Transit-friendly things to do in Vancouver this weekend

It’s official – fall is over and sweater weather is here to stay. Warm scarves and oversized hoodies, all things pumpkin, and chilly mornings to wake up to – who needs anything more? We know some of us would love to stay home on the weekend, but there are people who like to go out!

Remember, there are only few more sunny days left, so make hay while the sun shines!

Read on to find out what exciting things you can do this weekend that are accessible by transit. The best part? We tell you how to get there!

Note: Event timings, locations, and prices may be subject to change. Check each event’s website for exact details.

Word Vancouver

Location: Vancouver Public Library (Central Branch), 350 W Georgia St Transit: Expo Line

Western Canada’s largest celebration of literacy and reading – this festival promotes books and authors with free exhibits, performances, and hands-on activities for a wide range of ages and interests. You can also catch the poets chosen for our Poetry in Transit  partnership. Check out TransLink’s community engagement bus at Word Vancouver (Sunday, Sep 30 – 11am to 5pm) 

Search the Stations Scavenger Hunt

Location: Coquitlam SkyTrain station Transit: Millennium Line

The City of Coquitlam celebrates four Millennium Line stops where multiple works of public art are installed. Join the hunt to explore the SkyTrain stations of Coquitlam (Burquitlam, Coquitlam Central, Lincoln, and Lafarge Lake-Douglas)!

Vancouver International Film Festival

Location: Various, including International Village – 88, W Pender St Transit: Expo Line, Bus 23

VIFF is among the five largest film festivals in North America. Screening films from more than 70 countries on nine screens, VIFF’s program includes the pick of the world’s top film fests and many undiscovered gems. Visit their website to pick your film or event, and to buy them online.

Culture Days BC

Location: Various Transit: SkyTrain, Buses

Culture Days is a Canada-wide volunteer movement that aims to increase awareness and engagement of Canadians in all the arts and culture in their own communities. What started in 2010 on a small scale is now a country-wide annual event that brings together many diverse communities to celebrate their and others’ cultures. Visit the

Africa With the Masters

Location: Russian Hall, 600 Campbell Avenue, Vancouver Transit: Buses 4, 20

This event by the African Friendship Society includes dance and drum workshops with professionals from Africa, Brazil, and Cuba. African Play Day focuses on giving families a chance to partake in traditional games.

Oktoberfest

Location: Hastings Racecourse, 188 North Renfrew St, Vancouver Transit: Buses 16, 28, 130

The iconic Hastings Racecourse hosts this traditional fare with exciting horse races, live music, and drinks!

PumpkinFest

Location:West Vancouver Community Centre, 2121 Marine Drive, West Vancouver Transit: 250, 253, 255

Family-friendly pumpkin patch activities include riding ponies, a petting farm, live music, an artisan market, and much more!

This isn’t an exhaustive list! There are many more events happening on the weekend in your local communities. Tell us which ones you are planning to go!

Author: Tanushree Pillai