The day has finally come, a day of hope and excitement.  June 15th, 2021 marks the start of British Columbia’s step 2 restart plan. Ahhhhh (Do you hear that?), that is the sound of relief and excitement for what is to come. That is the sound of a mother who is now relieved to be able to plan a birthday party for her kids and a mother who is thankful to be able to go back to meeting up with a few girlfriends for some much needed mom-therapy.

But what does Step 2 actually mean?  It means that outdoor personal gatherings up to 50 people, Indoor visitors up to 5 people or 1 household and playdates, Indoor seated organized gatherings- up to 50 people are now allowed.  We are now free to travel anywhere in this beautiful province of ours. High-intensity indoor fitness classes (with reduced capacity), indoor team games for all ages – no spectators and  outdoor sports are allowed up to 50 spectators/people. Liquor service is now open until midnight, banquet halls are reopening (with limited capacity) and small in-person meeting are allowed in the workplace.

Then if all goes well, July 1 we can expect to go to Step 3 which will open up even more opportunities.

As a result, there are advertisements all over the media for movie theatres and attractions with re-opening dates as everyone scrambles to get customers back in and everyone back to a sense of normal.

Here is a list of ten must-see/do activities this summer now that some restrictions have been lifted.

1. FlyOver Canada – FlyOver Hawaii

FlyOver Canada has been temporarily closed since December 2020. Now, with a re-opening date of June 18th, you can catch the new ride – Hawaii From Above.  On until August 15th.  The whole experience lasts approximately 30 minutes. There are the usual health and safety measures in place and capacity is limited.  All visitors must wear a mask at all times and there will be temperature checks prior to getting on the ride.  Book online in advance to save 10% and reserve your spot!

 

2. Wings and Wizards (BC Place)

June – September 2021

Wings and Wizards is a touch-free interactive exhibit at BC Place, that merges world-building, art, tech, storytelling, and design to create a truly sublime magical adventure. Fun for the entire family.  Entry is limited. All tickets must be purchased online. Masks must be worn at all times. Children of all ages are welcome. Children under 24months are free.

3. Fleurs de Villes ROSE

Hosted by the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement, Fleurs de Villes ROSE is a beautiful floral art display in support of breast cancer research. Taking place from June 11 to 20th are over 50 pop-up installations created by some of Vancouver’s top florists.  Social distancing requirements are in place.  Start by picking up a map or scan a QR code at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver then follow the trail to Robson Street and then to Waterfront.  The tour is self -guided.

 

4. Abbotsford Agrifair

This year the event is drive-thru again, but this year it is FREE!  Happening over the August long weekend (July 30 to August 1, 2021) . There is a daytime drive-thru with lots of things to see including a full line up of displays, live shows, food trucks, your favorite farm animals, watch Global FMX fly through the air on their motocross bikes, drive past the range and see the Buffalo and Bison play and through the Jurassic park display. Then each night there is a movie feature playing and operating like a drive-thru movie. Fri night – Jurassic Park , Saturday – Back To The Future,  Sunday – Toy Story 4.

Tickets for each event are required and can be reserved online.  Thanks to the generous donation from Richard Meyer Electrical Services Ltd, the event this year is FREE.

 

5. Movie Theatres

There are a few new movies set to Cristen the re-opening of British Columba movie theatres. From A Quiet Place Part II, Peter Rabbit: 2 The Runaway, Spirit Untamed and Cruella. There will be limited capacity, physical distancing and increased cleaning and sanitizing and screening.  At Cineplex Theatres, box offices will be closed, so all tickets will need to be pre-purchased online. There will be limited concessions available. The VIP theatres will not be open at this time.

Perhaps the coming soon movies are what you are most looking forward to. From F9 (The Fast Saga), The Boss Baby: Family Business, Black Widow, Space Jam: A New Legacy (July 16) and Disney Jungle Cruise, The Suicide Squad, Free Guy and Paw Patrol: The Movie and later this year, my personal favorite, Top Gun (November 19, 2021) is coming out.

 

More summer fun:

Here is a list of some of the other summer-fun activities we are used to having open. Attractions that we look forward to every summer, that are able to open up again. (note the opening dates, as some are later in the summer)

 

6. Sea to Sky Gondola

The Sea to Sky Gondola has reopened to the public on June 11th. It is open 9-5pm daily.  The gondola ride offers spectacular views of Howe Sound from the floor to ceiling glass windows.  Each gondola cabin holds 8 passengers and is wheelchair and stroller friendly.  Once at the top there are several walking trails, viewing platforms, a suspension bridge, hiking trails, rock climbing and more.

 

7. Stanley Park Train

The Urban Forest Train is the current theme. The train is open 11am to 4pn on weekends until June 29th, then on June 30th they will be open five days a week (closed Monday and Tuesday).  Covid-19 protocols are in place. You can buy tickets on-site with debit/credit cards only.  Children 2 and under are free.

 

8. Playland 

Playland reopened on Friday June 11th with limited capacity.  Open on weekends for the month of June with plans to increase their opening days/times in July.  Enhanced cleaning procedures and sanitization is in place.  Mask-wearing is also required while lining up on the rides.  Buy your tickets online to secure your spot. 

Unfortunately, The PNE has been cancelled for 2021. Tickets to the PNE prize home can still be purchased online.

 

 

 

9. Cultas Lake Water Park & Adventure Park 

British Columbia’s largest waterpark  is set to re-open on June 24th. Safety protocols are in place, which means reduced capacity and masks must be worn in the park, except when on the slides, in the pools or other water attractions.

Buy your tickets online now using Coupon Code CL2021 to save 15% off. Coupon Valid until June 30!

Cultas Lake Adventure Park is also set to open June 24th.

 

10. Abbotsford International Airshow

JUST ANNOUNCED (June 16, 2021):

This years airshow is proceeding in a drive-in format.  Each car will be given a designated 20’x20′ box area to park/sit within.  You will be able to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks in as there will be no food trucks.   Scheduled to take place the weekend of August 6-8th at the Abbotsford airport.  So far the 2021 performers include the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, a CF-18 Hornet demo and an F-22 Raptor demo and others. There is limited capacity to comply with Covid regulations and tickets are expected to sell out.  Be sure to check out their website for performer updates and schedules and to purchase tickets.

Note: Those with tickets from last years, cancelled event can use their tickets towards this years event.