Family-Friendly Things to Do on Easter Long Weekend

Family at the hedge maze at Van Dusen Botanical Garden. Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Sombilon Studios

Take your family on an adventure this Easter Long Weekend. From classic Easter egg hunts, to hiking, to historic sites and more, these one-day family-friendly itineraries are sure to keep your kids entertained.

Garden Sampler in Vancouver

Start at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden in Chinatown. They are hosting an Easter Egg Hunt on March 31 between 11 am and 2 pm. They also have a magic show, crafts, and goodie bags, all set inside the serene walled garden.

Next, head to VanDusen Botanical Garden to grab a sandwich and some soup at the Garden Cafe. After lunch, stroll through the gardens and admire the spring flowers. You’ll find lots of great places for cute family photo ops. Kids will love exploring the hedge maze at the back of the garden.

Photo credit: Tourism Vancouver/Sombilon Studios

Finish the day with dinner at Rocky Mountain Flatbread a few minutes away on Main Street. They have wood-fired pizza, an extensive kids menu and a play area. On Sunday nights they also offer a hands-on pizza-making experience for kids. They’ll get to roll out their own dough, and then add their favourite toppings.

History and Nature in Steveston

The Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site in Richmond’s Steveston neighbourhood is hosting an Easter Event from March 29 to 31 between 10:30 am and 4:30 pm. It includes “fish-tastic” crafts, story-time and a salmon-themed scavenger hunt to help kids learn about the history of salmon fishing in Steveston while also having fun.

Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site. Photo: Destination BC/@vancitywild

Next, walk a few blocks east to the Steveston Fisherman’s Wharf for lunch. Order fish and chips at Pajo’s, which sits on its own floating barge. Afterwards, grab a treat at Timothy’s Frozen Yogurt. Follow the smell of freshly made waffle cones down the boardwalk to find it. Both businesses have been here since the 1980s.

After lunch, walk a few minutes west to Garry Point Park. Wander the short trails for great views of the river. The timing is unpredictable, but the famous Akebono cherry trees in the northeast corner of the park might just be blooming on Easter weekend.

If your family has more energy, walk or bike along the flat gravel West Dyke Trail, which leaves from Garry Point Park. Bring binoculars since this is one of the spots on the BC Bird Trail. You can spot hawks circling overhead and lots of shorebirds and waterfowl too.

Cycling the West Dyke Trail in Richmond. Photo credit: Tourism Richmond

Farm and Forest on the North Shore

Start your day with some adorable baby animals at Maplewood Farm in North Vancouver. They have horses, pigs, sheep, goats, cows, and lots of other animals you can meet and pet. Their Easter event runs from 10 am to 2 pm on March 30th and includes crafts, music, and local vendors.

Photo: Maplewood Farm

For lunch, head to Rosemary Rocksalt in the Upper Lonsdale neighbourhood to grab some of their Montreal-style bagels to-go. You can have them on their own with cream cheese, or try one of the signature bagel sandwiches.

Head out on a family hike to find a spot to have your bagel picnic. If you’re looking for something easy, try the flat loop around Rice Lake. There are lots of places to stop for breaks on the lakeshore. If you’re up for a little bit more challenge, hike the Lower Lynn Loop at Lynn Headwaters Regional Park.

Rice Lake in North Vancouver Photo: Taryn Eyton/HappiestOutdoors.ca

Sea to Sky Day Trip

Drive up Highway 99 to Squamish – it’s only 45 minutes away. Then ride the Sea to Sky Gondola up into the mountains. On March 31 from 10 am to noon you can enjoy their Easter-themed Sunday brunch. They also have an Easter egg hunt for kids of all ages.

After brunch, take a stroll on the short and easy Panorama Trail to admire the incredible views. Don’t forget to bring warm clothes since it’s much chillier in the mountains.

Photo: Sea to Sky Gondola

Next, head a few minutes south to Britannia Mine Museum. Their Easter program runs all weekend and includes a scavenger hunt, an underground tour, and fun scientific demonstrations.

Photo: Britannia Mine Museum

If you still have some time left on the way back to Vancouver, grab hot chocolates and snacks at Outbound Station in Britannia Beach, then stop at nearby Porteau Cove Provincial Park. You can walk out on the dock to get a great view of Howe Sound. You might even spot some of the resident sea lions.