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5 Things to Do in Whistler If You Don’t Ski

February 27th, 2012
 

Photo: Strolling through Whistler Village in December 2010. Source: Robyn Hanson

Let’s face it, not everybody going to Whistler in the winter is coming to ski. Sure, Whistler is considered one of the world’s best ski resorts, but there’s plenty to do as a non-skier! Whether you’re planning for a day trip along the Sea to Sky Highway or an extended getaway, here are five non-skiing activities to do in Whistler in the winter:

5. Relax and Rejuvenate at the Spa

Perhaps you’re visiting Whistler as a retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Maybe you’re just killing time while your friends are out skiing. Either way, whether you typically go to spas or not, you must spend some time at the Scandinave Spa – there’s really nothing else like it.

Photo: Scandinave Spa. Source: Scandinave Spa via Facebook.

Currently ranked on TripAdvisor as the number three thing to do in Whistler (out of everything you can do), it’s the most talked-about spa in the region. What makes Scandinave Spa so unique is its alfresco setting. Spread across three acres in the Whistler woods, you’re not only getting spa treatments, you’re also connecting with nature. The Scandinavian bath treatments range from thermal baths and Finnish saunas to cold pools and Nordic waterfalls. There’s even yoga and an assortment of massages. Looking for a piece of heaven in Whistler? Here it is.

4. Experience a Winter Adrenaline Rush

Photo: Ziptrek Eco Tour in Whistler. Source: John Biehler via Flickr.

Seeking some adventure? If you’re in the mood for some adrenaline-inducing fun, consider a bungee jump or a zipline through the rainforest. Ziptrek Ecotours and Whistler Bungee operate year round and offer unique ways of experiencing the winter landscape of the Coast Mountains. Another idea is to book a public bobsled or skeleton ride at the Whistler Sliding Centre. These sessions include full training and mock runs, finishing off with a real run around the 2010 Olympic tracks. All these activities are very popular and do sell out, so it’s always best to reserve well in advance.

3. Learn about the Local Indigenous Cultures

The resort town of Whistler may have only been built a few decades ago, but people have been living in the area since time immemorial. If you’re interested in learning about Whistler’s native culture, art, and history, you won’t want to miss the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.

Photo: Inside the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. Source: Raul Pacheco via Flickr.

Located in Whistler’s Upper Village, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is kind of like an art gallery/museum/cultural learning centre/ecology centre hybrid with a focus on the Lil’wat and Squamish First Nations – the two native groups that call the Whistler region home.

This is not a traditional museum by any means. The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre wants visitors to truly experience their First Nations culture by participating in activities and by having meaningful conversations with members of the Lil’wat or Squamish First Nations. To get the full experience, be sure to take one of their guided tours – that’s when the cultural centre truly comes to life.

2. Ride the Peak2Peak Gondola

If you’ve never been to the top of Whistler mountain, then you’re seriously missing out on what I think is the best part of the Whistler experience, especially as a non-skier: the alpine scenery. I honestly feel that if you only stay at the bottom of the mountain around Whistler Village, you’re not getting the full picture. You really can’t comprehend what you’re missing until you take the gondola to the top, and then the whole appeal of visiting Whistler in the first place becomes plainly obvious.

Photo: The PEak2Peak Gondola at the top of Whistler. Source: F1Daniel via Flickr.

Although the Whistler Gondola is used by skiers to transport themselves up to the top of the mountain, you can certainly ride it as a non-skiing tourist – just buy a Winter Sightseeing Ticket. This allows you to ride the Whistler Gondola up the top of Whistler, and then board the Peak2Peak gondola which connects Whistler Mountain with neighbouring Blackcomb Mountain.

Photo: On Peak2Peak just 9 days before the 2010 Olympics. Source Nicki Varkevisser via Flickr.

Taking 11 minutes to cross the 4.4km journey, Peak2Peak has broken world records for having the highest gondola above ground as well as as the longest free span of cable between towers (3.03km). For the ultimate experience, wait for one of the two glass-bottom cabins for a real 360 degree view of the alpine setting. The wait will be worth it.

1. Join in the Après-Ski

Skier or non-skier, everyone’s welcome to join in the Whistler après-ski scene; a winter visit to Whistler wouldn’t be complete without it. As defined by Whistler Blackcomb, “Après-ski (French: after skiing) refers to going out, having drinks, dancing, and generally socializing after skiing”. Since the ski lifts stop by mid-afternoon, après-ski starts early around 3pm and goes for several hours. It’s really a phenomenon that only exists during the ski season and it’s a great way to explore all the different pubs and restaurants.

