Description
Celebrate 20 years of World Rivers Day at Burnaby Village Museum
You’re invited to Burnaby Village Museum on Sunday, September 28 for our free annual celebration of World Rivers Day, a home-grown celebration with its origins right here in Burnaby! Guests can enjoy a day of family-friendly fun, including demonstrations, displays, tours, activities, crafts and live entertainment throughout the day. Some of the fun we’ve got in store includes:
- Indigenous games, arts and crafts for the whole family
- Crowd-pleasing performances from the Vancouver Circus School all day
- The history of Burnaby’s many creeks, streams and waterways from celebrated local wilderness from nature photographer and knowledge keeper John Preissl
- Hands-on learning and demonstrations from the Vancouver Aquarium Mobile Classroom
- Environmental documentary screenings
Ecosystem Restoration Events
2025 is a special year—it’s been 20 years since was officially adopted by the United Nations as an international day of recognition in 2005. If you’re ready to help ensure Burnaby’s many waterways are protected and healthy for another 20 years of celebration, volunteer with us this September! Volunteers can learn about the urban salmon habitat while removing invasive plants, helping to protect some of Burnaby’s most vulnerable creeks and streams. All ages, abilities, & experience levels are welcome, and equipment is provided- these events are a great way to meet new friends, give back to our environment, and have fun in nature!
- Byrne Creek Ravine: Sunday, September 21, 9:45 am-1 pm – Registration required
- Beecher Creek: Saturday, September 27, 9:45-1 pm – Registration required
These events are cohosted by the Green Teams of the Lower Mainland and the Byrne Creek Streamkeepers. Thank you to the environmental groups who provide year-round stewardship to some of our most sensitive waterways in Burnaby and beyond.
History of BC River's Day
In 1980, Burnaby resident and river conservationist, Mark Angelo, founded BC Rivers Day in an effort to raise awareness about the importance that rivers play in our environments as well as the need for better river management to protect these vital resources.
In 1993, the City of Burnaby was the first municipality in BC to proclaim BC River’s Day. Since then, the City works with community partners to host an annual community event.
Thousands of Canadians now celebrate each year making this Canada’s largest river appreciation event. In 2005, the United Nations established World Rivers Day which is now a global event to celebrate rivers each year on the fourth Sunday of every September.
Meet the founder
“Rivers are the arteries of our planet; they are lifelines in the truest sense.” – Mark Angelo
Mark Angelo, a Burnaby resident, is the founder of BC Rivers Day and World Rivers Day. He is an avid river conservationist and has been recognized by his effort throughout Canada, receiving awards, recognitions and even the Order of Canada for his river conservation efforts.
To learn more about the founder and the history behind Rivers Day, visit BC Rivers Day and World Rivers Day.
Burnaby Streamkeepers program
The Burnaby Streamkeeper and stewardship groups are dedicated to protecting Burnaby’s waterways and watersheds. These committed group of volunteers dedicate their time to monitor, enhance and advocate for the protection of waterways as well as adjacent streamside riparian areas that support aquatic life.
Do you want to be a steward of your watershed or find out where to watch the salmon spawn?
Check out the Burnaby Streamkeepers program page to see a list of active streamkeeper groups to contact for more information.