Check out Metro Vancouver Regional Park’s fall and winter schedule
These low-cost activities help locals get outdoors during the cold and rainy seasons
Metro Vancouver Regional Parks released their 2023 fall and winter program schedule which offers a variety of low-cost, outdoor activities to get involved in. (Submitted)
Metro Vancouver Regional Parks have released their program schedule for the fall and winter from September to February 2024.
The programs are outdoor nature events and open to all ages. Many of the courses are also low-cost or free to attend.
Most events take place around the Kwantlen Polytechnic University community with some locations including Iona Beach in Richmond, Campbell Valley Regional Park in Langley, and Tynehead Regional Park in Surrey.
“We recognize the importance of getting into nature. There’s lots of health benefits associated with it, which are scientifically proven, and reduces stress, anxiety, and releases dopamine so people feel good,” says Jeremy Plotkin, supervisor of Metro Vancouver Regional Parks visitor services system.
“Especially during COVID-19, … we realized people really need nature for their mental wellness, sometimes spiritual wellness, and also for their physical [well-being],” Plotkin says.
“We do want to make our programs accessible … so people with financial barriers can still access our parks and programs,” he says.
Plotkin says that their fees are $15 at the most and those are for “Enhance Programs,” which sometimes run longer than two hours and require extra staff time.
One event called “Light up the Night: Lantern Walk,” allows attendees to walk along a 1.5 km lantern-lit trail at Tynehead Regional Park from 6:00 to 9:00 pm on Oct. 27.
“[It’s] neat just cause parks are not normally open at night and it’s a chance to come see the park in a different light, … and just looking at the beauty of nature at night,” he says.
Metro Vancouver Regional Park’s activities can make it easier for locals to get outdoors during the rainy and cold weather in the later months of the year.
“Just get out there. I think the motivation sometimes can be tricky, but what we hear from people is that they never regret making the effort to go out in the rain. The key thing is getting the right gear … because it can be miserable if you are cold and wet,” Plotkin says.
The nature program also offers volunteer opportunities for post-secondary students interested in getting involved.
Plotkin says many post-secondary students like volunteering with the organization because they can network with like-minded individuals and make friends.
“Most of our volunteering is removing invasive species and planting native species to help restore disturbed habitats,” he says.
“People like to spend time and connect to nature with friends next to them so they can chat and share the experience together …. [The] main reason [we do this] is connection and the feelings of closeness with friends and family when they’re in nature together.”
To see the full guide of the programs or sign up to volunteer, visit Metro Vancouver’s Regional Park’s website.
