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May Long Weekend Round-Up

May 17th, 2012
 


Photo: The Cloverdale Rodeo. Source: Alain Limoges via Flickr.

It’s the unofficial start to summer this weekend and there is LOTS going on in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region. If you have no plans for the long weekend, here are a few ideas to get you started…

Cloverdale Rodeo – Surrey

Now in its 124th year, the Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair is the largest rodeo in the region and it’s taking place all weekend May 18-21. Whether you’re seeking rodeo events, live entertainment, or the Fraser Valley’s largest midway, there’s plenty of fun for the whole family.

Hyack Festival – New Westminster

The 41st annual Lowe’s Hyack Festival Week kicks off on Friday, May 18 with opening night celebrations at 7pm and fireworks at 10pm. The weeklong festivities also include the DiverseCity Multicultural Festival on Saturday, the 28th annual Hyack Antique Fair on Sunday and Monday, as well as the longest-running May Day celebration in the British Commonwealth.

Night Markets – Richmond

There are two night markets in Richmond this year! One is the Summer Night Market while the other one is the Richmond Night Market. Both will be open Friday to Monday this weekend and both are easy to get to. Simply take the Canada Line to Bridgeport where you can walk to the Richmond Night Market or take the free shuttle to the Summer Night Market. Better yet, visit both! Bring an appetite and your cash.

Teddy Bear Picnic – Harrison Mills

Bring your teddy bear out to Kilby Historic Site this Sunday, May 20 for a picnic in your bear’s honour. Included in the price of admission, both child and bear will enjoy complimentary tea and cookie! This year’s activities include the dress up Tickle Trunk, a sing-a-long with Bert and Cherry, a photograph booth, decorating cookies and crafts.

Roberts Creek Arts Festival – Sunshine Coast

Take the 40 minute ferry to the Sunshine Coast where the Roberts Creek Arts Festival is happening only a 20 minute drive away from the ferry terminal! This two day festival takes place on Saturday and Sunday and is loaded with contemporary culture, music, film, art and design. Explore beautiful studios, galleries, gardens and fields, filled with creativity, performances, delicious local food, drink and engaged people.

May Day Parade & Festivities – Fort Langley

Join thousands of visitors along Mavis and Glover Roads to watch the 90th Annual May Day Parade starting at 11 am on Monday, May 21 followed by activities at Fort Langley Park. Back at the Fort Langley National Historic Site, activities begin at 10:15am with an Historic Weapons Demo and continue right on until 5pm. Admission is free so come and enjoy the festivities all day!

Rick Hansen’s Many in Motion Relay – Surrey & White Rock

Come out to the Surrey Sport & Leisure Complex this Saturday, May 19 from noon to 3pm for Rick Hansen’s Many in Motion Relay Community Celebration. Welcome to medal bearers and relay team while enjoying sledge hockey demos, children’s activities, presentations and entertainment. Likewise, White Rock is hosting their Rick Hansen Relay End of Day Celebration, also on Saturday. Welcome the medal bearers and relay team while enjoying live entertainment, a BBQ, and lots of family fun.

Farmers Markets

Many of the region’s farmers markets have kicked off this month, including some you may not even have known existed. Use the long weekend to discover what awaits at the Mission City Farmers Market on Saturdays (9am-1pm) and the Coquitlam Farmers Market on Sunday (9am-1pm).

Hiking Lynn Canyon – Vancouver’s North Shore

What better way to spend the day than with a walk through a temperate rainforest? Lynn Canyon Park‘s always been one of my favourite places for a short nature walk through the woods as it has the free suspension bridge to cross, a variety of trails, waterfalls and beautiful scenery. And the best part? It’s free!

Whistler Mountain Bike Park

It’s officially mountain bike season! The Whistler Mountain Bike Park will be opening this Friday, May 18  from 10am until 5pm where it will remain open daily throughout the summer. Don’t have a mountain bike or appropriate gear? That’s okay; you can rent that all in Whistler too.

BC Motocross Races – Pemberton

If you’re heading to Whistler for the weekend and you’re interested in motocross, you may want to drive the 20 minutes north to Pemberton where the BC Motocross Races will be happening. Held at the the Green River Motocross Track, drop by on Saturday for day one of racing, or come by on Friday to register yourself in the race.

