10 outdoor events to check out in Vancouver in October

Enjoy the best that autumn has to offer with these 10 outdoor events in Metro Vancouver this October. Take part in the Light the Night Walk, enjoy Storytime at Redwood Park, and more.

For more things happening around town, check out our events section.

Thursday Artist Talk: Ron Long, “The Art, Technique, and Challenge of Nature Photography”

What: Ron Long was a professional photographer at SFU for 36 years, with most of those years photographing exclusively for the Bio-Sciences Department. In his retirement, Ron has travelled to many nature hot spots around the globe, including recent visits to southern Africa, South America, Australia, and across North America. Ron will share photos from his extensive portfolio, as well as share photography techniques that anyone can use.

Date: October 3, 2019
Time: 7:30 to 9 pm
Where: Surrey Art Gallery – 13750 88 Avenue, Surrey
Admission: Free

Piper Spit Bird Count

What: Bring your binoculars and watch the seasonal changes in the birds at Burnaby Lake along with a park interpreter. For ages 15 and up.

When: October 8, 2019
Time: 9 am to 12 pm
Where: Burnaby Lake Regional Park – Meet at Burnaby Lake Nature House, 4519 Piper Avenue, Burnaby
Admission: Free

​Scales, Talons, and Claws

What: ​Look for salmon navigating home to spawn as well as the animals that catch them on their travels. Learn about these creatures and how to keep them wild and safe. Presented with Kanaka Education & Environmental Partnership Society, drop by anytime.

When: October 13, October 27, November 3, 2019
Time: 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Kanaka Creek Regional Park – meet at fish fence – 23900 Kanaka Creek Rd, Maple Ridge
Admission: Free

The Collective

What: Head to Grouse Mountain to watch Faction’s latest feature-length ski film, The Collective, celebrating all types of skiing expression. Screenings are free, though a valid mountain admission ticket or annual pass is required for Grouse Mountain.

When: October 11, 12 and 13, 2019
Time: 7 to 8 pm (Friday), 3 to 4 pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: Grouse Mountain – Theatre In The Sky
Admission: Free, must have though a valid mountain admission ticket or annual pass

Granville Island Turkey Trot

What: The Granville Island Turkey Trot occurs annually over Thanksgiving weekend, with a Kids Run and Expo on Sunday, and a seawall 10 KM race followed by food, prizes, music and awards on Monday.

When: October 13 and October 14, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Granville Island
Register: Online

Light the Night Walk

What: This beautiful three-kilometre walk is held every year in support and remembrance of those who have faced leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers. By walking, you can help raise funds for blood cancer research and patient support services.

When: October 19, 2019
Time: 5 to 9:30 pm
Where: Lumberman’s Arch – Stanley Park
Register: Online

Wild Things

What: Wild Things at Richmond Nature Park is a family-friendly, theatrical experience that celebrates nature, wildlife and Halloween. An adult must accompany children while at Wild Things.

When: October 19 and 20, 2019
Time: 5:30 pm, 6:30 pm, and 7:30 pm
Where: Richmond Nature Park – 11851 Westminster Hwy, Richmond
Tickets: Online $4 or or at the door $6/ Children three years and under are free

Return of the Salmon

What: ​Returns of the Salmon features displays, games, and conversations with fisheries experts from the Bell-Irving Hatchery and other community organizations. Then witness the salmon returning home to spawn in Kanaka Creek. All ages, and presented with Kanaka Education & Environmental Partnership Society.

When: October 20, 2019
Time: 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Kanaka Creek Regional Park – meet at fish fence – 23900 Kanaka Creek Rd, Maple Ridge
Admission: Free

Storytime at Redwood Park

What: Enjoy a fun, fall story inside the treehouse at Redwood Park then explore the forest on a guided seasonal sensory walk. Parent participation required.

When: October 25 and December 6, 2019
Time: 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm and 1 pm
Where: Redwood Park – 17900 20 Ave, Surrey
Admission: Free, register online

Experiences at Jungle School – Great Ape Ecology

What: Jacqui Sunderland Groves of the Wildlife Co-existence Lab at UBC talks about great ape ecology as well as her experiences at the “Jungle School” that successfully reintroduced 330 wild Bornean orangutans in Kalimantan.

When: October 26, 2019
Time: 1 to 2:30 pm
Where: Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre – 3663 Park Road North Vancouver
Tickets: Online