Hastings Racecourse

What it lacks in stature – this isn’t exactly the Kentucky Derby – Vancouver’s mountain-view Hastings Racecourse more than makes up for in good old-fashioned fun. It’s an alternative day out if you’ve covered all the usual spectator sports; they’re used to seeing first-timers who don’t know how to place a bet here and will be more than happy to show you how to part with your money. Even if you bet small, there’s an undeniable thrill when the bell sounds, the gates open and the thoroughbreds speed off around the dirt track. If you’re here in August, drop by for BC Cup Day, the biggest race card of the year, complete with live music, family-friendly activities and a three-day weekend of racing. And stick around after the races on Friday nights in June and July when old 1980s flicks are shown on an alfresco movie screen.