800
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 12 pm to 10 pm
- Saturday to Sunday: 11 am to 10 pm
We know what you’re thinking, “What if we don’t know how to shoot an arrow?”. No worries, you don’t have to be a professional archer to enjoy indoor archery tag here at the 6pack Indoor Arena.
When we got here, we had no idea which one to grab first, but they had a briefing session, and they let us play a bit to practice.
So you split into two teams and start shooting arrows at each other (the arrows have soft tips, so don’t worry about injuring your colleagues).
It gets pretty intense, but we’re thankful that the sand is soft and warm, so it’s easy to run around and dodge the incoming arrows.
Here’s more details on the packages they offer:
Pro tip:
Remember to bring some bandaids just in case you get blisters on your hand!
4. Embark on an Escape Room Challenge
Why not get out of the office and solve more problems with your co-workers? Except this one literally traps you inside because the only way out is to solve riddles.
Find and Seek
Website: http://www.gofindandseek.com/
Address: 88 W Pender St #2075, Second floor, Vancouver, BC V6B 6N9, Canada
Contact details: +1 778-379-7727
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: 12 pm to 8 pm
- Thursday to Sunday: 12 pm to 8 pm
If you’re into classic escape rooms, we highly recommend Find and Seek. We stumbled upon them while we were grocery shopping at the International Village Mall.
Exit Gastown
Website: https://e-exit.ca/gastown
Address: 289 Abbott St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2K7, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-264-1041
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 1:30 pm to 9:30 pm
- Saturday: 11:30 am to 11:30 pm
- Sunday: 11:30 am to 10 pm
But if you’re looking for escape rooms that will literally want to make you escape, then we say go for Exit Gastown. We tried the Nightmare on the 49th, and let’s just say we get a slight twitch whenever we hear about basements.
Pro tip:
While walk-ins are permitted at Find and Seek, we’d say go for booking a reservation to secure your time. For Exit Gastown, room themes change so make sure to check out their socials for theme updates.
5. Ride a Seaplane with Harbour Air Seaplanes
Website: http://www.harbourair.com/
Address: 1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 0C3, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-274-1277
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 6:30 am to 7 pm
Let’s take a break from competitive games and go on a more relaxing and scenic team building activity. If you take a seaplane tour, you’ll get to see the city’s snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and a great view of the city’s landscapes.
It starts off with boarding a plane at Vancouver Harbor, and then you’ll be taken on a 20-minute flight around the city’s skyline. However, if you’re a team of 20 or more, you may have to book two tours because each seaplane is limited to 14 people only.
Pro tip:
Make sure to check for weather updates before you book a seaplane tour as it’s best to have clear skies and calm waters for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
6. Watch Some Whales
If your team prefers the sea to the air, then whale watching should be a fun team building experience. Although there is a chance that you won’t be able to see a whale, you’ll get a refund or have your tour rescheduled.
But boy, if you do see a whale, it’s awesome! Your boat will come to a complete stop so that you can observe these magnificent creatures.
Here’s a few suggestions where to book a whale-watching tours:
Wild Whales
Website: http://www.whalesvancouver.com/
Address: 1806 Mast Tower Ln, Vancouver, BC V6H 4B6, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-699-2011
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 8:30 am to 6:30 pm
Operates three boats: partly-sheltered, open air, and zodiac. Each of these boats are accompanied by a captain and a wildlife guide.
Prince of Whales
Website: https://princeofwhales.com/vancouver-whale-watching/
Address: 1666 Duranleau St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3S2, Canada
Contact details: +1 888-383-4884
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 am to 5 pm
Offers half-day and sunset tours of fully-guided whale watching and marine wildlife viewing.
Vancouver Whale Watch
Website: http://www.vancouverwhalewatch.com/
Address: 12240 Second Ave #210, Richmond, BC V7E 3L8, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-274-9565
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 8 am to 7 pm
Boasts a 95% success rate of sighting whales. Has four vessels with a large open view of the ocean.
Pro tip:
The best time to see whales in Vancouver is during warm months from April to October. During these months, you’ll see a lot of whales passing through the Salish Sea.
7. Take a Beer Bike Tour
Website: http://canadiancrafttours.ca/
Address: 8284 Sherbrooke St, Vancouver, BC V5X 4R6, Canada
Contact details: +1 778-320-3409
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday: 9 am to 5 pm
Let’s put a twist on the classic bike tour by mixing in Canadian craft beer! We had a lot of fun on this two-hour tour in the east Van Brewery District for our team building event.
