In the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region, there are festivals and events for families, arts enthusiasts, birdwatchers, sports buffs and more.
Options include eagle festivals in Brackendale and the Fraser Valley, and cultural events such as Caribbean Days in North Vancouver or the European Festival in Burnaby. Foodies can indulge at the Lund Shellfish Festival and the West Coast Chocolate Festival. There are also arts festivals, such as the Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts and the Harrison Festival of the Arts.
For high-action, watch the Abbotsford Airshow, the Cloverdale Rodeo or logging sports in Squamish.
Summer Festivals and Events (June - August)
Abbotsford Air Show (August): Military and civilian planes from around the world perform stunts and formations at the Abbotsford Air Show – Canada’s largest air show. For a closer look, check out the display of planes on the ground.
Caribbean Days (July): Sway to the beat of steel drums, eat tropical cuisine and soak up the Caribbean party atmosphere. Popular events at this North Vancouver festival include a parade, live music and a crafts and clothing market.
Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts (August): Approximately 20 of Canada’s best writers gather for three days at this Sechelt festival to read from and discuss their latest work. Past events have included Margaret Atwood, Jane Urquhart and Margaret Trudeau.
Harrison Festival of the Arts (July): The nine-day Harrison Festival of the Arts multicultural exposition features live music (on the beach and indoors), an art exhibit, theatre, literary readings, an art market and workshops led by performers.
Squamish Days Loggers Sports Festival (July/August): Squamish Days began as loggers’ competition more than 50 years ago. Today, there are still logging competitions like axe throwing and tree falling, along with events such as bed races, a chair carving contest and an art exhibit.
Fall Festivals and Events (September – November)
Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival (November): Birdwatchers can witness the third-largest gathering of bald eagles in North America at sites throughout the Fraser Valley. There are also walking and jet boating eco-tours, environmental workshops and exhibits.
West Coast Chocolate Festival (November): Have a sweet tooth? Indulge with more than 150 chocolate-themed events across the Lower Mainland, including chocolate high tea, chocolate yoga or chocolate meditation.
Winter Festivals and Events (December – February)
Brackendale Winter Eagle Festival and Count (January): Between 600 and 3,500 bald eagles congregate in Brackendale to feed on the area’s spawning salmon. The festival features a lecture series, art displays, concerts and the annual eagle count, which once spotted 3,769 eagles in a single day – a world record!
Spring Festivals and Events (March – May)
Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair (May): At the Cloverdale Rodeo, see some of the world’s top cowboys and cowgirls in action. For a break from the rodeo, visit the saloon, catch a concert or enjoy the midway.
European Festival (May/June): Travel Europe in a day! The annual European Festival in Burnaby showcases more than 30 European countries. There are cultural displays, performers in traditional clothing, a European food tent and a children's area.
Lund Shellfish Festival (May/June): At the Lund Shellfish Festival (north of Powell River), dig for clams and dine on seafood. There are also cooking demonstrations. While in the area, take in the scenery on a day cruise, or get up close with marine wildlife in a kayak.
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