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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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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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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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10 Family Activities for Easter Long Weekend – Part 1

April 5th, 2012
 


Photo: Making friends at Maplewood Farm. Source: Maplewood Farm via Facebook.

It’s the Easter long weekend! From Easter egg hunts to special Easter brunches, we’ve highlighted 10 great family-friendly Easter activities taking place in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains this weekend. This is part one of a two-part blog post. Read Part 2.

1. Kilby Heritage Site – Harrison Mills

For those seeking a leisurely drive through the countryside this Easter weekend, make Kilby Heritage Site your destination! Just a short drive away from Harrison Hot Springs, Kilby will be hosting all kinds of Easter festivities on Saturday and Sunday. From 11am until 3pm, kids can enjoy crafts and friendly farm animals, and the annual Easter egg hunt goes from 11am until 1pm. Afterward treat you family to a lunch at the Kilby Restaurant where they’re featuring a wonderful Easter ham dinner. Yes, that’s right – a ham dinner… for lunch! Bring along your appetite.

2. Maplewood Farm – North Vancouver

If your kids love interacting with animals, then there’s nothing better than a visit to North Vancouver’s Maplewood Farm to meet the new baby animals that have been born this spring. While you can visit any day of the week, if you drop by on Easter Sunday between 10am and 4pm, your kids will be treated to an exciting day of face painting, crafts, pony rides, educational exhibits, and an Easter egg hunt!  Be sure to get there early right at 10am for the Easter egg hunt, as it will go as long as supplies last.

3. Spring Fling – Sechelt

Sechelt will be buzzing this Saturday as it hosts its Spring Fling! From 10am until 5pm, there will be unique vendors, music, food and sidewalk specials all along Cowrie Street and Trail Avenue. Enjoy a gourmet French toast breakfast at 9:30am from Ty’s Fine Food. Bad to the Bow will be playing fiddle music at 10:30am, and then Joe Stanton goes on at 11:30. All throughout the day there will be bubble activities for kids while the adults can enjoy local vendors such as Batchwork Sorbet, Pastimes, Ladybug Organic Apple Juice, Suncreek Farms, Organic Lives, baked goods by Kate, and more!

4. 8th Annual Easter Brunch and Easter Egg Hunt – Pemberton

Looking for an Easter brunch in a stunning location? You probably can’t beat Pemberton’s Big Sky Golf & Country Club as they host their their 8th Annual Easter Brunch and Easter Egg Hunt this Easter Sunday. Located a half hour drive north of Whistler in the heart of the Pemberton Valley, the panoramic views of the snow-capped Coast Mountains will definitely provide one stunning backdrop for Easter festivities! The Easter egg hunt has two starting times: 10:30am for the early birds, and 12:30pm for the late risers. Likewise, there are two seatings for brunch: 10am and 12pm. Reservations can be made on the Big Sky Golf’s website.

5. Chilliwack Corn Maze – Chilliwack

The Easter bunny is coming to the Chilliwack Corn Maze this Saturday, April 7! From 10am until 2:30pm kids will be treated to face painting, a colouring contest, a giant jumping pillow, a pedal cart track, duck races, animal displays and more. Bring your own Easter basket to participate in the Easter egg hunt. If you find the golden egg, you’ll win a special prize!

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5 Japanese Gardens in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains

March 20th, 2012
 


Photo: Japanese plum blossoms growing in Steveston last spring. Photo by Robyn Hanson.

It’s the first day of spring!

Yeah, it’s hard to believe with the frigid temperatures, although there’s that fresh smell in the air of cherry blossoms waiting to bloom. You know it’s just going to be a matter of days before we start seeing pink everywhere. It’s seriously one of my favourite times of the year, so fleeting yet magical all the same.

Back when I was a student at UBC, I took an art history class about Japanese ukiyo-e painting, and one recurring subject in the artwork was “hanami” which is the Japanese custom of enjoying beautiful flowers… or more specifically, cherry blossoms at that precise moment when the petals begin to fall. My professor would tell us stories of modern day Japanese hanami or sakura parties in Toyko where people in the hundreds would flock to the cherry trees at the first site of fluttering petals, and would proceed to drink sake all day under the canopies of pink.

But that got me thinking… there’s a strong tie to the Japanese community here and while we don’t exactly have a hanami tradition, we do appreciate spring, cherry blossoms, and Japanese culture. We also have several Japanese gardens scattered around our beautiful Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region of BC.