River Rafting – Fraser Canyon

With the spring meltwater surging local rivers, now is the time to be river rafting! Local river rafting operators include Kumsheen, Hyak River Rafting, Chilliwack River Rafting, REO Rafting Resort and Fraser River Raft Expeditions offering rafting adventures of all types along the Fraser, its tributaries, and the Thompson.

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Hidden Secrets: Weekend Plans for April 20-22

April 20th, 2012
 


Photo: Live music at the Telus World Ski & Snowboard Festival, Whistler. Photo by Mike Crane.

No weekend plans? Let us help! From Earth Day festivities in Roberts Creek to the largest Vaisakhi celebration outside of India taking place in Surrey, here’s a list of 11 quirky and cool events taking place throughout the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region this weekend!

Telus World Ski & Snowboard Festival – Whistler

It’s the last weekend of the Telus World Ski & Snowboard Festival in Whistler. If you’re needing a quick getaway that includes Canada’s largest free outdoor concert series, action sports, fashion, film, photography and more, head up the Sea to Sky and see what all the fuss is about. The festival merges music, sport and art into the most energetic, electric and memorable 10 day festival on snow the world has to offer. Free concert highlights this weekend include Michael Franti & Friends at 4pm on Friday, April 20; DJ Grandtheft at 8pm on Saturday, April 21 at the Mainstage for Big Air Competition; and finally The Sheepdogs at 4pm on Sunday, April 22. Check the website for the full schedule.

When: April 13-22, 2012
Website: http://www.wssf.com

Surrey Vaisakhi Parade – Surrey

The annual Surrey Vaisakhi Parade takes place on Saturday and is the largest Vaisakhi parade outside of India! In 2011, Surrey’s parade shattered attendance records, as over 150,000 people turned out to take part in the celebration. Vaisakhi is one of the most important festivals in the Sikh calendar and celebrates both the Sikh New Year festival and the anniversary of the founding of the Khalsa in 1699.

The Vaisakhi Celebration is truly a community event and welcomes people of all backgrounds to participate. Locals can be found adorned in orange, blue and white giving out food along the streets, sharing, singing, walking in the parade, and rejoicing in their culture. This exciting and fun-filled event in Surrey epitomizes multiculturalism and ethnic diversity. Participants are requested to cover their heads and to not smoke or drink at the event.

When: Saturday, April 21, 2012 (7:30am-5pm)
Website: http://www.surreyvaisakhiparade.ca/

Spirit of the People Pow Wow – Chilliwack

Come out to Chilliwack and experience a traditional Sto’lo Nation pow wow! Held at the Chilliwack Sports Landing Centre, the Spirit of the People Pow Wow is a drug and alcohol free event for the entire family showcasing First Nations culture in an inspiring, weekend event with songs, regalia, dance and traditional foods. Come and check out the Native Artists’ Market, which will host over 45 Native Artisan Vendors at the indoor and outdoor Aboriginal Artisans Market. Admission is $2 per day or $5 for the whole weekend! Everyone is welcome.

When: Fri, April 20 (7pm), Sat, April 21 (1pm & 7pm), Sun, April 22 (12pm)
Website: http://www.tourismchilliwack.com/event.php?eventID=1121

Fan Expo Vancouver – Vancouver

Geeks unite! It’s the inaugural year of Vancouver’s large-scale comic convention Fan Expo Vancouver and it’s taking place this weekend at the Vancouver Convention Centre! The expo will highlight art, celebrities, shopping, discussion panels and workshops, including the original Batmobile from the original TV series and of course, the original Batman and Robin, Adam West and Burt Ward, from the 60s TV series. Download the full schedule here. Anticipate thousands of fellow comic, anime, manga, video game, gaming, horror and sci-fi fans from all over the west coast, including lots of cosplay. What’s not to love?

