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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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Afternoon Tea for Mother’s Day

May 9th, 2012
 


Photo: Afternoon tea at Tracycakes Bakery Cafe. Source: Tracycakes via Facebook.

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 13, 2012 which is really just a few days away. If you’re anything like me, you might be wondering what you’re going to do to celebrate (without copying whatever it was you did last year). So why not take your Mom out for an afternoon tea? Whether you do it on Mother’s Day or get her a gift certificate to do it at a later date, you’ve got more than a few places to choose from in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region. Here’s just a sampling!

Tracycakes Bakery Cafe – White Rock

Here’s an idea for Mother’s Day. Surprise mom with a drive out to the seaside community of White Rock for the afternoon. Meander along the pier and stroll up and down Marine Drive, and then pop into Tracycakes Bakery Cafe for some High Tea. Their High Tea includes specialty loose leaf teas, finger sandwiches, Devonshire cream, jam, baby cake cupcakes and “dainty rounds” (which is, well, I’m not entirely sure, but I’m sure that it must be delicious!). They also have locations in Abbotsford and Fort Langley. Visit their website for more info.

Adorabelle Tea Room – Steveston

In a similar fashion, you could take mom out to Steveston for the afternoon, browsing through the boutiques and admiring the fishing boats. If you haven’t visited Steveston in a few years, it’s actually changed quite a bit. The Adorabelle Tea Room is one of those changes, being the new kid on the block in this historic fishing village. Adorabelle Tea Room offers a one-hour tea service four times a day with menus tailored to both adults ($23) and children ($16). Afternoon tea includes sandwiches, fresh baked scones with sweetened cream and strawberry preserves, house-made petite sweets plus an individual pot of tea per person. Visit their website for more info.

Rowena’s Inn on the River – Harrison Mills

If mom ever wanted to see Harrison Hot Springs, take her for a scenic drive along Hwy 7, stopping off in the community of Harrison Mills. It’s here where you can treat mom to an Afternoon Tea at Rowena’s Inn on the River, a short distance from Harrison Hot Springs. This daily tea service is $19.95 per person and it’s served in the Drawing Room of a beautiful English-style manor on their secluded 160-acre waterfront estate. This daily tea service includes scones with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserve, a variety of tea sandwiches (curry chicken, cucumber and butter, smoked salmon and cream cheese) as well as a sampling of cakes and pastries. Visit their website for more info.

Little White House & Co. – Fort Langley

Maybe your mom has a thing for French style? If so, delight her with a visit to The Little White House & Co. This is a charmingly sophisticated Parisien-inspired boutique located in a beautiful heritage house at the heart of Fort Langley. Not only do they have beautiful merchandise for sale, they’re also hosting a Mother’s Day High Tea for $18 per person in their Salon Café. This special Mother’s Day Tea includes pink champagne punch and pink sweet petits. Visit their website for more info.

Truffles Café - Gibsons

Surprisingly, many people who live in the Lower Mainland have never been to the Sunshine Coast, despite it being only a 40 minute ferry ride away from Horseshoe Bay (and a spectacular one at that!). If you or your mom have never ventured to the other side of Howe Sound, use Afternoon Tea at Truffles Café in Gibsons as your excuse. Vancouver-based blog Wise Monkeys wrote a review about their experience having afternoon tea there last year where they dined on smoked turkey, roast beef and onion, and sandwiches cucumber; cheese and crackers, rugelach, scones, lemon-poppyseed tea bread, blueberry tarts, merengues and a selection of teas served up in an old English “Betty” teapot. They say it’s a steal of a deal, but reservations are recommended. Read their story and check out their photos here. And seriously consider making this a Mother’s Day outing to remember.

The Shangri-La Hotel – Vancouver

Maybe your mom likes to live it up a little, and really, who doesn’t? If your mom enjoys the hustle and bustle of a city centre, take her shopping (perhaps along Alberni, Robson & Burrard?) and then take her out for an Afternoon Tea at the Xi Shi Lounge at the Shangri-La Hotel. Their afternoon tea is served daily (until June 30, 2012) and includes a variety of savoury snacks, sweet treats, and exotic loose leaf teas. Visit their website for full details.

Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont

The Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria may be the most famous place in BC (if not all of Canada) for a traditional afternoon tea, but did you know that the other Fairmont hotels in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region host traditional afternoon teas as well? All feature signature Fairmont teas, a variety of sandwiches, pastries, and scones, and are without a doubt elegant experiences unique to their properties. There’s the Fairmont Vancouver Airport which does an Afternoon Tea as you watch the planes take off. If you’re doing a trip to Whistler, why not go for at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler? And in downtown Vancouver, the Fairmont Pacific Rim does a unique take on afternoon tea in their Lobby Lounge by serving both classic and sushi-style sandwiches. Of course, there’s also the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver for an “Afternoon Tea at the Castle” – a nod to their castle-like architecture; the perfect place to dote on mom.

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Rainy Day Activities: 5 Current Art Exhibits

April 30th, 2012
 

Well it looks like we’re in for a week of rain, so what better opportunity to explore the some art showing around the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region? I’ve highlighted five current exhibits that I think are pretty unique…

1. Paint: The Painted Works of Lyle Wilson – Maple Ridge

If you’re interested in learning more about BC’s First Nations art, you will definitely want to put Maple Ridge on your radar this month. The Maple Ridge Art Gallery is hosting a solo show of paintings on cedar and paper by one of the living masters of the Northwest Coast style, Vancouver-based Haisla artist, Lyle Wilson.


“School of Salmon” by Lyle Wilson, 2011.

The exhibition, Paint: The Painted Works of Lyle Wilson, opens this Saturday with a public reception from 2-4pm. As explained on the gallery’s website, “This 20-year retrospective will demonstrate the stunning refinement of Wilson’s work and its unique blending of traditional and contemporary imagery” and “offers a rare, in-depth visual encounter with some 40 paintings on wood and paper, revealing the impressive range of traditional and contemporary elements that inhabit Wilson’s evolving artistic vision.”

When: Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-4pm from May 5 – July 28, 2012.
Website: www.theactmapleridge.org/gallery-current

2. Urban Flaneur at the CityScape Community Art Space – North Vancouver

Urban geographers and architecture enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Urban Flaneur exhibit at Lower Lonsdale’s CityScape Community Art Space before it ends on May 12. As described on their website, “This exhibition explores the grandeur and densification of urban space, particularly contemporary urban architecture and an individual’s experience within a city. Four accomplished artists address this theme with an intricate sculptural installation, acrylic paintings, large scale photo-montages, and photo-conceptual multimedia wall pieces”.

When: Monday-Saturday, 12-5pm until May 12, 2012.
Website: http://nvartscouncil.ca/exhibitions/cityscape-community-art-space

3. Positive Fallout at FibreWorks – Madeira Park

Vancouver mixed media artist Wendy Browne brings her exhibit, Positive Fallout to Madeira Park’s FibreWorks Studio & Gallery. Hosted in a collection of yurts, FibreWorks showcases fibre art – basketry, paper, textiles and wood , created by local, national and international artists.


Inside a yurt at Fibreworks Studio & Gallery, October 2011. Robyn Hanson photo.

Browne writes, “My show, ‘Positive Fallout’ is about power, faith, discipline, whimsy, survival, change, spirit, symbolism, and inner essence. It is a reflection of the desire for transformation and the tenacity required of me to create a body of work consistent with and reflective of a cohesive thought process. I have never considered my work to be main stream and I don’t strive to make it so. My wish has been to successfully convey an emotion within the piece, disturbing or pleasing as that may be to the viewer. The discipline required to do this has been a very positive experience. Tenacity is powerful.”

