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ScotFestBC & British Columbia Highland Games will begin on Friday, June 14, 2024, with a “Pipes in the Park” concert beside Lafarge Lake plus the world champion SFU Pipe Band Drum Corps. Then the 78th Fraser Highlander’s cannon blast will mark the beginning of the 92nd British Columbia Highland Games in Town Centre Park. Quite the impressive start to an impressive event.
The British Columbia Highland Games will be presented by the United Scottish Cultural Society, a group of some of BC’s major Scottish cultural groups. The games will take place on June 14, 15 and 16, 2024, with the world famous heavy competitions, Highland piping, drumming and dancing, live Celtic music and more at this family friendly event.
The Scots were not only the largest immigrant group but also one of the most influential to Vancouver and the region as it grew. The first Highland Games were presented in the early 1800s but it was on and off for decades.
Today, descendants of the early settlers, many new arrivals and Scottish Canadians come to the games and celebrate their heritage. And everyone can be Scottish for a weekend at ScotFestBC!
Join the “Scottish Experiences” and get a flavor of Scottish culture with several different Experiences.
Scottish Country Dancing
It’s hard not to get caught up in the fun. Add twirling to your skill set.
Heavy Competitions
Watch athletes turn a caber or heave a big stone. These are among the oldest contested sports in the world. See stone putt, weights for distance throws and hammer.
Highland Dancing
Discover the magic of this dancing and learn a few basic steps.
Gaelic
Learn a word from the ancient Gaelic language that’s still spoken.
Piping & Drumming
Watch some of the best pipe and drum bands compete.
Scottish Clan Orgations
Scottish Clan Orgations will educate attendees about the Clan system. They will be looking for new Clan members.
Whisky School
There will be whisky sessions for beginners and connoisseurs. You can learn the difference between a malt and a blend and much more.
Beer Service
Beer Service offers a great selection of craft beers.
Children’s Area
Kids can enjoy games, bouncy castles, face painting, glitter tattoos, 5 hole mini golf, curling, a quarterback toss and more.
Vendors
There will be a Vendor Village with art, books, jewelry, clothing, pottery, home decor, Scottish imports and much more.
Food vendors will also be at the ScotFestBC. Enjoy haggis, meat pies and Scotland’s favorite sweet, toffee. Savor Dundee cake and seafood and wash it down with a dram of whisky. There will also be Canadian cuisine and other international foods available for purchase
Car Show
A car show at the ScotFestBC will feature classic English cars. See Anglia, Zephyr, Consul, Zodiak, Triumph Spitfire, Dolomite and more.
Clothing
If you’d like to go to the festival and want to dress the part, see some great Scottish clothes for women here.
And here are kilts for men and for women.
Scottish Cooking
If you liked the food at the festival and would like to learn more about Scottish cooking, try these cookbooks. And you can use our links to see how you can save money on them.
- The Scottish Kitchen by Gary McLean and Sam Heughan
- The Hebridean Baker: Recipes & Wee Stories from the Scottish Islands by Coinneach MacLeod
- Taste of Scotland: The Essence of Scottish Cooking by Carol Wilson and Christopher Trotter
Visiting Vancouver
If you’d like to visit Vancouver, you should consider the following hotels. They are all offering discounted rates which can save you money on your stay.
- Coast Coal Harbour Vancouver Hotel by APA: 24% Discount
- Paradox Hotel Vancouver: 22% Discount
- Cassandra Hotel: 22% Discount
- EXchange Hotel Vancouver: 20% Discount
- The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver: 20% Discount
- Sundance Suites Vancouver on Davie: 20% Discount
- Embarc Vancouver: 20% Discount
- La Grande Residence Vancouver at The Sutton Place: 20% Discount
- Lonsdale Quay Hotel: 20% Discount
- Seaside Hotel North Vancouver: 20% Discount
- Executive Suite Hotel Metro Vancouver: 20% Discount
- Crystal’s View Bed & Breakfast: 15% Discount
- Century Plaza Hotel: 15% Discount
- The Burrard: 15% Discount
If you are visiting Vancouver for the Highland Games, here are homes, condos, apartments and other rental units that might be perfect for your trip. Take a look at these rental options.