With Father’s Day just around the corner on Sunday, June 18th, we thought we’d go ahead and share some of the most exciting events and food specials going on around the city. Whether Dad wants to work up an appetite on a hike or digest an AYCE brunch on an inflatable obstacle course, there’s plenty of family fun to choose from.
Without further ado, here are 12 things to do in and around Vancouver on Father’s Day this year.
South-Asian Family Festival at Playland
The first-ever South-Asian family fest is coming to the PNE on Father’s Day, bringing a full day of concerts, cultural performances, arts, and parades to Playland’s already spectacular lineup of over 25 rides and games. As well, visitors can take a peek at a fashion show, shop at the festival’s own bazaar, and enjoy delicious street food from around the globe.
When: Sunday, June 18th
Where: 2901 East Hastings
Cost: $35 to $78.75+
91st BC Highland Games & World Music Festival
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Whether your family has Scottish or Irish heritage or not, the BC Highland Games & World Music Fest are always a blast, complete with a full weekend of Scottish, Irish, and World Music, including SFU Pipe Band and Ireland’s Sharon Shannon. Best of all? Sunday’s festival is completely free to attend!
On Saturday, there will be pipe bands, caber tossing, traditional highland dancing, food vendors, and activities for the kids. On Sunday, the festival will feature free music and dance performances by artists around the globe – from Iran, Punjab, China, Pakistan, and First Nations, to name a few.
When: Sunday, June 18th
Where: 3099 Trevor Wingrove Way, Coquitlam
Cost: $37.53 for GA weekend passes, free admission on Sunday only
The Monster at TradeX
The Monster is coming to TradeX in Abbotsford this Father’s Day weekend from June 15th to 18th, so get ready to challenge Dad to some fun physical tests. Visitors can tackle the 1,000-foot-long bouncy obstacle course and the rest of the family can enjoy the world’s biggest inflatable party, including a 59-foot Mega Slide, and a terrifying “House of Hell” obstacle course.
When: Sunday, June 18th
Where: 1190 Cornell Street, Abbotsford
Cost: $42.78 per adult, $31.28 per child
All-You-Can-Eat Father’s Day Brunch
Reflections Terrace is celebrating Father’s Day with an array of AYCE BBQ faves, including tender grilled meats, a cold seafood buffet, and a selection of sides and desserts to add to the experience. Reservations are definitely recommended, but Reflections has noted that they’re welcoming walk-ins as well!
When: Sunday, June 18th
Where: 801 West Georgia Street, 4th Floor
Cost: $95 per person
Father’s Day at ARC Restaurant
Got a Dad-sized appetite? Head over to ARC for a special bottomless brunch for Father’s Day, including faves like Bone Marrow served with gruyere cheese, scrambled eggs, chives, and sourdough toast and Duck Confit Poutine.
And for those who prefer lunch or dinner, there’s a Father’s Day BBQ feature including 1 kg of BBQ baby back ribs, accompanied by smoked slaw and fries. As well, all Dads will receive a complimentary beer or mimosa with their bottomless brunch, or a beer with the purchase of any entrée after 2:30 p.m.
When: Sunday, June 18th
Where: 900 Canada Place
Cost: $65 per person for brunch, $52 for bottomless BBQ rib feast
Father’s Day Spot Prawn tasting menu
Maybe Dad’s more of a seafood lover – in which case you’re in luck. Spot Prawn season may be winding down, but the teams at Straight and Marrow and Bar Corso have teamed up to bring the best, freshest picks of the season to the table.
The one-night-only event will transform fresh spring catches into creative dishes like crudo, carpaccio, and thermidor. Optional drink pairings include a welcome glass of bubbly, and local wines from Phantom Creek Estate, Lunessance and Bartier Bros.
When: Sunday, June 18th
Where: 1566 Commercial Drive
Cost: $110 per person, plus $45 for drink pairings
Live music & prime ribs at Cardero’s
If waterfront sips and slow-roasted prime rib with Yorkshire puddling sounds more up your alley, head to Cardero’s this Father’s Day. Not only will you be treated to some amazing flavours, but you’ll also get to enjoy live music – all for $42 per person.
When: Sunday, June 18th
Where: 1583 Coal Harbour Quay
Cost: $42 per person
Vancouver Canadians
It doesn’t get more quintessential ‘father’s day’ than a game at Nat Bailey Stadium – and fortunately, the Vancouver Canadians are facing off against the Hillsboro Hops on Sunday, featuring a Father’s Day Hat Giveaway.
When: Sunday, June 18th
Where: 4601 Ontario Street
Cost: $10+
Work on your short game
Another classic ‘dad’ activity for you – though it’s something the whole family can enjoy: Mini golf. Like bowling, the skill ceiling is weirdly high, but it’s so straightforward that a total novice will still have fun out there. And Vancouver has plenty of fun spots to check out.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Grab some bikes & ride
Since we’ve been on the receiving end of some beautiful weather so far this season, we thought we’d remind folks that Mobi now has e-bikes available for usage. The 24-Hour Pass gives you access to e-bikes for 25¢/min for the first 30 minutes and 35¢/min thereafter.
Hop on a ferry
Did you know that there are more than 40,000 islands in BC? And while you can’t visit all of them, there are around 40 Gulf Islands that are accessible by ferry from Vancouver, and they’re home to some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the country. So why not hop on a ferry and get exploring?
Where: See our picks above
Go on a dog-friendly hike
Last but certainly not least, we come to some amazing dog-friendly hikes around Vancouver. Because Dad and ‘man’s best friend’ deserve a day to themselves!
Where: See our picks above
So there you have it, Vancouver. Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads out there.