When: Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-5pm until May 6, 2012.
Website: http://www.fibreworksgallery.com/artist/wendy-browne/

4. Package Deal at The Fort Gallery – Fort Langley

If marketing and design tickles your fancy, drop by The Fort Gallery this week in Langley to see the Package Deal exhibit before it ends this Sunday. As detailed on their website, packaging is “stuff we barely glance at before throwing it away: it’s the wrapping around the real goods nestled inside, a nuisance factor in our daily lives that clogs our recycling bins and landfills, a gorgeous distraction concocted by marketers to lure us into the consumerist mindset. For artists Claire Moore, Jo‐Ann Sheen and Diana Durrand commercial packaging in all its gaudy, upscale, brash and crinkly forms has become the material of art

When: Wednesday-Sunday, 12-5pm until May 6, 2012.
Website: www.fortgallery.ca

5. Multiverse at the Scotia Creek Gallery – Whistler

      
Featured works in the “Multiverse” exhibit at the Scotia Creek Gallery.

If you find yourself in Whistler in the next few days, drop by Millennium Place and pop upstairs to the Scotia Creek Gallery which currently features the original art works of Mandy Tsung, Russell Alton, Kristian Adam, Nomi Chi and Daniel Tibbits. As described on the gallery’s website, ”In this eclectic exhibit entitled “Multiverse” each artist brings forth their own interpretation of an alternate universe; bizarre & surreal, yet playful & beautiful, this look into another world encourages the viewer to gain a fresh perspective into their existing world.”

When: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 11am-4pm and Sun 4-7pm until May 10, 2012.
Website: http://www.artswhistler.com/scotia-creek-gallery

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10 Quirky Cafes in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains

April 2nd, 2012
 

Photo: Enjoying an Americano in Vancouver. Photo by Robyn Hanson.

In a city that seems to have a coffee shop on every corner, we thought it would be interesting to uncover the most quirkiest of cafes in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region. Our definition of cafe is indeed coffee-centric, although we do have a few exceptions. As for our definition of quirky? You be the judge…

1. Holy Smoke Coffee – Surrey

This may be the only cafe in the region that’s located in a gigantic stucco teepee. You’d almost expect Holy Smoke Coffee to be all about the gimmick, but they’re arguably one of the best places in South Surrey for coffee. Just ask Jasmine Bradley of The Surrey Now who finally decided to see what the fuss was about. Her findings? “They serve coffee. Really good coffee”. And it makes sense; owner Al Nemeth only uses organic, fair trade coffee which he roasts on site every morning. Be sure to time your visits accordingly though as Holy Smoke is only open Monday to Friday from 6am until 1pm.

2. The Yellow Deli – Chilliwack

Formerly the Preserved Seed Cafe, The Yellow Deli is probably not what you’re expecting to find in the Fraser Valley: a hippy cafe run by a Chilliwack commune who serve some of the tastiest organic food and drinks this side of Vancouver, all in one rustic, cozy cottage that wouldn’t look out of place on Salt Spring Island in the 70s. They even have a storehouse where you can purchase local, sustainable food to bring home with you. And if these photos by photographer Theresa Le’s anything to go by, then this has to be one of the quirkiest cafes in the region. Come for the coffee, stay for the food!

3. The Back Porch – Harrison Hot Springs

The next time you’re craving an afternoon drive through the countryside, head out and do the Agassiz-Harrison Circle Farm Tour, making sure you stop off at The Back Porch. It’s on this Harrison Hot Springs farm where owners Dan and Lynda run a pottery studio, antique barn and a coffee roasting facility. Taste their coffee which is roasted in house in a 1919-era Flame Roaster, and buy some coffee to bring home with you. Note that The Back Porch is only open Wednesday to Sunday from 11am until 5pm, so plan your trip accordingly.

4. Cafe Savoureux – Richmond

There’s something just so wonderfully quirky about Cafe Savoureux. Maybe it’s because it’s an unusual mix of a French-inspired Chinese coffee shop. Maybe it’s because they serve all their coffee in beautiful fine bone China cups. Perhaps it’s that they have a great selection of coffee varieties which are all made to order and made using a siphon. Oh yes, and they also serve the coveted (and extraordinarily expensive) civet coffee. What’s civet coffee, you ask? Well, it may sound gross if I explain it, so it’s probably better if you Google it. In any case, this quirky Richmond cafe isn’t all hype. It’s currently rated 5 out of 5 stars (out of 5 reviews) on Yelp, so you know this local’s secret won’t be secret for much longer.