When: Sat, April 21 (10am-7pm), Sun, April 22 (10am-5pm)
Website: http://www.fanexpovancouver.com

Tulips of the Valley Tulip Festival – Agassiz

There are only two weekends in April to experience the Tulips of the Valley Tulip Festival – this weekend and next. If you’ve never experienced a tulip festival before, get yourself out to the Fraser Valley and enjoy 40 acres of vibrant locally-grown tulips with a dramatic backdrop of the snow-capped Coast Mountains. Admission is only $3 for adults, $2.50 for seniors, and free for kids under 12. Curious what 40 acres of tulips actually looks like? Check out our photos to get a taste of what to expect.

When: April 18-30, 2012 (Mon-Tues: closed, Wed-Fri: 11am-4pm, Sat-Sun: 10am-5pm)
Website: http://www.tourismharrison.com/page/Tulip_Festival

Celebrate Earth Day at Heywood Park – North Vancouver

Join the City of North Vancouver this Sunday as they celebrate Earth Day, the official opening of Heywood Park playground and the new fish hatchery! It’s also the kickoff for the City’s Green Can Food Scraps Collection program, starting this May. Come out and paritipcate in a fish release, take a tour of the hatchery, and check out the Community Art Project and other displays. Help remove invasive plants and plant local species in the park and play in the new playground. Tools, plants and light refreshments will be provided. Great prizes to win and fun for the whole family!

When: Sun, April 22 (12-4pm)
Website: http://www.cnv.org//server.aspx?c=3&i=686

Stave Falls Powerhouse -  Mission

In the spirit of Earth Day, we think it’s the perfect time to learn about one of BC’s cleanest sources of electricity – right from the source! The Stave Falls Powerhouse is an authentic 1912 generating station located in Mission that offers a unique all-ages experience with interactive games and historic displays that tell the story of how power helped build this province. Other amenities include a 50-seat theatre, a gift shop and BC Hydro’s Hayward Lake recreation site nearby.

When: Wednesday-Sunday (11am-4pm).
Website: http://www.bchydro.com/community/recreation_areas/stave_falls_visitor_centre.html

Spring Wine Release Party at Neck of the Woods Winery -  Langley

If you’re a wine aficionado and you haven’t yet visited Langley’s Neck of the Woods Winery yet, take the opportunity this Saturday and head into Fraser Valley wine country for their Spring Wine Release Party.  In addition to the new wines being released, there will also be appetizers (between 12-2pm) as well as an opportunity to wander through their production area. On top of that, there will also be prize draws, specials, and more!

When: Saturday, April 21, 2012 (11am-6pm)
Website: http://www.neckofthewoods.ca

Earth Day – Roberts Creek

Head out to the Roberts Creek Pier this Sunday for some Sunshine Coast Earth Day festivities! There will be local musicians, great food and environmental information. Ride your bike and receive a free bike tune-up, or take the SCRD’s eco-groovy Musical Bus for some zero-waste fun!

When: Sunday, April 22, 2012 (12pm)
Website: http://www.sunshinecoastcanada.com/calendar/

Magnolia Walk – Coquitlam

If you’ve been admiring all the magnolia trees in bloom in our local gardens, then you might be interested in attending the Riverview Horticultural Centre Society’s Magnolia Walk this Sunday. These walks begin at the Riverview Hospital at the Hendy Esson Young (Hey) Building and are usually led by a volunteer arborist. The walks last about two hours depending on the weather and the walkers’ preference. Dress for the weather and wear comfy shoes. The walk happens rain or shine. Children and adults are welcome and dogs on leash are also welcome! It’s free to attend.

When: Sunday, April 22, 2012 (1pm)
Website: http://rhcs.org/tours_events.html

Make It! – Vancouver

This weekend Vancouver’s Croatian Cultural Centre is hosting Make It! Vancouver. Shop for one-of-a-kind handmade items from over 110 of Canada’s hottest urban artisans, designers and crafters. There’s also a licensed bar and live music. It’s $5 at the door but you can print off this flyer at the door, or better yet, show it on your iPhone for $2 off. Finally, don’t take your car – the Croatian Cultural Centre is an easy 10 minute walk north of the Broadway Skytrain station.

