- Father’s Day is June 15, 2025 – Celebrate with Vancouver activities like Stanley Park’s accessible Seawall, baseball games, brewery tours, or dining specials throughout the city
- Experience gifts over material items – Popular options include spa packages (featured “King for the Day” $175 package), local artisan products, and subscription services
- Accessible options for all ages – Activities accommodate seniors and different mobility levels, from flat paved trails to waterfront dining experiences
Ever wonder about the origins of our annual celebration of fatherhood? Read on to find out about the history behind the June 15th event, as well as some gift ideas and exciting ways to enjoy the day and/or reflect on your family history this coming weekend in Vancouver!
Origins of Father’s Day
Recognized in North America as a national holiday in the 1970s, with Canada following the United States’ lead, Father’s Day was reportedly celebrated by Catholics in Europe during the Middle Ages before it was first celebrated in North America at the turn of the twentieth century. Some stories attribute the origins of Father’s Day to West Virgina, others to Washington state. Initially, Father’s Day in the United States commemorated the deaths of important men (in either the Monongah Mining disaster or the Civil War, depending on the version).
Today it has become an opportunity to show appreciation for the living in the forms of cards, gifts and/or other gestures, but some observers also use the opportunity to commemorate the loss of a loved one, as the event was once intended. Whether you want to show appreciation for a father who is still with you, be celebrated yourself, or explore the history of those who have passed on, we have some ideas for how you can mark this day in Vancouver!
Father’s Day Activities in Vancouver
What do you and your father or child like to do together? Picking an activity that is a shared passion is probably the best way to enjoy the day, but we have some ideas for you if you’re unsure!
1) Brunch, Dinner, or Dessert – Many restaurants and establishments in Greater Vancouver are offering Father’s Day specials on June 15th. Whether you’re looking for a waterfront brunch, craft brewery experience, or fine dining, Vancouver’s diverse culinary scene has something special for every dad. Depending on your tastes and location, there are many options to consider! Want to be on the water? You can also take your father on an old-fashioned paddle-wheeler for a river brunch or dinner bbq buffet. Check with your favorite local restaurants for their Father’s Day offerings – many feature special menus and complimentary treats for fathers.
What about Township 7? They have a “Wine and Swine” wine tasting picnic with pork snacks.
2) Fishing – If you like to fish, there are several great spots around Vancouver perfect for a Father’s Day fishing trip. Consider visiting popular locations like Burnaby Lake, or taking a charter boat out of Vancouver’s harbors for a memorable day on the water.
3) Vancouver Canadians Baseball – Family Fun Sunday plus Father’s Day Apron Giveaway – first pitch at 1:05 PM. Kids run the bases at Rogers Place at Nat Bailey Stadium this Father’s Day. Baseball games offer a classic father-child bonding experience with the beautiful North Shore mountains as a backdrop.
4) Stanley Park Adventures – Take advantage of Vancouver’s crown jewel! Walk or bike the famous Seawall (perfect for seniors with its flat, paved surface), visit the totem poles, or enjoy a picnic with stunning ocean views. The park offers accessible trails and plenty of benches for rest stops.
5) Local Breweries and Distilleries – Vancouver’s craft beer and spirits scene continues to thrive. Many local breweries offer tours, tastings, and Father’s Day specials. It’s a great way to explore the city’s neighborhoods while enjoying locally made beverages.
6) Garden Days at UBC Botanical Garden – It’s a peaceful way to spend time together surrounded by beautiful plants and scenery.
Gift Suggestions
Many of us have traditional gifts we give our fathers to show appreciation and love for them on this day. Some people stick with cards, others like to give experiences. If you’re looking for an unusual gift and don’t mind splurging a bit, here are some suggestions!
1) Experience Packages – Vancouver offers countless experience gifts, from wine tastings in nearby Fraser Valley vineyards to scenic helicopter tours, cooking classes, or tickets to Canucks games (when in season). Look for packages that match your dad’s interests.
2) Local Artisan Products – Support Vancouver’s local makers with craft beer from local breweries, artisanal coffee from local roasters, or handmade goods from Granville Island. These gifts showcase the city’s creative spirit.
3) Spa and Wellness – Maybe your dad already has a place where he goes to rub away his aches and pains, but if not, Vancouver has excellent spa facilities offering everything from traditional massages to modern wellness treatments. Many offer Father’s Day packages. What about treating dad to something truly special? Check out this amazing Father’s Day specials from The Waterfront Spa of the Seaside Hotel:
King for the Day 75min / $175
- 60-min Deep Tissue or Sports Massage
- Hot Stone upgrade option
- Scalp and foot therapy
- Complimentary local craft beer or a glass of wine
Gentlemen’s Escape 60min / $150
- Express facial tailored for men’s skin
- Back scrub & massage combo
- Complimentary local craft beer or a glass of wine
4) Charity Donations – Does your dad have a cause he likes to support? Show him you’re on board with a donation to a local Vancouver charity or cause that’s meaningful to him.
5) Personalized Gift Baskets – If you are far away but want to send your regards, personalized gift baskets with local treats, craft beverages, and other Vancouver specialties can be delivered straight to his doorstep to make his day awesome.
6) Subscription Services – Consider gifting a subscription to local services like craft beer deliveries, coffee subscriptions from Vancouver roasters, or meal kit services featuring local ingredients.
Happy Father’s Day, Dad!
Tags: aging, fathersday, seniorcare, seniors