5. Elvis Rocks The Canyon Cafe – Hell’s Gate

Although it’s more of a roadside diner than a coffee shop, if you’re driving along the Fraser Canyon toward Hell’s Gate, you’ll definitely want to make a pit stop at the famous Elvis Rocks The Canyon Cafe. Imagine a roadside cafe where the owners are such die hard Elvis fans, they own the entire Elvis discography on vinyl which they display proudly on the walls. And believe me, the Elvis albums are just part of their Elvis shrine. It’s really quite impressive and a must-see. The husband and wife owners even look the part, him with the Elvis hairdo and her with the Elvis bicep tattoo. I am not joking. I love this place. A total quirky cafe in the most unexpected of places – sitting alongside the edge of the Fraser Canyon between Yale and Boston Bar.

6. The Prophouse Cafe – Vancouver

I remember when I first visited the Prophouse Cafe in early 2011. I was told that it would be like discovering a secret attic where dozens of lanterns hung from the rafters; where a record player with a stash of vinyl was available for anyone who wished to play it. All the furniture is mismatched, and the place is full of the weird, the wonderful and the obscure: ceramic tigers, an old dentist chair, a velvet painting of a topless Polynesian. You get the picture…

Photo: Watching a concert during the Olio Festival at the Prophouse Cafe. Photo by Robyn Hanson.

But what’s cool about the Prophouse is that it gets its name because it is an actual prop house for movies and TV shows filmed in Vancouver. They also host a variety of shows in the evening, from music and comedy to burlesque. And what’s even cooler is that despite all the crazy decor and the fun events, the coffee and the food is amazing. In fact, my sister swears it’s the best value in town if you’re seeking an Americano and a large, fluffy scone. I completely agree. And that’s saying something, given its proximity to Commercial Drive.

7. Galileo Coffee Company – Britannia Beach

The tiny town of Britannia Beach is probably best known for the Britannia Mine Museum – a national historic site and fabulous day trip destination from Vancouver. But this former mining community has another treasure: it’s home to some of the best coffee along the Sea to Sky. The next time you’re driving up to Whistler, make a pit stop at the Galileo Coffee Company. All their coffee is roasted in house – a process you can watch from inside the cafe as you try to decide what coffee you’re going to have. The coffee’s so popular, many businesses in nearby Squamish and Whistler have begun to serve it as well!

8. Breakwater Cafe – Powell River

Imagine wandering into a charming bookstore only to discover a quaint little cafe nestled within. This is the Breakwater Cafe. Situated in Breakwater Books, Powell River’s only independent bookstore, this cafe is a must for any book lovers, especially those who enjoy reading local, west coast authors. Enjoy some homemade baking with your coffee, get comfy with your favourite book, or simply admire the waterfront view. If you visit on Saturdays at 2pm, you might even be able to take in some storytelling!

9. The Copper Sky Gallery and Cafe – Madeira Park

When I visited Madeira Park during the Sunshine Coast Art Crawl last October, I spent a leisurely lunch at the the Copper Sky Gallery and Cafe and absolutely loved it. Acting as the hub of the community, this whimsical cafe and art gallery hybrid features the beautiful paintings, sculptures, and jewellery of Cindy Cantelon and Marshall Mar. But the food here – made with fresh, seasonal produce – is equally spectacular. Grab a coffee and a bite to eat, admire the art, and watch the community spirit of the Sunshine Coast come alive.

10. Wendel’s Bookstore & Cafe – Langley

Photo: Wendel’s Bookstore & Cafe in downtown Fort Langley. Source: Robyn Hanson

The book nerd in me loves Wendel’s Bookstore & Cafe. This carefully curated selection of books, stationery and gifts sits in the same heritage building as the cafe, where you can grab an espresso, a dessert bar, or even grab a proper meal… even pizza! I personally love coming here after spending the afternoon touring nearby Langley wineries. It makes for a perfect post-dinner destination and a wonderful place to grab a coffee for the drive back home.

