Christina Myers, Author at SavvyMom

Best Spots for U-Cut and Pre-Cut Christmas Trees in Vancouver

Christina Myers — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 02:37:48 +0000

Twinkling lights, sparkling decorations, and the smell of a fresh-cut Christmas tree – doesn’t get much more festive than that. While plenty of folks haul out the artificial tree from the attic, there’s just as many who love to go choose their own – from tall and thick, to the tiny Charlie Brown favourites. This year, many tree lots that were on hiatus due to covid last year have returned, and we’ve got a round-up of plenty of options for both u-cut and pre-cut Christmas trees in Vancouver and in every corner of the greater Vancouver region.

Make sure to check ahead for availability – some u-cut farms have already sold out.

Where to Find Real Christmas Trees in Vancouver:

Aunt Leah’s Tree Lots

Where: Vancouver & Burnaby
Web: https://www.auntleahs.org/social-enterprises/christmas-tree-lots/

Aunt Leah’s has been a Vancouver-area tradition for nearly three decades. This year, the popular tree lots will be in Vancouver and Burnaby. The program is a fundraiser that helps support programs for children in foster care as well as young mothers. Every year they raise hundreds of thousands of dollars. Trees are all pre-cut with a variety of types available.

Allouette Tree Farm

Where: Maple Ridge
Web: www.alouettechristmastreefarm.com

Both u-cut and pre-cut trees available at this Maple Ridge farm. Mixed varieties and limited supplies, so check it out quickly. Saws available on site – just bring yourself and your mittens.

Red Truck Trees

Where: South Surrey
Web: http://redtrucktrees.com/

Enjoy a bonfire and a hot chocolate after you’ve picked and cut down your perfect tree at Red Truck Trees in the South Surrey area. With so many tree lots located north of the Fraser or in the Valley, this is an ideal spot for Christmas trees in Vancouver for those coming from Delta, Surrey, or White Rock.

11th Seymour Scouts

Where: North Vancouver
Web: 11thseymour.ca

Many Scouts Canada groups have been selling Christmas trees in Vancouver for decades and though covid may have put a brief hiatus to that, many are back this year including the 11th Seymour Scouts in North Vancouver. Selling a variety of fir trees this year, the lot is expected to be open Monday to Friday 4 to 8 pm, and weekends from 9 am to 7 pm. Pre-orders are available. And after Christmas, bring the tree back for a fundraiser tree chipping being held by the same troop.

Lynn Valley Lions Club

Where: North Vancouver
Web: https://lvlions.com/

There’s something new afoot in Lynn Valley: the local Lions Club will be hosting a new event called Christmas in the Canyon. Enjoy a holiday walk through the Lynn Canyon Park to select your tree. Event runs until trees run out. Check the website for updates on availability.

Dogwood Christmas Tree Farm

Where: Fort Langley
Web: https://www.dogwoodchristmastreefarm.com/

Explore this 18-acre farm to find your perfect holiday tree. Both u-cut and freshly pre-cut trees are available, along with fresh holly, boughs, and hand-made wreaths. Located in historic Fort Langley, this is a great site to make a day’s outing with a stop in town for shopping or a meal.

North Shore Scouts

Where: West Vancouver
Web: http://www.scoutschristmastrees.com/

During the pandemic, this popular annual tree lot wasn’t able to be held but the North Shore Scouts are back again for 2024 with a lot at 699 Clyde Avenue. Their trees sell out quickly and you can order online.

Vancouver South Lions Club
Web: vancouversouthlionsclub.ca

The Vancouver South Lions Club are holding their 61st annual charity Christmas tree sale from Friday 29 November – Wednesday 18 December, held at John Oliver High School (corner of E 41st and Fraser St , in Vancouver). It’s the Vancouver area’s the oldest continual tree sales lot, serving over four generations of families. Enjoy the season, explore the trees, enjoy the smells, and get a candy cane! 100% of all proceeds go to Dog Guides, scholarships for students in need, community policing, sports clubs, and other local community organizations.

Woodsong Christmas Trees

Where: Lindell Beach
Web: http://www.woodsongchristmastrees.com/

With more than 10,000 Christmas trees – in a scenic winter wonderland environment – there’s no doubt you can find your perfect tree here. The farm grows five types of fir trees, and visitors can find and cut their own, or choose from a variety of fresh pre-cut trees. Cash only.

