When you live in Vancouver or any of the wonderful communities in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, you’re lucky to have access to a huge variety of areas to explore. So, the next time you’re planning a family day out, why not venture outside of your neighbourhood and find a new favourite spot to visit?
Here are 10 adventures we highly recommend.
1. Garry Point Park
This large waterfront park is located near Steveston Village in Richmond. In addition to the spectacular views of Fraser River and Gulf Islands, this park offers an immense variety of grassy areas, hiking routes and biking paths along the waterfront. BBQs and concessions are open seasonally. Make sure you find the hidden tidal pools!
2. Tynehead Regional Park
This 260-acre park located in the Guildford area of Surrey is a wildlife habitat and meadow along the banks of the Serpentine River. The nature trails are spectacular, and the park offers several secluded picnic spots for relaxing. This park also has many great spots for fishing, as well as a salmon hatchery if you visit at the right time of the year.
3. Maplewood Farm
Maplewood Farm is in North Vancouver near Mt Seymour. This park has an entrance fee, but the cost is affordable at a family rate and goes towards supporting the animals and other park expenses. Learn about the farm and visit all the animals while exploring this exceptional nature-based area.
4. Britannia Mine Museum
This museum can be found along the Sea to Sky Highway between West Vancouver and Squamish. This immersive historical adventure will take you on a wild ride! Take an underground tour, see what life was like back then in the historical buildings, pan for gold, visit a fun play area and take your picture with the biggest truck you’ve ever seen.
5. Fort Langley National Historic Site
Located along the banks of the Fraser River in historic Fort Langley, this site offers fun for the whole family. Learn about Canada’s fur trading history, visit historical buildings and participate in interactive exhibits. You can even pre-book on-site camping spots in historic cabins to extend your family adventure.
6. Sasamat Lake in Belcarra Park
This park and adjacent lake are located in Port Moody, off the Barnett Highway. These year-round trails are accessible and offer a variety of routes to see various aspects of nature. It will take you about two-and-a-half hours to completely circle the area. Finish off with a swim or a paddle (you can rent kayaks) in this fantastic lake.
7. George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary
The George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary is in Delta, near Ladner, and is an ideal spot to visit if your family likes birdwatching. The sanctuary requires you to pre-book your visit, and you’re going to want to ensure everyone has proper footwear, but it’s worth it! Several trails and observation towers ensure you can view as many birds as possible—it’s estimated that over 300 species visit every year.
8. Deer Lake Park
Deer Lake Park is a wonderful green nature oasis located inside the city of Burnaby. Walk the trails and check out the birds, visit the playgrounds and rent a canoe to explore the lake. Make sure you visit the Burnaby Art Gallery located within the park.
9. Lynn Canyon Park
This park is located in the Lynn Park area of North Vancouver. Wonderful nature trails that you can choose based on your time and skill wind around this park and lead you to the falls and a swimming hole. This park also boasts a suspension bridge with jaw-dropping views.
10. Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site
The village of Steveston is the largest commercial small-craft fishing port in Canada, so it’s fitting that this historical site is located there. Visitors can watch demonstrations of how the cannery works and explore other interactive exhibits about the history of Canada’s West Coast fishing industry.
