Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre Tours and Activities

Photo provided by Tourism British Columbia
Photo provided by Tourism British Columbia
Photo provided by Tourism British Columbia
Photo provided by Tourism British Columbia
Photo provided by Tourism British Columbia


Go skating on the ice rink during the day and return at night to watch a concert or a hockey game at this historic venue.

Catch an ice hockey game at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre, where Canada’s Olympic hockey team was born. Expanded for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, this state-of-the-art stadium hosts concerts, performances and a range of sporting matches.

Watch a game of ice hockey in the massive arena newly built for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. The center is part of the main campus of the University of British Columbia. During the winter, watch an exciting UBC Thunderbird hockey game here on Fridays or Saturdays.

The center played an important part in Canada’s sporting history. See the 1,750-seat Father Bauer Arena, named after David Bauer, who coached Canada’s first national hockey team in the 1964 Winter Olympics. 

Visit the complex during the day to skate on the main rink. Skates are available to rent for a fee. Check the calendar on the center’s website to see when the rink is available for drop-in skating, since it is sometimes booked for hockey practice.

During the off-season, the center features a variety of events. Watch a range of sporting matches, including volleyball, basketball and tennis. The venue also hosts performances by famous international musicians. Acts such as The Killers and Deadmau5 have played here. Listen to your favorite band and enjoy the atmosphere inside the arena, which can accommodate up to 7,000 spectators.

Explore the surrounding University of British Columbia campus. Spread across a forested peninsula west of town, the campus is a beautiful place for a walking tour. See giant carvings at Totem Park. Make your way to Wreck Beach, a 5-mile (8-kilometer) sandy shore on the Strait of Georgia. Be aware that the beach calls itself North America’s largest naturist beach, so you may see nudists when you visit.

The Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre is located about 5 miles (9 kilometers) west of Vancouver’s city center. It is accessible by bus. If you are driving, park for a fee at the lot next to the center. Purchase tickets for games and concerts in advance online.

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Things to do near Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre

At Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre in Vancouver, you can enjoy a range of activities including thrilling sporting events, public skating sessions, and even join local volleyball teams. The centre is a hub for ice sports, offering rentals for ice skates. Don’t miss the chance to explore nearby shopping areas and catch breathtaking sunsets during your visit.

Shopping

The nearest shopping experience is Granville Island Public Market, 8.0km away, offering unique local crafts and food. South Granville, also 8.0km away, features family-friendly shops. If you're up for a drive, visit Pacific Centre Shopping Mall, located 9.7km away, for more extensive retail options.

Recreation

Explore BC Place Stadium for an electrifying atmosphere filled with sports events. Enjoy live music at Commodore Ballroom, perfect for unwinding after a day of activities. For outdoor enthusiasts, the University Golf Club offers a serene setting for a round of golf just half 1.6km away.

Adventure

Explore the Capilano Suspension Bridge, a thrilling treeTopWalk 12.9km from the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre, where you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding forest. For ski enthusiasts, Cypress Mountain and Raven Ridge Chair Ski Lift, both 14.5km away, offer exhilarating skiing experiences amidst breathtaking landscapes.

Nightlife

Experience vibrant nightlife near Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre with the Queen Elizabeth Theatre's cultural performances, the Great Canadian Casino's thrilling gaming atmosphere, and the Vancouver International Film Centre's captivating films. Each venue offers a unique blend of romance and entertainment, perfect for an exciting evening out.

Find the best attractions near Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre

When visiting the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre in Vancouver, you'll find a variety of attractions to suit any traveler. Explore nearby beaches, urban parks, and the historic University of British Columbia. For sports enthusiasts, the UBC Thunderbird Arena and the Thunderbird Sports Centre offer exciting events and activities. Whether you're seeking culture, outdoor adventures, or family experiences, there's something for everyone in this vibrant area.

  • University of British Columbia: Located 1.1km from Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre, this historic university boasts stunning architecture and lush gardens. Experience a rich cultural atmosphere as you stroll through its beautiful campus, home to museums and galleries that celebrate art and science.
  • Stanley Park: A mere 8.0km away, Stanley Park is a vast urban oasis perfect for families. Enjoy outdoor activities like biking or walking along the Seawall while taking in breathtaking views of the city skyline and natural landscapes.
  • Vancouver Convention Centre: Situated 9.7km from your location, this event venue is a hub for conferences and exhibitions. Its modern architecture and scenic waterfront views offer a vibrant business atmosphere, making it a key destination for professionals.

Best time to go to Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre

Visitor numbers around Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with frequent rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January38.3°F (3.5°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February37.8°F (3.2°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March41.5°F (5.3°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.4°F (8.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
May54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August65.3°F (18.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October50.9°F (10.5°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November42.6°F (5.9°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December37.2°F (2.9°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre

To save money on your visit to Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre, consider travelling during the low season from January to February or November for cheaper accommodation. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can help secure better rates, and you can also check for last-minute deals on Expedia. Tuesdays are the least expensive days for hotel stays, while Saturdays are the priciest. Take advantage of free attractions like Stanley Park and the Vancouver Waterfront, and use public transport to save further. Combining flights and hotel packages on Expedia may lead to additional savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.