Photo: Dusty’s at Whistler Creekside. Source: Tourism Whistler via Flickr.

If you’re wondering where to go, we have a few recommendations.

Whistler Blackcomb recommends what they call “the trinity of mountain base bars”: Merlin’s Bar & Grill at the base of Blackcomb, Garibaldi Lift Co. (GLC) at Whistler Mountain Village base and Dusty’s Bar & BBQ in Whistler’s Creekside. Dusty’s is actually one of the oldest bars in all of Whistler and is famous for Caesars garnished with beef jerky.

When I visited Whistler in December 2010, I enjoyed the lively (if not downright wild) atmosphere of the Longhorn Saloon. They have what has to be the busiest outdoor winter patio. If you’re looking for a cozier atmosphere, you can’t go wrong with Brandy’s Bar on the main floor of The Keg. They have a great menu of cocktails and appetizers – try the green bean tempura!

And don’t be afraid to head into the village and explore what the hotels have on offer. Many of them have great après-ski deals. The Crystal Lodge told us that their Crystal Lounge serves chicken wings for 35 cents. They also recommend by The Mix by Ric’s for martinis, cocktails, and some of the best poutine. We also were told by The Opus Hotel’s Jeremy Flewelling that if you’re in the mood for beer and nachos, be sure to check out the Cinnamon Bear at the Whistler Hilton – one of Whistler’s finest bars.

Of course, one of the nicest ways of experiencing apres-ski in Whistler is to simply bring your own food and drinks back to your accommodation and go for a soak in the hot tub as the snow gently falls. It can’t get better than that.

Wine in the Off-Season: 5 Wineries to Explore This Winter in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains

February 22nd, 2012
 


Photo: Enjoying a wine tasting in the Fraser Valley. Source: Robyn Hanson.

The Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival is almost here. Considered one of the largest wine festivals in the world, it’s one of my favourite events in Vancouver as the whole city embraces all things wine and we’re treated to a whole range of tantalizing wine events over the span of ten days.

Kicking off on Monday, February 27, the festival’s being held a month earlier than usual, but I don’t think anyone’s complaining. For many, it can’t come soon enough. Who doesn’t love an opportunity to enjoy wine tastings, wine seminars, and wine pairing dinners? And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

But if you want to keep the party going after the festival ends on March 4, I highly recommend exploring the wineries that exist right here in our own back yard. The Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region is home to over 20 wineries offering everything from traditional whites and reds to a plethora of unique fruit wines and even some award-winning icewines. From the bogs of Richmond to the benchlands of Lillooet, here are five wineries to consider  if you’re looking to expand your British Columbia wine horizons.

1. Lulu Island Winery – Richmond


Photo: One of Lulu Island Winery’s tasting rooms. Source: Robyn Hanson.

I had the pleasure of visiting Richmond’s Lulu Island Winery last week where I was treated to a VIP tour and tasting. Known for their award-winning Riesling-Chardonnay icewine, all of their wines are made with BC fruit, from Okanagan grapes to Fraser Valley berries, including cranberries sourced right from the bogs of Richmond. The only exception to this is their unique passionfruit wine. The tropical fruit is from Asia, but it produces a wine that surprises with its pleasant lemon-like tartness.

I was really impressed by what I tasted, especially their lush Pinot Gris, the naturally fruity but dry (for a fruit wine) blueberry wine, and the ultra-rare and risky-to-produce red icewine – a dessert wine made with Merlot and Pinot Noir grapes which can only be harvested when the temperature is -14 Celsius. Apparently Canada is the only place in the world that produces red icewine. Who knew?


Photo: Top notch fruit wines. Full of body, no preservatives, and not overtly sweet. Source: Robyn Hanson.

Visitors can drop by Lulu Island Winery daily from 10am until 6:30pm. Free tastings of their red and white wines can be had at any time, but call ahead to book a VIP winery tour; it’s well worth it. For $30 a group of five people can experience the VIP winery tour which takes them behind the scenes, finishing up with a tasting that includes a cheese plate, red and white wines, fruit wines, ice wines, and their delectable iceder – an ice wine blended with apple cider that tastes (to me) like drinking honey and caramelized apples.

