Victoria Day is right around the corner, and Vancouver is going to come to life with all sorts of long weekend fun and events. And it looks like we’re finally getting a sunny long weekend, at that!
From exciting concerts to festivals, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this Victoria Day weekend.
Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival
The longest-running Highland Games event in North America is back in Victoria this year, so get ready for all the traditional Scottish and Celtic events you know and love. Typically, the games involve a range of sporting events and athletic competitions – including caber tosses, hammer throws, weightlifting, and a range of running and jumping events.
The 2023 Games will mark the 160th annual festival and will be held at Topaz Park.
When: Saturday, May 20th and Sunday, May 21st
Where: Topaz Park, Victoria
Cost: $15 for one day, $25 for a two-day pass
Fort Langley May Day Parade
Head to Fort Langley for the 101st anniversary of their annual May Day parade this Monday! A huge parade spanning Mavis Avenue down to 88th Avenue will kick off the festivities, followed by a ton of free events at the park, food, and live entertainment.
When: Monday, May 22nd
Where: 88th Avenue and Clover, Lions Hall, Langley
Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair
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Returning after a three-year hiatus is Cloverdale’s Rodeo and Country Fair, which will be in full swing with live entertainment, over 40 food trucks, Midway rides & games and featured attractions for the whole family.
When: May 19th to May 22nd
Where: 6050 176 Street, Surrey
Cost: $11.57 for early bird tickets
Victoria Day at Burnaby Village Museum
Between 11 am and 4:30 pm on Monday, the Burnaby Village Museum will be hosting a huge day of fun to honour the Queen. Enjoy carrousel rides, printmaking, live music and dance, and contribute to a community mural.
When: Friday, May 20th to Friday, May 27th
Where: 13723 Crescent Road, Surrey
Cost: Free admission
Spring drop-in at the Farmhouse
If spending Victoria Day in a Victorian setting sounds like a blast, you’ll definitely want to head to the Historic Stewart Farm in Surrey this Monday. You can tour the farmhouse and stroll through the riverside grounds, participate in craft-making, and enjoy activities for the whole family.
When: Monday, May 22nd
Where: 13723 Crescent Road, Surrey
Cost: Free admission
Jurassic World Live Tour
The highly-anticipated Jurassic World Live Tour is finally in Vancouver this weekend, so get ready to see over 24 film-accurate, life-sized dinosaurs, including fan-fave Velociraptor Blue and a 40-foot-long T.rex.
The dinos will be operated by animatronics and performers, so visitors are definitely in for an exciting show. Fans of the popular Netflix series Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous will also recognize Bumpy, the friendly, food-motivated dino, according to the release.
When: Friday, May 19th to Sunday, May 21st, and Friday, May 26th to Sunday, May 28th
Where: 100 North Renfrew Street
Cost: Sign up for pre-sale tickets here
The Greatest Show on British Wheels
If you’re a fan of classic cars, you’ll definitely want to check this one out. On Saturday, May 20th, an ElectraClassic vehicle display is coming to VanDusen Botanical Garden, allowing visitors to learn more about the converted British-built classics for themselves.
When: Saturday, May 20th
Where: 5251 Oak Street
Go on a fun day trip
Vancouver residents are blessed with close access to some of the most stunning day trip destinations in the province (and the country), and springtime is one of the best times of year to see them. Even better? Most of these spots are under three hours away from Vancouver by car or ferry, so if you’re looking to plan something fun for the May long weekend, we’ve got you covered!
Where: See our picks above
Have a beach day
While there is certainly no shortage of gorgeous viewpoints around the city, we can’t deny that some of the best are at Vancouver’s beaches. Whether you picnic at Jericho, bike around Stanley Park and settle at Third Beach, or dive into the deep end at Kits Beach – there’s truly a beach spot for everyone.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Go on a dog-friendly hike
With so many beautiful spring hikes in BC to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow down your top choices. Luckily, there are plenty near Vancouver that offer unparalleled views, for both you and your dog to enjoy!
Where: See our picks above
And that’s a wrap on the Victoria Day long weekend, Vancouver. Cheers!