When: Fri, April 20 (4-9pm), Sat, April 21 (11am-6pm), Sun, April 22 (11am-5pm)
Website: http://makeitproductions.com

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Tulips of the Valley Tulip Festival 2012

April 9th, 2012
 


Photo: Enjoying the Tulip Festival in 2011. Source: Tourism Harrison Hot Springs

Spring has finally sprung in the Fraser Valley and there’s no better way to embrace the season than with a visit to the Tulips of the Valley Tulip Festival this April!

Located only 90 minutes east of Vancouver, the Tulip Festival runs from Wednesday, April 18 until the end of the month. Tiptoe through 40 acres of locally-grown tulips and don’t forget your camera! The nearby snow-capped mountains provide a stunning backdrop for the brightly coloured fields.

Please note: The tulips are late bloomers this year. Due to the cold spring we’ve been having, the later you arrive in the month, the more fully-bloomed tulips you’ll see. Warm weather = more blooms. Cool weather = fewer blooms.


Photo: The Tulip Festival in 2011. Source: Tourism Harrison Hot Springs

The festival is organized by local Agassiz greenhouse, Tulips of the Valley. What’s interesting is that they specialize in growing all their own tulip bulbs and lilies rather than importing them from Holland. As a result, all the tulips on display at the festival come from Canadian-grown bulbs!


Photo: Enjoying the Tulip Festival in 2011. Source: Tourism Harrison Hot Springs


Photo: The Tulip Festival in 2011. Source: Tourism Harrison Hot Springs

For more information about the festival, including special hotel deals nearby, visit the Tourism Harrison Hot Springs website at http://www.tourismharrison.com/page/Tulip_Festival. For the latest updates about the blooms, visit the Tulips of the Valley website at http://www.tulipsofthevalley.com.

Hours of Operation:

  • Wednesday to Friday – 12pm to 4pm
  • Saturday/Sunday – 10am to 5pm
  • Monday/Tuesdays – closed

Admission:

  • $3 for Adults
  • $2.50 for Seniors
  • Free for Kids (under 12)

Note: Parking is $5 per vehicle. Admission and parking is cash only.


Photo: The Tulip Festival in 2010. Source: Tourism Harrison Hot Springs

Location:

The tulip festival is located east of Agassiz on Seabird Island, just off Lougheed Highway (Hwy 7) on Chowat Road. See the map for directions.

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Hidden Secrets: Powell River in February

February 17th, 2012
 

Photo: The Tin Hat Hut on the Sunshine Coast Trail, February 2012. Source: Sunshine Coast Trail Blog.

Situated two ferry rides from Vancouver on the Upper Sunshine Coast, the community of Powell River is often described as a town in transition, diversifying its economy and identity from its industrial past. I admit, the first thing I noticed when I arrived last fall was its mill, but when I left, it was the last thing on my mind.

I was really impressed by what I saw of Powell River when I visited briefly back in October. I couldn’t get over its wealth of preserved heritage and history, including large-scale residential neighbourhoods full of beautiful heritage homes. I was taken by its downtown full of quirky boutiques, cute art galleries, neat-looking restaurants and just its general artsy, eccentric, west coast vibe – something, perhaps, I wasn’t expecting. At least not to that degree.

Photo: Powell River during the Sunshine Coast Art Crawl, October 2011. Source: Robyn Hanson.

But Powell River’s more than just the town. Its geography along the Strait of Georgia is stunning and offers a multitude of quintessential west coast activities: multi-lake canoe circuits, long distance hiking trails, mountain biking, rock climbing, lush temperate rainforests, mountain vistas, the ocean fjords, the beaches, the marine parks, kayaking, sailing, diving, fishing… you name it. Living here would no doubt give you the best of what BC has to offer – and affordable too, no less.

But this isn’t about living in Powell River. No, it’s about visiting Powell River in an often under-appreciated month: February. But for such a month, there’s a surprising amount of things you could do. Here are five activities to consider, to name but a few:

1. Powell River Film Festival

Photo: Outside the Patricia Theatre in Powell River. Source: Robyn Hanson.

