Thanksgiving Monday is less than a week away, and there are a ton of exciting things to do (and eat) to mark the occasion. While loading up on carbs and turkey is never a bad idea, there are also plenty of ways to enjoy the day that will pull you out of your food coma. So with that in mind, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this Thanksgiving Monday (October 9th).
Harvest Days at VanDusen
It’s nearly autumn season once again at VanDusen, and they’re celebrating with their annual Harvest Days festival beginning this weekend, complete with access to the botanical gardens, maze area, and festive photo-op areas. Visitors can enjoy tasty seasonal treats, live entertainment throughout the garden, and of course, take pictures with all of the fun fall decor.
The festival will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends from Saturday, October 7th to Sunday, October 29th.
When: Weekends from Saturday, October 7th to Sunday, October 29th
Where: 5251 Oak Street
Cost: $12 per adult
Black Lagoon
If you’re a fan of themed drinks, a visit to the spooky Black Lagoon pop-up bar is definitely in order this month. Until October 31st, visitors can immerse themselves in a boozy, gothic experience at the Butcher & Bullock. Themed sips include the “Book of Blood,” a spooky take on a Mai Tai, and the creepy “Night Crawler,” which is served in a festive coupe.
When: October 4th to 31st
Where: 911 West Pender Street
Visit Maplewood Farm
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Maplewood Farm in North Vancouver is home to 200 domestic farm animals, including sheep, horses, chickens, goats, and much more. Guests can meet them all, and even feed the bunnies fresh fruits and veggies from home.
When: Open throughout October from 10 am to 4 pm
Where: 405 Seymour River, North Vancouver
Cost: $5.55 to $9.45
Take a ride on Hell’s Gate Airtram
This attraction isn’t free, but if you’re a fan of haunted rides and weird histories – this one’s the perfect combination. Plus, if you go in larger groups, tickets drop to just over $30 each, which is not too bad at all for a ride on one of the steepest trams in North America!
When: Open throughout October
Where: 43111 Trans Canada Highway, Boston Bar, BC
Cost: $36.99 per adult, or $30.99 per ticket for groups of 8+
Check out a corn maze
Whether it’s a visit to Canada’s first corn maze in Chilliwack or Taves Family Farms in Abbotsford, there are a handful of fun corn mazes and accompanying early fall activities to enjoy this month, including apple picking and hayrides!
Where: See our picks above
Richmond Night Market
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Thanksgiving Monday (October 9th) marks the last day of the beloved Richmond Night Market. So if you haven’t made your way through the hundreds of delicious food vendors, this is your last chance to check it out this year.
When: Every weekend until October 9th
Where: 8351 River Road, Richmond
Scope out some haunted places
Did you know that The Dominion Building in Gastown (home of Nuba) is said to be haunted by its own architect?? If you’re into spooky histories and want to get a head start on the spooky half of the month, a self-guided tour of the most haunted places in the city is an essential experience.
Where: See our picks above
Cougar Creek’s House of Horrors
The longest-running haunted attraction in the Lower Mainland tends to conjure up quite a scare – and this year, you’ll have three themed haunted houses to choose from: Echoes of Abbath, New Year’s Evil, and the evil clown-filled Zycho Zerchus. Best of all? Opening weekend tickets include access to all three!
When: Friday, September 29th to October 31st
Where: 12530 72nd Avenue, Surrey
Cost: $29.99 to $49.99
Check out a pumpkin patch
And speaking of fun, family-friendly activities – a trip to your local pumpkin patch is never a bad idea. Especially when it comes to getting in the Thanksgiving/harvest mood! Enjoy hot apple cider, meet a variety of farm animals, and pick up some cool pumpkins (and pumpkin-inspired treats) for the road.
Where: Check out our picks above
Go on a fall hike
BC is absolutely stunning in autumn, and the season is about to bring changing colours and beautiful fall foliage with it. Explore our beautiful province and get your steps in for the month.
Where: Check out our picks above
And that’s a wrap on Thanksgiving Monday, Vancouver!