2. Fort Berens Estate Winery – Lillooet


Photo: Georgia serving wine at Fort Berens Estate Winery. Source: Tamara Leigh via Flickr.

Looking for a weekend road trip that combines the dramatic scenery of both the Fraser Canyon and the Sea to Sky Highway? If so, a trip to Lillooet is in order, if not long overdue.

Now, you may not immediately think of Lillooet as a wine-producing region, and that’s because up until 2009, it wasn’t. But Lillooet’s Fort Berens Estate Winery is changing that. A pioneer winemaker for the region, Fort Berens has just harvested their first crop of their estate-grown grapes this past September so things are truly getting exciting. All wines made previous used Okanagan grapes; a tactic commonly used for local wineries as they wait for their own grapes to mature. Newly-planted grape vines are left to grow for at least four years before they’re used to make wine.

If you want to drop by and see what will no doubt become a wine-making hotspot, Fort Berens Estate Winery is open Wednesday to Sunday (and holidays) from 10am until 4pm. In May they’ll extend their hours, staying open daily until 6pm. Then you can say you experienced a wine escape to Lillooet back before it became trendy to do so.

3. Domaine de Chaberton – Langley


Photo: Domaine de Chaberton Winery. Source: Tom Magliery via Flickr.

It was Langley’s Domaine de Chaberton who first put the Fraser Valley on the Canadian wine region map, and we’re very grateful for that. I actually have memories of my Dad taking the whole family here on weekend afternoons back in what must be the early 90s – him and my mom would taste wine while my sister and I eyed the merchandise in the wine shop. But I digress.

I have since revisited Domaine de Chaberton numerous times, the most recent in the spring of 2009 where I not only got to taste their wine, but I enjoyed a three course gourmet lunch at their Bacchus Bistro. Situated in the winery, the bistro overlooks their 55 acres of vineyard and makes for a very pleasant outing rain or shine.

Of course, you can simply come by for a tour or a tasting. Winery tours are available daily at 2pm and 4pm, but the tasting room stays open all day from 10am until 6pm Monday to Saturday, opening at 11am on Sundays.

4. Vista D’Oro Winery – Langley


Photo: The vineyards at Vista D’Oro Winery in the summer of 2011. Source: Raul Pacheco via Flickr.

Sometimes wineries are simply wineries, and other times the winery is one part of a bigger picture. In the case of this winery, it’s the latter, and to borrow from Martha Stewart, it’s a good thing. If you’re seeking the ultimate Fraser Valley agritourism experience where small batches of wine are produced with passion alongside artisan culinary delights, you need to get yourself out to Langley’s Vista D’Oro Farms & Winery.

Although I haven’t personally visited, I’ve only heard amazing things about Vista D’Oro. Michelle Gourley of Edible Vancouver raves about them, claiming Vista D’Oro’s Lee and Patrick Murphy as the relatives in the country you wish you had. “As in brag-worthy preserves that momma never made (hello pear and cocoa nib!), a charming farmgate shop, cooking studio, and stellar hand-crafted wines. It’s enough to send a covetous foodie sobbing into her Gewurztraminer.”

But the one item at Vista D’Oro that has people talking the most is their Pinot Noix. No, that’s not a typo. Vista D’Oro has become rather famous for their walnut-infused Pinot. At 18% alcohol, it’s described as “a Sherry-like wine made from Pinot Noir that has aged for a year with Brandy-macerated walnuts. The Pinot Noix provokes a great deal of musing as it tickles noses and palates: the nutty Brandy walnut flavours, quite a roller-coaster experience and altogether delicious.”

Vista D’Oro is open Thursday through Sunday from 11am until 5pm.

5. Kermode Wild Berry Wines – Dewdney


Photo: Fritz Sprieszl of Kermode Wild Berry Wines. Source: Slow Food Vancouver via Flickr.

Now here’s a hidden gem of a winery, especially for the lovers of fine fruit wines. Tucked away on a dirt road in Dewdney (a community east of Mission) is Kermode Wild Berry Wines. Although their website is lacking in detail, just a tiny bit of research reveals that they make wines, ports, and liqueurs made from 100% wild handpicked BC berries.

While many local wineries use their own cultivated berries, this is the first winery I’ve heard of that actually forages for them in the wild. As highlighted on Fraser Valley Pulse, Kermode harvests these wild berries within a large geographical region of BC, from the Sunshine Coast all the way to Blue River and everywhere in between.