Now in its eleventh year, the Powell River Film Festival kicked off on Thursday and continues all weekend until February 19. The festival takes place at various Powell River venues (including the Patricia Theatre – BC’s oldest-running theatre) and includes evening receptions, daytime films, art, live music, film contests, and the Adventures in Film Camp for Youth. Some of the featured films at this year’s festival include Louder than a Bomb, The Whale (the story about Luna, the Nootka Sound orca) and 40 Days at Base Camp. Full schedule can be found on the Powell River Film Festival website here.

2. Sunshine Coast Trail

Photo: Ascending Confederation Trail along the Sunshine Coast Trail. Source: Sunshine Coast Trail Blog.

The Sunshine Coast Trail (SCT) is a 180 km Upper Sunshine Coast hiking trail that begins at Desolation Sound (a 30 minute boat ride north of Lund) and ends at the Saltery Bay Ferry Terminal. You don’t have to trek the whole thing though. There are several places where you can easily access the trail if you want to do short day hikes. The lower elevations are often free of snow in February, but people wait until it gets warmer before they even consider hiking the rugged snowbound mountains in the mid-section of the trail. Not these guys.

Just last week four visiting Dutchmen trekked the Sunshine Coast Trail in full winter conditions. They hiked it for six days traipsing through rainforest and snow, covering roughly the middle half of the trail, overnighting in huts along the way. Proving that it can indeed be done, they have no doubt inspired future adventure-seekers. Read the rest of their tale here.

3. Powell River Festival of Performing Arts

Lovers of the performing arts will want to be in Powell River in late February. The Powell River Festival of Performing Arts is now in its 68th year, kicking off events on Monday, February 20. As described on Discover Powell River‘s website, “Amateur performers in piano, voice, strings, wind and brass instruments, speech arts, and amateur choirs, bands, string and jazz ensembles are invited to perform in the Powell River Festival of the Performing Arts. The Rotary Club of Powell River supports the development of our community’s amateur performers”. The majority of the events take place at the Evergreen Theatre, with a few hosted at Max Cameron Theatre. You can see the full schedule on the Rotary Club of Powell River’s website here.

4. Geocaching the Yew Trail

Turn your nature walk into a treasure hunt! If you’ve ever wanted to try out geocaching, the Yew Trail is the place to go.

Now we need to give credit to photographer Jennifer Gomez for introducing us to this idea in the first place. We found her Yew Trail photo completely by accident on Flickr. It was taken back in January while she took her parents geocaching around Powell River. She writes, “Mom, Dad and I went geocaching on the Yew Trail today. Yew Trail is between Duck and Mud Lake. We found 7 out of the 8 caches that we went looking for. I absolutely love the trails in this area. So GREEN!”

On top of that, we were spying on the Tourism Powell River Facebook Page last week and we read, “Are you a GEOCACHER? Yes, then word is Duck Lake trails – whole lot of new.” So that just proved that this has to be a geocaching hot spot. Plus, there’s just something so enchanting about a winter walk through a west coast rainforest.

If you want to learn more about geocaching around Powell River, sign up for a free account on Geocaching.com to have access to all the locations. Or simply ask on the Tourism Powell River Facebook Page – there a local geocachers there to help you out.

5. Powell River’s Historic Townsite

Photo: Looking down the hill in Powell River’s Historic Townsite. Source: Robyn Hanson.

If you’re a history buff and you appreciate architecture and British Columbia heritage, treat yourself to a self-guided walking tour of Powell River’s Historic Townsite. Designated a National Historic District of Canada in 1995, Powell River is one of only seven in Canada and the only one in western Canada. Now that’s impressive.

This part of Powell River is especially photogenic, partly because of the town’s original urban planning. Writes the Townsite Heritage Society of Powell River, “The Garden City and Arts and Crafts Movements influenced Powell River’s planners of 1910 in regard to the location and architectural style of our homes, parks, green belts, commercial buildings and recreation facilities.”

The self-guided walking tour consists of 25 sites around Powell River, including the Maple Avenue houses, the former Provincial Building, and the Patricia Theatre. Once you visit you’ll want to vote for Powell River’s Historic Townsite in the Great Places in Canada poll. The poll closes on February 29, 2012. And even if you haven’t visited, give Powell River a vote – spread the love. They deserve it!

