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10 Events for the First Weekend of October:

September 30th, 2011
10 Events for the First Weekend of October:
 

Fall has arrived in southwestern BC, and with it comes a plethora of fabulous seasonal events – fall fairs, film festivals, and quality entertainment. Without further ado, here are 10 events happening in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains on this first weekend of October:

1. DOXA Documentary Film Festival

Film buffs on the Sunshine Coast will want to spend this weekend at Sechelt‘s Raven’s Cry Theatre for the DOXA Documentary Film Festival. The festival features 14 films selected from some of DOXA’s previous festivals, including the thrilling slam poetry film Louder Than a Bomb and Sundance prize-winner If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front. Also screening will be Highway Gospel, an all-Canadian celebration of the outlaw sport of long-boarding, featuring Pender Harbour’s legendary Attack of Danger Bay, and selections from National Parks Project, with a special musical performance from Veda Hille.

When: Friday, September 30 until Sunday, October 2
Website: http://www.doxafestival.ca/

2. A Night on Broadway

Don’t miss out on this one-day-only performance at the Surrey Art’s Centre this Saturday! Join Surrey‘s own music theatre stars Christopher Simmons and Debra DaVaughn as they perform the Surrey Thanksgiving tradition of A Night on Broadway. Joined by three other professionals, they present an incredible evening of excerpts from some of the most popular Broadway musicals of all time including Guys & Dolls, West Side Story, Annie Get Your Gun, Little Shop of Horrors, The Lion King, and more!

When: Saturday, October 1 at 3:30pm and 7:30pm.
Website: http://www.surrey.ca/culture-recreation/9784.aspx

3. The Shed Row Market

The 3rd annual Shed Row Market is happening this weekend at Langley‘s Fields and Flowers Farm and it’ll have a Thanksgiving theme. Held several times per year, The Shed Row Market is an exclusive indoor and outdoor boutique-style market that features locally grown and produced foods and flowers along with jewellery, pottery, paintings and more. The market benefits The New Stride Thoroughbred Adoption Society which provides Thoroughbred horses, just off the track, a chance to succeed in other equestrian disciplines and become much loved companions.

When: Saturday, October 1 from 9:30am to 5:30pm and Sunday, October 2 from 10am to 5pm.
Website: http://theshedrowmarket.com/

4. Pender Harbour Fall Faire

The 11th Annual Pender Harbour Fall Faire is one of the many fantastic fall festivals happening on the Sunshine Coast this weekend. Come to Pender Harbour on Saturday and experience the harvest exhibition and competitions (produce, baked goods, jams & jellies, wines), entertainment, dog agility and dancing demonstrations, quilt show, photo contest, art auction, vendors, hay rides and a mechanical cow milking contest – all in downtown Madeira Park.

When: Saturday, October 1 from 10am to 3pm.
Website: http://www.sunshinecoastcanada.com/visit/fallevents.php

4. Roberts Creek Fall Faire – Roberts Creek

Come to Roberts Creek this Sunday afternoon and celebrate the renaissance of farm and food culture on the Sunshine Coast. The 4th Annual Roberts Creek Fall Faire takes place at the Roberts Creek Community Hall where you can expect great music, amazing food, press-your-own apple cider, kids activities, contests and more. And if you’re a gardener, be sure to enter in one of the many contests such as Greatest Jam or Jelly, Best Fermented Preserve, Biggest Pumpkin or Squash, Best-Dressed Zucchini, or Most Unique Looking Veggie.

When: Sunday, October 2 from 12pm to 4pm.
Website: http://www.sunshinecoastcanada.com/visit/fallevents.php

5. Movie Premiere of Attack of La Niña

Millennium Place will be hosting the movie premiere of Attack of La Niña this Friday and Saturday in Whistler. The MSP film chronicles the deepest North American winter in recent history and features super steep descents, unbelievably deep powder, and giant airs. Attack of La Niña will transport you to Colorado, Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, California, and many other world-class destinations.

When: Friday, September 30 and Saturday, October 1 at 7pm and 9pm.
Website: http://www.artswhistler.com

7. Applepalooza – Richmond

Celebrate the love for all things apple this Sunday at the 2nd Annual Applepalooza at the southern foot of Gilbert Road in Richmond. Enjoy apple tasting and purchase a wide variety of heritage and organically grown apples, apple chutney, apple pie and other apple baked goods. A salmon BBQ lunch will be provided by Chef Ian Lai along with the musical accompaniment of WinterMitts and Da Bhredhren. Proceeds go towards the Richmond Fruit Tree Sharing Project, a local charity that grows food for the Richmond Food Bank and community meal programs.

