10 awesome things to do in Vancouver this long weekend

Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃

While the forecast may be calling for rain for the first two days of this long weekend, we'd say that's perfect weather to get cozy inside and keep an eye on that turkey. But good news: if you're looking to get outside to bust the symptoms of a turkey coma, the rain is expected to clear up on Monday. 

Here are 10 ways to get in the fall spirit this weekend: 

1. Pick out a pumpkin at the patch 

Whether you're in need of pumpkins for decorating, baking or carving, this year's pumpkin season is shaping up to be a good one. Metro Vancouver's pumpkin patches also provide an ideal way to get outside, while maintaining the recommended two-metre distance between yourself and those outside your social bubbles. 

2. Indulge in some pumpkin treats

If you're craving some fall treats but baking isn't exactly in your wheelhouse, there's no need to stress. Save those freshly-picked pumpkins for the front porch and check out some of these tasty pumpkin-spice treats available throughout the city. (Pumpkin Pie Double Baked Croissants, anyone?)

3. Take a supernatural trip across Canada 

Grab your broom and witch's hat: Flyover Canada is offering a spellbound journey across the great white north this Halloween season that includes a spooktacular pre-show. 

HowlOver Canada is suitable for ages four and up, and costumes are encouraged. Organizers add that there will also be "Halloween theming and spine-tingling decorations." Visitors will join Biker Mama the Witch and her band of spooky sidekicks as they soar high above Canada's breathtaking landscapes on the magical journey. 

4. Run to grab this delicious baked creation that's only available for one weekend a year 

Beaucoup Bakery's beloved Apple Pie Croissant, which has been a seasonal double-baked croissant feature at the bakery since 2014, marks a return this year, but with a twist. The Apple Pie Croissant is available by special order for Thanksgiving weekend only in a large shareable Grand version ($29, 4 to 5 servings). Guests can pre-order all Beaucoup Bakery large format items, macarons, and pastries for pick-up by emailing hello@beaucoupbakery. 48 hours advance notice is required. A limited amount will also be available at the bakery daily.  

5. Celebrate art and culture in B.C. 

While most events have been scaled down (if not cancelled outright) since the COVID-19 pandemic began, BC Culture Days is currently celebrating of all things arts and culture with an expanded line-up of offerings instead. 

The annual initiative, which runs from Sept. 25 to Oct. 25 this year, aims to raise "awareness, accessibility, participation, and engagement of Canadians in the arts and cultural life of their communities," according to a release. Culture Days is providing a wide variety of hands-on, and interactive arts and culture activities. The initiative isn't just relegated to B.C. either: This year, the month-long celebration will allow participants to virtually take part in events hosted across the country. 

That includes everything from in-person painting and paper-making demonstrations to livestreamed plant ink and comic book workshops, as well as recorded performances, self-guided art and agricultural tours.

This afternoon, those interested can even join in an in-person community mural painting session hosted by the West Vancouver Community Arts Council. 

6. Rent out an entire arcade 

With COVID-19 changing the way many businesses function, pinball aficionado Kyle Seller has founded the new Industry Arcade that's recently popped up near the New Westminster waterfront.

Nearly 50 arcade games now line the expansive industrial warehouse Seller used to house the vast collection he rented to bars and for events before the pandemic. It took Seller and his wife four months of work to transform their “dirty old shop” into a fully functioning, private arcade for small family or social groups to rent.

“The space is all theirs, no general public at all,” Seller said, adding that most people are shocked when they first see the set-up. With rates as low as $200 for up to 10 people, two hours of gameplay works out to $20 a person.

Groups are even allowed to bring their own food and drink – although, with Another Beer Company next door game players have been known to stop and enjoy a stout.

7. Enjoy this taste of Turkey Day, without the Turkey

When you want to gobble, gobble, but keep it plant-based, Beetbox is offering up a Thanksgiving long weekend special: This Turkey Day version of their famous Fried Chick-Un Sandwich is dressed up for the occasion with cranberry sauce, celery stuffing, Brussels slaw, and gravy vegan mayo. Available for both dine-in and pick-up.

8. Prepare to be slayed at this haunting Halloween-themed amusement park

In honour of the spookiest month of the year, Playland will be transforming into Slayland from October 9th to Halloween. Running from 6 p.m. until late, ‘A Night of a Thousand Screams’ will be putting a chilling twist on the usual thrills of Fright Nights past.

In lieu of haunted houses, the park grounds will be possessed by terrifying décor and a horror-themed outdoor walk-thru experience that pays its respects to your favourite haunts. The sinister and eerie sights and sounds are bound to be creepy. To get your adrenaline rushing even more, Slayland is inviting the most daring guests to ride twenty rousing ride attractions in the dark! 

9. Take a hike to admire B.C.'s stunning fall foliage 

While there are still some hikes in B.C. you still have time to get out and do before the snow flies, we rounded up six trails that show off stunning fall foliage and offer incredible photo opportunities—perfect for walking off Thanksgiving dinner. That said, check the forecast before you set off. With raining weather expected to clear up on Monday, you may want to consider saving hiking until then, or throw on some gore-tex and prepare to brave the rain. 

10. Start your Christmas shopping 

Seriously, we're not kidding. 

This week, Canada Post says it is preparing for “a Christmas season like no other” and recommends people start their holiday shopping early. The corporation said it expects the “rapid escalation” of parcel deliveries seen during COVID-19, as more people shopped online, to continue through the holidays and beyond.

A survey conducted for Canada Post in June showed that 48 per cent of Canadian shoppers plan on shopping mostly, or exclusively, online this Christmas.

Might as well get a head start on your list while everyone else is preoccupied with pumpkin pie and Halloween plans! 

- With files from Lindsay William-Ross, Elana Shepert, Sarah Grochowski and the Richmond News