Ecology anniversary
Five decades ago a very special flower blossomed above Lynn Canyon. Next month the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre will be celebrating its 50th anniversary of education and outreach for local kids, families, and visitors to our community. Join the festivities starting October 2.
Early vision


More than a building
Most locals have explored the petals of the Ecology Centre at some point. It remains one of the most accessible attractions in Metro Vancouver. The staff adapted and innovated early in the pandemic creating online programs attracting participants from around the world. “It is a place where kids on the North Shore come as they grow up or as part of school and sparks interest in the environment and teaches them they have a role in caring for the environment,” said Rennie. “I think it's a really accessible place, if teachers want to bring their classes it is subsidized, entrance is by donation for our visitors and our weekend programs are very affordable.”In a typical year, 88,000 people visit the centre each year. Many of the guests are international or from other parts of Canada. Over the years that is more than 3.3 million visitors from 70+ countries. “For people who are coming to Lynn Canyon Park and didn’t grow up here it is a place to learn who to explore, how to be safe and respectful of the animals and forests,” she said.Centre staff encounter guests who are unfamiliar with forests and hesitate - often with concerns about bears. “Most come here not knowing the forest has been logged before, viewing the trees as large, ancient and old,” said Rennie. “When they get a chance to learn about the canyon’s past through the displays and learn its a very different place than it was 100 years ago, it gives a better understanding of the environment today.”The centre’s pandemic pivot brought Lynn Valley ecology education into homes here and abroad. The centre now gets frequent participants from the US, UK and regularly teaches a class to students in Japan, said Rennie. It has also led to innovation that will enhance local programming. “We have a new underwater camera we hope to offer virtual underwater discovery soon.”Celebrating a golden anniversary

12 - 4 pm
Nature groups will join the centre inside and out, such as North Shore Black Bear Society, the Wild Bird Trust (Maplewood Flats), the Invasive Species Council of BC, Furbearers, Streamkeepers, DNV Trail and Habitat, DNV Rangers and others.
With covid procedures, visitors can walk through the centre and check out vintage film reels plus there will be crafts for kids, a colouring contest and an outdoor scavenger hunt to take-away.
Help create a memory wall where people can share their Ecology Centre memories.
Guided nature walks
Displays at the café mezzanine from Walter Draycott’s collection
Crafts, colouring contest and outdoor scavenger hunt.
Looking for more?
There's always something fun and exciting happening in Lynn Valley. Check out our Community Events Calendar or learn more about Local Activities, Mountain Biking or Hiking and Walking Trails.Looking for more?
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Oct 16:30 PM - 8:30 PMRoyal Canadian Legion Branch 114, 1630 Lynn Valley Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7J 2B4, Canada
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Oct 3
Meat Draw and 50/50
6:30 PM - 8:30 PMRoyal Canadian Legion Branch 114, 1630 Lynn Valley Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7J 2B4, Canada -
Oct 4
North Shore Art Crawl
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM -
Oct 4
Meat Bingo
2:00 PM - 4:00 PMRoyal Canadian Legion Branch 114, 1630 Lynn Valley Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7J 2B4, Canada