They’re also winning awards for their efforts. Writes Fraser Valley Pulse, “Their great wine flavours are winning awards worldwide. From Ontario to Oregon to Japan, folks are loving unique tastes such as Himalayan Blackberry Port, Alpine Blueberry Liqueur, Glacier Bear Apple Sweet wine and even Blue Elderberry wine. Stop by and taste the unique flavours at Kermode Wild Berry Winery, open daily between 12pm and 6pm. The exclusive Orange Salmonberry wine and the Himalayan Blackberry Port were our favourites!”

Others have also started to discover the secret of Kermode Wild Berry Wines. Vancouverite Cyndi H. discovered the winery by chance while on a road trip to Harrison Hot Springs. She writes in her Yelp review, “We sampled various wines (they specialize in blackberry) but the standout was the Himalayan Blackberry. Lovestruck, we bought a few bottles for $12 each and then went on our way. Since then we’ve kicked ourselves because the wine is only sold in select stores and costs upwards of $20! Seriously great wine and a fun little hole in the wall spot to check out.”

In any case, the next time you find yourself driving to Harrison Hot Springs, you know where to detour. Perhaps a road trip through the Fraser Valley is order this weekend?

Note: These five wineries have been selected to showcase the diversity of the many excellent wineries in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region. This blog post is not meant to be a comprehensive list of wineries, but to simply give you a taste of what type of wineries can be experienced within a short drive from Vancouver. There will certainly be more winery features in the future.

5 Weekday Evening Recreational Activities for January

January 10th, 2012
5 Weekday Evening Recreational Activities for January
 

Photo: Fancy a post-dinner dip in the Harrison Hot Springs Public Pool? Source: Eve Lurie via Tumblr.

As we start the second week of January and we get back into our normal work and school routines, we wanted to highlight five recreational activities which you can easily pursue on a weekday eveninge in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains.

1. Swimming in Harrison Hot Springs

If you’re looking for the ultimate way to sooth the old bones after work, go for a dip in the mineral rich Harrison Hot Springs. While you may wish to live it up luxuriously at the beautiful pools in the Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa, many locals and day-trippers simply go to the Harrison Hot Springs Public Pool for a simple soak in their namesake hot springs. The public pool is located in the heart of the village and it’s open Sunday through Thursday from 9am until 8pm, and until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays. That’s plenty of time for a dip, even if you have to drive a bit further to get there. After all, when was the last time you went for a post-dinner swim in a hot springs?

2. Five Pin Bowling in Chilliwack

Did you know that five pin bowling is a distinctly Canadian phenomenon? I didn’t realize until recently that the bowling style of my childhood was virtually non-existent outside of Canada or that it’s as unique to the Canadian identity as Tim Horton’s, Nanaimo bars or poutine. I digress. If you find yourself in the Fraser Valley and you’re craving a little five pin bowling fun, head to downtown Chilliwack’s Chillibowl Lanes. They have 24 lanes which are open late every day of the week (the earliest they close is 10pm and the latest is 11:30pm), so it’s perfect for a post-dinner activity when you’re restless and aren’t sure what to do. But they’re also locally-owned and operated and they have a licenced restaurant. What more could you ask for?

3. Night Skiing on the North Shore

Ever wanted to pursue the Vancouver cliche of golfing, sailing, and skiing all in the same day? If you’re up for the challenge, the best strategy is to do the sailing and golfing by day and then take advantage of the three night skiing options on the North Shore by evening. Right now Cypress Mountain (aka: “Cypress Bowl”),  Grouse Mountain, and Mount Seymour are open daily until 10pm, weather-dependent, of course. But that certainly gives you enough time to easily fit in several runs after dinner, school, or work. And while you’re on the North Shore, you can treat yourself to an après-ski dessert of Pinkberry Frozen Yogurt at Park Royal Mall – a much-hyped frozen yogurt franchise which opened their first Canadian location in West Vancouver this past summer. Think of it as a reward for achieving your magnificent feat in one day. Pinkberry’s conveniently open late on weekdays, staying open until 10pm on weekday evenings, and until 11pm on Fridays nights. You might have to cut your skiing short to make it there on time… but it might be worth it!

