7 Genius Ways to Celebrate Dad

Father's Day events your dad will love.

Father’s Day events your dad will love.

Dads may be difficult to shop for (how many golf balls does he need, really?), but it is oh-so-easy to find an activity he’ll love. And there are a ton of Father’s Day events happening throughout the city this year, from cooking classes and axe-throwing to cycle tours and fishing. Take a peek at our list below to find something your dad will love (because you’ve only got a week left to plan something that’ll really impress him).

1. Reel ’Em In

A great way to spend time with an outdoor enthusiast dad is to go fishing at Rice Lake, where the 18th annual B.C. Family Fishing Weekend will take places throughout the Father’s Day weekend. No registration is required and fishing rods will be provided; there will also be a live band and BBQ, so all you have to do is bring dad and a positive spirit down to the lake.When: Friday, June 16 to Sunday, June 18 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)Where: Rice Lake, North VancouverPrice: Free

2. Run for Prostate Cancer

If you have an athletic dad with a big heart, the Run/Walk for Prostate Cancer is the perfect Father’s Day activity. The 10 kilometre run helps to raise awareness and funds in the fight against prostate cancer, a disease that affects one in eight men around the world. Grab your running shoes, put on your best blue gear and support a great cause! Participants also have the option of walking two or five kilometres.When: Sunday, June 18 (9:30 a.m.)Where: Burnaby LakePrice: $40 registration (free if you raise $150)

3. Explore the Richmond Night Market

There’s no shortage of food at the Richmond Night Market and with it’s huge variety of cuisine (Hurricane potatoes! Deep-fried squid! Fish-shaped waffles!), there’s bound to be something for all the foodie dads out there. The market is also a good way to celebrate dad’s who are really just big kids at heart: it boasts bumper cars, carnival games and a prehistoric adventure where 18 animatronic dinosaurs will make you feel like you’re in Jurassic Park.When: Friday and Saturday (7 p.m. to 12 a.m.), Sunday (7 p.m. to 11 p.m.)Where: 8351 River Rd., RichmondPrice: $3.75 general admission

4. Sip and Cycle

Cycle City bike tours are a great way to explore the neighbourhood with family. They offer tours of Stanley Park, Granville Island, Olympic Village, Chinatown and Gastown, but the Craft Brewery Tour sounds like the one dads will love most: you’ll cycle to three distinct breweries, sample their best brews and be treated to food pairings at each.When: Saturday, June 17 (11 a.m.)Where: Tours depart from Cycle City, 648 Hornby St.Price: From $70

5. Learn to Cook Meat Like a Pro

Calling all carnivores! At Dirty Apron’s On the Bone cooking class you and dad can learn how to grill, roast and braise your favourite meats—and then reward yourself with a proper Father’s Day feast of BBQ beef short ribs, hoisin-glazed baby back ribs and dijon-crusted rack of lamb.When: Sunday, June 18 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.)Where: Dirty Apron Cooking School, 540 Beatty St.Price: $170 per person

6. Play a Game of Catch

Get ready for this year’s baseball season with a game of Father’s Day Catch, a free event hosted by the Vancouver Canadians baseball club. Bring your own balls and gloves to the stadium—and don the Canadians’ patriotic colours of red and white—for a nostalgic afternoon, and then hop over to the nearby Shameful Tiki Room to rehydrate. (Dad’s love tropical cocktails, right?)When: Sunday, June 18 (1 p.m. to 3 p.m.)Where: Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium, 4601 Ontario St.Price: Free

7. Toss the Ol’ Axe Around

There are a ton of fun activities to take part in at the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola (yoga, rock climbing, hiking), but if you’re dad is looking for something a bit more out of the ordinary, sign him up for axe throwing. The team at Axewood will teach you the proper technique (no prior experience necessary) and then let you test your aim by throwing axes at target boards. They also have foam axes available for young kids and siblings.When: Monday to Friday (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)Where: Sea to Sky Gondola, 36800 Highway 99, SquamishPrice: $15 per person (10 axes)

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