Although many usual spring break events have been cancelled because of the pandemic, there are still plenty of things to do around the Lower Mainland. Here are some that I have found that are free and none of these involve sitting in front of a screen!
- Granville Island. There is so much to see and do on Granville Island! You can grab a snack, play in the park, look at all the cool things the vendors are selling or make a craft. The Kids Market has craft workshops happening from March 15-26, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm on a first come, first served basis. Masks are mandatory and more information can be found here.
- Parks. Yes this seems obvious, but we do have some of the most amazing parks around. Instead of your usual, local park, change it up and check out a new one. Maybe hit Burnaby Mountain or Deer lake and walk around the trails. Hastings PNE park has two skateparks, a fitness circuit, a sanctuary, two playgrounds and the Italian Gardens to explore. Go to Queen’s Park in New Westminster, which has loads of amenities. Ambleside in West Vancouver has a combination of beach, park, seawall and playground available, its beautiful!
- Beaches. It is cold, but going to the beach does not have to involve bathing suits and swimming! You can go to a variety of beaches all over the lower mainland (Spanish Banks, Ambleside and New Brighton to name a few) to throw rocks, explore the sea life, picnic and make sand castles. Just make sure to bring a bucket and some rubber boots!
- Public Libraries. Ok, you had to know I would include this right? Yes libraries are open (even at a more limited capacity) and have loads to do and see. Even just spending a bit of time choosing some books to refresh your home reading choices would be a fun on a rainy afternoon. (See new policies and restrictions here).
- North Shore Culture Compass Treasure Hunt. I am definitely trying this one out! Last year this was so popular, they launched it again! Using a map and some clues, your goal is to unscramble a word from a series of letters that you collect. You explore the heritage around North Vancouver’s “Green Necklace” and the collect letters following a printed or digital map. The walk can be done in about an hour but if you want a longer walk you just go beyond clue 6 and circle back to end at clue 7; the entire loop is 7.5km. The contest ends on March 15th, but you can still do the hunt after! You can submit your answer and get more information here
- Biking or Skateboarding.
If you like to bike or board there are loads of parks and trails available. At Empire park (PNE) there is a dirt bike trail and the Leeside Tunnel skate park that runs under the Cassiar Street Connector. You can also follow the bike trail that begins there and head towards New Brighton or turn around and head into Burnaby instead. There are a tonne of bike routes around Burnaby that are made specifically with cyclists in mind.
There are also many outdoor open facilities available like: tennis courts, gardens and hiking trails. Just make sure to follow the new safety protocols and enjoy your time off!