10 awesome things to do in Metro Vancouver this weekend

Is it just us, or did this summer fly by in the blink of an eye?

It's the last weekend of August, which sadly means the window to enjoy some socially-distanced summer activities in Vancouver is shrinking. With the forecast calling for sunshine all weekend, up until cloudy weather and a chance of showers rolls into the South Coast Sunday evening, here are a few ideas to make the most of the next two days. 

1. Head for a patio and treat yourself to a decadent multi-course meal

There's often no better time to splurge on a delicious meal at a local restaurant than when they're running a great special, and right now restaurants all across Vancouver are doing just that, as part of the new Dine OutSide event.

Dine OutSide Vancouver runs August 21 through September 21, 2020. The month-long "festival" finds Vancouver restaurants offering specially-priced multi-course menus to be enjoyed on their permanent or temporary patios, with some offering special to-go picnic packs, and other enticing offers.

There are over 160 participating restaurants, including some of the cream of the crop in Vancouver known for their fine dining (and the accompanying price tag). While some are sticking to the traditional prix fixe menus, many have creative and exciting offerings for enjoying on their patios or picnic to-go style. We rounded up a few of our picks for some of the best Dine OutSide Vancouver menus here, if you're really looking to treat yourself.

2. Take a dip in the longest saltwater pool in North America 

CNN Travel recently included Kitsilano pool on its list of the world's best places for swimming. 

From man-made baths to natural bodies of water, the list covers the perfect places to cool off during a heat spell. For those who aren't looking to brave the surf, the list includes pools that offer the ideal vantage point to soak in beautiful scenery while staying out of the way of kayakers and kite-boarders.

CNN Travel selected 20 stellar swimming spots for its global roundup, with locations in North America, Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and Australia, and of course, this location in our own backyard. 

Report authors noted that Kitsilano Pool is the longest saltwater pool in North America, and that it only takes 12 lengths to complete a mile. They added that the Vancouver gem is located right by the beach, and offers spellbinding city and mountain views. In addition, they note that, "Those swimming with their heads up can catch a glimpse of seaplanes coming into land."

3. Sample some of B.C.’s best cheeses on the BC Cheese Trail

Wine and cheese, along with beer and cheese, are what food and drink enthusiasts would agree to be matches made in culinary heaven. And, when you find the right compatibility with the perfect pairing, it’s a delightful treat for the taste buds.

All throughout August, the BC Cheese Trail has been matchmaking delicious B.C. cheeses with your favourite drinks. BC Dairy is partnering with local breweries, wineries and cideries across the province to offer complimentary B.C. cheese with qualifying purchases throughout the month at a wide variety of participating locations along the BC Cheese Trail. You can check out the final week of these pairings at your favourite wineries and breweries across the province.

4. Watch this impressive “nautical theatrical venue” set sail

Caravan Stage Company – a touring theatre company – is re-launching their replica of the Thames Sailing Barge after being on dry dock for the past two years.

The company partnered with the BC Job Creation Project, professional craftspeople and volunteers who have spent “countless hours” to refurbish the 90-foot long sail boat since 2018.

According to the Caravan Stage Company’s website, the boat, also called the Amara Zee, is the company’s “nautical theatrical venue” where theatre performances are displayed while touring the waters of Canada, United States, the European Union and Balkan countries.

The ship will be launched at 12 p.m. from the Shelter Island Marina and Boatyard on Saturday, Aug. 29.

5. Hop in your car to check out the last weekend of the PNE Fair's drive-thru experience

For its 2020 edition, the PNE Fair is be hosting “A Taste of the PNE: Drive-Thru Fair Experience.” Celebrating the very best of the PNE, this drive-thru expedition through the PNE grounds at Hastings Park aims to give guests a sampling of all of their Fair favourites from the comfort of their own vehicles - yes, even SuperDogs! A Dino Drive and will also be on offer, as will drive-thru food trucks, during the last weekend of the Fair. 

6. Balance out that multi-course dining experience with a healthy meal (and a deal) at this Vancouver restaurant’s newest location

Back in May, as restaurants prepared to re-open with newly-implemented COVID-19 precautions in place, Tractor Everyday Healthy Foods founders Meghan and Steve Clarke and their teams were also gearing up to launch their newest locations. 

The Vancouver-based family run "cafeteria" style salad-centric Tractor is now celebrating 10 locations, having just opened the doors to their Park Royal outpost in West Vancouver on Monday, Aug. 24.

This week, if you happen to head to the newest Tractor, you can score a $10 Avocado Bowl feature. The deal is available until Sunday, Aug. 30, and features a choice of power greens or brown rice, two market sides, and a grilled avocado half - that grilled avo is one of Tractor's most popular and signature menu items.

7. Zip down a waterslide

B.C.'s enduringly popular Cultus Lake is always a top destination for families each summer. 

However, due to COVID-19, the water park  has put in place a number of operational changes since it opened for the season last month, all in order to give guests a safer experience. While things are undoubtedly a lot different this year, that doesn't make hopping in an inner tube and flying down a slide any less appealing of a way to spend a sunny August weekend. 

8. Frolic a field of towering sunflowers - or just snap the perfect selfie

Are you dreaming of snapping the perfect selfie amidst acres of soaring sunflowers under the golden summer sun? We've got some good news for you - there are three different locations near Vancouver where you can do exactly that this weekend. 

Whether you opt to head for  Maan Farms' Sunflower Festival in Abbotsford, the Richmond Sunflower Festival or the Chilliwack Sunflower Festival, the bright blooms will be available to make the perfect backdrop. Be sure to check out each festival's non-floral offerings, including lots of tasty menu items, too! 

9. Rent a boat and paddle around Burnaby’s deer lake

10. Support local farmers and make meal planning easier by ordering veggies delivered right to your door

Together with Legends Haul, we have curated a selection of fresh and consciously-sourced vegetables from local farmers in our new ‘Vegetables Are Awesome’ subscription box — delivered right to your door. Not only are you supporting your local community, but this way, you and your household can continue to eat healthy and well while doing your part to stay home. 

Learn more and order your box here!

- With files from Lindsay William-Ross and Kirsten Clarke. Includes sponsored content.