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City and Slope – Vancouver’s Newest Festival | Feb 9-12

January 31st, 2012
 

Looking for something fun to do this February? Reminiscing that it’s been two years since Vancouver hosted the Olympics? If you’re like me and you long for that festive atmosphere of two winters ago, you’re in luck! City and Slope – Vancouver’s newest winter festival – is about to kick off!

What is City and Slope?

City and Slope is a 4-day mountain and music festival that is set to take over Vancouver’s three local mountains and rock its downtown core this February 9 to 12.

City and Slope will showcase the best that Vancouver has to offer in the winter: offering an exclusive bundled mountain pass to Grouse Mountain, Mount Seymour and Cypress Mountain to attractions right here in the city, including: lighting animations at the Telus World of Science and in Yaletown; a day-long ice craving competition at Yaletown Park; and a 6,000 person music event with superstar DJ Benny Benassi at the Vancouver Convention Centre on February 11.


Photo: Panoramic views of Vancouver from Grouse Mountain. Source: Grouse Mountain.

What’s Happening on the Mountains:

Friday, February 10:

Cypress Mountain will be Canadiana themed on Friday, February 10, celebrating everything that makes Canada Canadian. Recreating the red and white excitement of the 2010 Winter Games, Cypress will be hosting Canada House with Canadian food, drink, decor and music.

Saturday, February 11 & Sunday, February 12:

Grouse Mountain is presenting 24 Hours of Winter on Saturday, February 11 and Sunday February 12 where revelers will enjoy nightlong skiing, dining, and a night chalk full of once-in-a-lifetime activities that range from guided Midnight Snowshoe tours to Nighttime Zipline tours and live DJ performances.

Sunday February 12:

Mount Seymour is presenting a retro slope-style event, MTSEYMOUR86 – a day where skiiers are invited to hit the slopes while showing off their best 80′s ski-style. There’ll be prizes for best dressed skiiers and snowboarders, and all the 80′s music a person can handle in their neon onesie.

What’s Happening in the City:

Friday February 10:

Musical performances by Alesso, Hey Ocean and Kevin Scott.

Saturday February 11:

Musical performances by Benny Benassi, KO and David Aude.

Neon Vancouver/Ugly Vancouver at the Museum of Vancouver, Science World light show, and Illuminate Yaletown will be displayed all weekend long. Illuminate Yaletown is City and Slope’s anchor event – and the most advanced light projection display Vancouver has ever seen. Illuminate Yaletown is a free, multi-night, entertainment-filled street party featuring remarkable light installations from local artists that are avant-garde, brilliant and breathtaking.

How to Attend City and Slope:

City and Slope is a destination event, attracting visitors from all over the Lower Mainland, the Province and the Pacific Northwest, evoking the community spirit, excitement and fun for all ages that the 2010 Olympic Winter Games brought to Vancouver.  Tickets are available on the City and Slope website, www.cityandslope.com, and those attending can purchase from a variety of ticket packages, including hotels, mountains and musical performances.

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5 Ways to Celebrate Chinese New Year

January 17th, 2012
5 Ways to Celebrate Chinese New Year
 

Photo: Collecting confetti after the parade in Chinatown. Source: Eric Flexyourhead via Flickr.

Chinese New Year falls on January 23 this year and it’s without a doubt a major cultural event. After all, Metro Vancouver is home to the second largest Chinese community in Canada after Toronto. So whether you’re seeking contemporary Chinese culture in Richmond or the legacy of Vancouver’s Chinese pioneers in Chinatown, there are a multitude of ways to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Dragon throughout the month of January. We’ve highlighted five taking place in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains. 恭喜發財!

5. Chinese New Year Bazaar – Chinatown

One of my favourite times to explore Vancouver’s Chinatown is when the Chinatown Night Market is taking place. There’s just something special about the ambiance of the bustling market stalls combined with the gritty yet colourful vibe of Vancouver’s most historic community. While the night market only takes place in the summer months (yup, it’s not happening now), all throughout this week (from January 16 to 20 between 10:30am until 3:30pm) Chinatown is throwing a Chinese New Year Bazaar at 28 W Pender Street. While I haven’t ventured to the bazaar yet, it sounds like you can expect a similar atmosphere to the night market as there are tables of discounted merchandise,  snack foods, groceries, traditional Chinese clothing, used CDs/DVDs, and more. Don’t forget to get your picture taken with the dragon! It is the Year of the Dragon, after all.