When: Sunday, October 2 from 10am to 2pm.
Website: http://www.richmondfoodsecurity.org/2011/applepalooza-oct-2nd/

8. 2nd Annual Salmon Celebration

Celebrate the salmon harvest at Powell River‘s French Club this Saturday for the 2nd Annual Salmon Celebration. This family event includes clowns, songs, face painting, magic and drum workshops, display booths, a silent auction, and a banquet with musical entertainment by Fanny Starchild and Ensemble.

When: Saturday, October 1 from 1pm until 5pm.
Website: http://www.sunshinecoastcanada.com/visit/fallevents.php

9. Vancouver Bikennale

Experience the Vancouver Biennale on bicycle this Sunday during the aptly-named Vancouver Bikennale. This is the last chance to experience the awesome sculptures before the exhibition ends. Join docents at key sculptures for buttons, postcards and plenty of snacks to get you through this family-friendly ride from Vancouver‘s Sunset Beach Park to Coal Harbour.

When: Sunday, October 2 from 10am to 4pm.
Website: http://www.vancouverbiennale.com/bikennale.html

10. Fall Festival at South Fraser Gate

If you’re needing to go shopping this Saturday and you find yourself in the Fraser Valley, head to Abbotsford‘s South Fraser Gate for their Fall Festival. Enjoy BBQ, free samples, games, prizes and a huge bouncy castle. All proceeds will go towards Abbotsford Central Community School – a non-profit organization that provides free after-school programming to the community.

When: Saturday, October 1 from 10:30am until 3:30pm.
Website: n/a

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10 Reasons Why We Love Stanley Park

September 27th, 2011
10 Reasons Why We Love Stanley Park
 

Photo: Having way too much fun at Stanley Park’s Prospect Point. Source: Erin Hanson.

Happy Birthday Stanley Park! According to the Vancouver Park Board, “Stanley Park was officially opened by Mayor David Oppenheimer on Sept. 27, 1888. That makes the park 123 years old today!” So thanks to the Vancouver Park Board as well as The Dependent and BCIT Broadcast News for putting this special occasion on our radar. As a result, we were inspired to write up some of our favourite reasons why this 1000 acre gem of a park is beloved amongst everyone that visits Vancouver.

1. Cycling the Sea Wall:

Cycling around the sea wall is the epitome of the Stanley Park experience. Rent a bike from one of the various shops on Denman and Robson and ride your bike counterclockwise around the 8.8km of flat (for the most part) paved bike path. An excellent introduction to Stanley Park, this bike ride provides you with views of forests and gardens to your left and salt water inlets, bays, and beaches on your right. All in all, it’ll let you experience what living in Vancouver is all about.

2. The Vancouver Aquarium:

A visit to Stanley Park isn’t complete without venturing into the Vancouver Aquarium. This marine science centre is Canada’s largest aquarium and features beluga whales, dolphins, sea otters, an Amazon exhibit, an Arctic exhibit, a Pacific coast exhibit, animal encounters, and a brand new 4-D Experience theatre! An excellent activity for all ages, the Vancouver Aquarium has been a favourite destination for both local and visiting families for generations.

3. Sunsets at Third Beach:

Is there anything more beautiful than a sunset at Third Beach? We think not! Our suggestion? Take your bike down with a group of friends or with your significant other. Bring a blanket, a guitar, and a backpack full of snacks and let mother nature work her magic on the horizon!

4. Stanley Park Horse Drawn Tours:

Horse-drawn tours have been a part of the Stanley Park experience for as practically as long as Stanley Park has been around. These one hour tours are fully narrated and provide visitors with the natural and cultural history of the eastern side of the park.  These tours go from March 15th to October 31st every year.

5. Lost Lagoon:

Situated between Coal Harbour and Third Beach, Lost Lagoon got its name from one of Vancouver’s first poets: Pauline Johnson. The story goes that Lost Lagoon was once connected to the sea by underground passages and as a result, it would lose its water at low tide. Hence, the lagoon would be “lost” periodically throughout the day. Nowadays Lost Lagoon is a marshy freshwater lake and functions as a bird sanctuary for waterfowl such as Canada geese, swans, and ducks. Keep your eyes out for the family of racoons that linger by the bridges, and look up in the sky at dusk to spot the insect-hunting bats. And for the serious nature lovers, pay a visit to the Stanley Park Ecology Society – they also call Lost Lagoon home.

6. The Herons:

Stanley Park is home to a colony of Great Blue Herons that nest in the trees above the Second Beach Tennis Courts. Every year in April, May and June, they come here to nest. Just follow your nose towards the stench of fish and look above. Voila! Seemingly hundreds of herons – in massive nests – in the trees! It’s an odd but delightfully amusing way to admire these birds.

