10 Things to do With Dad This Father’s Day

From good ol’ home cooking to knocking back craft beer in the mountains, show Dad how much you care by making it a day to remember

 

1. Get (pro)active with a Father’s Day Walk/Run – Sunday, June 18

Join the fight against prostate cancer and do your part to ensure dads around the world are around to enjoy many Father’s Days via the annual Raymond James Father’s Day Walk/Run. Whether you bring him along to volunteer, take part or just cheer those runners across the finish line, you’ll be raising awareness and much-needed funds for the most-contracted cancer among men.

Emceed by Global News’ Geoff Hastings, the Vancouver event begins at 10 a.m. at Burnaby Lake (following a Tot Run for the little ones at 9:30). The rest of the day includes great food, prize raffles, face-painting and trampolines, and live performances (including Neil Diamond impersonator Nearly Neil). Other Raymond James Father’s Day Walk/Runs are held in the Fraser Valley, Kamloops, Kelowna and Victoria.
Registration: 13 and over $40, 12 and under free; raise $150 and your registration fee is waived

 

2. Say cheers with beers at the Sea to Sky Gondola – Friday, June 16

Hit new heights this Father’s Day and treat him to a craft beer pairing dinner at the Sea to Sky Gondola, Summit Lodge. Your evening will begin with a “welcome drink” before settling in to enjoy three beer-and-food-pairing courses courtesy Red Truck, with live music from Squamish rockers the Offroaders. If it’s something stronger he’s after, then whisky tasting is also available for $10 a pop. Good food, live music, great beer and a killer view—enough said.
36800 BC-99, Squamish; 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; general admission $100.79, pass-holder ticket $69.33 (includes tax, gratuities and gondola tickets); to book, call 604-892-2551

 

3. Italian dining and dancing at Federico’s – Sunday, June 18

Celebrate Father’s Day “family-style” with live music, dancing and delicious food at Federico’s Supper Club. Authentic Italian cuisine complements the timeless atmosphere, and with the live performances running throughout dinner and into the evening, you’re guaranteed a full day of savoury stimulation.
1728 Commercial Drive; adults $35.95, children under 12 $25; book online or call 604-251-3473

 

4. Get all up in his grill

Whilst dad might see it his duty to man the BBQ (flipping burgers is not to be taken lightly), why not take this opportunity to show off your grill skills? Create a menu of his favourite barbecued goods, or try something new to surprise him. This Cuban-grilled salmon with tomato avocado salsa is the perfect recipe for the coming summer months So whip out those barbecue tongs and show him how it’s really done!

 

5. Wine and dine him at Homer St. Cafe and Bar – Sunday, June 18

Don’t let the brusque exterior fool you; dad loves being wined and dined just as much as you do, so treat him to a tantalizing meal at Homer St. Cafe and Bar on his special day. Alongside the regular menu, head chef Chris West will be serving up some special items for Dad. For brunch, order him the mouth-watering beef brisket hash and asparagus, topped with a poached egg and chipotle hollandaise. For dinner, let him try the Pemberton smoked beef ribs with fennel and potato salad. The relaxed and social atmosphere at Homer St. is perfect for the father who doesn’t like to be fussed over too much, but who appreciates a good meal.
898 Homer Street; for reservations, call 604-428-4299

 

6. A day at Playland – Sunday, June 18

Looking for something to keep the dads and the kids busy all day long? This Father’s Day, Playland is offering free entry between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. for all dads accompanied by a regular or junior ticket holder. From thrilling coasters like Atmosphere and The Beast to family-friendly attractions like The Flutterbye and Bug Whirled, the park should have you covered. (Just don’t be surprised if you end up carrying everyone to bed that night!)
The PNE at Hastings Park; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; tickets from $25

 

7. Go fishin’ – Friday, June 16 to Sunday, June 18

The Annual BC Family Fishing Weekend returns to lakes across the Lower Mainland just in time for Father’s Day this year. The free event doesn’t require a licence and offers expert advice and assistance, giving you the opportunity to learn the tricks of the trade and hopefully your first catch. We guarantee he’ll be reel-ly excited for this one.
Click here for all locations and details

 

8. Indulge at Tableau – Sunday, June 18

Surprise the old man with a French feast at Tableau Bar Bistro, where head chef Garett Blundell will be preparing special feature dishes for brunch and dinner. Make sure to start the day the off right with a chorizo omelette and pepper hash (we hear it pairs splendidly with their signature bacon Caesar, pictured above). And for dinner, indulge in a Tomahawk steak alongside bacon and cheddar gratin, served with green beans and Béarnaise sauce. And no need for alarm: that sound you hear after describing the meal that awaits is just his stomach grumbling.
1181 Melville Street; for reservations, call 604-639-8692

 

9. Free booze at Jules Bistro – Sunday, June 18

Yes, you read that right. Head on over to the Jules Bistro where any and all dads who walk in the door will receive a complimentary Negroni. The offer runs all day, so whether you decide to treat him to the quiche of the day at brunch, some steamed mussels to snack on at happy hour, or go all-out with a seared Fraser Valley pork chop at dinner, dad shall not want for libations.
216 Abbott Street

 

10. Grab some primo cuts at Joe Fortes – Sunday, June 18

The way to a dad’s heart is through his stomach, and the way to his stomach is through the legendary Joe Fortes Seafood and Chop House. Opening at 10 a.m. for brunch, choose between their famous chicken and waffles, sirloin steak and eggs, French toast and so much more. If he’s not much of a brunch-er, then show up a little later and introduce him to the porterhouse: a 32 oz-er, finished with butter, roasted garlic and fresh rosemary, available on the daily fresh sheet menu.
777 Thurlow Street