Wondering what to do in Vancouver this weekend? Despite the coronavirus, some events are still happening and many attractions have reopened.

See below for a list of what’s happening this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. (Note: Especially in this rapidly changing world, the status of events and other details are subject to change. See official venue websites for the most up-to-date details.)

Whatever you do this weekend, have fun, but remember to be responsible, keep safe, stay close to home and avoid non-essential travel!

This Weekend in Vancouver

Highlights of the weekend of April 16th to 18th include the Festival du Bois (online), Chilliwack Tulip Festival, Imagine Van Gogh in Vancouver and farmers markets in various locations. Also this weekend there are Lower Mainland Parks to explore, outdoor games with Vancouver Mysteries and ropes course activities with WildPlay Maple Ridge.

Places like Britannia Mine, Roedde House Museum, Bill Reid Gallery, Vancouver Art Gallery and a number of other attractions are also open. As always, Granville Island is a great place to explore.

Note: Event details are subject to change (especially given today’s rapidly changing world). For a list of other Lower Mainland venues that have resumed operations see our article about Open and Reopening Vancouver Places.

Friday, April 16, 2021

• Festival du Bois – BC’s largest francophone festival normally features live music, food vendors and family-friendly activities. (Happening as an online event in 2021.)
• Chilliwack Tulip Festival – Western Canada’s largest tulip festival featuring close to 20 acres of flowers in Chilliwack. (Note: Because of COVID-19, the attraction is only open to residents of the Fraser Valley this year.)
• Imagine Van Gogh – an immersive touring art exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
• Vancouver Mysteries Games – play an outdoor adventure game in downtown Vancouver with members of your household. You can solve a crime, undertake a secret mission or be superheroes and save the city. Use promo code BESTPLACES2021 and save 10% on games with 3 or more people.
• Whistler World Ski & Snowboard Festival – music and winter sports activities at Whistler. (Happening in an online format on April 16th, 23rd and 30th.)
• Darts Hill Garden Park – a semi-private garden park that’s open to the public in Surrey. Tickets must be purchased in advance and cost $5 for adults.
• If good weather, then check out the cherry blossoms at Vancouver’s various best Parks and Places in Nature (so long as you can stay far enough away from other people).

SAVE WITH VANCOUVER MYSTERIES!

Looking for something fun to do outdoors with your friends or family? Vancouver Mysteries offers four different adventure games that you can play in downtown Vancouver. Up until the end of April, if you book three or more players in the same game and use the promo code BESTPLACES2021 you can SAVE 10%!

Saturday, April 17, 2021

• Festival du Bois – BC’s largest francophone festival normally features live music, food vendors and family-friendly activities. (Happening as an online event in 2021.)
• Vancouver Mysteries Games – play an outdoor adventure game in downtown Vancouver with members of your household. Use promo code BESTPLACES2021 and save 10% on games with 3 or more people.
• Chilliwack Tulip Festival – Western Canada’s largest tulip festival featuring close to 20 acres of flowers in Chilliwack. (Note: Because of COVID-19, the attraction is only open to residents of the Fraser Valley this year.)
• Darts Hill Garden Park – a semi-private garden park that’s open to the public in Surrey. Tickets must be purchased in advance and cost $5 for adults.
• Imagine Van Gogh – an immersive touring art exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
• Vancouver Sun Run – a major running race involving as many as 50,000 participants. (Taking place this year as a virtual event between April 18 and 30.)
• Vancouver Vaisakhi Parade – an East Indian festival and procession of people beginning at the Ross Street Temple and making its way around South Vancouver. (To be confirmed, but likely not happening.)
• Saturday Markets
  • Riley Park Farmers Market – at Riley Park and Vancouver’s Nat Bailey Stadium from 10 am until 2 pm.
  • Squamish Farmers Market – in downtown Squamish.
• Vancouver Canucks Hockey – the team plays against the Toronto Maple at Rogers Arena. (Fans can’t attend in person, but they can watch the game on TV at home.) (Likely cancelled due to COVID-19.)
• If good weather, then check out the cherry blossoms at Vancouver’s various best Parks and Places in Nature (so long as you can stay far enough away from other people).

Sunday, April 18, 2021

• Festival du Bois – BC’s largest francophone festival held in Coquitlam at Mackin Park. The event features live music, food vendors and family-friendly activities. (Happening as an online event in 2021.)
• Chilliwack Tulip Festival – Western Canada’s largest tulip festival featuring close to 20 acres of flowers in Chilliwack. (Note: Because of COVID-19, the attraction is only open to residents of the Fraser Valley this year.)
• Vancouver Mysteries Games – play an outdoor adventure game in downtown Vancouver with members of your household. You can solve a crime, undertake a secret mission or be superheroes and save the city. Use promo code BESTPLACES2021 and save 10% on games with 3 or more people.
• Imagine Van Gogh – an immersive touring art exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
• Lower Mainland Ski Hills – there is spring skiing at Grouse Mountain on the North Shore. (Note: Whistler Blackcomb is CLOSED.)
• Sunday Markets
  • Hastings Park Farmers Market – from 10 am to 2 pm at Hastings Skatepark by the PNE. (TBD, but likely OPEN.)
  • Port Moody Winter Farmers Market – from 10 am until 2 pm at Port Moody’s rec centre at 300 Ioco Road.
  • Vancouver Flea Market – from 9 am to 5 pm at 703 Terminal Avenue not far from Science World.

UPCOMING EVENTS

In case you were interested, activities taking place on the weekend of April 16th to 18th include a Food Truck Festival in Cloverdale, the Festival du Bois, Imagine Van Gogh, Chilliwack Tulip Festival, and adventure games with Vancouver Mysteries. There are also shopping opportunities at a couple of winter farmers markets and places like Granville Island.

Other Information

Whatever you plan to do, be safe! Maintain appropriate physical distancing, wear a mask when needed, wash your hands frequently, don’t touch your face, and stay home if you aren’t feeling well!

For a list of things to do on other days this month, check out Vancouver’s April calendar of events.

Other articles that might be of interest include the following:

• • • Vancouver Shows & Entertainment
    • Lower Mainland Festivals & Events
    • Vancouver on a Budget
    • Best Places for Kids
    • Vancouver Rainy Day Activities
    • Lower Mainland Parks & Nature