Every December, something wonderful happens at the edge of Lynn Canyon Park. The air smells like fresh fir, carloads of families arrive with rooftops ready, and our volunteers in Santa hats help neighbours pick out the perfect tree.
Welcome to Christmas in the Canyon, our annual Christmas tree market at Lynn Canyon Park (3690 Park Road). It has become a holiday tradition for many North Shore families, and we love that. But here is the part we love even more: where the money goes.
Your tree does more than look good in your living room
When you buy your tree from a big box store, your money goes to the big box store. When you buy it from Christmas in the Canyon, it goes right back into this community. Proceeds from the tree market support:
Local school PACs. Parent Advisory Councils fund the extras that make school special: programs, equipment, and experiences for local students. Tree market proceeds help top up those efforts.
The Argyle Football Club. Youth sports build confidence, teamwork, and lifelong friendships, and they need community backing to thrive.
Community Disaster Relief. When emergencies hit close to home, funds are ready to help neighbours get back on their feet. This is not an abstract cause. Our community has seen firsthand how much it matters when disaster strikes locally.
In other words, that tree in your living room is quietly funding school programs, youth football, emergency relief, and community breakfasts. Not bad for a fir.
Why buy real, and why buy local
There is the practical case: a fresh, locally sold tree tends to hold its needles longer than one that has been sitting on a lot since early November. There is the experience: picking your tree in the fresh air near Lynn Canyon beats wrestling one out of a parking lot bin.
And then there is the community case, which for us is the whole point. Every tree sold at Christmas in the Canyon is sold by a volunteer, and every dollar of proceeds is directed back into Lynn Valley causes. Your holiday tradition becomes someone else's helping hand.
A tradition run by neighbours, for neighbours
Christmas in the Canyon is powered entirely by Lions volunteers and community supporters. The people helping you tie a tree to your roof rack are your neighbours: parents, retirees, coaches, and longtime locals who give up their December weekends because they believe in this community.
If you stop by, say hello. Ask us about the club. We are a chatty bunch, especially when there’s hot coffee on hand.
Make us part of your tradition
Whether it’s your first year in Lynn Valley or your fortieth, we would love to see you at the tree market this season. Bring the kids, take your time, and know that whichever tree you choose, you are giving something back to the community you call home.
Watch our Facebook and Instagram pages for this season's dates and details.
Christmas in the Canyon takes place at Lynn Canyon Park, 3690 Park Road, North Vancouver.
If any of this strikes a chord and you’d like to learn more about the Lynn Valley Lions Club, we would love to meet you. There’s no pressure and no commitment required to start the conversation. Come see what we are about.
Ready to jump in? Visit lvlions.com/become-a-lion to learn about membership.
Want to help without joining just yet? We welcome event volunteers too. Head to lvlions.com/volunteer.
Either way, Lynn Valley is better when more of us pitch in. Hope to see you soon.