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.
Burnaby Central Railway
All aboard for family fun at the Burnaby Central Railway! Tucked inside Confederation Park, this unique 1/8-scale ride-on miniature railway is run by passionate volunteers from the BC Society of Model Engineers. Hop on for a 10-minute ride through the woods complete with tunnels, bridges, and spirals—perfect for kids and adults alike. With hand-built steam engines that puff just like the real thing, along with electric and diesel locomotives, every visit feels like an adventure. Open weekends and holidays from Easter to Thanksgiving, it’s a classic Metro Vancouver outing that delights all ages.
Open Labour Day Long weekend,
Time: 10am- 5pm (last ticket sales 430pm)
Where: : 120 N Willingdon Ave, Burnaby
Cost: $4.50 for a single ride, all passengers 3 years old and up
>> Burnaby Central Railway
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.
>> Sunflower 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
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 1, 11am-430pm
Burnaby Village Museum
6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby, BC
Cost: Admission and Carousel Rides are Free
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 30 – 31, 11am-7pm
Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre
6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby, BC
Cost: $15 Admission, 12 Online/Advance, Free for youth under 18 years and seniors 65+ and Nikkei Centre Members
Summer Discovery Days – Fraser River Discovery Centre (New Westminster)
Celebrate the Labour Day long weekend with Summer Discovery Days at the Fraser River Discovery Centre (August 30–September 1). Families can dive into hands-on activities exploring how our daily choices impact the Fraser River, from learning about water turbidity and its effect on wildlife to discovering how plastic pollution harms animals. Kids will love storytime, myth-busting fun, and a playful recycling stacking game. Programs run daily from 10:00am–4:00pm, with special activities scheduled throughout the day—making it the perfect way to wrap up summer with learning, play, and discovery by the river.
August 30 – September 1, 10am-4pm
Where: Fraser River Discovery Centre, 788 Quayside Drive, New Westminster, BC
Cost for admission:
- Family Ticket ($20.00) – for 2 adults and up to 4 children
- Adult Ticket ($8.00) – adult 19 and older
- Senior Ticket ($6.00) – senior 65 and older
- Student Ticket ($6.00) – student ID required
- Child Ticket ($5.00) – children aged 3-12
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 30 to September 1, 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, the theme this year is Echoes of the Ocean.
August 30 – September 1, Various times
Location: Downtown Vancouver, Granville Street and he šxʷƛ̓ ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square by the Vancouver Art Gallery
VanDusen Garden’s 50th Anniversary celebration
Celebrate a milestone this Labour Day weekend as VanDusen Botanical Garden marks its 50th anniversary! On Saturday, August 30, from 10am to 5pm, the Garden will come alive with a full day of festivities, featuring live entertainment, nature-themed activities, and special community celebrations. It’s the perfect chance to enjoy the beauty of the gardens while joining in on a once-in-50-years event.
VanDusen Botanical Garden
10am to 5pm, 5251 Oak St, Vancouver, BC
Cost: included in the garden admission or membership
Burnaby Car Free Day
Wrap up summer with a lively celebration at Car Free Day Burnaby on Sunday, August 31, along Edmonds Street (between Kingsway and Mary Avenue). This free community event invites everyone to ditch the car and enjoy a vibrant street festival filled with live performances, family-friendly games and activities, tasty local eats, refreshing drinks, and community showcases. It’s a perfect way to spend the day connecting with friends, neighbours, and the city in a fun, eco-friendly way.
When: August 31, along Edmonds Street (between Kingsway and Mary Avenue)
Time: 12pm-5pm
Cost: Free
