This year’s Family Day was filled with several activities across the southern tip of Vancouver Island.
In Saanich, the grounds of the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific were filled with families spending the holiday counting birds as part of the annual Great Backyard Bird count.
Julie Howe, director of education at Rocky Point Bird Observatory, said the Family Day bird count perfectly aligned with their 30th anniversary.
“It’s so critical to get kids and families involved in these types of activities and learning about nature and the birds around you,” said Howe.
While families helped with the conservation of birds, over in Langford, Family Day was less about looking up and more about looking inside.
Westshore RCMP, along with Langford Fire, had emergency vehicles opened up and ready to go for the crowds of families hoping to get a moment inside.
Tianna Dupuis, the fire smart coordinator at the City of Langford, was on the ground educating people about fire safety ahead of this year’s fire season.
Although a serious conversation, she ensured families knew “the emergency today is 100 percent fun!”
Down by the Victoria Inner Harbour, some families opted for a warmer indoor holiday, spending time at the B.C. legislature.
“Kids are excited, adults are excited! Our tour staff are excited. Family Day is one of our favourite days,” exclaimed legislature tour officer Adriana Ayers.
Events inside the legislature included guided tours, colouring and educational guest booths featuring dinosaurs and otters.
The Family Day holiday in B.C. has been in existence for the past 11 years and is designed to give people an opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones.
Tchadas Leo
