Can you feel heat? Summer is here! And with it comes a variety of festivals and events to take advantage of in Vancouver, BC. Our fair city plays hosts to some of the most popular events in Canada and this month is no exception. From Father’s Day celebrations to the International Children’s Festival, cycling, Indigenous Peoples Day, and more, there’s lots of fun to be had. Here’s our handy guide to what’s happening in June . . .
FATHER’S DAY
Father’s Day is just around the corner, and Vancouver has plenty of events to celebrate dads of all kinds. On June 18, 2023, families can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the city to show their appreciation for fathers everywhere. Whether you’re looking for a fun day out with the kids or something a little more laid back, Vancouver has something for everyone this Father’s Day. For example, the Father’s Day Walk and Run is a festive event that takes place at Burnaby Lake. Participants can choose between a 5k and 10k option and can run individually or as part of a team. The event also includes free lunch, live entertainment, and a large celebration at the end. Learn More.
VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL
The Vancouver International Children’s Festival is a fantastic event for children and families. This child-focused festival features a variety of entertaining and engaging activities that are perfect for kids of all ages. The festival takes place from May 30th to June 4th and offers a range of options for children to enjoy, including music, dance, theater, storytelling, and much more.
The festival is a great way for children to explore their creative side and learn new things. The activities are designed to be interactive and engaging, with plenty of opportunities for children to participate and have fun. Parents and caregivers can also join in on the fun and create lasting memories with their children. Learn More.
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY EVENTS
On Tuesday, June 21st, the Carnegie Community Centre, in partnership with the UBC Learning Exchange and the City, is hosting an in-person event with live streaming to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day and learn about Indigenous culture and the Downtown Eastside. The event will be held from 12 to 3 p.m. and will feature tea from Hives for Humanity, crafts created by Cultural Sharing Elders, live performances, and more – including the Carnegie’s own lexwst’i:lem drum group, John Sam and the Big Drum, Larissa Healy, and much more. Additionally, for the month of June, 16 Indigenous flags will fly on City Hall’s flag island at 12th Ave and Cambie St to honour Host Nations and Indigenous Peoples, including flags from the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Indian Band, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation, and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation next to the National Indigenous Peoples Day flag designed by Sam McKay, in recognition that we are located on these Nations’ traditional, ancestral and unceded territories. Learn More.
STANLEY PARK
Self-guided bike tours in Vancouver’s Stanley Park and Queen Elizabeth Park are a great way to get out and see the beautiful scenery of our city. Stanley Park is a 405-hectare urban park that offers a scenic view of the waterfront. The park features several attractions such as beaches, trails, playgrounds, and the Vancouver Aquarium. The self-guided bike tour in Stanley Park provides a unique opportunity to explore the park’s natural beauty and rich history. On the other hand, Queen Elizabeth Park is a 52-hectare park that offers a stunning view of the city skyline and the North Shore Mountains. The self-guided bike tour in Queen Elizabeth Park provides an excellent opportunity to explore the park’s manicured gardens and arboretum. Download the self-guided tours. And if you don’t have your bike with you, you can get two half day nike rentals when you book with stayvancouverhotels.com. Learn More.
Don’t forget to celebrate Father’s Day and take advantage of the great weather by visiting festivals, events, and parks around Vancouver in June. And if you need a place to stay, check out stayvancouverhotels.com for the best prices on hotels and promotional incentives. These include numerous gift cards, a $100 shopping spree at Pacific Centre, half-day bike rentals, and more! Learn more.