Ambleside Tiddlycove Lions Club

Where: West Vancouver
Web: Tiddlycove Lions Club

Another popular annual tree lot is hosted each year by the Ambleside Tiddlycove Lions Club, in the Ambleside parking lot at Argyle Avenue and 13th Street. Lot will run until trees are gone and all proceeds from the sales help support local charities.

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What’s On for a Family Fun Halloween in Vancouver

Christina Myers — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 01:35:32 +0000

Get ready for some spooky, festive fun because Halloween in Vancouver is in full swing! Whether your little ones love gentle Halloween thrills or are eager for some slightly spooky fun, the city is brimming with family-friendly Halloween events. From pumpkin patches to ghostly adventures, here’s a list of the best Halloween activities happening in Vancouver this year.

Spooktacular Events for Halloween in Vancouver

Pumpkins After Dark

Where: Swangard Stadium, Burnaby (just outside Vancouver)
When: Until October 31
Pumpkins After Dark offers a family-friendly walk-through experience featuring thousands of glowing hand-carved pumpkins arranged in stunning displays. You’ll find everything from classic Halloween scenes to carvings of movie characters and mythological creatures. With food trucks, live carving demonstrations, and plenty of photo ops, it’s a fun and festive way to celebrate Halloween with the whole family.

Halloween at Playland

Where: Playland at the PNE, 2901 E Hastings Street
When: Select dates until October 31
Playland transforms into a Halloween wonderland with thrilling rides, spooky decorations, and activities. Starting at age 13 and up, Fright Nights is guaranteed to give your teens a scary-good time.

Pumpkinfest

Where: Greater Vancouver Zoo, 5048 264 Street, Aldergrove
When: Saturday October 25–Sunday October 26
Take a trip to the Greater Vancouver Zoo the weekend before Halloween, in your costume. There will be special pumpkin enrichment spotlights, pumpkin carving, face painting, an autumn pumpkin photo-op, seasonal treats, and the seasonal Ghosts of the Animal Kingdom scavenger hunt.

Halloween at Burnaby Village Museum

Where: Burnaby Village Museum, 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
When: Wednesday Oct. 22– Sunday Oct. 26
Step back in time for a historical Halloween at Burnaby Village Museum. This event offers a family-friendly Halloween experience with vintage-themed decorations, costumed actors, trick-or-treating, and spooky tales. Kids can enjoy a scavenger hunt, Halloween crafts, and train rides, making it a perfect spot for younger children who prefer a more gentle Halloween celebration.

Halloween Pumpkin Train at Bear Creek Park

Where: Bear Creek Park, 13750 88 Avenue, Surrey
When: Daily until Friday October 31st
For a fun-filled Halloween train ride, head to Bear Creek Park for the Pumpkin Train. Kids can hop aboard a decorated train that takes them through a festive pumpkin patch and forest filled with Halloween-themed displays. After the ride, families can enjoy crafts, treats, and games in the park. It’s a delightful event for younger children looking for gentle Halloween fun.

Youth Grave Tales at Fort Langley

Where: Fort Langley National Historic Site, 23433 Mavis Avenue, Langley
When: Sundays October 19 and 26
For a historical and spooky Halloween experience, visit Fort Langley’s Youth Grave Tales event. Kids aged 8+ can explore the mysteries of Fort Langley’s past in a safe, engaging environment—perfect for young history enthusiasts! Take a guided journey through the historic village of Fort Langley, where the past whispers through every corner. This exclusive after-dark tour is perfect for history enthusiasts or anyone looking for an unforgettable night of storytelling and exploration. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, Grave Tales will leave you with a new appreciation for the stories of Fort Langley’s past.

Vancouver is brimming with exciting and fun-filled Halloween events this year, perfect for families looking to enjoy the spooky season. Whether you’re exploring a pumpkin-lit trail, riding a ghostly train, or enjoying a Halloween adventure at a zoo or museum, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So grab your costumes, carve those pumpkins, and get ready for a frightfully fun time for Halloween in Vancouver.

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Family Farm Fun & Apple Picking near Vancouver

Christina Myers — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 00:11:06 +0000

It’s usually hard to say goodbye to summer but the beauty of autumn in the Vancouver region makes it easy to be excited about the coming cool weather – and the fun activities that come with it. When kids go back to school, time may be at more of a premium but it’s well worth the extra organization to squeeze in some apple picking near Vancouver and family farm fun around the region.

And then there’s the fun of figuring out what to do with all of those apples!

