10 Things to Do Outdoors in Vancouver for Canada Day Weekend 2023

June 19, 2023

5 min read

Two people walking hand in hand with Canadian flags draped over their backs on a sunny boardwalk with other pedestrians nearby.

Celebrate Canada’s 156th birthday by getting outdoors around Vancouver. You can go for a hike, hit the beach, paddle a kayak, attend a cultural festival, and lots more.

Hit the Beach

With lots of ocean shoreline and nearby lakes, Vancouver has tons of beach options. Canada Day weekend is a great time to relax on the sand, have a picnic, or go for a swim. Check out our guides to Vancouver’s beaches and swimming lakes for all the info.

Crowded sandy beach with people sitting, walking, and playing near water, with tall buildings and trees in the background.

Canada Together at Canada Place

This annual Canada Together event at Canada Place is often the largest Canada Day celebration outside of Ottawa. This year’s theme is “Weaving together the fabric of a nation” and was planned collaboratively with the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Wauthuth Nations. The all-day festival includes live performances, a Kids’ Zone, Indigenous art displays, food trucks, and a citizenship ceremony to welcome the newest Canadians.

Two children wearing red shirts hold Canadian flags while sitting on adults' shoulders in a crowded outdoor event.

Visit a Lavender Farm

The scent of lavender is a sure sign that summer has arrived. These gorgeous purple flowers thrive in Vancouver’s climate. You can wander through picturesque rows of blooming lavender at several Vancouver area farms and gardens. (It’s the perfect opportunity for a photo op!)

Field of purple lavender flowers illuminated by warm sunlight at sunset.

Canada Day at Burnaby Village Museum

Celebrate Canada’s multicultural history at the Burnaby Village Museum’s Canada Day event. There will be musicians, games, demonstrations, historical displays, performances, and cake. Admission is free.

Take a Hike

There is still a little bit of snow lingering in the mountains, so some of the high peaks aren’t ready to hike yet. But there are lots of other trails to choose from. Our lists of snow-free hikes, suspension bridge hikes, and wheelchair-accessible hikes have lots of choices. Or head to our recent hike of the month, Elk Mountain.

Rocky mountain trail surrounded by green trees with a hazy valley and distant mountains under a blue sky.

Steveston Salmon Festival

Richmond’s Steveston neighbourhood hosts a Salmon Festival each Canada Day. The event includes a parade, art show, food vendors, horticulture show, pancake breakfast, salmon bake, youth festival, live performers, family fun zone, and lots more.

Sea to Sky Gondola

Head up into the mountains on the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish. Enjoy the incredible views of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains from the patio. Or go for a walk to a beautiful viewpoint on the easy Panorama Trail. Don’t miss the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge.

Snow-covered mountain peaks behind a wooden building on a rocky hill with green trees in the foreground.

Shop at a Farmer’s Market

At this time of year, Vancouver’s farmers’ markets are in full swing. Browse through the stalls to find locally grown produce, baked goods, and prepared foods like jams and beverages. On Canada Day long weekend, you can visit the West End, Riley Park, and Trout Lake markets on Saturday and the Kitsilano and Mount Pleasant markets on Sunday.

Fresh vegetables including cauliflower, broccoli, cucumbers, radishes, beets, green onions, and leafy greens displayed on a market table.

Surrey Canada Day

Head to Bill Reid Millenium Amphitheatre to experience Surrey’s Canada Day festival. The highlight is free live music, but you can also enjoy food trucks, a beer garden, a kids’ zone, amusement park rides, and an Indigenous village with locally made products.

Go Kayaking

Change your perspective and see Vancouver from the water this Canada Day weekend. You can sign up for kayak tours, lessons, and rentals at several shops around the city.