4. Snowmobiling on Blackcomb

Unlike the North Shore, Whistler does not offer night skiing. So what do the ski bums do by evening when they’re not partying it up like rock stars? It’s a good question. We were curious ourselves, so we did a bit of research and discovered that Whistler is actually home to some serious snowmobiling excursions! If you’re seeking snowmobiling close to Vancouver, this is definitely the spot. Now if you’ve never actually ridden on a snowmobile before (and believe me, you’re not alone!), Canadian Snowmobile Adventures offers a variety of guided tours on Blackcomb Mountain where you can explore the alpine setting on snowmobile under the moonlight. From the 2.5 hour “Night Rider” tour to their four hour tour complete with fondue, après-ski in Whistler may take on a whole new meaning after you put snowmobiles into the equation!

5. Ice Skating in Powell River

A good chunk of the Sunshine Coast’s recreational activities are best experienced by daylight (sailing, skiing, kayaking, hiking, fishing, etc.) so we were eager to uncover some activities you could pursue on the Sunshine Coast in the evening and in the winter. Well, we found just the place in Powell River: the Powell River Recreation Complex. We were excited to learn that they host a variety of evening ice skating sessions which are open to the public. If you find yourself on the Upper Sunshine Coast and you want to enjoy ice skating with the whole family, drop by on Tuesdays from 6:30pm until 8pm as that’s when they host their weekly family skate. There’s also their “Friday Night Out” on (you guessed it!) Friday evenings from 7:30pm until 9pm where everybody is welcome. And for the hockey loving families, the Powell River Recreation Complex hosts a weekly “Parent and Child Hockey” hour which starts at 6:15pm on Fridays. Be sure to look up with the schedule ahead of time just to double check.

Tree Farms in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains

December 6th, 2011
Tree Farms in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains
 

Photo: The Lions Club Christmas Trees in Roberts Creek. Source: Christine Wood.

Vancouver, Coast & Mountains is home to literally dozens of tree farms which are open to the public for the Christmas season. Since we’re entering the second week of December, we thought we’d highlight just some of the tree farms this region has to offer:

H&M Christmas Tree Farm – Richmond

When I was growing up in Richmond, we would always get a live Christmas tree for the house. Although there are many places to buy a Christmas tree throughout the city, it was always a treat to get our tree from the H&M Christmas Tree Farm on Gilbert and Steveston Highway. The lot would be decorated with Christmas lights and there would be Christmas music. Once or twice we’d cut down our own tree, but often we’d pick up a handsome-looking pre-cut tree from the lot. The best part about the whole experience? Drinking a hot apple cider while roasting our own hot dogs over the open fire – that is the Christmas tree farm tradition of my childhood… and it’s still going strong!

Alouette Tree Farm – Maple Ridge

They may be open all week, but the weekend is when the Alouette Tree Farm truly gets exciting. Drop by on Saturday or Sunday to go for a train ride on the Alouette Express, visit some cuddly creatures in their Snowflake Stable or get your photo taken with Santa Claus. After picking out your tree, enjoy a hot dog, hot chocolate or a hot apple cider around the campfire. There’s even a children’s craft area in Santa’s Workshop!

Lions Clubs Christmas Trees – Roberts Creek

If you’re on the Sunshine Coast, the Lions Club does an annual Christmas tree sale on Saturdays and Sundays on Leek Road in Roberts Creek. It was Sunshine Coast Tourism who gave us this tip, telling us that the sales of these Christmas trees go to support Lions Club charities. Local blogger Glenscotia brought her kids there last year and wrote, “the Lions Club grows trees on private property under some power lines and for $25, you go hike around, find the tree you want, they come and chop the tree down for you and drive it back to the warming hut.  You also get free hot chocolate, and the kids get marshmallows in theirs.” Read her whole blog post (with photos) here.

Oh Christmas Tree Farm – Langley

The Oh Christmas Tree Farm (formerly the Milner Tree Farm) has been a part of the Langley Christmas tradition for 30 years. This 17 acre tree farm offers pre-cut, u-cut, and live (with roots) Christmas trees, including Douglas firs, Fraser firs, noble firs, grand firs, blue spruces, and more. Afterwards enjoy a hot chocolate over the bonfire to complete the festive experience.

Armstrong Creek Farms – Surrey

Surrey’s Armstrong Creek Farms is a family owned and operated Christmas tree farm located in South Cloverdale. Situated in on five picturesque acres of second-growth forest (complete with creek and bridge), you’ll find Fraser firs, Nordmann firs, grand firs, noble firs, and Norway spruces. After picking out your tree, warm up with a hot cocoa or cider, sit around the bonfire or take shelter in the old hip roof barn. For a donation to the Surrey food bank, they’ll even bale your tree to fit easier in or on your car.

