12 Outdoorsy Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day 2023 in Vancouver

Cycling on the Seawall in Stanley Park. Photo: Destination Vancouver / Coast Mountain Photography

Take Dad outside this Father’s Day. Choose from hikes, parks, festivals, fishing, biking, running, and many more events in the Vancouver area.

Take a Hike

While the calendar says it is almost summer, it is still winter in the mountains. Choose a hike close to sea level to avoid snow. Check out our lists of spring hikes or more spring hikes to choose a destination. Be sure to read our tips for safe spring hiking before you go.

Hiking the Stawamus Chief in Squamish. Photo: Tourism Squamish

South Asian Family Festival

The first South Asian Family Festival is coming to the PNE this Father’s Day. The event includes music, cultural performances, parades, shopping, fashion shows, and of course, food. Festival tickets also include access to over 25 rides at Playland.

Sasquatch Days at Harrison Hot Springs

Join the Village of Harrison Hot Springs and the Sts’ailes Nation to celebrate Sasquatch Days on June 17 and 18. There will be canoe races, Medicine Walk tours, and a salmon barbecue.

Shop at a Farmer’s Market

At this time of year, Vancouver’s farmers’ markets are in full swing. Browse through the stalls to find locally grown produce, baked goods, and prepared foods like jams and beverages. On Father’s Day, you can visit the Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, and Hastings Park markets.

Photo: Shelley Pauls/Unsplash

Father’s Day Walk Run for Prostate Cancer

This family-friendly Father’s Day Walk Run includes 2 km, 5 km, and 10 km walking and running courses at Burnaby Lake. The event is a fundraiser for Prostate Cancer BC. Participants get an event shirt, lunch, and activities.

Enjoy Easy-Access Views

You don’t have to be an expert hiker to enjoy the outdoors in Vancouver. Let the Grouse Mountain Skyride and the Sea to Sky Gondola whisk you right up to the peaks. Keep in mind that winter is still hanging on in the mountains, so bring warm clothing and appropriate footwear for slush and mud.

Grouse Mountain Skyride. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Grouse Mountain

ScotFestBC

Enjoy three days of highland games, music, dancing, whisky, and more at ScotFestBC. The event runs from June 16 to 18 at Town Centre Park in Coquitlam. This year’s free event includes a World Music Festival on June 18.

Family Fishing Day at Rice Lake

Rice Lake in North Vancouver’s Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve is hosting a Family Fishing Day event on Father’s Day. Fishing gear is provided and anglers can fish without a licence. Metro Vancouver Parks and the Seymour Salmonid Society have organized exhibits, games, and a concession stand.

Rice Lake in North Vancouver Photo: Taryn Eyton/HappiestOutdoors.ca

Explore the Urban Wilderness

Vancouver is full of green spaces, with pockets of nature tucked into nearly every neighbourhood. Explore an offshore island and ocean views at Whytecliff Park in West Vancouver. Head to Maple Ridge to explore the waterfalls and river views at Kanaka Creek Regional Park. Or visit Aldergrove Regional Park for some easy biking and the kid-friendly nature play area. Find even more suggestions in our park guide archives.

Cyclist at Aldergrove Regional Park. Photo: Metro Vancouver

Father’s Day at Kilby Historic Site

Kilby Historic Site in Harrison Mills preserves a general store dating back to 1906, a heritage post office, and a hotel. Step back in time at their Father’s Day event which includes hands-on activities like water witching and wooden toy making along with live fiddle music.

Go For a Bike Ride

Vancouver is a great city for biking with lots of bike paths. Use our list of the best car-free bike paths to find routes that take you beside beaches and rivers, through the city, and to mountain views.

Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Tanya Goehring

Family Fishing Day at Lake Lafarge

Head to Lake Lafarge in Coquitlam for Family Fishing Day on Father’s Day. The event includes on-site experts to teach fishers new techniques for fly tying and casting. Anglers can also fish without a license. The event includes a salmon raffle, prizes, and food.