To kick off spring, I thought I’d highlight five of such gardens:

1. Nitobe Memorial Garden – Vancouver


Photo: UBC’s Nitobe Memorial Garden in March, 2003. Photo by Robyn Hanson.

Located at UBC campus, Nitobe Memorial Garden is a traditional Japanese Tea and Stroll garden and according to their website, it’s considered to be one of the most authentic Japanese gardens in North America and among the top five Japanese gardens outside of Japan. Nitobe Garden also includes a rare authentic Tea Garden with a ceremonial Tea House. Traditional Japanese tea ceremonies are always a possibility when you visit.

Though tiny in size, Nitobe’s a must for anyone interested in traditional Japanese gardens. Each tree, stone and shrub has been deliberately placed and is carefully maintained to reflect an idealized conception and symbolic representation of nature. The garden honours Inazo Nitobe (1862-1933) whose goal was “to become a bridge across the Pacific”.

When you’re planning a visit, take note that the garden is only open on weekdays from 10am-2pm. Admission is by donation.

2. Kuno Garden – Richmond

Richmond has strong ties to Japan, and it’s not just because they’re sister cities with Wakayama. Japanese Canadians were Steveston pioneers, making up a significant chunk of the village’s population back in the infancy of the fishing industry. Just drop by the Steveston Museum for proof where you can glimpse at the old photo albums and you’ll see that Steveston was once home to Japanese schools, a Japanese hospital, and countless shops catering to the Japanese Canadian community. This was pre-WWII Steveston.

Steveston is a different place now, but legacies of its Japanese heritage live on in places such as Kuno Garden. Situated at the entrance of Garry Point Park, Kuno Garden was created to celebrate the centennial year of the arrival of the first Japanese immigrant to Canada. It’s a tiny section of an otherwise expansive park, but the nearby grove of cherry trees makes it a particularly alluring place to visit in the springtime.

3. Chiba Garden – North Vancouver

Located along the 200 block of West Esplanade at Waterfront Park, North Vancouver’s Chiba Garden is a traditional Japanese garden tucked away behind cedar gates. Built in 1986, it commemorates the friendship between the City of North Vancouver and its sister city, Chiba. Although the North Shore News‘ Todd Major suggests that it’s “a little neglected”, he explains that “the garden’s design is comprised of two streams originating from one source, representing the friendship between these two cities”.

Local blog This Is the Way It Is & That’s Okay visited Chiba Garden in February 2012 where they relaxed and absorbed the scenery – the trees, the sea air, and the quiet. Check out their photos as it’ll no doubt inspire you to hop on the SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay where Chiba Garden awaits less than a 10 minute stroll away.

4. Friendship Garden – Hope


Photo: Friendship Garden in May, 2008. Photo by Robyn Hanson.

Located in the heart of Hope is a beautiful Japanese garden simply known as Friendship Garden. I’m embarrassed to admit that I had only discovered this garden in May of 2008 despite a lifetime of visits to Hope. It’s only two short blocks east of Water Avenue (the main strip when you first enter the town) and any time I visit Hope now, I definitely make a point at stopping by. It’s a beautiful park to stretch your legs and breathe in the mountain air. Of course, the cherry blossoms make it particularly picturesque.

But there’s a deeper meaning to this park as explained by the plaque on the rock. It reads, “Built by the local Japanese Canadians commemorating the Japanese Canadians interned during World War II in Tashme Camp, 20 kilometers east of Hope on Hwy No. 3 and also to demonstrate Japanese culture to the general public. Presented to the Town of Hope on July 27, 1991. Project design and supervision provided by the Japanese Gardeners Cooperative of B.C.”

5. Friendship Garden – New Westminster

Yes, there are two Japanese Friendship Gardens in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains! Located adjacent to New Westminster’s Tipperary Park, Friendship Garden is a Japanese-inspired garden that was built in 1963 as a tribute to Moriguchi, Japan – New Westminster’s sister city. Unlike the more traditional Japanese gardens, this garden blends the aesthetics of a Japanese garden with the more informal garden style typical of the Canadian west coast.

Ironically, it’s situated right next to City Hall, but there’s no better place to escape the city. Relax on a bench to enjoy the beauty of the trees, flowers, and native plants, or go for a short stroll along the walking paths. The park also features a waterfall and pond as well as a totem pole. In any case, it’s the perfect hybrid of Japanese and west coast culture.

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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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    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: May Long Weekend Round-Up - activities to do this weekend in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains: http://t.co/zubNtmjz
    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


     
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