Labour Day weekend: the bittersweet finale of summer. School, work, and routines loom, but it’s your last chance for outdoor swims, one final Coaster ride at Playland/PNE, festivals, and more. Embrace these fun family ideas to close summer on a high note.
Things to do this Labour Day Weekend in Metro Vancouver
Close out the PNE
Last chance to hit the Fair or take a dizzying spin on an amusement ride because the messy colourful PNE/Playland Fest winds up on Labour Day with farm animals, SuperDogs and rides for big and small.
Climb aboard a mini train
Bear Creek Park Train
Climb aboard the miniature train at Bear Creek Park in Surrey. This charming 10 minute adventure, on Eddy the train will lead you through themed tunnels, forests, and over bridges. Kids can even give the whistle a toot! It’s open all long weekend from 10am – 5pm, $7 a ride and under 2 years old are free. And if you have time for only $10 you can do both the train and mini golf.
Stanley Park Urban Forest Train
The Urban Forest Train is back on track, offering a narrated ride through Stanley Park, Canada’s first and largest urban park. As you journey through the lush greenery, you’ll uncover fascinating facts about the park’s flora and fauna. Young explorers can earn a Junior Urban Forest Ranger badge by listening closely—details are available at the ticket booth. Keep your eyes open for a lucky glimpse of the eagle bathing in the stream or the barred owl perched on its favorite stump inside the tracks!
Open Labour Day Long weekend,
August 30 – September 1 – 10am-4pm
September 2 – 12pm – 4pm
Located on Pipeline Road in Stanley Park via the West Georgia Street park entrance
>> Stanley Park Train
Snap a pic in sunflower field
Head to the valley for a wander through massive fields of towering sunflowers for one final summer shot of the fam. This fest boasts five-plus acres of more than a dozen varieties of peak-season sunflowers in varying shades of yellow, orange and red. Also there are loads of insta-spots (think swings, tractors and the like) and fun for the kids.
>> Five fabulous flower festivals in Metro Vancouver
Take a final slide at Cultus Lake Waterpark
Labour Day Monday is the final day for epic (or gentle) watersliding at Cultus Lake Water Park. This 35+ year-old park has something for risk-takers and little ones alike. And for grownups, there’s WIFI and five hot tubs.
Take one last plunge
Most of our spectacular outdoor pools close after Labour Day. So take the kids for a final glorious swim at one of these pools: Maple Grove, Kits, New Brighton or and Second Beach. (Water parks will remain open until September 30 and are another great (and free) way to cool off.) You must book your slot online the day before and arrive swim ready.
Last weekend at the Burnaby Village Museum
This local fave and inexpensive go-to spot for families closes on Sept 4. See what schools and family life was like in Burnaby back in the day and walk away having learned something. There are lots of places to stop for a quick nibble, including as super cute ice cream parlour. And don’t forget to go on the carousel ride.
September 2, 11am-430pm
Burnaby Village Museum
6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby, BC
Learn about Japanese culture at the Nikkei Matsuri Japanese Festival
Celebrate Japanese culture with diverse culinary offerings, traditional arts, and pop-culture highlights. Experience the best of Japanese culture in Burnaby.
Nikkei Matsuri is one of the many ways the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre (NNMCC) is working to fulfil its mission to honour, preserve and share the history and heritage of Japanese Canadians and Japanese culture in Canada.
August 31 – September 2, 11am-7pm
Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre
6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby, BC
**Tickets are required**
Celebrate Labour Day
New Westminster & District Labour Council have partnered to put together the Metro Vancouver Labour Day Celebration.
On Monday, September 2nd, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, everyone is invited to Edmonds Park for a free, fun-filled event. The day will feature inspiring speeches, bouncy castles, games and entertainment for kids, live music by LJ Mounteney, delicious food, and booths from unions and community organizations. It’s a perfect day for families to come together and celebrate.
September 2, 11am-3pm
Edmonds Park
7433 Humphries Ave, Burnaby BC
TaiwanFest
Over Labour Day weekend, downtown Vancouver will once again come alive as the beloved Taiwan Fest returns, transforming the heart of the city into a vibrant celebration.
From August 31st to September 2nd, Granville Street and the šxʷƛ̓ ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square by the Vancouver Art Gallery will be buzzing with activity. As the clock strikes noon each day, the festival springs to life with a lively beer garden, tempting food stalls, and an array of market vendors offering unique finds. It’s a weekend where culture, cuisine, and community come together, inviting everyone to join in the festivities.
August 31 – September 2, Saturday – Sunday 12pm – 10pm, Monday, 12pm-6pm
Location: Downtown Vancouver, Granville Street and he šxʷƛ̓ ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square by the Vancouver Art Gallery
