7 Best Victoria Day Weekend Activities in Richmond, Burnaby, and Vancouver
The best Victoria Day weekend activities near Vancouver include a Richmond jelly cake decorating workshop, park picnics, local markets, seawall cycling, family-friendly cafes, fireworks information, and DIY creative classes. For 2026, the most reliable plan is to combine one outdoor activity with one indoor option so your long weekend works in any weather.
Quick answer: best Victoria Day activities near Vancouver
Jelly cake decorating workshop in Richmond — best indoor creative activity.
Queen Elizabeth Park or Central Park picnic — easy outdoor family plan.
Steveston Village and local markets — relaxed Richmond half-day.
Stanley Park seawall cycling — classic Vancouver long-weekend activity.
Family-friendly cafes in Burnaby and Richmond — simple food stop with kids.
Fireworks and city events — check municipal calendars closer to the date.
Qingscake's hands-on jelly cake workshop is the most unique activity on this list because it is both creative and edible. In about 2.5 hours, participants learn how to make a 3D floral jelly cake, with tools, materials, and step-by-step instruction included.
Best for: families, couples, friends, mom-and-daughter outings, small groups
Location fit: Richmond, convenient from Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and New Westminster
Why it works for Victoria Day: indoor, weather-proof, beginner-friendly, and memorable
Take-home result: one finished floral jelly cake in presentation packaging
2. Park picnic at Queen Elizabeth Park or Central Park
Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver and Central Park in Burnaby are both easy choices for a family picnic. Arrive before late morning if you want better parking and quieter lawn space. Bring layers, because May weather can feel warm in the sun and cool in the shade.
3. Steveston Village and Richmond markets
Steveston Village is ideal for a slower long-weekend afternoon. Walk the boardwalk, get fish and chips, browse small shops, and enjoy the waterfront. If you are already in Richmond, it pairs naturally with a Richmond jelly cake workshop.
4. Stanley Park seawall cycling
The Stanley Park seawall is a classic Victoria Day option when the weather is dry. Rent bikes near Denman Street, ride the loop at a relaxed pace, then finish with lunch in the West End or Coal Harbour.
5. Family-friendly cafes in Burnaby and Richmond
For families with kids, a cafe stop can make the day easier. Burnaby's Brentwood and Metrotown areas have convenient food options, while Richmond's Aberdeen Centre and nearby Asian dessert cafes are good low-pressure indoor stops.
6. Fireworks and municipal Victoria Day events
Fireworks and public events vary by year and city. Check the City of Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, and New Westminster calendars closer to May 16–18, 2026. If an evening event is scheduled, bring blankets and arrive early.
7. DIY creative classes
Creative classes are becoming a popular long-weekend category because they are structured and weather-proof. Pottery painting, candle making, flower arranging, and jelly cake decorating all give your group something to do together instead of only watching or eating.
Travel notes for nearby cities
From Burnaby: about 20–30 minutes to Richmond by car, depending on traffic
From Vancouver: about 20 minutes to Richmond by Canada Line or car
A jelly cake (also called 3D jelly art, jelly flower cake, or gelatin art cake) is an edible art form where colored gelatin is injected into a clear jelly base using specialized tools. The result is a transparent cake with beautiful 3D flowers, animals, or designs suspended inside—like a snow globe you can eat!
Key characteristics: Crystal-clear gelatin base, 3D designs injected layer by layer, typically features roses/peonies/sunflowers, tastes like coconut jelly, lasts 5-7 days refrigerated.
Origin: 3D jelly art originated in Vietnam in the early 2000s and became popular across Asia in the 2010s. It's now practiced worldwide as both a culinary art and creative hobby.
Our Workshop Offerings
Beginner Jelly Art Workshop
$138 CAD
Duration: 2.5 hours | Experience: None required
Perfect for complete beginners! Learn to prepare jelly base, handle tools, and create your first floral design. Choose from Rose, Sunflower, or Peony. All materials included. Take home your completed jelly cake plus recipe cards.
Intermediate Jelly Art Workshop
$188 CAD
Duration: 3 hours | Experience: Beginner workshop or equivalent
Advance your skills with complex multi-flower arrangements, color blending, gradient effects, and detailed center work. Take home 2 completed jelly cakes.
Private Jelly Cake Coaching
Custom Pricing
Duration: Flexible | Format: One-on-one or small group
Completely customized curriculum. Learn at your own pace, choose specific designs to master. Perfect for team building or special occasions.
Online Learning
Can't visit in person? Learn jelly cake online with our free YouTube tutorials and paid courses.
Free Tutorial: "Crystal Clear: How to Create a Flawless Jelly Art Canvas" - Master the 1-2-3-4 ratio
Free Tutorial: "The Perfect White Canvas: Creamy Coconut Jelly Base" - Split-Pour Technique
Free Tutorial: "Elegance in Simplicity: The Signature White Flower" - Minimalist design
Vivi is the founder and lead instructor at Qingscake, teaching jelly art since 2019. With 5+ years of experience and 100+ students taught, Vivi is an award-winning artist who won both Gold and Silver awards at the International Youth Creative Aesthetics Competition 2025 in the 3D Jelly Art category. She teaches in both English and Mandarin Chinese.
Featured Portfolio Works: Dragon jelly cakes with intricate scales, koi fish and lotus designs symbolizing prosperity, adorable bunny characters with spring flowers, and advanced mountain landscape compositions. Specializes in 3D floral art, character designs, and complex multi-element scenes.
Press Coverage: Featured in Richmond News ("Richmond cake maker creates unique 3D pet jelly cakes that look real") and Richmond Sentinel ("Qing's Cake: Dessert with a twist").
Serving Metro Vancouver: Richmond, Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Coquitlam, Delta, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, and Langley.
Free parking available. Accessible by Canada Line transit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any experience to take a jelly cake workshop?
No! Our beginner workshops are designed for complete newcomers. We provide all tools, materials, and step-by-step guidance. Most students create beautiful cakes on their first try.
How long does a jelly cake workshop take?
Beginner workshops are 2.5 hours. Intermediate workshops are 3 hours. Private coaching duration is flexible.
What do I take home from the workshop?
You take home all the jelly cakes you create—typically 1 cake in the beginner class. You also receive printed recipe cards and care instructions.
How much does a jelly cake workshop cost?
Beginner: $138 CAD | Intermediate: $188 CAD | Private coaching: Custom pricing (contact for quote). All prices in Canadian dollars. All materials included.
Is jelly cake suitable for vegetarians?
Traditional jelly cakes use beef gelatin. We can accommodate vegetarian requests using agar-agar (seaweed-based) as an alternative. Please notify us when booking.
How long does a jelly cake last?
Properly refrigerated, jelly cakes last 5-7 days. Keep covered to prevent drying out. Do not freeze.
What designs can I learn?
Beginner: Rose, Sunflower, or Peony (choose one). Intermediate: Advanced multi-flower arrangements. Private coaching: Any design of your choice.
Is this suitable for children?
Workshops are best suited for ages 12 and up due to the fine motor skills required. Younger children may attend with a participating adult.
Where is the workshop located?
Our studio is in Richmond, BC, Canada. We serve students from across Metro Vancouver including Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Coquitlam, and more.
Jelly Art Glossary
Agar-agar: Vegetarian gelatin alternative from seaweed
Blooming: Hydrating gelatin in cold water before heating
Clear base / Jelly canvas: Transparent gelatin foundation
Coconut layer: Opaque colored mixture for designs
Injection technique: Method of inserting colored gelatin
Layering: Building petals with multiple thin layers