Home Rainy Day Activities Vancouver Dinosaur Exhibits and Events

Vancouver Dinosaur Exhibits and Events

March 6, 2022

There are often Jurassic-themed dinosaur exhibitions to visit in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. One example is Jurassic Quest in the spring.

Jurassic Quest is reputedly the largest dinosaur attraction in North America. On select days in May of 2024, it sets up at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver and then at the TRADEX Centre in Abbotsford. Jurassic World, on the other hand, is a dinosaur show that visited Vancouver last year. Hopefully it returns in the near future.

This article contains information about the following dinosaur exhibitions:

Jurassic Quest Vancouver | Jurassic World | Richmond Night Market | Dinosaur World Vancouver | Other Information

Dinosaurs in Vancouver

There are not many things more popular than dinosaurs, especially amongst children, and in particular young boys. Dinosaurs remain very much in the public eye to this day, serving as pop culture phenomena on top of being a continued object of scientific study.

There are a range of dinosaur-focused events that take place in the region most years. They all provide the opportunity to learn about these ancient creatures and to have fun with all sorts of different experiences and activities!

Jurassic Quest Vancouver

Jurassic Quest is the biggest touring dinosaur event on the continent. It returns to the Lower Mainland in May of 2024. First, it sets up at the Pacific Coliseum at the PNE from May 2nd to 5th. After that it heads to the Abbotsford TRADEX Centre for the Mother’s Day Long Weekend of May 10th to 12th. Both of these exhibitions are the same, just in different locations.

Like with the special exhibition at Science World, there is the opportunity to learn all about dinosaurs at Jurassic Quest. That being said, this event is more like an amusement park. There are many dinosaur models at the event, all life-size and created to be as accurate as possible according to the latest scientific findings.

Jurassic Quest prides itself on being an interactive event aimed especially at a younger audience. There are dinosaur-themed bouncy castles, arts and crafts activities and the opportunity to dig for fossils. As well, there are special animatronic dinosaurs that walk around and which children can ride.

The “quest” part of the event comes in the form of a map with clues on it. This is usually given to anyone who wants one. Complete the missions and you’ll win a prize at the end, or at least that was the case in previous years.

The ticket price before taxes for Jurassic Quest in 2024 is around $28 for both adults and children. Kids can also get an “unlimited ride pass” for around $45 plus tax. Otherwise, all dinosaur rides cost about $6 each.

This event has a great reputation and promises to be exceptional! For more information, see our article about Jurassic Quest.

Jurassic World

Jurassic World is a touring show, not an exhibition. Animatronic dinosaurs and people are the actors, and there is a story. The exciting production is based on the film franchise but features its own plot.

When it visited Vancouver last year, there were impressive moving dinosaurs and action sequences during the show. Before each performance, folks could have also checked out the preshow experience, which made for great photo opportunities with various dinosaurs and vehicles.

The shows took place at the Pacific Coliseum in 2023 on six dates between May 19th and 28th. 2024 dates and details are to be confirmed.

To learn more about this event, see our article about the Jurassic World Live Tour.

Dinosaur World Vancouver

The organization Dinosaur World brought its new exhibition Jurassic Fest to Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds from April 1st to 3rd in 2022. This event was a bit smaller than the other touring exhibitions, but it still had a number of life-size dinosaur models as well as various activities for attendees to enjoy.

At Jurassic Fest there was a dinosaur-themed play area for little folk. There were also bouncy castles, fossil excavation games and the chance to get up close and personal with the giant dinosaur models.

While wasn’t not as grandiose as the Science World or Jurassic Quest exhibitions, Jurassic Fest was cheaper at either $16 or $24 for adults depending on when exactly you went. It was also either just $12 or $16 for children.

Tickets to Jurassic Fest were available for two-hour timeslots between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm. Timeslots beginning between 9:00 am and 11:00 am on the Saturday and Sunday cost more. Entry at other times cost less.

Whether this event returns in the future is to be confirmed.

T. Rex Dinosaur at Richmond Night Market — T. Rex at Richmond Night Market

The Richmond Night Market

A more permanent dinosaur exhibition is at the Richmond Night Market near Bridgeport SkyTrain Station in Richmond. In 2016 the market installed over a dozen dinosaur animatronics and they’ve since become a staple of the market experience.

Some of the dinosaurs at the market roar and move around a bit. They are very popular for taking pictures with. The prehistoric models aren’t the main focus of the market, but they are a fun addition and something that people love to check out when they visit.

The market opens for the 2024 season in April, and the dinosaurs will likely be there when they do.

To learn more, check out our article on the Richmond Night Market.