7. Pitch & Putt:

The Stanley Park Pitch & Putt is one of Vancouver’s most popular golfing destinations. With 18 holes ranging from 40 to 100 yards, this splendid course is free of hazards and provides an unrivaled setting bordered by a magnificent rhododendron garden.

8. Forested Trails:

Part of the beauty of Stanley Park is that it contains a vast swath of mature temperate rainforest – enough to make you feel as though you’re in the middle of the wilderness – far away from the city centre. Of course, the reality is that downtown Vancouver is only minutes away. But its’ here within Stanley Park’s forested trails that you can lose yourself for a few hours and invigorate your soul with that satisfyingly Earthy smell of Western Red Dedar, Douglas Fir, and Hemlock. Mmmm….

9. Prospect Point:

Located at the top of the the north-western corner of Stanley Park – the highest peak in the park, proper – Prospect Point offers visitors with panoramic views of the Lion’s Gate Bridge, West Vancouver, and Burrard Inlet. Keep your eyes out for yet another family of raccoons that like to pose for the cameras. Just don’t feed them!

10. Totem Poles:

Some may argue that Stanley Park’s totem poles are tacky, but they are certainly iconic! Situated at the eastern end of Stanley Park, the totem poles are likely the most photographed landmark to this day. These totem poles are a good starting point for learning about some of  British Columbia’s First Nations peoples, although in the summer, don’t miss out on Klahowya Village.

Note:

Yes, this is just the tip of the Stanley Park iceberg. We’d love to include more on Beaver Lake, Lost Lagoon, Siwash Rock, Deadman’s Island, Brockton Oval, Malkin Bowl, the Rose Garden, Lumberman’s Arch, lawn bowling, the Fish House, the Teahouse, the Second Beach Swimming Pool, the Hollow Tree (or what’s left of it!), the Harry Jerome Statue, the children’s playground, the countless memorials, that guy that balances rocks, etc. … but we’d be here writing for the next week? So we’ll leave it up to you:

What are the reasons why you love Stanley Park?

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Hidden Secrets: Steveston Village

September 26th, 2011
Hidden Secrets: Steveston Village
 

Photo: Steveston Village at the mouth of the Fraser River. Source: Robyn Hanson.

By Nick and Graham

Steveston is a place you may have heard of, a place you may have seen on TV or in the movies, a place you may go to once a year for Canada Day, a place you may visit all the time, or a place you may know intimately. The great thing about Steveston is that is all these things, and more.

With the mighty mouth of the Fraser on one side and the bustling city of Richmond on the other, Steveston is a village that exists in contradictions. An active fishing fleet, working alongside a vibrant local community, living amidst a trendy tourist destination; it’s hard to find that sort of balance anywhere else. From living, working and playing, to parks, patios and playgrounds. Shopping for bread, beer and bras, or going dog walking, whale watching or kite flying. Here, it just works.

So whether you’re a long time resident or a first time visitor, a weekly regular or a weekend warrior, stopping in for the day or working until the night, we hope these ideas help make your next Steveston stop.

First Timers


Photo: The Gulf of Georgia Cannery. Source: Robyn Hanson.

First and foremost, we’re famous for our fish and chips. Whether you enjoy them in the park, on the wharf, in a store or on-the-go, no visit to Steveston is complete without it.

If you’re in the mood to take fish home with you, buy some fresh off the docks from one of the many boats at Fisherman’s Wharf.

For dessert, it’s only a short walk to Timothy’s for frozen yogurt and ice cream in warm waffle cones, and while those mini donuts are a summer delicacy at the PNE, they’re available year-round at Outpost.

Whatever time of year it is, the Steveston Farmers & Artisans Market runs every second Sunday, both inside and outside the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. During the spring and summer you’ll find fresh produce, treats and unique crafty items lining the sidewalks and parking lot, and during the winter you can explore the award-winning Cannery museum while picking your way through the vendor stalls.

Families


The Steveston Farmers & Artisans Market in May 2010. Source: Robyn Hanson.

If you’ve got kids in your car, it’s impossible to miss the sprawling Steveston Community Centre Park on the way into the village. This central hub for children boasts a fully climbable fishing boat, an epic slide, more monkey bars than you can shake a stick at, swings galore, and plenty of benches for the rest of us.

Take some of that energy and let them loose at the Steveston Bike Park at the end of No. 2 Road, or go explore the interactive exhibits at the Cannery, where it’s only a hop, skip and a jump to get a Screamer ice cream afterwards.

If the market is on, just try to walk past the Kettle Corn tent without treating them to a bag, and what better way to follow up a good play than a visit to Splash Toy Store.

While not the best place for swimming, Garry Point has a beach full of climbing opportunities for kids, and offers some of the best kite watching to cap off your day.