You get to visit three remarkable breweries, each offering an exquisite selection of craft beers. But fear not; for those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, they also have quite a wide selection.
We recommend you request to stop at Parallel 49 though, as you will get hungry. But just to give you an idea, here are the breweries that you can visit during your beer bike tour:
- Andina Brewing
- Parallel 49 Brewing
- Luppolo Brewing
- Superflux if space available
- Bomber Brewing
- Off the Rail Brewing
- Storm Brewing
We highly recommend that you book in advance should this beer bike tour win the majority of votes for your team building activity.
Pro tip:
We highly recommend you bring sunscreen and a water bottle to stay hydrated during the tour. You’ll be spending the whole afternoon exploring the vibrant craft beer scene so the sun can get quite intense.
8. Compete in a Mini Golf Tournament
We, as a team, get along most of the time, but when we set foot on a mini-golf course, things start to get pretty intense.
Lucky for us, we have various golf courses and pitch and putts in Vancouver, so all you have to do is take your pick and bring your golf hat! The truth is, we don’t really like going too far, so we settled for the Stanley Park Pitch & Putt.
But if you don’t mind the drive, here are a few of the golf courses we enjoyed:
West Coast Mini-Putt
Website: http://www.westcoastminiputt.com/
Address: 7391 Elmbridge Way, Richmond, BC V6X 1B8, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-285-1888
Operating hours:
- Monday: 10 am to 9 pm
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10 am to 10 pm
- Sunday: 10 am to 9 pm
The West Coast Mini-Putt is a 9-hole golf course that glows in the dark, making it perfect for night golfing. The course features vibrant neon colors and illuminated obstacles, creating a unique and exciting experience for players. Costs CAD 14.30 per person.
The Keefer Yard
Website: http://www.thekeeferbar.com/
Address: 135 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1X3, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-688-1961
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 4 pm to 1 am
- Friday to Saturday: 4 pm to 2 am
- Sunday: 4 pm to 1 am
The Keefer Yard in Vancouver is a cocktail bar with live music and a 9-hole mini-putt course, which is completely free! Additionally, the free nature of the course makes it even more appealing, allowing visitors to have a great time without any extra cost.
Queen Elizabeth Pitch & Putt
Website: http://vancouver.ca/queen-elizabeth-park-pitch-putt
Address: 4600 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-874-8336
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday: 8 am to 9 pm
The Queen Elizabeth Pitch & Putt is ideal for beginners as it offers a shorter course layout and smaller holes compared to a traditional golf course. Costs CAD 15.12 per player.
Pro tip:
If you’re golfing at night, go for the West Coast Mini-Putt.
At Keefer Yard, we recommend you bring your own golf balls as they have limited supply available.
At Queen Elizabeth Pitch & Putt, the parking is quite pricey ($10 for two hours), so we recommend you find parking in nearby residential areas to save money.
9. Experience the Thrill of the Grouse Grind
Website: https://www.grousemountain.com/grousegrind
Address: North Vancouver, BC V7R 4V6, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-980-9331
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 7 am to 9 pm
Want to feel a great sense of accomplishment with your team, but don’t want it to be too easy? Hike the Grouse Grind.
This team building activity will no doubt test your strength, patience, and perseverance!
Hiking the Grouse Grind is free, but we highly recommend you bring a snack and water, as this is not an easy hike. You’re looking at a 2.9 kilometer trail up Grouse Mountain. It’s no wonder it’s called “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster.”
Just remember to purchase a ticket for your Skyride trip down because you can’t descend the Grouse Grind.
Pro tip:
Bring a power bar or snacks! The Grouse Grind is a challenging hike that can take several hours to complete so make sure to fuel up and stay energized.
10. Volunteer for a Good Cause
Why not consider building your team’s collaboration skills while making the world a better place? Volunteering for a good cause is an awesome way to bring everyone together and spread some much-needed goodness in the world.
There are a lot of volunteer programs in Vancouver where you can make a difference. You can dive into the action by helping with food distribution, lending a hand at local shelters, sprucing up parks, and so much more.
Greater Vancouver Food Bank
Website: https://foodbank.bc.ca/
Address: 295 Terminal Ave, Vancouver BC
Contact details: +1 604-876-3601
One example is the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. This organization provides essential food support to individuals and families in need throughout the Greater Vancouver area.
They offer a range of programs and services, including emergency food assistance, community kitchens, and nutrition education. You can volunteer in the warehouse team, food distribution, and community events.
Pro tip:
The volunteer sites of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank are all accessible so no need to bring your car or grab a taxi! All four sites are 5 to 10 minute walks to various Skytrain stations.
