Kayaking in False Creek. Photo credit: Destination Vancouver / Rishad Daroowala
BC Day long weekend is the perfect time to soak up our beautiful province’s nature, culture, and history. In 2023, check out festivals, hikes, parades, beaches and more on the August 5-7th long weekend.
Take a Hike
Celebrate the beauty of British Columbia on a hike. Use our lists of the best summer hikes and even more summer hikes to find trails that take you to mountaintops, glacial lakes, and incredible viewpoints.
Cheakamus Lake on the High Note Trail in Whistler. Photo: Destination BC/Andrew Strain
Check out Brigade Days at Fort Langley National Historic Site
Immerse yourself in the history of the fur trade at Fort Langley’s Brigade Days event on August 5, 6 and 7. It includes historical re-enactments, demonstrations of 19th-century skills like blacksmithing, live music, and food. You can also participate in old-fashioned relay races.
Heritage building at Fort Langley National Historic Site. Photo: Destination BC/Dannielle Hayes
Shop at a Farmer’s Market
Vancouver’s farmers’ markets are full of locally grown fruit and veggies. Browse through the stalls to find locally grown produce, baked goods, and prepared foods like jams and beverages. On BC Day long weekend, you can visit the West End, Riley Park, and Trout Lake markets on Saturday and the Kitsilano and Mount Pleasant markets on Sunday.
Photo: Shelley Pauls/Unsplash
Celebrate Japanese Culture and History at the Powell Street Festival
Head to Oppenheimer Park in Vancouver’s Strathcona neighbourhood on August 5 and 6 for the annual Powell Street Festival. Enjoy live music, Japanese food, martial arts demonstrations and lots more.
Banners at the Powell Street Festival. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Dannielle Hayes
Enjoy the Squamish Days Logger Sports Festival
The 66th annual Squamish Days Logger Sports Festival takes place from August 3 to 6. The four-day festival includes a pancake breakfast, kids events, a parade, and lots of logger sports competitions.
Hit the Beach
With lots of ocean shoreline and nearby lakes, Vancouver has tons of beach options. BC Day weekend is a great time to relax on the sand, have a picnic, or go for a swim. Check out our guides to Vancouver’s beaches and swimming lakes for all the info.
Vanr English Bay Beach. Photo: Destination Vancouver / Tanya Goehring
Head to VanPrideFest and the Pride Parade
Held at Concord Pacific Place on August 5 and 6, VanPrideFest is a two-day outdoor festival. Enjoy DJs, drag performances, and dancing. Don’t miss the Vancouver Pride Parade on August 6th. It’s a mobile celebration that attracts over 100,000 attendees each year.
Vancouver Pride Parade. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Vision Event Photography Inc.
Try Kayaking
Change your perspective and see Vancouver from the water this BC Day weekend. You can sign up for kayak tours, lessons, and rentals at several shops around the city.
Kayaking in False Creek. Photo: Destination Vancouver / Rishad Daroowala
Enjoy Music and Art at the Harmony Arts Festival
The annual Harmony Arts Festival takes place along West Vancouver’s waterfront from August 4-13th. Each day includes live music, kids’ activities, and an outdoor market where you can purchase paintings, jewellery, ceramics, textiles, photography and more from local artists.
Go for a Bike Ride
Explore Vancouver on two wheels. There are lots of ways to try biking in Vancouver. Our city’s car-free bike paths are great for a laid-back ride. If you don’t have your own bike you can rent one from local companies. Or let an expert show you around on a guided tour.
Biking on the seawall at English Bay. Photo: Destination Vancouver / Cycle City Tours
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