While Vancouver is a bustling and vibrant city, it also provides many wonderful opportunities to connect with nature away from its urban core. If you haven’t explored some of the beautiful landscapes tucked in Metro Vancouver’s regional parks, plan a day trip and make an adventure of it. There are rivers, forests, wetlands and greenways to discover; trails to wander and wildlife to see.
With more than 20 regional parks in the area, including some that offer free workshops for families to introduce you to these stunning ecosystems and natural habitats, you can combine your visit with a wonderful learning experience.
To get you started, we’ve put together a list of family-friendly events that caught our eye. For more information or to see all of the upcoming workshops, visit metrovancouver.org
Wonderful Water Creatures
What’s hiding in a pond? Discover the world of invertebrates and microbes. Naturalists will have microscopes for you to peer through.
When: Saturday, August 3. Drop by between 1 pm and 4 pm
Where: Meet at the pond, Campbell Valley Regional Park
Suitable for: All ages
More info
Nature Playdates
Explore a designated outdoor discovery area with nature play facilitators.
When: Thursday, August 15. Drop by between 6 pm and 8 pm
Where: Meet at the new Nature Discovery Area, Aldergrove Regional Park
Suitable for: Ages 3 to 9. Must be accompanied by an adult.
Wings Over Iona
Learn about birds as they fly south to warmer habitats. Families can take a bird walk, see bird banders at work, and try an obstacle course to see what it’s like to migrate.
When: Saturday, August 24 from 11 am to 1:30 pm
Where: Iona Beach Regional Park
Suitable for: All ages
More info
Best Bird Friends
Find out about our feathered pals that bob in the water, buzz like bees and dive for food.
When: Saturday, August 24 from 1 pm to 2:30 pm
Where: Campbell Valley Regional Park
Cost: Free, but registration is required. Visit metrovancouveronline.org and enter course code 7719.
Suitable for: Ages 3-5. Must be accompanied by an adult.
More info
Bear Necessities
Discover the wild wonders of the North Shore mountains with a local naturalist.
When: Saturday, September 14. Drop by between 11 am and 2 pm
Where: Meet at BC Mills House, Lynn Headwaters Regional Park
Suitable for: All ages
More info
Fishy Finale
Learn about the life cycle of the pink salmon and its migration up the Fraser River. You can also try your hand at casting or tying flies.
When: Saturday, September 21 from noon to 3 p.m.
Where: Meet at Two-bit Bar in Glen Valley Regional Park
Cost: Free, but a tidal fishing license (free for children under 16) is required. Visit fishingbc.com/licences
Suitable for: All ages
More info
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Category: events
