Things to do over the BC Day Long Weekend in Metro Vancouver

The BC Day Long Weekend is just around the corner, and there are plenty of exciting activities to enjoy! Delight the kids with cotton candy, a slushie, and a spin on the teacup rides at Playland. Relax at the beach, capture beautiful moments at a Sunflower festival, explore local festivals, or embark on a day trip to Bowen Island. With so many options, this BC Day Long Weekend promises endless fun and adventure!
BC Day Long Weekend family friendly summer outings in Metro Vancouver
Go to a Festival
- Powell Street Festival
This event, now in its 48th year, is a free celebration of Japanese arts, culture, and community. The park and surrounding streets will feature Japanese food vendors, a craft market, and two outdoor stages.
>>Aug. 3-4, Oppenheimer Park and surrounding area - Harmony Arts Festival
Sponsored by Odlum Brown, the highly anticipated Harmony Arts Festival is a free vibrant event where you will immerse yourself in a rich array of experiences, including free live music performances that will fill the air with diverse melodies. The festival also celebrates the visual arts, showcasing an impressive collection of artwork from talented local and regional artists
>>August 2-11, The festival takes place in West Vancouver along the waterfront on Argyle Avenue, from 14th to 16th Street. - White Rock Sea Festival & Semiahmoo Days
Join the 73rd annual White Rock Sea Festival and Semiahmoo Days, a spectacular event offering free entertainment and activities for the whole family. This beloved tradition features a lively parade that winds through the streets, captivating performances on multiple stages, and a dedicated kids’ zone packed with fun and engaging activities. As the day turns to night, the sky will come alive with a breathtaking fireworks display, creating a magical experience for all ages.
>> August 2 – 4, 2024, Memorial Park, East Beach & Semiahmoo Park - Vancouver Pride Parade
Get ready for an unforgettable Pride Weekend as Vancouver Pride returns with the Canada Pride Parade, attracting over 100,000 attendees! Led by Host Nations, this vibrant event brings together local community groups, non-profits, businesses, and more, all proudly supporting the 2SLGBTQAI+ communities. With four accessible viewing zones, witness the city come alive with colorful floats, lively marching bands, and community partner groups, transforming Vancouver into a stunning celebration of love, music, and art.
>> August 4, 12pm-4pm, Takes place along Pacific Blvd in Vancouver
Visit Playland
Whose ready for mini donuts and a dizzying array of colourful rides? BC’s most iconic amusement park is wide open for another season of family fun, thrills, games, attractions, and good mood food! The weather has been good so it can be crowded. Masks are optional and most food kiosks are open.
Explore a Sunflower field
Fields of flowers are in full bloom all over Metro Vancouver and there are enough to blow up your ‘gram this summer. Dahlias, wild flowers, sunflowers – take your pick and snap ‘em before they’re gone!
>> Top local flower fests
Hit the water slides or water adventure parks
Waterslides are irresistible for kids, and a great way for adults to unleash their inner child. Grab the floaties, and head to these swirling, twirling slides around the city.
Go jump in a lake
There’s nothing more Canadian than a plunge in a fresh, cool lake, and there are plenty in and around Vancouver. Things are opening up so it’s a perfect time to explore outdoor spaces this summer and enjoy the fresh water.
Pick berries
Take the kids out to a U-pick so they can enjoy the satisfaction of picking their own food, pat some barnyard animals, run around in the playground and maybe even dig into some ice cream and berries.
Suit up for a day at the beach
A day at the beach with the right equipment and a whole lotta snacks, hats and sunscreen is a summer must for the fam. Luckily we have some of the best beaches around whether you live in downtown Vancouver, Tsawassen or Surrey.
Take a ferry day trip
A beautiful 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay, Bowen Island is one of the quickest and easiest ways to get a feel for quiet island life close to the city. You’ll find little shops, restaurants, a few historic buildings, beaches, and family-friendly hikes (a walk around Killarney Lake is a must).
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