Foodies

With such a range of restaurants, it’s hard to know where to start. The wharf is a great choice for its collection of patios with the Blue Canoe, Shady Island, Sockeye City, Cimona, Paesano’s and Tapenade all within one block. Follow the smell of BBQ over to Hog Shack Cook House, lounge at the neighbouring Mandalay Steakhouse, or get a taste of Malaysia at Kari House.

Venture off the docks for experiences exclusive to Steveston, like Greek food at George’s or Kisamos, pub food at the Buck & Ear or O’Hare’s, and sushi at Ichiro or Yokohama.

There may be another location downtown now, but Steveston Pizza Company started here, and you’ve never had a gourmet pizza quite like this.

Definitely don’t miss wines, cheese and charcuterie platters under a tree at trendy Gudrun, and make sure to take home some local baking, like bread fresh from an old stone oven at Romania Country Breads, custom designed cupcakes at Bell’s Bake Shop, and classic cake creations at the Diplomat Bakery.

Explorers


Photo: Inside the men’s bunkhouse at Britannia Heritage Shipyard. Source: Robyn Hanson.

Those seeking adventure and exploration can hop on board the Vancouver Whale Watch or take a Steveston Seabreeze Adventures, with the latter offering more land-based bike rentals too.

If you’re on wheels, the dyke is ready to be biked all along the waterfront, and continues right around Richmond if you want to keep riding.

Sticking closer to the village, the Steveston Museum has a free downloadable heritage map for a self-guided walking tour, and you will definitely want to wander through the Britannia Heritage Shipyard, where you can search out the chicken coop amidst the original buildings and homes of Cannery Row.

For the smaller scale adventurer, there’s also the many Steveston-specific geocaching sites, and for those hunting out that long lost LP, the Beatmerchant has you covered.

Regulars

If you come to Steveston regularly, chances are you’re getting a coffee. For a relatively small area, we’ve got plenty of coffee shops. Besides chains like Starbucks, Blenz and Waves, we’ve also got classics like the Steveston Cannery Cafe and the Steveston Coffee Company, as well as modern favourites like Rocanini and Bean & Beyond.

Gift shopping is made easy on Moncton, where four popular gift shops sit right next door to each other: Serenity, Splash, Nikaido and Pieces.

Investigate the village further by seeking out discount treasures at the General Store, both the thrift stores, and all three fashion consignment stores. From there you can expand to the many specialty boutiques: jewelery, maternity, travel, furniture, appliances, pets, marine supplies, and more.

Locals


Photo: A Garry Point sunset. Source: Clayton Perry via Flickr.

Locals love everything mentioned already, but enjoy a pace during the week that is a little slower than what you find on weekends.

To live like a local, buy fish off the dock but complete your meal at one of our local grocers: Super Grocer, Veggie King, Heringers and Nirvana Organics.

We like to go to Steveston Barbers for a classic barbershop experience and an excellent hair cut, but you’ve got your choice of more than a dozen other hair dressers in the village.

As well, locals know that they can get their appliances fixed, cars repaired, taxes done, teeth cleaned, nails painted, backs massaged, wine made, prescriptions filled, and dogs groomed without leaving town. To end a busy day like that, all that’s left is to bring a lawn chair or blanket to Garry Point and take in a relaxing sunset.

Nick and Graham are guest bloggers for 604 Pulse with a vision to help make Steveston more awesome. In July of this year they launched inSteveston.com, the independent source for all things Steveston. They aim to bring together both the people and businesses of Steveston, while showing off the best that their little town has to offer. Their mission is to investigate, document and celebrate everything that makes Steveston Village unique.

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Family Activities for the Labour Day Long Weekend

August 30th, 2011
Family Activities for the Labour Day Long Weekend
 

Photo: Story telling at Klahowya Village in Stanley Park. Source: Ray Van Eng via Flickr.

If you’re a parent, you’ll no doubt know that it’s the last weekend before the kids go back to school. With so many families squeezing the last out of summer vacation, we thought we’d highlight a few activities that your whole family can enjoy during this upcoming Labour Day Long Weekend. Here are our top 10 picks!

1. Cycling Around Stanley Park:

Pack a picnic and take the family on a bike ride around Stanley Park. If you don’t have your own bikes, you can rent them from numerous bike shops along Denman Street, such as Spokes and Bayshore Bike Rentals. Although the sea wall’s the most popular cycling route in Stanley Park, don’t forget about the many forested trails. And don’t forget to pack a swimsuit! You can break up the cycling with a visit to the Variety Kid’s Water Park, Third Beach, or the Second Beach Swimming Pool.