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10 Great Spring Break Ideas – Part 2

March 12th, 2012
 

Continued from 10 Great Spring Break Ideas – Part 1, we bring you five more spring break activities in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region worth pursuing with your family this March!

6. Surrey Museum

If you have train lovers in your family, you’ll want to bring them to the Surrey Museum. Right now the museum’s feature exhibit BC Electric: More Than Just a Tram explores how the arrival of electricity and the BC Electric Railway changed Surrey.


Photo: Outside the Surrey Museum. Source: Kalevi Sissonen via Flickr.

You can visit the exhibit as a whole family or get the kids to participate in the museum’s Spring Break Family Daycamp. Held March 13-16 and 20-23 (10:30am-12:30pm), kids of all ages can play with props and touchable artifacts as well as create train crafts, all the while learning about our local railway history.

7. Gold Panning in Yale

The Fraser Canyon was once home to one of BC’s earliest gold rushes way back in 1858. If you’ve ever wanted to learn the art of gold panning, why not learn where it all began? Here’s your chance!


Photo: Along the Fraser River in Yale. Source: OurBC.com

On March 17, 24 and 31 (10am-4pm), gold panning expert Yukon Dan will be hosting Fraser River gold panning workshops in the historic gold rush town of Yale – a town which also happened to be the starting point of the famous Cariboo Wagon Road to Barkerville.  Needless to say, this region is steeped in gold rush history and there’s nothing better than bringing this history alive by being there and experiencing it.

Although Yukon Dan has a lot of information on his website, call him at 604-948-4941 for more details about this particular event. Thanks to Legal Addictions for putting this unique event on our radar!

8. Fraser River Discovery Centre

Take the Skytrain out to New Westminster for the afternoon and spend it at the Fraser River Discovery Centre. Situated on the river, the Fraser River Discovery Centre is where you can learn all about the mighty Fraser through a variety of exhibits and hands-on interactive displays.

Photo: Meet a white sturgeon! Source: Fraser River Discovery Centre blog.

Drop by on March 23 for a special spring break Discovery Zone Adventure. Aimed at kids 5-12, this program will provide a fun hands-on, guded tour of their newest exhibit where kids can uncover amazing stories, explore archaeology, meet the living dinosaur known as the Fraser River white sturgeon, as well as discover how pollutants affect the river.

9. North Vancouver Museum & Archives

We know that Canadians have invited all kinds of quirky products, from the NASA Canadarm to the sport of basketball, but could you name one thing that a British Columbia designed and created? Well, you’re not the only one! But after a visit to the North Vancouver Museum & Archives this month, all that will likely change.


Photo: The Design in BC exhibit at the North Vancouver Museum & Archives. Source: Sam Carter via ECUAD.

Right now the North Vancouver Museum & Archives is featuring their exhibit, Made in BC: Home-Grown Design. The exhibit showcases all kinds of products designed and created by the people of British Columbia. Explore the exhibit as a family or register your kids for the museum’s spring break program called BC Design For Kids.

Aimed at kids aged 6-12, the program runs on March 17 and March 24 (10am-12pm) where they’ll be treated to hands-on games and activities such as print making, bridge building, and doodle designs. Pre-registration is required. Call 604-990-3700 (ext 8016) to register.

10. Fort Langley National Historic Site

From now until March 25 (10am-5pm), the Fort Langley National Historic Site will be offering full days of family fun. Help plant the heritage garden and visit the chickens and bunnies. Watch baking at noon and historic weapons at 3:30 pm.

Photo: Inside Fort Langley National Historic Site. Source: OurBC.

As a young girl I absolutely loved visiting Fort Langley because I felt like I was going back in time. Where else do you get to visit a real Hudson’s Bay Fort complete with log structures, defense towers, and fur traders in costume? There’s nothing else quite like it in the Lower Mainland.

