Facebook page Twitter RSS Feed
Recent Entries

10 Great Spring Break Ideas – Part 1

March 9th, 2012
 

It’s Spring Break and the kids are out of school! With so many fantastic family events and activities taking place throughout the month of March, we thought we’d highlight some great spring break ideas Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region for you and your family. This is part one of our two part blog post.

1. Britannia Mine Museum

From March 10-25, the Britannia Mine Museum will be offering fun activities led by their interpreters every day at 11am and 2pm. These family-friendly programs will be themed around Japanese culture to support their temporary exhibit, Stolen Lives: Remember the Japanese Canadian Internment.

One such activity is the Japanese Drumming Performance which takes place on Saturday, March 10. Sansho Taiko will be here from Vancouver for two special performances, 11am and 2pm. There will also be a chance to try drumming yourself.

2. Ice Skating

Let the kids go ice skating while you go shopping! West Vancouver’s Park Royal (March 9-18 from 12-6pm) and The Shops at Morgan’s Crossing in Surrey (March 22-25 from 10am-6pm) both have synthetic ice rinks set up and welcome everyone to come down for an open-air skate.

Photo: Whistler Olympic Plaza. Source: Mike Crane via Tourism Whistler.

Another idea is relive the 2010 Winter Olympics at the Whistler Olympic Plaza where there’s free outdoor ice skating daily from 11am-5pm and from 6pm-9pm.

3. Gulf of Georgia Cannery

Photo: Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site. Source: Robyn Hanson.

Want to know what it was like to work in a Steveston cannery? Find out at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery on March 16 and 18 where you can join their costumed interpreter in their new “CAN you handle it?” tour and learn first-hand. Can’t make those dates? Starting March 10, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery will be hosting all kinds of fun March break activities like arts and crafts, map-making, cork boat-making, and more!

4. Sunshine Coast Winter Fest

The Sunshine Coast Winter Fest takes place on Saturday, March 10. Sponsored by Alpha Adventures, the festival takes place on Dakota Ridge where there will be product demos, snowshoe races, a kid’s ski race, a cross country ski mini-loppet (race) and more!

Photo: Snowshoeing on Dakota Ridge during Winter Fest 2011. Source: wotocho Flickr.

Can’t make it to Dakota Ridge in time? Not to worry! With a base of 200cm, the snow’s not going anywhere soon. Bring the whole family to  Dakota Ridge any time this month to experience their fabulous cross country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities. Be sure to check out the Dakota Ridge Facebook Page for daily updates on snow and road conditions.

5. Burnaby Village Museum

Photo: The Coursel at the Burnaby Village Museum. Source: Bruce Irschick via Flickr.

From March 19-25 (12-4pm) the Burnaby Village Museum is hosting a Spring Break Scavenger Hunt with the theme being Puppets and Pageantry. They write, “Start the hunt! Marionette, paper bag, and shadow puppets of all sorts! Explore this unique form of theatre art with a scavenger hunt, crafts, and lively performances. Need to take a break – make a craft, enjoy a performance or take a whirl on the carousel. All are included with admission”.

Related Posts:

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Family Activities, Featured | 7 Comments »

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.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Featured, Sponsored | 1 Comment »

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.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Family Activities, Featured | 1 Comment »

5 Weekday Evening Recreational Activities for January

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

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

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

1. Swimming in Harrison Hot Springs

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

2. Five Pin Bowling in Chilliwack

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

3. Night Skiing on the North Shore

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

4. Snowmobiling on Blackcomb

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

5. Ice Skating in Powell River

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

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Featured, Weekday Activities | 5 Comments »

Hidden Secrets for December 2-4

December 2nd, 2011
Hidden Secrets for December 2-4
 

Photo: Santa arrives in Steveston this Saturday afternoon. Source: Steveston Merchants Association.

Wine Country Christmas at Township 7 Winery – Langley

Kick off the holiday season at Langley’s Township 7 Winery this Sunday. They’ll have live Christmas music, new winter wine releases, and a fireside chat with the winemaker. There will also be seasonal craft making and gingerbread cookie decorating for the kids, hot mulled wine, and other campfire goodies will be available by donation to their charity partner, the Langley Christmas Bureau. Bring a new unwrapped toy for the Christmas Bureau – and will receive a complimentary wine tasting for two.

When: Sunday, December 4 from 12-4pm.
Website: www.township7.com

Gifted 2011 Artist’s Reception – Bowen Island

Looking for a unique Friday night activity? Spend the evening on Bowen Island for the artist’s reception of Gifted 2011: the Bowen Island Arts Council annual community art show and sale. Held at The Gallery at Artisan Square, this annual event features the artwork of local Bowen Island artists and will remain open to the public until December 24 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12 noon until 4pm.

When: Friday, December 2 from 7-9pm.
Website: www.biac.ca

Christmas in Steveston Village – Richmond

If you want to experience a truly authentic west coast fishing village Christmas tradition, head to the southwest corner of Richmond this Saturday for Christmas in Steveston Village. Santa will be arriving at 2pm by boat at Steveston’s Fisherman’s Wharf. He’ll then walk over to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery where kids can get their photo taken with him. Throughout the village the festive charm will continue with old-fashioned horse drawn carriage rides, Christmas carolers, and the lighting of the tree.