2. Tsleil-Waututh Nation Days at Klahowya Village:

Another Stanley Park activity worth experiencing this weekend is Klahowya Village‘s Tsleil-Waututh Nation Days. The Tsleil-Waututh Nation (the First Nations peoples indigenous to Burrard Inlet since time immemorial) will have performers, storytellers and artists on site to share their culture and to tell the stories of their Nation’s historic and cultural connection to Stanley Park. Tsleil-Waututh Nation Days happens from Friday, September 2 until Sunday, September 4. For those who aren’t familiar, Klahowya Village is Stanley Park’s summer aboriginal village where you can learn about local native culture through story telling, dance, art, crafts, and more. Finish your visit with the story of “The Raven Saving the Sun” narrated aboard the 13-minute Spirit Catcher Train ride!

3. Splashdown Park:

Want to make your kids feel like they’ve won the lottery? Treat them to a day at Tsawwassen’s Splashdown Park. As a kid, Splashdown Park was the ultimate destination for water slide lovers and it’s still Greater Vancouver’s only water slide park. Located along Hwy 17 just before the ferry terminal, Splashdown is both a water slide park and a family-friendly recreational site with grassy treed picnic grounds, beach volleyball courts, and basketball facilities. In other words, it’s not just water slides. But if water slides are your thing, there are pools and slides to suit every age, from the Children’s Splash Park for toddlers all the way up to the thrilling Black Hole slide for big kids. Splashdown Park will be closing for the season after the Labour Day weekend, so don’t procrastinate!

4. Sunshine Music Festival:

If you’re looking at taking the family on a mini road trip this weekend, we recommend heading up the Sunshine Coast to Powell River for the 30th Annual Sunshine Music Festival. Highlights include performances by Danny Michel, Mae Moore, The Paperboys, and the Fugitives. If you love the Vancouver Folk Festival, then you’ll love the Sunshine Music Festival – a folk music festival celebrating musical styles from around the world. You can buy single day passes or full weekend passes, but whatever you choose, children under 12 are free!

5. Fall Fair at the Burnaby Village Museum:

Step back into the 1920′s at the Burnaby Village Museum & Carousel. This Monday, September 5th they’ll be hosting their Fall Fair from 11am until 4:30pm. This is described on their website as “an old fashioned fall fair complete with games of chance, races and entertainment. Join one of the races, try the corn shucking, or bite your way through the watermelon-eating contest”. Admission is free for everyone, and there will also be free carousel rides compliments of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission and C.U.P.E. Local 23.

6. Giggle Ridge Adventure Golf:

Take the family out for a crazy game of mini golf at Giggle Ridge Adventure Golf. Located just outside of Cultus Lake, Giggle Ridge is a uniquely-designed timber mini golf course that’s themed as an abandoned logging camp, complete with railroad trestles and magical faces carved into the trees. Garden lovers will appreciate the floral displays – the 20,000 annuals, lush green foliage, and perennial grasses – all kept looking gorgeous thanks to the helpful assistance of local gardening guru, Brian Minter! Giggle Ridge is open daily from 10am until 9pm until Monday, September 5.

7. Fort Farm Fair at Fort Langley National Historic Site:

Visit a real Hudson’s Bay fur trade fort and one of the earliest European settlements in British Columbia at the Fort Langley National Historic Site. This weekend they’ll be hosting their Fort Farm Fair from September 3 until 5. As described on their website, “Explore the heritage garden and feed the farm animals at this authentic Hudson’s Bay Company fort. Built in 1827, Fort Langley’s workers operated a 2000-acre farm. Watch our cooper make a barrel, the container of choice for exporting butter and potatoes! Compete in the farm relay and watch farm-related demonstrations.”

8. Wildplay Whistler:

If your family loves hands-on adventure and adrenaline rushes, then you’ll want to head up the Sea to Sky to WildPlay Whistler. This adventuer park is self-described as “Beauty and bravery combined. Sitting among the ancient cedars of Cougar Mountain, WildPlay Whistler offers a distinctly remote outdoor experience. Climbing and zipping through this park is a breathtaking ecological adventure. Guests are delighted by sightings of with eagles, marmots, deer, and other animals who live amid the indigenous Skunk Cabbage and Devil’s Club and towering 900 year old Douglas fir trees. In an area known for extremes, WildPlay Whistler delivers the ultimate primal fun and games.”

9. Old & New Day at the BC Farm Museum:

Sometimes we take for granted how fascinating old farm machinery is and how much farm technology has evolved over the decades. If BC’s farm history piques your interest, get your family out to the BC Farm Museum in Fort Langley, home to BC’s largest pioneer collection. This Monday, September 5 is Old & New Day. Old tractors from the museum will be displayed beside new tractors from local dealers. See today’s version of the McLaughlin Carriage, as well as Model As, Model Ts, and other vintage cars on display with Langley’s newest and oldest fire trucks. There will also be free Tim Horton’s coffee and Timbits from noon to 2 pm. There will also be fresh local corn-on-the-cob and pop sale. Admission is by donation.

