What’s on this Family Day?

Family Day in BC is more than just a day off in February. It is a cherished occasion that brings loved ones together to celebrate the importance of family bonds. Observed on the second Monday of February, this coming Monday, this statutory holiday offers an opportunity for families to spend quality time with each other, engaging in various activities such as picnics, hikes, or simply enjoying a cozy day indoors. It’s a time for reflection, gratitude, and strengthening connections amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With an assortment of events and attractions tailored to families across the province, Family Day fosters a sense of unity and appreciation for the invaluable support and love shared within families.

Here are 3 suggestions about how to spend Family Day

Visit the Family Service of Greater Vancouver and Vancouver Public Libary’s Family Day Pop Up

Central Library Promenade – 350 West Georgia Street
Saturday, February 17 from 10am – 2pm
Free – Open to the public; No registration necessary

FSGV and VPL’s Family Day pop-up event will address challenges facing families today and recommend solutions that help people build resilience. Participants can expect family-friendly activities as well as adult-oriented information, including:

• Financial coaches sharing tips to improve financial stability, navigate government benefits, and overcome other barriers; 
• Resource workers suggesting community supports to help with a range of challenges; and, 
• Family counsellors answering questions and recommending programming and resources.

Go Bird Watching

Did you know that birdwatching has been trending since 2020? The popularity of birding has soared thanks in part to the many associated physical and mental health benefits – and The BC Bird Trail makes birdwatching easier than ever with its province-wide directory of self-guided birdwatching itineraries.

Plus, BC happens to be home to some of the best birdwatching in North America (you can read check out the top 5 reasons why here), and spring is the prime season to explore migratory birds and some very rare species as well.

There are many reasons why birding is trending! Here’s why you’ll want to try birdwatching as a family this season:

• Communication: As an activity, birding encourages family connection and communication as everyone needs to work together to identify bird species.
• Low-Impact: Birding is a pretty low-impact outdoor activity that is suitable for all ages as it’s physical but not strenuous at all. You can take any pace you like. That’s a win-win! 
• Mindfulness: Birding encourages mindfulness, as you need to really slow down, observe, and come into the present moment in order to see and identify the birds that you’re seeking to spot.
• Connection with nature: In a time where everyone is glued to their devices, birding encourages you to put your phone down, connect with, and appreciate nature. 
• Educational: Birding is a pretty hands-on experience that provides the opportunity for the whole family to learn about different bird species, their behaviors, and their habitats.
• All-weather activity: Rain or shine, winter, spring, summer, or fall – birds can be seen all year round in BC. In fact, BC is home to hundreds of bird species, including some truly rare gems! Read more about the upcoming spring migration season here.

It’s easy to become a birder: 

Developed in collaboration with Destination BC and local tourism and conservation partners, bcbirdtrail.ca lists over 20 birdwatching itineraries for families to explore with each including the key birding-related info you need for a self-guided tour, such as a list of the birds you’re likely to spot, birding ‘hotspots’ you won’t want to miss, and transportation information for the area. Families won’t need to travel far this Family Day as The BC Bird Trail continues to expand each year and is in various communities throughout the Lower Mainland like Vancouver, Richmond, Langley, Delta, and the North Shore.

Visit Malahat Skywalk

For those looking to reach new heights this Family Day long weekend, Malahat SkyWalk has it all. With adventure, thrills, and endless fun, there is no shortage of things to see and do at this authentic and unique Vancouver Island experience. For Family Day weekend, visitors can take advantage of all that Malahat SkyWalk has to offer along with some special event activities for just half the cost. From February 16-19, guests receive amazing savings of 50% off admission. This is a further incentive for families to get outdoors and create memorable experiences together. 

“We’re excited to welcome families during the upcoming long weekend to spend quality time with us at Malahat SkyWalk,” says Nathan Bird, General Manager of Malahat SkyWalk. “There’s no better place to connect, have fun in the outdoors, and take in some of the best scenery in the world. We have also created a special lineup of activities that everyone will enjoy.”

During Family Day long weekend, Malahat SkyWalk will be showcasing live music, firing up the barbeque, and offering warm drinks at the Tower Plaza. Vancouver Island favourite, Softy’s will also be on-site serving up cool, fun-flavoured dairy-free, soft-serve desserts. A rare sighting of Luke, Malahat SkyWalk’s resident Sasquatch, will delight children of all ages. There will also be a cozy outdoor fire pit, which is the perfect place for families to sit back, connect, and spend time together. 

An experience like no other, Malahat SkyWalk is fully accessible for all abilities and offers something for every member of the family, from beginning to end. It all starts with an immersive and elevated TreeWalk, surrounded by a towering Arbutus and Douglas Fir Forest. Along the way, interpretive stations offer visitors a lesson in nature, culture, and history of the area. The star attraction is the architecturally stunning 10-storey Spiral Tower (250 metres above sea level), where visitors can take in unprecedented views of the stunning west coast scenery from every level. Upping the fun factor at the top of the tower, is a walk along the 84-metre Adventure Net, which is sure to get everyone’s heart pumping. A 20-metre enclosed spiral slide is literally a scream and the most fun way to get down.