Venture Vancouver's Blog

TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2010

Spring Break Activities in the Lower Mainland

Are you wondering what interesting and exciting activities there are for kids to do in the Lower Mainland for Spring Break? Need an indoor activity for a rainy day this week? Check out some arts and crafts in several Vancouver locales, learn to be a Pirate at Science World, marvel at our natural (and supernatural) wonders at the Aquarium and Space Centre or just go out and explore the beautiful spring weather in the areas many Parks and Gardens.

March Break is here for thousands of Children in the Lower Mainland - looking for fun activities to do in the coming week? Here is a list of places to visit in Vancouver and the surrounding region!

1. VANCOUVER AQUARIUM | Location: 845 Avison Way in Stanley Park | Dates: March 6th - 14th | Times: 9:30am - 5:00pm (Spring Break shows: Spotlight on Seals @ 10:00am; Beluga Session @ 10:30am; Dolphin Show @ 2:30pm and Meet and Greet SpongeBob from 10:00am - 1:00pm) | Cost: Adult: $22; Senior/Youth/Student: $17; Child (4-12): $14; Child (3 and under): FREE | Information: The Vancouver Aquarium will be offering several extra shows as well as Meet and Greet sessions with Spongebob Squarepants as well as 4D movies and regular exhibits | Website


2. VANCOUVER MARITIME MUSEUM | Location: 1905 Ogden Avenue in Vanier Park | Dates: March 6th - 14th | Times: 10:00am - 5:00pm; Sun: 12:00pm - 5:00pm| Cost: Adult: $10; Youth: $7.50; Child (5 and under): FREE; Family: $25 | Information: Visit the Vancouver Maritime Museum during Spring Break and enjoy family crafts each day including pirate hats, flags and treasure chest maps. Visitors can also discover the rich maritime history and traditions of the Pacific Coast and explore the Museums many exhibits | Website


3. H.R. MACMILLAN SPACE CENTRE | Location: 1100 Chestnut Street in Vanier Park | Dates: March 8th - 12th | Times: 10:00am - 5:00pm (Special Programs from 11:00am - 2:00pm) | Cost: Adult: $15; Senior/Youth/Student/Child: $10.75; Child (5 and under with simulator): $7; Child (5 and under without simulator): FREE | Information: Learn about life as an Astronaut, bring in your rocks to find out what types they are and learn about space rocks, watch a show on the End of the World and learn about asteroids, take part in the Globe at Night star count or just experience the exhibits at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre | Website


4. SCIENCE WORLD | Location: 1455 Quebec Street | Dates: March 11th - 15th | Times: Mon-Fri: 10:00am - 5:00pm; Sat-Sun: 10:00am - 6:00pm | Cost: Adult: $18.75; Senior/Youth: $15.25; Child: $12.75 | Information: Science World will be hosting Swashbucklin' Spring Break with science, treasure huntin', storytellin', sword fightin' and more for all ye landlubbers. Yaarrrr! | Website


5. KIDS MARKET (GRANVILLE ISLAND) | Location: | Dates: March 5th - 14th | Times: between 11:00am - 4:00pm | Cost: FREE (except the Ceramics and Sand Art Crafts which are $5 per child) | Information: The Granville Island Kids Market will host several programs such as a the recycled craft workshop, Child Find Program and Ceramics ans Sand Art Crafts along with the Market's outdoor and indoor play areas and shops to explore | Website


6. VANCOUVER POLICE MUSEUM | Location: 240 Cordova Street | Dates: March 8th - 12th | Times: Between 10:00pm - 4:00pm | Cost: Student: $10; Member: $5 | Information: Throughout Spring Break, the Vancouver Police Museum will be hosting a series of forensic science workshops for kids, including fingerprints, impression evidence (foot and tire prints), forensic entomology (bugs) and ballistics. A workshop for older students on blood spatter will also be offered. After the workshop, students are welcome to explore the museum and put their new skills to the test with our Forensics Drop-in activities (reservations required) | Website


7. FORT LANGLEY | Location: Follow the "Beaver" signs along 232nd Street from Highway 1 in Langley | Dates: March 8th - 12th | Times: 10:00am - 5:00pm | Cost: Adult: $7.80; Senior: $6.55; Youth: $3.90; Family: $19.60 | Information: Claim Your Gold! Race other prospectors to the richest gold deposits on the river - will you have to negotiate to share a claim? Or will you have the patience and cunning to claim the mother lode? Spend your school break learning about the work of children in British Columbia in the 1840s | Website
   


8. PARALYMPIC TORCH RELAY | Locations: 10th: Riley Community Centre; March 11th: UBC outside the Student Union Building; March 11th-12th: Robson Square | Dates/Times: March 10th: Riley Park Community Centre (near Queen Elizabeth Park) [11:00 am]; March 11th: UBC [11:00am]; March 11th-12th: Robson Square [2:00pm] | Cost: FREE | Information: The 10-day, 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay will give many Canadians, young and old, a chance to discover the unique and inspiring stories of Paralympians and other Canadians who defy the odds. | Website

There is also lots to do in the great outdoors as Spring has hit the City early! Explore Stanley Park and walk its many trails or check out the Heronry which is home to over one hundred nesting Herons; Go to your local neighbourhood parks and gardens and enjoy the cherry blossoms, daffodils, crocuses and other spring flowers which are in bloom; take advantage of the weekend's snow and ski, snowboard, snowshoe, tube or sled the local (or regional) mountains; take a day trip to Vancouver Island or other interesting cities in the region, and most of all, enjoy Spring Break!