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Halloween Highlights in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains

October 25th, 2011
Halloween Highlights in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains
 

Photo: Vancouver’s Secret Souls Walk. Source: Public Dreams Society.

Halloween may fall on a Monday this year, but there are tons of Halloween activities and events happening all throughout the weekend before. We’ve highlighted just some of the many Halloween festivities taking place his weekend in Vancouver Coast & Mountains:

Parade of Lost Souls Festival – Vancouver

Known by most as simply the Parade of Lost Souls, this festival is by far one of the most enchanting Halloween events in all of Vancouver. Organized by the Public Dreams Society in conjunction with the Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret, the Parade of Lost Souls Festival is a series of community workshops and events – from zombie-walking choreography classes to children’s crafts – which culminates with its famed Secret Souls Walk – an inclusive community stroll through East Vancouver alleys where local artists, musicians, performers and spectators all take part. Expect fire dancing, stilt-walking, drum circles, magical lanterns, and beautiful, mythical costumes. Everyone is welcome to attend.

When: Saturday, October 29, 2011 from 5-9pm.
Website: http://publicdreams.org

Haunted Village – Burnaby

Go back in time to the 1920′s and experience Halloween at the Burnaby Village Museum. This weekend they’re hosting their Haunted Village where you’ll be joined by vampires, monsters, witches and mummies under the cover of darkness. Dance at the Vampire Ball on Main Street, check out the latest styles in vampire coffins, savour tasty toes at the Voodoo Café, and make a withdrawal at the Blood Bank. Enjoy the Circus Sideshow and ride the heritage carousel for free! Children are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes.

When: October 28-30, 2011 from 6-9pm.
Website: http://www.tourismburnaby.com/visitors/festivals-events/detail.html?event=641

Ghost Ridge Haunted House – Maple Ridge

If you love being completely freaked out, you’ll want to visit Maple Ridge to experience the Ghost Ridge Haunted House. Located on the Albion Fairgrounds, this year’s theme is “Poison Pen” and it’s so scary, it’s recommended for people 14 years old and older, although there are the less scary family-friendly viewings earlier from 4-5:30pm.Visit on Sunday night at 7pm for fireworks. Admission is $8 or $4 for the family viewing, and proceeds go towards local community organizations.

When: October 27-30, 2011 from 6pm-9pm.
Website: http://www.ghostridge.org

4th Annual Zombie Walk – Gibsons

Here’s your chance to dress like a zombie and mingle with your fellow undead! This Saturday Gibsons hosts their 4th Annual Zombie Walk. Zombies will be gathering at 2:30pm behind the Sunny Crest Mall and will then head out on a 2km circular route at 3pm along Gibsons Way, Seymount Way, Payne Road, and Venture Way. Everyone is welcome to attend. Brrrrrrains!

When: Saturday, October 29 at 3pm.
Website: http://gibsonszombiewalk.com/

Reapers Haunted Attraction – Chilliwack

Want to be scared out of your mind this Halloween? Want to explore an attraction that rivals what you might expect at Disneyland or a professional entertainment park? Come to Chilliwack’s Repears Haunted Attraction and psych yourself up prepared to be freaked right out! Although it’s not recommended for children under 8, they do offer a family-friendly day time attraction for the little ones.

When: October 14-30 from 7-9pm.
Website: http://www.reapers.ca/main.html

Grave Tales – Fort Langley

Fort Langley is one of the oldest colonial settlements in BC and one can only imagine the kind of ghostly stories that must exist! Curious? Then come out to the Fort Langley National Historic Site for a night of Grave Tales. It’s described as “spine-chilling tales of love, mysterious burials and old-school amputations - Fort Langley’s past is depicted at night by our expert storytellers, and will leave you spellbound as you weave through the village from the misty cemetery to the deserted Hudson’s Bay Company fort.”

