The last long weekend of the summer is coming up soon, which means it’s the ideal time to start planning an exciting summer sendoff if you haven’t already. And while summer doesn’t technically end for a few more weeks, Labour Day typically feels like the closing of a chapter as the season of vacationing comes to a close. So it’s time to make the most of the rest of the season: Here are 7 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver on Labour Day in 2023.
Valley West Stampede
From Saturday, September 2nd to Monday, September 4th, Langley’s popular Valley West Stampede is back and better than ever. The exciting event offers a range of family-friendly activities, from rodeo-style events to live music, to special shows from new professional cowboys and cowgirls from across North America.
New this year? A pyrotechnics ride with Wildrose Trick Riders from Alberta, and appearances by guest ambassador “Miss Rodeo Wainwright,” Harleigh Zack. Oh, and a new and improved “Train Station Bar,” expanding the arena’s existing beer garden!
Rodeo events at the arena commence at 2 pm each day that the event runs, and GA tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children.
Where: 4303 208 Street, Langley Township
Cost: $25 per adult, $10 per child
Metro Vancouver Labour Day Celebration
The Vancouver & District Labour Council is celebrating Labour Day with a special celebration this year, in collaboration with the New West District Labour Council. From 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, visitors can come by Edmonds Park in Burnaby for a free, family-friendly time with exciting speakers, bouncy castles, live music, great eats, and games galore.
Where: 7433 Humphries Avenue, Burnaby
Blue Rodeo at the PNE
It’s the final day of the PNE’s Summer Night Concert Series, and iconic grunge rock band Blue Rodeo is taking the stage, celebrating 30 years of rebellious, acclaimed music.
Where: 2901 East Hastings
Cost: $25 to $85
Labour Day at Burnaby Village Museum
Take a walk through local history and gorge on kettle corn at the Burnaby Village Museum. All the museum’s exhibits will be open to the public, including the Kids Conservation Lab, Quilter’s Demo, a slew of new exhibits, and even a special Labour Scavenger Hunt! Oh, and did we mention free carousel rides all day long?
Where: 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
Cultus Lake Waterpark
Cultus Lake Waterpark is filled with waterslides, themed tunnels and pools, lazy rivers, and even hot tubs for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you want to lounge at one of the 150+ picnic areas and let the kids splash around “Pirates’ Cove” or “Tots Castle,” or do some splashing yourself on the waterpark’s “Tubular Terror,” there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy here.
When: Saturday, June 10th to Monday, September 4th
Where: 4150 Columbia Valley Highway, Cultus Lake
Cost: $21-$34
Harrison Sunflower Festival
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Formerly the Chilliwack Sunflower Festival (and the Chilliwack Tulip Fest), the new Harrison Sunflower Festival is set to open at Onos Farms and Festivals in Agassiz, near Harrison Hot Springs. Visitors will be able to peruse the 45 varieties of sunflowers and summer blooms starting Friday, August 25th, and will extend to September 17th.
In addition to three kilometres of winding pathways and 20 acres of scenic backdrops, visitors can experience the new U-Pick field and curate their own bouquets from five different varieties of sunflowers.
When: August 25th to September 17th
Where: Agassiz, BC
Cost: $15 to $20
Float down a lazy river
BC has a ton of fun to be had by way of lazy rivers. And by lazy rivers – we mean action-packed water activities, as well as lazy rivers in the literal sense. So, whether you want to slowly drift downstream with a drink in hand, or want to have a more adventurous tubing experience, we’ve got plenty of options to toss your way this Labour Day.
Where: Check out our picks above
So there you have it, Vancouver! Have a fantastic last long weekend of summer!