Looking for more tree farms? Check out the BC Christmas Tree Council website as they have a full listing of tree farms in the whole province. Or if you’d like to recommend a tree farm, please leave a comment below.

Weekday Activities for Nov 28 to Dec 2

November 28th, 2011
 


Photo: Whistler’s winter wonderland during the Whistler Film Festival. Source: Robyn Hanson.

Whistler Film Festival – Whistler

The 11th annual Whistler Film Festival kicks off this Wednesday, November 30 and continues all week until Sunday, December 4. I was fortunate enough to attend last year for the first time (which you can read about on The Snipe here), and I highly recommend experiencing it, even if you’re a casual film buff. Contrary to what you may expect, the films aren’t only about winter sports; they’re actually quite varied in subject and genre.  Also, unlike other film festivals, Whistler’s is rather small and intimate with only a handful of venues and films being shown at any time. And the bonus? You can experience Whistler as a winter wonderland – a magical feeling indeed!

Denim Do Holiday Shopping Event – Langley

If you want to get a head start on your Christmas shopping and want to save big, be sure to attend Willowbrook Shopping Centre on Tuesday night (November 29) from 7pm to 10pm for their exclusive Denim Do Holiday Shopping Event. There will be over $12,000 in prizes including a chance to win a trip for 2 to Nashville, special retail offers, a blue jean fit clinic, blue carpet treatment (complimentary beverages, treats, and prizes), and even a performance by Jaydee Bixby! Tickets are just $10 and all proceeds go to Langley School District Foundation.

GEMS: Golden Ears Movie Series – Maple Ridge

This Monday, November 28 at 7:30pm, The ACT in Maple Ridge will be showing Score: A Hockey Musical as a part of the Golden Ears Movie Series (GEMS). GEMS is presented in cooperation with Film Circuit, a division of the Toronto International Film Festival that promotes Canadian and international cinema in communities across Canada. This is the second season of the popular Golden Ears Movie Series – six nights of exceptional films!

Christmas Concerts – Powell River

Are you ready to embrace the holiday spirit? If you’re on the Upper Sunshine Coast, Brooks Secondary School will be performing two winter concerts at the Max Cameron Theatre. On Tuesday, November 29 there will be a Winter Band Concert, and on Thursday, December 1 there will be a Winter Choir Concert. Both performances begin at 7pm. On Wednesday, November 30, the Powell River Chorus will be performing their annual Christmas concert at the Evergreen Theatre at the Powell River Recreation Complex.

Vancouver Christmas Market

If you’ve ventured around downtown Vancouver recently, you might have seen what looks like a Christmas carnival (complete with carousel!) in front of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. This, folks, is the Vancouver Christmas Market. , you can stroll through the festively decorated outdoor Christmas village and be treated to row upon row of illuminated wooden huts offering handmade gifts and tempting treats. Listen to the sounds of bells, trumpeters and carolers. As day becomes night, thousands of Christmas lights sparkle and delicious aromas of mulled wine and spicy gingerbread waft through the air. The Vancouver Christmas Market is open from 11am until 9pm until December 23, and then 11am until 4pm on Christmas Eve.

Weekday Activities for November 21-25

November 21st, 2011
Weekday Activities for November 21-25
 

Photo: Whistler on opening day, November 18, 2011. Source: Mike Crane via Flickr.

The weather forecast calls for a rainy and snowy week. Whether you want to hibernate or brave the elements, we’ve got you covered! Here are 5 weekday activities worth pursuing in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains this week:

Skiing on Blackcomb Mountain – Whistler

Good news for ski bums! Blackcomb Mountain will be opening their lifts this Thursday, November 24 – one week after Whistler Mountain opened a week ahead of schedule. Skiers now heading to Whistler on or after Thursday will have access to all the resort’s ski lifts in addition to the famous PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. Even though the season’s looking great, it’s still best to double check the current conditions before heading up. Fortunately Whistler Blackcomb have a website dedicated entirely to this at www.whistlerblackcomb.com/whatsopen.

