The Chilliwack Sunflower Festival. Photo: Gardens BC/Daniel Mosquin
Wander through fields of towering yellow sunflowers this August at one of 7 sunflower festivals near Vancouver.
Sunflower Festival Tips
- Dress for the weather. Bring sunscreen and a hat on sunny days and rain gear on wet days. And remember that you’re visiting a farm, so skip the fancy shoes since the paths can be uneven and wet.
- Book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Stay on marked paths to avoid trampling the delicate flowers.
- Some festivals allow dogs on leash. Check websites for details.
- Leave your drone at home. Transport Canada regulations prohibit drones at all festival sites.
VanDusen Botanical Garden
VanDusen Garden bursts with flowers in almost every season. In August, head to the Alma VanDusen Garden Meadow on the west side of the gardens near the maze to see giant sunflowers blooming alongside daisy-like cosmos and other wildflowers.
When: August and early September
Where: 5151 Oak Street, Vancouver
Tickets and More Info: VanDusen Garden
Photo: Autumn Mott Rodeheaver/Unsplash
Richmond Sunflower Festival
Explore over 20 acres of sunflowers, dahlias, and other flowers at the Richmond Sunflower Festival. They have over 90 varieties of sunflowers. There are lots of great spots for photo ops, a sunflower maze, a picnic area, and food vendors. Stop by Richmond Country Farms Market to buy fresh berries and homegrown corn too.
When: August 5 to September 31
Where: 12900 Steveston Highway, Richmond
Tickets and More Info: Richmond Sunflower Festival
Photo: N Suma/Unsplash
Emma Lea Farms
This family farm is located on quiet Westham Island near Ladner. They are known for their U-pick berries, but in August they have U-pick sunflowers too. Don’t miss their farm market for fresh fruit, veggies, and ice cream.
When: Throughout August
Where: 2727 Westham Island Road, Delta
More info: Emma Lea Farms
Surrey Sunflower Festival
This new sunflower festival is a fundraiser for the BC Cancer Foundation. You can wander through the fields of blooms on a working farm, choose your own flowers in the U-cut area, or have a picnic.
When: August 4 to September 3
Where: 4334 186 Street, Surrey
Tickets and More Info: Surrey Sunflower Festival
Abbotsford Summer Flower Festival
While it started as a tulip farm, today Lakeland Flowers grows millions of gorgeous sunflowers. Visit in late summer to enjoy the Abbotsford Summer Flower Festival. There are multiple varieties spread across 45 acres. They also have lots of other flowers including cosmos, zinnias, snap dragons, and more. Your admission ticket also includes a small bunch of sunflowers to take home.
When: July 21 to Labour Day Weekend
Where: 39171 No 4 Road, Abbotsford, BC
Tickets and More Info: Abbotsford Summer Flower Festival
Photo: Abbotsford Summer Flower Festival
Harrison Sunflower Festival
Stroll through acres of blooming golden sunflower fields at the Harrison Sunflower Festival, previously known as the Chilliwack Sunflower Festival. They have more than 40 sunflower varieties as well as dahlias, cosmos, and zinnias. Snap photos out in the fields or take pics at the designated photo spots which include vintage bikes, an Airstream trailer, swing sets, and more. You can buy cut flowers to take home, ice cream, and snacks, or grab a meal from the onsite food truck.
When: Late August through September 17
Where: 5039 Lougheed Highway, Agassiz
Tickets and More Info: Harrison Sunflower Festival
Photo: Harrison Sunflower Festival
Campbell’s Gold Honey
These sunflowers have an important job: providing nectar and pollen for the bees that make Campbell’s Gold Honey. Visit the farm to learn about all things honey and take a wander through the sunflower patch. You can purchase honey, mead, and cut sunflowers too.
When: Throughout August
Where: 2595 Lefeuvre Road, Abbotsford
More Info: Campbells Gold Honey