10. Chilliwack Bluegrass Festival:

It’s the weekend of the 24th Annual Chilliwack Bluegrass Festival – a festival that’s been popular with local music-loving families for generations! The festival goes from September 2 until September 4 and features performances by Missouri’s Cedar Hill, Oklahoma’s Ill Generation, Ontario’s Foggy Hogtown Boys, to name but a few. As described on their website, “In addition to hearing great tunes, mingling with the artists, and tapping your toes, there’s a lot more to see and do: Open mic, beginner jams, extensive workshops, corn shuckin’ contests, and free corn roasts every night! Our festival features an indoor venue, grass or gravel camping, and a Sunday church service is provided.” You can buy weekend or day passes, and children 5 and under are free.

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Hidden Secrets: 10 Events for August 19, 20 & 21

August 18th, 2011
Hidden Secrets: 10 Events for August 19, 20 & 21
 

Photo: The Slow Food Cycle in Pemberton in 2008. Source: Dave Harvey via Flickr.

Hidden Secrets is a blog post series we do when we want to highlight quirky, one-of-a-kind attractions, places, or events. Sometimes it’s simply something cool that piques our interest. Our goal with it? To inspire you to get out of your weekend routine, to explore new places and experience new activities. Here’s what’s happening on this upcoming weekend:

1. Synchronicity Coast Culture Fest – Gibsons:

Embrace the culture of the Sunshine Coast this weekend at the Synchronicity Coast Culture Fest in Gibsons. This two-day carnival-like event will feature live music, an outdoor circus, an artisan and farmers market, a children’s tent, art installations, food and wine, and info booths for innovative organizations and businesses. Needless to say, it’ll give you a taste of what Sunshine Coast living is all about!

When: Saturday, August 20 and Sunday, August 21.
Website: http://www.deercrossingtheartfarm.org/synchronicity2011/

2. Slow Food Cycle Sunday – Pemberton:

Pemberton’s 7th annual Slow Food Cycle happens this Sunday where over 3000 participants will be cycling Pemberton Meadows Road (a 50km round trip) visiting farms and vendors along the way. There will be farm produce and other items available for sale at the stops, but be sure to bring your own food and water for while you’re cycling. Although the farms close at 4pm, you can continue your evening at Pemberton’s Pioneer Park for August Fest. This is a Bavarian-style BBQ and beer garden fundraiser for the Pemberton Rotary Club – the perfect ending to the weekend!

When: Sunday, August 21 from 8am until 4pm. August Fest goes from 1pm until 7pm.
Website: http://www.slowfoodcyclesunday.com/

3. Pender Harbour Garlic Festival – Pender Harbour:

Whether you enjoy eating garlic or growing it in your garden, you’ll want to be on the Sunshine Coast this weekend for the second annual Pender Harbour Garlic Festival. Not only will there be a variety of garlicky (and non-garlicky) foods to enjoy, but a really impressive line-up of live music is scheduled throughout the day, including a performance by local folk legend Valdy! The garlic festival also includes a variety of activities for kids, including a bouncy castle, face painting, and horseback rides.

When: Saturday, August 20 from 9am to 10pm and Sunday, August 21 from 9am to 6pm.
Website: http://penderharbourgarlicfestival.ca/

4. Art on the Farm – Chilliwack:

The 7th annual Art on the Farm is a free, family-oriented community art event being held on a Chilliwack hobby farm just outside of Cultus Lake. Local artists will be selling pottery, glass beads, hand made children’s clothes, quilts, knitting, pastels, paintings, jewelery, papier-mâché, tree branch chandeliers, tie dye workshops, woodworking, hand made soap, and more! There will also be performances by the Chilliwack School of Performing Arts, local soloists, and the gypsy ragtime Vancouver band Blackberry Wood. And for the foodies, come for the u-pick blackberries, home made pies and chili, yummy salsas, jams and chutneys. Take a look at the photos from last year’s event here to get an idea of what to expect!

When: Saturday, August 20 from 10am until 4pm.
Website: http://artonthefarm.ca/

5. BowFEAST 2011 – Bowen Island:

Come to Bowen Island this weekend for BowFEAST – a celebration of local eating and Bowen Island farmers. It may have already started earlier in the week, but this Saturday, BowFEAST features the Farmers Market from 9am until noon where you can expect local produce, baked goods, jam, honey, live music, a kids table, and more! According to the Bowen Island Undercurrent, even the local retailers will be doing something special for BowFEAST, including The Ruddy Potato, the Bowen Island Beer and Wine Cellar, Cocoa West Chocolatier, Phoenix on Bowen, and Tuscany/Artisan Eats.