When: October 28-30, 2011 at 7pm, 8pm, and 9pm.
Website: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/bc/langley/activ/activ2011.aspx#grave

Halloween Family Fun Night – Sechelt

Bring the kids out to West Sechelt Elementary School this Friday for their Halloween Family Fun Night – a fundraiser for the West Sechelt Elementary Parents Advisory Committee (PAC). There will be a Kids Fun Zone, a pumpkin carving contest ($2 per pumpkin), and a haunted house (3$ entry). Admission is by donation. Thanks to Duane Burnett for putting this event on our radar!

When: Friday, October 28 from 5:30-8:30pm.
Website: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=236755219716243

Dunbar Haunted House – Vancouver

Considered the haunted house in Vancouver, the Dunbar Haunted House‘s theme this year is “Barbaric British Columbia” which combines “elements and characters from traditional horror genres with iconic aspects of B.C. culture and industry.” The Dunbar Haunted House has now moved to a new, bigger location in Shaughnessy and raises thousands of dollars for local charities.

When: October 14-31, 2011 from 7pm-10pm (Sun-Thurs), 7pm-midnight (Fri-Sat), 11am-7pm (Sat-Sun).
Website: http://www.dunbarhauntedhouse.com/

Haunted Forest Scream Train – Surrey

Surrey’s Bear Creek Train Park is hosting their 12th annual Haunted Forest Scream Train – a frightful train ride into the dark forest loaded with nighttime creatures. Designed to scare and startle older folks and mature youngsters, the Haunted Forest Scream Train runs during the night, but they also have a Kid’s Halloween Festival for the youngsters during the day.

When: October 14-31, 2011 from 6:30pm-10pm.
Website: http://www.bctrains.com/Spooky-Details.htm

Fright Nights at Playland – Vancouver

For those seeking a traditional Halloween-themed carnival experience with scary rides and haunted houses, check out Fright Nights at Playland at the PNE. As written on their website, it’s a “Halloween experience for the lovers of freak, horror and terror.” Enjoy performances that wouldn’t be out of place at the Jim Rose Circus, or explore the many rides and haunted houses such as Car-N-Evil, Hollywood Horrors, the Asylum, or Darkness. Not recommended for kids under 12.

When: October 14-31, 2011 from 6pm until late.
Website: http://www.pne.ca/fright-nights/

FrightFest at the Railway Park – Squamish

Squamish’s West Coast Railway Park is hosting FrightFest all weekend. Come in costume, trick-or-treat, ride the Mummy Rail and the Ghoul Express. There will be an arts and crafts room for the creative types, and the Beanery Cafe will be open for evening treats. Recommended for kids of all ages.

When: October 27-30, 2011 from 5:30-8:30pm.
Website: http://www.whatsonsquamish.com/node/6198

Cosmic Boo’ling at the Zone – Coquitlam & Richmond

Love bowling? Bring the whole family down to The Zone in Coquitlam or Richmond this Saturday for some Cosmic Boo’ling! Kids between the ages of 5-12 get a free bag of candy with a glow toy and 2 video game tokens for the arcade. Bring non-perishable food items for the food bank and receive a special gift for your donation. Thanks to The Now for putting this event on our radar!

When: Saturday, October 29 from 5-9pm.
Website: http://www.zbowl.com/zone/promotions/coquitlam-promotions

Judge Dee and the Haunted Garden – Vancouver

Do you enjoy crime mysteries? If so, come explore the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Gardens by night at this inaugural Halloween event. Judge Dee and the Haunted Garden is a traditional Chinese detective story featuring Judge Dee.  As described on the website, “This famous Judge, hero of many novels, was based on a real crime solver in 7th century Tang Dynasty. Brave the Garden’s haunted pathways, uncover important clues, then warm your bones with tea, wine & spooky snacks at the old Risky Sip Tea House as you try to piece together the crime”. Due to the scary nature of the event, it’s not recommended for kids under 12.

When: October 26-31, 2011 from 7-10pm.
Website: http://www.vancouverchinesegarden.com/calendar/oct.htm#JudgeD

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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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