Happy BC Day

Every community has a weekend to celebrate summer in BC where I live, we celebrate summer on BC Day. BC Day is a fun weekend for many of us. I hope that you had a chance to take part in some of the following activities that celebrate who we are as a people and as a province within Canada.

1.   Celebrate BC Day Festival in Coquitlam: Taking place at Town Centre Park, this festival celebrates BC Day with family-friendly activities. (Source: Vancouver's Best Places)

2.   Brigade Days at Fort Langley: A three-day celebration featuring folk in period costume over the BC Day Long Weekend (August 2-4, 2025). (Source: Vancouver's Best Places)

3.   BC Day Long Weekend at Sun Peaks Resort: Enjoy FREE family-friendly activities from August 1-3, 2025. (Source: Sun Peaks Resort)

Summer Activities:

1.   Strawberry Picking: Visit one of the best strawberry picking farms in Metro Vancouver. (Source: Vancity Kids)

2.   Hiking and Biking at Big White Ski Resort: Explore epic hiking and biking adventures. (Source: Big White Ski Resort)

3.   Summer Camps in Vancouver: Various day camps, overnight camps, sports, drama, music, and more. (Source: Vancouver Kids Out and About)

4.   Festivals and Events in Victoria: A range of festivals and cultural events worth planning a trip around. (Source: Clipper Vacations)

Other Events and Activities:

1.   Concord Pacific's Free Family Bike Festival and Tour de Concord Cycling Race: A fun event on July 13, 2025. (Source: Daily Hive)

2.   Khatsahlano Street Party: A celebration on July 5, 2025, in Vancouver. (Source: Carmanah Hotel)

3.   Granville Block Party: A festival in Vancouver with live music, food, and activities. (Source: Carmanah Hotel)

4.   NESTFEST at Red Bird Brewing in Kelowna: A two-day celebration with live music over the BC Day long weekend. (Source: Tourism Kelowna)

These are just a few examples of the many events and activities happening in BC over the BC Day long weekend and throughout the summer. Here are a few more:

Festivals & Cultural Celebrations

1.   Vancouver Pride Parade and Festival – A major event usually held around BC Day, celebrating LGBTQ2S+ communities with a colorful parade, live music, and inclusive activities.

2.   Harmony Arts Festival (West Vancouver) – A 10-day celebration of arts, music, food, and crafts by the waterfront.

3.   Powell Street Festival (Vancouver) – Canada’s largest Japanese-Canadian festival featuring martial arts, taiko drumming, food, and cultural performances.

4.   Filomi Days (Port Hardy) – A North Island festival celebrating fishing, logging, and mining with parades, kids’ games, and fireworks.

5.   Kamloopa Powwow (Kamloops) – One of the largest Indigenous cultural celebrations in Western Canada, showcasing traditional dance, song, and art.

Outdoor Activities & Adventures

6.   Camping and Hiking – Popular provincial parks like Garibaldi, Cultus Lake, and Strathcona fill up quickly as people enjoy extended stays outdoors.

7.   Paddling and Boating – Kayaking on Okanagan Lake, canoeing on the Bowron Lakes, or taking a boat out in Desolation Sound.

8.   Beach Days – Kitsilano Beach (Vancouver), Willows Beach (Victoria), or Skaha Lake (Penticton) are packed with sun-seekers.

9.   Cycling Events and Family Rides – Bike paths throughout BC, such as the Galloping Goose Trail or the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, offer scenic cycling getaways.

Local Markets & Food Events

10. Farmers’ Markets – Seasonal BC-grown produce, artisanal goods, and local treats are in full swing in communities across the province.

11. Food Truck Festivals – Especially in cities like Vancouver, Surrey, and Kelowna, offering a wide array of international cuisine.

12. Winery & Brewery Tours – Okanagan wine country is especially popular for tastings and picnics during the long weekend.

Community Events & Fireworks

13. Fireworks Shows – Some communities cap off the weekend with fireworks displays, particularly in waterfront towns or resort areas.

14.  Community Picnics and Barbecues – Local parks often host family-friendly gatherings with games, live music, and grilled favorites.

15.  BC Day Parades – Smaller towns like Hope, Fort St. John, or Ladysmith may host local parades celebrating their history and culture.

Performing Arts & Entertainment

16.  Theatre Under the Stars (Vancouver) – A long-running outdoor musical theatre tradition in Stanley Park.

17.   Live Music Concerts – Many cities have free outdoor concerts in parks, including symphony performances and local bands.