Did you know that Snow Geese travel in tight flocks of about 20,000 geese when they migrate? This is why you need to get to the George C. Reifel Bird Sanctuary this weekend to watch thousands of geese on their winter migration route from Siberia (yes, Siberia!). My kids call it the Snow Sea, since the geese seem to roll in like snowy waves onto the Sanctuary grounds. Some of them will continue on after resting to winter in California, while others choose to hang out locally until the temperatures warm. Along with the plethora of eagles, herons, hawks, and cranes; it's an incredible sight that's not to be missed
Open 9am - 4pm every day, Adult $5, Kids + Seniors $3
5191 Robertson Rd, Delta, BC
Pro Tip: Leave your dog at home - don't scare the tired Snow Geese!
ArtStarts - October 25th & 26th
ArtStarts is offering four free weekend workshops called, Painting Magnificent Coastal Forests with Sandi Henrich. Kids 6 to 12 years can come learn how to use brilliantly coloured oil pastels to paint our local forests, while learning about perspective and Emily Carr's unique artistic style.
Saturday, October 25th - 11am & 1pm workshops // ArtStarts Gallery, 808 Richards Street, Vancouver
Sunday, October 26th - 11am & 1pm workshops // River Market at Westminster Quay, 810 Quayside Drive, New Westminster
**Bonus Event! This weekend ArtStarts opens their exhibit featuring kids' artwork from around Metro Vancouver - Dwellings: From Seabeds to Cityscapes. The opening is this Friday, Oct 24th, 3-5pm; but you can stroll through the gallery Saturdays 10am-4pm and through the week Tuesdays - Fridays, 10am-5pm.
Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre - open this weekend from 12pm - 4pm
The Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre is open year round and is a fantastic visit whether you've just finished exploring Lynn Canyon and the Suspension Bridge, or you're ducking out of the rain for the day. The Centre has four galleries, including a kids' gallery, that focuses on the plants, animals, and humans that co-exist through British Columbia's natural history. The animals exhibit features stunning local birds and beasts (not living!), and there are interactive exhibits throughout. If you're 15 years or older, join A Walk in the Rainforest October 25th at 1pm, and learn about the variety of poisonous and edible fungi in our forests.
Halloween Dog Parade - October 25th, 11am - 2pm
Stanley Park - Second Beach Picnic Shelter
Free! $5 to enter the competition
Okay, I'm adding in one Halloween-themed activity because I think it's hilarious. Whether it's a tiny Chihuahua dressed as a turkey dinner, or a Boston Terrier Yoda, the Vancouver Halloween Dog Parade is an annual event that kids and adults alike will get a kick out of. On Saturday, head over to Stanley Park at the Second Beach Picnic Shelter to enter your own dog or just watch the procession of costumed pooches. There will be prizes for best costume, as well as snacks and entertainment. Owners can dress up too!
Carina-Marie Nilsson is the co-founder of Peaks and Harbours, a Vancouver “not just for moms” blog that showcases everything our city has to offer the younger crowd. @carinamarienilsson