Festival of Trees – Powell River

The 16th annual Festival of Trees is happening all week in Powell River at the Town Centre Hotel. The festival kicks off with the lighting of the trees on Monday, November 21 at 6:30pm, although you can drop by the hotel all throughout the week from 11am until 8pm to view the trees, vote on your favourites, and bid on silent auction items. The Festival then closes on Saturday, November 26 with a Gala dinner, dance, and auction. Full details can be found on the Powell River Association for Community Living website at www.pracl.ca.

Two Plays by Hannah Moscovitch – North Vancouver

If you’re in the mood for a midweek theatre performance, North Vancouver’s Presentation House Theatre – just a 10 minute walk from Lonsdale Quay – is showcasing two one-act plays by one of Canada’s most sought-after playwrights: Hannah Moscovitch. The first play, The Russian Play, is set in Stalinist Russia and offers a “profound exploration of love and relationships” while Mexico City looks at the ups and downs of marriage for a couple seeking the “authentic” Mexico while on vacation. These two plays are performed daily at 8pm from Tuesday, November 22 until Saturday, November 26. For more details, visit the Presentation House Theatre’s website at www.phtheatre.org.

Bittered Sling Bistro – Vancouver

If you love craft cocktails paired with fine food, you’ll want to keep your Tuesday night available this week! Makers Mark and Kale & Nori present Bittered Sling Bistro at the Legacy Liquor Store on Tuesday, November 26. Bittered Sling Bistro is a “bi-monthly food and cocktail pairing competition dedicated to pushing the boundaries of cocktail craft”. The evening starts with a cocktail reception paired with hors d’oeuvres followed by an interactive tasting led by the guest bartender. There’s also a seasonal three course menu prepared by Kale & Nori’s Chef Jonathan Chovancek which is expertly paired with cocktails. This Tuesday’s Bittered Sling Bistro features the cocktails of Arthur Wynne, the Lead Bartender of Cascade Room and a menu that has this blogger drooling. For full details, visit the Legacy Liquor Store website at www.legacyliquorstore.com.

Inuit Prints: Japanese Inspiraton – Burnaby

It’s the second to last week to see the Inuit Prints: Japanese Inspiration exhibit at Burnaby’s Japanese Canadian National Museum (JCNM) in the Nikkei Heritage Centre. As written on the JCNM website, “This exhibition features exquisite and extraordinarily rare prints from Japan and Cape Dorset, Nunavut, from the late 1950s and early 1960s. It also tells the little-known story of how, fifty years ago, the Canadian artist and ‘discoverer’ of Inuit art, James Houston, travelled to Japan to study printmaking with Un’ichi Hiratsuka.” The exhibit will be showing Tuesday to Saturday from 11am until 5pm until December 3. For full details on this fascinating exhibit, read Tourism Burnaby’s write-up at tourismburnaby.com.

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    About 604 Pulse

    Where should we go this weekend? This is a question we hear a lot, and it’s a question we often ask ourselves. So we had an idea: why not create a website where we explore all the things to see and do in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region, and then share them with you. We’ll provide locals and visitors personal insight into the cool things you can see and do in the region. Each week we’ll give you new tips, highlight upcoming events, share our favourite blogs, and tell you about our travels.

    Vancouver, Coast & Mountains is a non-profit society, which represents business and community tourism interests from throughout the region. VCM invites you to come and discover the four distinct destination areas that make up Vancouver, Coast & Mountains: Metro Vancouver, Mighty Fraser Country, Sea to Sky Country, and the Sunshine Coast.

    Do you have a suggestion for a blog post?
    E-mail us at info@604Pulse.com.

    Blogger Bio

    The voice behind 604 Pulse is that of Robyn Hanson. Born and raised in Vancouver, Robyn is a recognized expert on social media use for tourism operators. She has been an active participant and frequent contributor to online travel communities since 1998. With a keen interest in local history, geography, live music, and photography, Robyn has a passion for the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains tourism region that is evident in the enthusiasm in the posts. Robyn posts almost daily to 604 Pulse and authors all of the site content.

    Vancouver, Coast & Mountains on Twitter
    604Pulse: Want to escape the city and go for a walk in the forest? Head to Lynn Canyon Park: http://t.co/MmpMSo3y
    604Pulse: @SeanEckford Egmonsters? Love it!
    604Pulse: Seeking adventure this weekend? We recommend river rafting in the Fraser Canyon: http://t.co/MmpMSo3y
    604Pulse: Egmont - an unfortunate name for a town but one of the most stunning views on the Lower Sunshine Coast: http://t.co/J7pMmoVC


     
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