When: Monday, August 15 to Sunday, August 21.
Website: http://www.bowenagalliance.ca/

6. Live at Squamish 2011 – Squamish:

After a very successful inaugural year, Live in Squamish returns to the Outdoor Recreational Capital of Canada this weekend. This year the Squamish two-day music festival has an even more impressive lineup, including performances by Girl Talk, Donald Glaude, Metric, Shane Koyczan, Shad, Kyprios, the John Butler Trio, Brasstronaut, Stars, Black Mountain, and Weezer, just to name a few. You can buy tickets for the day or for the full weekend, although ticket prices are significantly cheaper if you purchase them before midnight of Friday, August 19.

When: Saturday, August 20 and Sunday, August 21.
Website: http://www.liveatsquamish.com/

7. Arts Alive in the Park – Powell River:

Come to Powell River this weekend for the annual Arts Alive in the Park. This free two day event follows the week-long Blackberry Festival and features established and emerging local artists who’ll be displaying and selling their work. Bring the whole family along as there will also be dance, music, a poetry slam, and a variety of artistic workshops for both kids and adults.

When: Saturday, August 20 from 11am until 7pm, and Sunday, August 21 from 11am until 6pm.
Website: http://www.powellriverartscouncil.com/arts_alive/

8. Enchanted Evenings Concert Series – Vancouver:

There’s a lot more to Vancouver’s Chinatown than Chinese grocers and dim sum. Every Friday night until September 2nd, the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Gardens host the Enchanted Evenings Concert Series. There’s a different music group, sound and rhythm featured each week. This Friday, Deanna Knight and the Hot Club of Mars will be performing their own style of hot, sultry swing and gypsy jazz. Afterward? Wander over to the Vancouver Chinatown Night Market which happens right outside until 11pm on Keefer Street. Then after that? Grab a cocktail at the Keefer Bar – one of the best pre-Prohibition-style cocktail lounges in the city. It’s a Friday night out in Chinatown that you won’t regret!

When: Friday, August 19 from 7pm until 9:30pm.
Website: http://www.vancouverchinesegarden.com/

9. Chilliwack Flight Fest – Chilliwack:

If last weekend’s airshow in Abbotsford left you craving more, you’ll definitely want to check out the Chilliwack Flight Fest this weekend. The festival kicks off on Saturday evening with the Hangar BBQ and dance, followed by the airshow on Sunday. To get the most out of the day, arrive early at 8am for the pancake breakfast and pre-shows at 11am. The main airshow performances get going at 1pm.

When: Saturday, August 20 from 6pm onward, and Sunday, August 21 from 8am until 4pm.
Website: http://chilliwackairshow.ca/

10. Beerlesque – Vancouver:

As highlighted in a previous blog post, your resident blogger enjoys her craft beer! It therefore makes perfect sense to conclude this week’s Hidden Secrets with Beerlesque: An Adult Carnival for the Senses. Taking place at Yaletown’s Roundhouse Community Centre, this fundraiser features 15 craft breweries (including my personal favourites – Howe Sound Brewing and Phillips Brewing Company), entertainment by Blackberry Wood (who will be playing at the aforementioned Art on the Farm two days later), Bad Girls Burlesque, Kata Sita (the world’s youngest female sword swallower), and more! Dressing up is encouraged – there will be a prize for the best costume!

When: Friday, August 19 from 7pm until midnight.
Website: http://www.roundhouse.ca/

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Hidden Secrets: 10 Weekend Events for July 23 & 24

July 22nd, 2011
Hidden Secrets: 10 Weekend Events for July 23 & 24
 

Photo: Chasing the cheese down the hill at the Canadian Cheese Rolling Festival in Whistler.

Hidden Secrets is a blog post series we do when we want to highlight quirky, one-of-a-kind attractions, places, or events. Sometimes it’s simply something cool that piques our interest. Our goal with it? To inspire you to get out of your weekend routine, to explore new places and experience new activities. Here’s what’s happening the weekend of July 23 & 24:

1. Sea Cavalcade – Gibsons:

Head to the Sunshine Coast this weekend for the 43rd annual Sea Cavalcade. This Gibsons summer festival features fireworks, pancake breakfasts, a parade, races, games, a family fun day, free yoga, loggers sports, street dances, and more. It can easily be experienced as a day trip from Vancouver – Gibsons is only a 40 minute ferry ride away from Horseshoe Bay. Better yet, spend the night in Gibsons to experience both days of the festival.

When: Saturday, July 23 from 9am-10pm & Sunday, July 24 from 8am-8pm.
Website: http://seacavalcade.ca

2. Kitchen Quickies with Vikram Vij – Squamish:

Kitchen Quickies, a unique grocery store in Squamish, will be hosting a live tasting and cookbook signing event with Chef Vikram Vij this Saturday. Vij’s, by the way, is arguably one of the most sought-after restaurants in Vancouver, well known internationally for its gourmet Indian fusion cuisine. To meet Chef Vikram Vij himself, and taste his cooking, should be quite the delight!

