1. Watch the Races at the Dragon Boat Festival
Image Courtesy of Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival, Photo © Jessica Bushey 2008
For a free and exciting Father's Day activity, you can't beat a trip to the 21st annual Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival. The Festival happens June 20 - 21 at Concord Pacific Place (with the boats visible from Creekside Park and the waters of False Creek).
Family and friends can show Dad a fabulous time at the festival, where there are races, 180 Dragon Boat teams, tons of food, and free world music concerts on the World Beat Stage.
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. Party at the Greek Day Street Festival
Photo by Ermis Catevatis
In another happy confluence of events, this year's Father's Day falls on the annual Greek Day Street Festival, the huge, free street party on W Broadway (between MacDonald and Blenheim) that's the climax of June's Greek Month culture fest.
The Greek Day Festival includes live, on-stage entertainment and music, a culinary tent with celebrity chefs, tons of food and street vendors, rides and crafts for kids, and roaming street performers.
4. 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.
Vancouver's Best Fine Dining Restaurants
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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Geocache at Queen Elizabeth Park
Photo © Lisa Maree Williams / Getty Images
Geocaching is an outdoor treasure-hunt that uses GPS technology to help you find the hidden cache (or treasure). Vancouver's Guided Discovery--an outdoor adventure firm--has a Father's Day geocaching event in Queen Elizabeth Park. For $50 per adult (kids are free), families can learn GPS technology (GPS devices provided), compete against other teams, solve clues, and win prizes for Dad.
8. Listen to Father's Day Jazz
Image Courtesy of Tourism Vancouver
9. Spend the Day at Stanley Park
Image Courtesy of Tourism Vancouver
The whole family can bike or walk the Seawall, visit the Children's Farmyard and 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 21: The Comedy of Errors.