Or wait a few more weeks for the pumpkin patches that some of these farms offer as well. Pack a lunch and make a day of it at some of our nearby favourites…

Where to Go Apple Picking Near Vancouver

Willow View Farms

Willow View Farms has been operating in Abbotsford for nearly three decades and is a classic spot for apple picking near Vancouver. Open seven days a week (check the website for day specific hours), the farm offers a rotation of varieties that are available to pick from late summer into October, including Honeycrisp, Gala, Elstar, Fuji, Ambrosia, and more. Check out their website daily for an update on which varieties are currently ready to go.

Check out the country store for tasty treats. Note: dogs are not allowed on the farm.

Aldor Acres Family Farm

No apples here but wait a few more weeks for one of the most popular family destinations for pumpkin patch visits and hayrides. Aldor Acres, a family run farm not far from Fort Langley, has more than 20 acres of pumpkin fields, and opens on September 20.

They also have a petting zoo and livestock as well as farm-fresh goods available for sale.

Taves Family Farms

Open now and running through the season, Taves Family Farms offers a little bit of everything: apples, pumpkins, berries, plums, plus play areas and a farm store. This Fraser Valley farm offers both u-pick and pre-picked produce and is a great day trip from Vancouver if you pack a lunch and some warm drinks. The popular Apple Barn farm store features homemade pies, preserves, fresh-pressed cider, and much more. Check their website for daily times.

Krause Farms

No apples here but if you’re in the mood for a final taste of those summer berries, and would enjoy a quiet wander through a local farm and farm store, check out Krause. The farm is well known for u-pick strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, and some fresh berries are still available in the store through September.

Frozen berries are available year round – along with pies and other home-baked treats in the store.

Chilliwack Corn Maze

Greendale Acres is a unique farm has been welcoming local residents for apple picking near Vancouver for more than 20 years and continues to grow and expand. Each year, the maze is designed on a new theme and image; this year’s is based on Bees and it’s adorable. Check out the aerial view on their website to see the impressive natural art they’ve created.

This 12-acre farm also has u-pick apples, pumpkin patch, farm animals, and more, including fire pits that can be rented by small groups to hold celebrations or gatherings. Hours vary by day of the week so check out the website for tickets and visiting information.

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What’s on for Vancouver Family Fun in September

Christina Myers — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 21:25:31 +0000

It’s back to school time and with it comes a return to all the after-class activities, sports, lessons, and more. In other words: here comes the full schedule. But there’s still plenty of Vancouver family fun to be had this month, as summer events trail off and autumn events pick up. So find time in between the official stuff to explore your city, get out into the woods, check out what’s happening in your community, and have some fun with the fam. Here’s a few local events coming up this month, from North Vancouver to Abbotsford, and spots in between.

What’s On for Vancouver Family Fun in September

PNE Fair

When: until September 1
Where: PNE Fair Grounds, Hastings St.
Website: https://www.pne.ca/

For generations, Vancouverites have marked the end of summer with the PNE Fair. This year’s fair runs from August 16 until Monday September 1. Events include returning favourites and new hits and the always popular Summer Night Concerts. Check out the food trucks for unique eats, and learn about BC’s agriculture, along with plenty of other displays and activities.

Circo Osorio International Circus

When: Throughout September
Where: Various locations around BC
Website: https://www.americancrowncircus.com/tickets/

Spend a night under the big tip enjoying international circus acts throughout the month. This travelling circus will be spending several days in a number of local communities across the greater Vancouver region including Abbotsford, Surrey, Tsawwassen, Richmond, and Coquitlam. This show – which includes acrobats, sword swallowers, and much more – has been running for more than 22 years, and has appeared in more than 800 cities across the globe.

Fire Dragon Festival

When: Friday September 19 & Saturday September 20
Where: Chinatown
Website: https://www.firedragonfestival.com/

Bringing the Chinatown community together through celebration, cultural activities and performances, culinary exploration, and the appreciation of intangible heritage to strengthen awareness and education about Chinatown’s cultural legacy for years to come. See and touch the Fire Dragon, enjoy dragon dancing workshops, and witness an exciting Fire Dragon dance performance.

