Show Dad your appreciation this Father's Day--Sunday, June 19, 2011--by making it a day to remember. Use this Top 10 list to create the perfect Father's Day for your dad, and take advantage of the unique activities only Vancouver can offer.
1. Party at a Car-Free Festival
Image Courtesy of 2008carfreevancouver.org
In a happy confluence of events, this year's Father's Day falls on the same day as the annual Car-Free Festivals, the huge, free street parties around Vancouver that include live entertainment, roving performers, street hockey, and more.
There are Car-Free Festivals happening in the West End, on Main Street, around Kitsilano, and on Commercial Drive. Details here.
2. Buy Him a Beer (or Three)
Image Courtesy of Tourism Vancouver
B.C. is home to a wealth of fabulous microbreweries, serving up frothy goodness that's perfect for the dad who just wants to relax with a tall, cool one. To sample the province's best hops, try one of these local breweries and pubs:
Dad likes Belgian or import beer better? Try the Cascade Room on Main Street or Stella's on Commercial Drive.
3. Go to the Green - Tee up for Golf
Image Courtesy of Tourism Vancouver
If Dad's a golfer, there are lots of options for treating him to a day on the green. For a full course, there are the public Fraserview, Langara and McCleery courses. For a quicker game at a Par 3 course--much cheaper than the full courses and more family-friendly--try the Vancouver Pitch & Putts at Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, and Rupert Park.
4. Take Dad Fishing for Free on Rice Lake
Image Courtesy of Seymour Salmonid Society
North Vancouver's Rice Lake (located just north of Lynn Canyon Park) is hosting a Family Fishing Day on Father's Day that includes a free fishing license, a chance to release rainbow trout into Rice Lake, a wild salmon barbecue, prize draws and more! You don't even have to bring your own tackle: they provide fishing tackle on-site.
Rice Lake's Family Fishing Day is part of 12th Annual and Bill Otway Memorial BC's Family Fishing Weekend. Find more free fishing events here.
5. Treat Him to a Fabulous Restaurant
Image Courtesy of Tourism Vancouver
Fine dining in Vancouver can be a bit of a splurge, but treating Dad to a decadent Father's Day meal is a great excuse to blow the budget.
Can't blow the budget? Don't worry! A more casual restaurant can be just as fun, especially if it's one of his favourites. My dad would be just as happy--actually, happier (he loves BBQ)--eating at Memphis Blues as he would be at West Restaurant.
6. BBQ on the Beach at Spanish Banks
Photo by Dana Lynch
Does Dad love to barbecue? If the weather's good and going out for a meal isn't in the budget--or Dad would rather have family fun at the beach--you can barbecue on Spanish Banks.
Spanish Banks is perfect for bigger family get-togethers or for bringing the dog along to celebrate Dad, too.
7. Visit the Vikings at the Scandinavian Midsummer Festival
Image Courtesy of Scandinavian Midsummer Festival
Did Dad love Thor? Another free festival happening on Father's Day 2011 is Burnaby's 16th annual Scandinavian Midsummer Festival. This quirky event features a Viking Village (complete with Vikings), the requisite salmon barbecue, live music, and the unique "Wife Carrying Contest:" carry your "wife" over the finish line first and win her weight in Carlsberg beer.
8. Take Dad for Brunch
Image Courtesy of Tourism Vancouver
Holiday brunch isn't just for Mother's Day; dads love omelet stations, too! Try the lavish brunch buffets and prix fixe menus at these Vancouver favourites:
9. Spend the Day at Stanley Park
Image Courtesy of Tourism Vancouver
Another great idea for a sunny day: Spend the day at Stanley Park.
The whole family can bike or walk the Seawall, ride the Miniature Train, or find the perfect spot for a Father's Day picnic.
10. See a Play at Bard on the Beach
Image Courtesy of Bard on the Beach; Photo by David Blue
If Dad's a theatre buff, take advantage of summer's magical outdoor-theatre event, the famous Bard on the Beach. Situated in scenic Vanier Park, Bard's Mainstage tent--open in the back--uses English Bay as a backdrop for the troupe's acclaimed productions. On schedule for June 19, 2011: As You Like It.