11. Get Creative with Painting Classes
Did you know that people have been painting for over 30,000 years? It’s true! So if anyone can do it, so can you and your team. Painting classes foster collaboration, communication, and creativity among team members.
Luminous Elephant Studios
Website: http://luminouselephant.com/
Address: 3791 Commercial St, Vancouver, BC V5N 4G1, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-221-1580
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 am to 5 pm
Take Luminous Elephant Studios, for example. They provide retreats on Bowen Island where you’ll take art workshops such as acrylic and watercolor painting, and the best part is that you get to keep your artwork as a souvenir.
Pro tip:
The Luminous Elephant in Vancouver holds art events from time to time, so make sure to check out their socials!
12. Unleash Your Inner Chef with Cooking Classes
Let’s be real: the closest thing to a homemade meal that you and your teammates shared was a potluck dinner where everyone brought a dish from their own kitchen.
But here’s an idea: Why not take cooking classes? Not only will you learn how to make delicious meals from scratch, but it will also be a fun and bonding experience for you and your teammates.
Pasta Boy Peter
Website: https://www.pastaboypeter.com/
Address: 601 W Broadway #400, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4C2, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-675-6982
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 11 am to 9 pm
If you’re into Italian dishes, it’s best to book with Pasta Boy Peter, as they have pasta-making classes, mozzarella workshops, sourdough bread classes, and many more!
Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts
Website: https://www.picachef.com/?utm_source=GMB&utm_medium=organic
Address: 1505 W 2nd Ave #101, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Y4, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-734-4488
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: 8:30 am to 5 pm
- Wednesday to Friday: 9 am to 5 pm
But if you want to go all out and explore a variety of cuisines, you can consider signing up for a culinary school like the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts that offers a diverse range of cooking classes.
Pro tip:
At Pasta Boy Peter, don’t waste your time writing down the recipes because you’ll take this home, along with the dish you made!
If you’re going with the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts, make sure to book a reservation ahead as they tend to fill up quickly.
13. Go on an Outdoor Yoga Retreat
Outdoor yoga retreats are ideal for team-building activities, learning, and self-reflection. It gives you a chance to bond with your co-workers in a natural and peaceful environment, away from the usual office setting.
Expertly guided yoga and meditation sessions will help you unwind and find calm each day, and there will be workshops on mindfulness and stress management to help you keep it all in perspective.
Exhale Yoga Retreats
Website: http://www.exhaleyogaretreats.com/
Address: 1717 Bayshore Dr. #704, Vancouver, BC V6G 3H3, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-780-4190
Operating hours: Monday to Friday: 9 am to 5 pm
Companies such as Exhale Yoga Retreats even have destination yoga retreats where you can explore new and beautiful locations while immersing yourself in the practice of yoga.
Pro tip:
Ask your yogi lots of questions! They’re knowledgeable and experienced in the field, and can provide valuable insights and guidance so you can continue yoga at-home.
14. Find the Killer in a Virtual Murder Mystery Game
Here’s a convenient team building idea for those who don’t have enough time to travel somewhere else or participate in a full-day team building program. Why not consider a virtual murder mystery game?
Vancouver Mysteries
Website: https://vancouvermysteries.com/
Address: 550 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1L6, Canada
Contact details: +1 778-707-1962
Operating hours: Monday to Friday: 9 am to 9 pm
It’s easy! All you have to do is book a virtual murder mystery game package from a reputable provider like Vancouver Mysteries and pick a package, whether you’d like a classic whodunit or a themed murder mystery.
Pro tip:
Listen attentively to your host during the briefing so you understand your virtual murder game story and can fully immerse yourself in the experience.
15. Take Part in a Thrilling High Ropes Course Experience
Website: https://www.grousemountain.com/mountain-ropes-adventure
Address: North Vancouver, BC, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-980-9331
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 7 am to 9 pm
It’s time to get those heart rates up and head on a high ropes course with your team! It’s a good thing we’re in Vancouver because we have tons of opportunities for outdoor experiences like this one.
Visit Grouse Mountain and take part in the thrilling Mountain Ropes Adventure. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the North Shore mountains, this exciting course features a variety of challenging obstacles and zip lines.
You’ll need to cross plank bridges, scale rock walls, and ziplines to get through a series of platforms. Doesn’t it sound awesome to do all this with your coworkers?
Pro tip:
Wear athletic gloves as this high-ropes course involves gripping onto various obstacles and ropes. The gloves will provide extra protection and enhance your grip!