Riverfest in New Westminster

When: Saturday September 20 + Saturday September 27 – Sunday September 28
Where: Fraser River Discovery Centre
Website: https://fraserriverdiscovery.org/riverfest/

Brought to you by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, proudly representing the Port of Vancouver, RiverFest is a free family-friendly festival with live performances, the exhibitor expo, and market, and the Lucille Johnstone Workboat Parade. On the Sunday enjoy guided walks in different locations along the river. There’s free admission to the Discovery Centre all weekend with different activities are planned for each day.

Autumn Farmers’ Markets

When: Varied dates and times
Where: throughout the region
Website: https://bcfarmersmarkettrail.com/

Use the search feature on the BC Farmers Market website to search for the local farmer’s markets in your neck of the woods, or check out the upcoming spring and summer versions. From fresh veggies to locally crafted artisan goods, BC farmers’ markets are known for their diverse offerings, all year round.

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Best Local Back to School Shopping in Vancouver

Christina Myers — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 16:43:08 +0000

The nights are getting longer and the days are getting cooler and fall is certainly on its way. Though we’re technically in summer until the equinox in late September, school is right around the corner. Back to school shopping can be stressful and hectic. But making the effort to find your supplies, shoes, backpacks and more at some of Vancouver’s local retailers and independent small businesses may just make it feel a little more rewarding. Here’s some of our top picks for local back to school shopping in Vancouver and the surrounding areas:

Local Back-to-School Shopping in Vancouver

Where: MEC
What To Get: Backpacks and outdoor wear
Find Online: https://www.mec.ca/en

Generations of Vancouverites have relied on Mountain Equipment Co-op for their backpacks, rain jackets, muddy buddies, and more. Though this store supplies plenty of technical and expert gear for everything from mountain climbing to kayaking, it also stocks plenty of everyday items – like basic backpacks and rain pants – that are well made and durable. With locations around the region, and online shopping, this is an easy choice for local parents.

Where: Westcoast Kids
What to get: Lunch kits, backpacks, rain jackets, clothing
Find Online: www.westcoastkids.ca

Westcoast Kids is one of the region’s most popular retailers for all things baby – from cribs to strollers to pacifiers – but they stock items for young children as well — perfect for back to school shopping in Vancouver. If you’re gearing up for kindergarten, this might be a great stop for a new lunchbox bento or a small backpack that’s just the right size for your little one. With rain coats and boots, along with plenty of stylish clothes, they’ll be ready for school in no time.

Where: Sparkle and Junebug
What to Get: Clothing
Find Online: https://sparkleandjunebug.ca/

This popular shop on Broadway stocks a great mix of fashion for the small set but they’ve also got a unique shopping option which may be ideal for those on a tight time budget. Rather than traditional online shopping, Sparkle and Junebug offers a personal virtual shopping experience: you let them know what kinds of things you’re in need of, and they’ll curate a selection of items that fit the bill. If you have more time on your hands, pop into the shop and browse away.

Where: Fjallraven
What to Get: Backpacks and jackets
Find Online: https://stores.fjallraven.com/bc/vancouver/

Here’s a good one for those older kids and teenagers (and maybe for yourself too.) Well known for high quality and a lifetime guarantee, their backpacks come in at a higher price point but they won’t fall apart after a few months on the playground. They also sell hiking gear – but in this rainy environment, those jackets and pants come in handy for the daily walk to school. The company was founded in Sweden in 1960 with a goal of helping people get out in nature with quality gear.

Where: Kinderbooks
What to Get: Children’s Books
Find Online: https://kinderbooks.ca/

This shop has made our lists before and for good reason: they’re a hyperlocal and specialty shop focused on one of our favourite things – books for kids. Located in New Westminster’s River Market, Kinderbooks has been open for a decade and offers a selection of books with an eye to unique titles, diversity, and learning.

Where: Beansprouts
What to Get: Clothes, rain boots, jackets
Find Online: https://www.beansprouts.ca/

Beansprouts on Main Street offers a wide selection of clothing, shoes, and more, but also has a consignment program with pre-loved clothing and shoes. The brands vary from fashion-focused companies from Europe, to outdoor and adventure companies. So you can find a pretty dress and a great rain jacket, all in one location.

Where: Collins Educational Supplies
What to Get: School supplies
Find Online: https://www.collinseducationalsupplies.com/

Just off Marine Drive in South Vancouver, this store has been a longtime favourite for BC teachers, with a wide array of classroom supplies and materials. From pens to paper, erasers to paint, there’s plenty of options for students of all ages when preparing their supplies. There are also plenty of workbooks divided by age and grade for kids who enjoy brushing up on what they’ve learned at school.

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