Spring has taken a long time to arrive in Vancouver which makes Easter weekend extra sweet. Here are some of the ways you can enjoy it.
Vancouver Aquarium
Leave it to the Vancouver Aquarium to host an Easter event that's fun and education. Its first Easter Scavenger Hunt, families are provided with trivia clues that lead them on a journey through the various galleries in search of hidden eggs. Solve the clues and you'll uncover the secret words that will be used in a draw for one of three up-close-and-personal Animal Encounters with either curious penguins, majestic sea lions, or playful sea otters. And, of course, there will be a chocolate reward for everyone. From April 14 to 17, visitors can participate in the Easter Scavenger Hunt as well as enjoy additional programs, shows, and screenings of the new Coastal Predators 4-D experience from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The Easter Scavenger Hunt is included with membership or admission which can be purchased onsite in Stanley Park or online at www.vanaqua.org/visit.
Stanley Park
Not only can you join the Easter Bunny for a half-hour train trip through Stanley Park, but one of Vancouver’s most endearing Easter traditions also includes a family festival with mini-golf, face painting, hunting for eggs and planting a posy. The festival runs from April 13 to 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and there’s also a train-only preview on April 8 and 9. The City of Vancouver, which hosts the event, suggests you buy your tickets in advance. Tickets are $6.30 and children younger than three are free.
Dress up in your favourite Easter costume for the Easter Fun Run and Egg Hunt on April 16. You have a choice of a one-, five, or 10-kilometre run or walk through the park starting at Lumberman’s Arch. Strollers and leashed dogs are welcome. Registration, which costs between $15 and $30, includes a bunny race name, bunny ears, egg hunt and chip time.
Van Dusen Gardens
Not only is Easter great at Van Dusen Gardens, it’s a-maze-ing. The two-day festival has families wandering through Vancouver’s 55-acre botanical treasure searching for chocolate treats. There are also crafts and activities recommended for children aged one to 10. The gardens provide the baskets and a map; all you need is to bring your own raincoats and umbrellas in case of rain. It is highly recommended you buy your tickets in advance since the event usually sells out. There are three sessions to choose from on April 15 and 16. Tickets range from $8.56 for members and $14.85 for children.
Orpheum Theatre
For Christians, Good Friday is a solemn reflection on the crucifixion of Christ. On April 14, the Vancouver Chamber Choir presents Aeterna: Pergolesi Stabat Mater and Duruflé Requiem at the Orpheum Theatre at 8 p.m.. Tickets are $20.50 to $47.50.
Broadway Church
The church at 2700 East Broadway will be giving away 20,000 Easter Eggs on Easter Saturday. Along with the Easter egg hunt there will be a petting zoo, balloon room and carnival games. It starts at 11 a.m. and runs until about 1 p.m. The event is free.
International Village Cineplex
Rainy Saturday morning? Cineplexes across Canada, including the one at 88 West Pender, are showing the animated movie Hop on April 15. The movie starts at 11 a.m. as part of the weekly Family Favourites. Tickets are $2.99.
H.R. MacMillan Space Centre
The Vancouver chapter of the Vintage Car Club of Canada takes over the parking lot at the space centre in Kitsilano on Easter Sunday. This year 90 cars are expected to gather from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. before heading out for a trip to Burnaby.
Trout Lake Community Centre
For those of you who get Easter Monday off with your school-aged children, Trout Lake Community Centre is hosting an Easter Monday celebration with a bouncy castle, games and arts and crafts. It’s free from 10 a.m. to noon but you are asked to pre-register.
The community centre is also hosting an Easter party on April 15. You can do Easter-themed arts and crafts, play games and search for Easter eggs. The Easter Bunny will also be visiting. It’s from 10 a.m. to 12:30. Tickets are $5 per child but children under two are free.
Fort Langley
If you want to add a little history to your Easter celebrations, Fort Langley’s Egg Scrambler offers a scavenger hunt for children of all ages from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Easter Sunday. There’s also an Egg Scrambler on April 16 at 11 a.m. and 1 and 3 p.m. for children age five and younger. It’s free admission as part of Parks Canada's celebration of Canada's 150th birthday.
Delta
Put on your favourite Easter bonnet, decorate your bike or stroller and take part in the annual Easter Parade. A pipe band (and the Easter bunny) will lead everyone from the Delta Museum to an Easter egg hunt at Memorial Park starting at noon on April 15.
Port Moody
The Easter Extravangza at the Port Moody Station Museum is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Easter Sunday. It includes an Easter egg hunt and entertainment.
Abbotsford
Easter falls right in the middle of the second Abbotsford Tulip Festival at a 10-acre farm about an hour’s drive from Vancouver. Stroll through the fields, buy some fresh flowers and enjoy the offerings of several food trucks. It’s from April 10 to May 7. Ticket prices vary from $5 for children and seniors during the week ($8 for adults) and $25 for all ages during the weekend. You can save $10 on the weekend tickets if you buy them online.
