While Canada Day means fireworks, there are lots of ways to celebrate with your kids in Vancouver — even if they don’t stay up late enough to see the bright lights in the sky.
Best for Great Views: Vancouver Lookout
Head up to the top and check out the fabulousness of Vancouver. If you’re there during the fireworks at Canada Place (10:30 p.m.), you’ll have one of the best views in the city.
$15; 555 West Hastings St. (at Seymour St.); www.vancouverlookout.com
Best for Old-Fashioned Fun: Golden Spike Days Festival
From a cheerleader dunk tank to can can dancers, this festival in Port Moody’s Rocky Point Park has something for everyone, including Canada Day celebrations. To keep the kids busy, there’s also a petting zoo and bouncy castle.
2800 block Murray St. (at Clarke St., Port Moody); www.goldenspike.ca
Best for Canadian Pride: Canada Place
What better place to celebrate Canada Day than at Canada Place? There will be live entertainers, an art exhibit, a parade and fireworks. Be sure to take transit to avoid parking headaches.
999 Canada Place (at Howe St.); www.canadaday.canadaplace.ca
Best for Unique Barbecue: Steveston Salmon Festival
Each year, Steveston celebrates Canada’s birthday with the Steveston Salmon Festival. This year’s event includes a children’s festival, food fair, art show, and (our favourite) a salmon barbecue. Yummers.
Various locations in historic Steveston Village; www.stevestonsalmonfest.ca
Best for Picnic: Jericho Beach
With lots of picnic tables, sand and picnic tables, it’s the best place to take a group of people for a picnic. Bring your bocce ball and badminton sets and set up for a day of fun. Bring along some extra money and get some ice cream at the concession stand.
Between North ends of Wallace St. and Discovery St.; www.vancouver.ca
Best for Fireworks: Pride of Vancouver Charters Ltd.
If you’ve got older kids or want a night out, try a different view of the fireworks and book a dinner cruise with Pride of Vancouver. Enjoy drinks, dinner, desert and gorgeous scenery.
$70; 450 Denman St. (at Bayshore Dr.); www.vancouvercharters.com
Best for Hiking: Lynn Canyon Park
If you want to go for a hike, head for Lynn Canyon Park. Cross the suspension bridge, then make your way down the Baden Powell Trail. Bring your swimsuit and stop for a dip in one of the water pools.
3663 Park Rd. (at Ross Rd.), North Vancouver; www.lynncanyon.ca
Best for Ice Cream: Mario’s Gelati
Alright, so it’s gelato, not ice cream, but the creative and tasty flavours at this spot are a must-try. We love the hedgehog and coconut flavours and the sorbets are especially refreshing on a hot day.
88 East 1st Ave. (at Main St.); www.mariosgelati.com
Best for Hotdogs: Japadog
This food cart dishes up hotdogs like you’ve never seen them before. Seaweed, Japanese mayo, fried cabbage, soy sauce, and edamame are just some of the Japanese-inspired toppings you can choose from. Be bold.
From $5; corner of Burrard and Pender St.; www.japadog.com
Best for Swimming: Kitsilano Pool
Vancouver’s largest draw-and-fill saltwater pool happens to be one of the longest outdoor pools in Canada. We love that even if the ocean’s chilly, we can still enjoy swimming outside.
$5; 2305 Cornwall Ave. (at Vine St.); www.vancouver.ca/parks/rec/pools
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