When: Saturday, July 23, 11-2pm.
Website: http://kitchenquickies.com

3. Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Country Fest:

Looking for a family fun event this weekend? The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Country Festival has free admission this year, so why not check it out? There’s a midway, live music and performances, 4H Club animals and demonstrations (like sheep shearing and horse shoeing), Cow Patty bingo, beer gardens, climbing walls, and even roller derby demos. Essentially, a good ol’ fashioned country fair. What’s not to love?

When: Saturday, July 23 from 10am-11pm & Sunday, July 24 from 10am-6pm.
Website: http://www.mrpmcountryfest.com

4. Khatsahlano! The West 4th Music + Art Festival – Vancouver:

Kitsilano hosts the biggest street festival of the summer on Saturday. The Khatsahlano! Music + Art Festival will be a full day of live music on five sounds stages on West 4th Avenue between Burrard and Balsam. Some of the acts include John & Roy, Yukon Blonde, and Aidan Knight. Local merchants will turn West 4th into a massive street fair with a wide variety of food options, shopping, street performers and plenty of giveaways. There’s even a giant garage sale planned!

When: Saturday, July 23 from 11am-6pm.
Website: http://www.shopwest4th.com

5.  Canadian Cheese Rolling Festival – Whistler:

Yup, we’re not making this up! Whistler is hosting the Canadian Cheese Rolling Festival. They explain, “Cheese Rolling is deceptively simple: an 11-pound wheel of cheese is rolled down a hill and everyone chases it, slipping, tripping and tumbling on the way down. The lucky winner gets to keep the cheese, and gets two ski season passes to Whistler Blackcomb!” It also includes cheese seminars, family activities, games, and cheese to taste. I’m game, are you?

When: Saturday, July 23 from 12 noon-4pm.
Website: http://www.canadiancheeserolling.ca/

6.  Caribbean Days Festival -  North Vancouver:

The annual Caribbean Days Festival takes place this weekend in North Vancouver’s Waterfront Park. Festivities kick off on Saturday morning with the Multicultural Street Parade and all throughout the weekend you can expect there live music and entertainment, crafts, food, and the Waterfront Party on Saturday night!

When: Saturday, July 23 & Sunday, July 24 from 10am onward.
Website: http://www.caribbeandays.ca/

7. Slow Food Vancouver Cycle Tours – Agassiz & Chilliwack:

If you’re a foodie who loves supporting local farms who also enjoys a good bike ride, head out to the Fraser Valley this weekend for Slow Food Vancouver’s Cycle Tours. As explained on their website, “The cycle tours are aligned with the Slow Food movement and are designed to connect producers with co-producers (a slow food term for consumers as we are in partnership with our farmers). Cycle country roads while visiting farmers on this family oriented event.”

When: Saturday, July 23 from 9am-4pm in Agassiz & Sunday, July 24 from 9am-4pm in Chilliwack.
Website: http://www.slowfoodvancouver.com

8. Sea Fair Festival
– Powell River:

The 48th Annual Sea Fair Festival is happening all weekend in Powell River. As described on their webise, “r, a tradition since 1963, brings together the community for fun in the sun in the last weeks of July. There are contests before and during the big weekend, a variety of entertainment, local vendor displays, and a carnival. Fireworks on Saturday night followed by a family day on Sunday, with activities focused on the little ones, rounds out the weekend with a bang.”

When: Saturday, July 23 & Sunday, July 24
Website: http://www.powellriverseafair.com/

9. Linda McRae at Kumsheen – Lytton:

Singer songwriter Linda McRae will be performing at Lytton’s Kumsheen Rafting Resort on Saturday night as a part of the 2nd Annual Summer Music Series. You may remember her as the bassist and accordionist of Spirit of the West. Admission is only $5. Should be a great evening of good music in the Fraser Canyon!

When: Saturday, July 23 at 8pm.
Website: http://www.kumsheen.com

10. Aldergrove Fair Days:

The Fraser Valley seems to be the hotbed of festival activity this weekend! In Aldergrove check out the Aldergrove Fair Days which is happening all weekend. This festival features a parade, pancake breakfasts, games (such as water balloon tossing, the 3 legged race, and wheelbarrow races), live music and entertainment, the 99th (yes!) annual Agricultural Fair & 4H Displays, a Kidzone, art shows, military displays, and even a chili cook-off!

When: Saturday, July 23 from 10am-11pm & Sunday, July 24 from 9:30am-4pm.
Website: http://www.aldergrovefairdays.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
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