When: Saturday, December 3 from 2-6pm.
Website: www.exploresteveston.com

Carol Ships Parade of Lights – North Shore

The Carol Ships Parade of Lights is a distinctly Vancouver holiday tradition that kicks off this Friday evening on the Inner Harbour of Burrard Inlet. Come down to the North Shore waterfront on Saturday at 8:30pm for a viewing of these beautifully decorated boats, or West Vancouver’s Ambleside at 7:35pm and 8:30pm, Dundarave at 7:50pm and 8:15pm, Caulfield Cover at 8pm.

When: Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4
Website: www.carolships.org

West Coast Christmas Show & Marketplace – Abbotsford

The TRADEX in Abbotsford will be hosting the West Coast Christmas Show & Market Place this weekend. There will photos with Santa, live music, an onsite nursery, a gingerbread competition, a Festival of Trees, festive creation workshops, special presentations, an artisan market and more. And for the foodies thinking of attending, Chef Dale MacKay of ensemble Restaurant and winner of Top Chef Canada will be presenting on the Home for the Holidays Presentation Stage on Saturday at 12:30pm. He’ll be entertaining guests with his culinary skills, sharing tips for holiday cooking projects.

When: Friday, December 2 until Sunday, December 4.
Website: www.westcoastchristmasshow.com

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Featured, Hidden Secrets | 1 Comment »

Weekday Activities for November 14-18

November 14th, 2011
Weekday Activities for November 14-18
 

Photo: The ski season has begun on Cypress Mountain. Source: Cypress Mountain via Facebook.

Skiing on Cypress Mountain – West Vancouver

Get in on the earliest ski season opening in the region! The North Shore’s Cypress Mountain is now open daily from 10am until 4pm with afternoon rates starting at 1pm. @GallantandJones told us, “My husband went on Friday and said it was good, only a couple of runs open with fake snow machines (thanks Olympics!) and $23″. @Hitchwhistler then tweeted, “Hey, Cypress has 3 runs open now and well worth a visit to get warmed up for the season. #winterishere”. Cypress is only a 20 minute drive from downtown Vancouver and they also offer a shuttle service. It’s a good idea to check the latest conditions before heading up, however if this early opening’s any indication, it looks like we’re in for a good season! More information about Cypress Mountain can be found at cypressmountain.com.

Scotch, Wine & Beer at the Hopscotch Festival – Vancouver

Vancouver’s Hopscotch Festival will surely pique the interest of the distinguished drinkers out there. Pegged as “Western Canada’s Premier Scotch, Whiskey and Beer Festival”, Hopscotch starts today and continues all week until November 20. Highlights include a Molson Brewery Tour on Monday, November 14 at 6pm; master classes at the Legacy Liquor Store, and the Grand Tasting Hall at the Rocky Mountaineer Train Station which features up to 60 exhibitors and 250 products. Full details of the Hopscotch Festival can be found at hopscotchfestival.com.

The Wizard of Oz – Burnaby


Photo: Michelle Creber stars as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Source: Footlight Theatre Company.

In the mood for some quality theatre? Burnaby’s Footlight Theatre Company presents The Wizard of Oz at the Michael J. Fox Theatre until November 19. What’s particularly noteworthy is that Dorothy Gale is played by 12 year old Michelle Creber, a West Vancouver actress who, according to the North Shore News, “has a resume in film, television, voice-over, dance, singing and theatre that someone would be proud of at twice, three times her age.” Tickets can be purchased from TicketsTonight.

Cooking Classes at Well-Seasoned – Langley

If you’ve contemplated taking some cooking classes, look up what’s happening at Langley’s foodie paradise: Well Seasoned.On Monday, November 14 is Crab & Lobster with Chef Romy Prasad and Sushi with Chef Ky. On Tuesday, November 15 you can learn take Southern Fried with Chef Brian Misko or Crock Pot Favourites with Chef Georgia Morley. Get Stuffed with Chef Brian Misko happens on Wednesday, November 16 with A Gluten-Free Cookie Exchange with Pastry Chef Tina Bacon on Thursday, November 17. And back to back on Thursday and Friday is Chef Dez with his Great Greek class on Thursday and his Soup and Bread class on Friday, November 19. Check out the full schedule of cooking classes at wellseasoned.ca.

Explore the Powell River Museum – Powell River

If you find yourself on the Upper Sunshine Coast this week, make the time to visit the Powell River Museum. This museum is a treasure trove of Powell River culture and history. Learn about the local First Nations culture, the early pioneer days on the Sunshine Coast, the logging industry, the Powell River mill, the Sunshine Coast during the war years, as well as local culture and music. The museum is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4:30pm (but closed on stat holidays). For more information, including online exhibits, visit the museum’s website at powellrivermuseum.ca.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Featured, Weekday Activities | No Comments »

Archive

  • ▼2012 (41)
  • ►2011 (160)
    •  

    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


     
    shadow
    shadow