What are you planning to do with your homestay students over the summer? If you’re looking for fun summer activities for your homestay student, keep reading to get some ideas.
1. Krause Berry Farms, Langley
You’re missing out if you’ve never tasted a Krause Berry Farms pie. This farm in Langley features fresh pies and baked goods, a shop, a fresh waffle bar, a winery, U-pick berries and flowers, and entertainment. It’s a great place to shop, grab lunch (or ice cream) and hang out with your homestay student.
2. Try the 1001 Steps, Surrey
If your homestay student enjoys being active outside, take them to the 1001 Steps in Surrey. Walk down the zig-zagging wooden steps to reach a beach ready to explore. Count the steps as you go down because it might not be less than 1001!
3. Shopping, dinner, and a movie, Abbotsford
Classic activities are often a great way to spend time with your homestay student. Highstreet Shopping Centre has a variety of shops and services. Why not do some shopping and then grab dinner in the mall? End your evening with a move at the Cineplex VIP cinemas. It’s a great way to enjoy air conditioning on a hot day.
4. The Amazing Brentwood, Burnaby
Brentwood Mall has been recently rebranded as an experiential venue. It still has unique retail outlets but also contains fine dining and entertainment establishments like a movie theatre, bowling, and an arcade. They also regularly host events and art installations on-site.
The mall is next to the Skytrain line, so you can easily take transit to enjoy the space. Consider making it a day and visiting other sites along the Skytrain, like heading to downtown Vancouver, the trendy New Westminster Waterfront, or Central Surrey.
5. Swimming and outdoor fun in Port Coquitlam
Port Coquitlam has a variety of indoor and outdoor activities you can enjoy with your student. When the summer weather is hot it’s a great time to check out the outdoor pools and spray parks in the city.
If your student enjoys cycling, they can cycle the PoCo Trail: a 25-35 km (depending on which route you choose) trail and road biking route that encircles the city. It’s a great way to enjoy the local trail system, dykes, and pathways that so many locals enjoy.
6. Art and culture in Coquitlam
The City of Coquitlam has a vibrant arts scene your student may enjoy. The city is home to many local art galleries and museums. You can also check out local artisans at the local summer craft and farmer’s markets.
7. Playland and the PNE in Vancouver
Vancouver summer is not complete until you’ve visited Playland and the PNE. Playland is open all summer, and the PNE runs the last two weeks of August. Your student may enjoy the rides, the local markets, and the food trucks. They usually have food trucks with Canadian favourites like poutine, beaver tails, and mini-donuts!
There’s also great entertainment like the SuperDogs, a jousting show, and the Summer Night Concerts. Their evening concert series attracts many well-known artists.
8. Granville Island in Vancouver
Locals and tourists love Granville Island. It’s got great local shopping, a fabulous indoor food market, and you can catch a glimpse of local artisans doing their craft. It’s also full of Canadian and Indigenous history exhibits and art.
Start your Granville Island day with a freshly made breakfast in the food court, then spend a few hours exploring the shops. Stop at a restaurant for lunch before catching a matinee theatre sports show. Finish your day with a coffee or dinner, or a calming stroll along the seawall to the nearby Olympic Village.
9. Check out local festivals and celebrations
Vancouver summers are filled a variety of festivals and celebrations. These change yearly, so check your local tourism association or events website for details. Here are a few regular favourites:
- Richmond Night Market: Known for its yummy food, the Richmond night market is a must see.
- Bard on the Beach: If your student is a lover of the performing arts, the Bard on the Beach Shakespeare plays are a must-visit
- Dragon Boat Festival: This festival attracts over 5000 racers from around the world, including loads of family-friendly fun and activities in False Creek.
- Vancouver Pride Week: The BC Day long weekend features a large PRIDE festival hosted by the 2SLGBTQAI+ community. It’s known as Vancouver’s largest parade! Experience the parade and other activities and events for the whole family.
10. Take a road trip
Don’t limit your student’s summer fun to the city limits. Why not take a day road trip to Squamish or Whistler? You can take them hiking, up the Sea to Sky Gondola, or to hang out in Whistler for the day. Another fun activity is renting a small boat from Horseshoe Bay and boating for the day.
Enjoying time with your homestay student
Don’t forget that as a host family, you get to help students experience Canadian culture and life. Look for opportunities to show them all the Vancouver area has to offer, from its natural wonders and nature to the indoor air-conditioned venues to cool off.
Learn more about welcoming an international student into your home here. We accept applications year round and can’t wait for you to experience the rich experience of hosting a student. If you’re ready, you can apply here today.