4. Chinese New Year at the Buddhist Temple – Richmond

If you’ve never visited the International Buddhist Temple in Richmond, this week would be the time to go as you’ll be in for a real treat. Tucked away behind the hedges on Steveston Highway, the Buddhist Temple is one of the largest Buddhist temples in North America, housing the biggest Buddha statue on the continent and the largest Buddhist mural in the world! I can honestly say that I don’t feel like I’m in Canada anymore when I visit – I feel like I’m in China hundreds of years ago. I’m not exaggerating. It’s humbling and breathtaking.

From January 18 until 23, they’re putting on celebrations and a bazaar which includes auspicious flower arrangements, traditional snacks and foods, various cultural items, and more. But if you’re craving a truly unique experience, be sure to visit the temple on Sunday, January 22  from 8pm until 1am. This is Chinese New Year’s Eve where there will be a midnight blessing to all sentient beings. Or simply come by the following afternoon for a vegetarian luncheon – another part of the Buddhist Temple experience. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

3. Lunar New Year at Willowbrook – Langley

While Chinatown and Richmond are definitely Chinese New Year hubs, festivities and events do take place elsewhere in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region. Case in point: Willowbrook Shopping Centre. If you’re in the mood for a shopping spree, venture along the Fraser Highway to this popular Langley mall as they’re celebrating the Lunar New Year all throughout the month of January.

Indulge your globetrotting spirit by attending information sessions on travelling to China, learn about Chinese astrology, or simply relax in their Zen Lounge – an eastern-inspired oasis. There will also be live entertainment from now until January 28. You can look forward to seeing Asian-inspired harp concerts, Asian-inspired dance performances, Tai Chi demonstrations, and the much beloved Lion Dance. Be sure to look at their schedule as different events take place on different days.

2. Celebrate the Year of the Dragon – West Vancouver

For those seeking to celebrate Chinese New Year on the North Shore, head to the West Vancouver Community Centre on Saturday, January 28 between 1:30pm-3:30pm. As they write on their website, “Following a spectacular celebration last year, the North Shore celebrates the Year of the Dragon with a fun-filled afternoon of performances from different Asian cultures, live music, lucky draws and complimentary Asian food.” Although the event is free, space is limited to the first 500 people who show up.

1. Chinese New Year Parade – Chinatown

Although Richmond clearly has the most Chinese New Year festivities in 2012 (see this impressive list for proof), Chinatown has arguably the biggest and most famous celebration in all of Metro Vancouver. Anchoring these celebrations is the Chinese New Year Parade which takes place on Sunday, January 29 at 12 noon.

The parade, which includes cultural dance troupes, marching bands, martial arts performers, community members and organizations, and the signature lion dance, begins under the Millennium Gate along Pender Street in Chinatown. It then heads east along Pender to Gore, then south to Keefer where it heads west and disperses at Columbia.

Let the parade be the excuse for getting you out to Chinatown that Sunday, but while you’re there, be sure to check out the other events going on like the Cultural Fair at the the Sun Yat-Sen plaza, the Chinese New Year Banquet held at Floata Seafood Restaurant at 6pm ($35 per person), and the Year of the Dragon Temple Fair at the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden.

It’s here at this authentic Ming dynasty garden where you can play traditional Chinese games and activities; receive a red envelope from Grandma and Grandpa; light incense and make wishes at the altar; get your fortune told; listen to music from Larry Yan on the flute as well as celtic-Chinese music from local personality Toddish McWong; enjoy traditional Chinese tea, dumplings and buns; and experience a modern multimedia tea ceremony. Needless to say, you’ll want to spend your entire afternoon in Chinatown. Having attended Chinese New Year festivities in Chinatown in years past, you’re in for a memorable weekend.

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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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