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2010

Spring Has Sprung: Bird Watching in British Columbia

Vancouver is well known for its natural locale with snow-capped mountains and the Pacific Ocean a short drive from one another as well as its varied ecosystems supporting a wide range of flora and fauna. Birding is a popular British Columbia past time with hundreds of different species to see as the Province is a main stop for migrating birds as well is home to many species which can be spotted throughout the Lower Mainland and surrounding region.

Spring has sprung in Vancouver (the cherry blossoms are evidence enough!) and spring brings a new look to the City: green grasses and flowers as well as many new animal arrivals! Everyones favourite sign of spring are the ducklings, goslings and other baby birds which can be spotted throughout the Lower Mainland.

Vancouver is a very interesting place - both culturally and naturally. Its snow-capped mountains, temperate rain forests, coastal beaches, rocky shores and ocean as well as freshwater lakes, rivers and creeks has made it a popular stop for birds who live in the region year around as well as migrate through on the Pacific Flyaway. Birders from around the World marvel at the wide range of species found throughout the region and Spring brings the new additions out for visitors to admire and adore.

Explore the shores of Stanley Park's Lost Lagoon to see its Songbirds, Ducks and Swans - observe the nesting Herons in the Park's Heronry, scale Whistler and meet its friendly Whiskey Jacks, be awestruck by Eagles and other birds of prey which winter in Delta or check out the Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary which is home to Mallards, Sandhill Cranes, Black Crowned Night Herons and Ring-Necked Pheasants and wait for the new arrivals which will begin to appear within the next month!

FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2010

Weekend Adventurer: Festivals and Events on Vancouver Island

Looking for something to do this weekend? Plan a day trip (or stay for the weekend) on Vancouver Island! There are several events and festivals being held such as the 'Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown', the 13th Annual Victoria French Fest, the Calving Festival, the 20th Brant Wildlife Festival and the 24th Annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival. Celebrating ecological diversity, tourism and cultural heritage, these festivals offer plenty to do on the Island.

This weekend there are several festivals and events happening on Vancouver Island exploring the province's capital, Victoria or celebrating spring and nature at its finest!

• BE A TOURIST IN YOUR OWN HOMETOWN | Location: Attractions around Victoria | Times: March 3-7, 2010 (times varies for each attraction) | Cost: One ticket: $10.50 / Package (five): $40.00 | Information: Be a Tourist in Your Hometown provides tickets for free entry or discounted rates to dozens of local attractions such as museums, gardens, farms, restaurants and more! | Website


• 13TH ANNUAL VICTORIA FRENCH FEST | Location: The Da Vinci Centre (195 Bay Street) and Centennial Square (at Government Street and Pandora Avenue) in Victoria [there will be free shuttle services between the two venues] | Times: March 4-7, 2010 (hours range) | Cost: FREE (except for some shows and food) | Information: Victoria French Fest is a four day event filled with music, art, Francophone culture, and traditional food, offering renowned singers, arts and crafts for children, movies, a French bistro and beer garden. | Website

• CALVING FESTIVAL | Location: Morningstar Farm in Parksville (403 Lowry's Road) | Times: March 6 - April 18, 2010; 9:00am - 5:00pm | Cost: Adult: $8; Child: $5 | Information: Spring sees new arrivals at the farm and the Calving Festival celebrates cows and their new babies with pregnant and newly born calves to see (visitors might even witness a birth). Visitors get to walk through the farm and learn about cows, see other animals, tour the dairy and cheese factory and even taste some locally produced varieties. | Website
  

  

• 20TH BRANT WILDLIFE FESTIVAL | Location: Parksville Community Park off Cornfield Street North off the East Island Highway | Times: March 5 - April 28, 2010 - the Park is open all day for visitors to view the Brant Geese | Cost: FREE (except for some events and walks) | Information: Celebrating the International Year of Biodiversity, the Brant Wildlife Festival offers ing adventures, community celebrations, learn to fish and nature camps for children, family days and much more. | Website


• 24TH ANNUAL PACIFIC RIM WHALE FESTIVAL | Location: The Festival takes place within the hosting communities of Tofino, Ucluelet and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve | Times: March 6-14, 2010; activity and event times vary | Cost: vary - some activities are free while some are by donation or by entry fee | Information: Celebrating the arrival of over 20,000 migrating Grey Whales, the Pacific Rim Whale Festival offers events, educational programs, workshops as well as celebrating this unique West Coast region. | Website

If you are coming from the mainland, there are BC Ferries that go to Vancouver Island from two departure points - the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal in West Vancouver which goes to the Departure Bay ferry terminal in Nanaimo and the Tswassen ferry terminal in Delta which travels to the Swartz Bay ferry terminal close to Victoria. There is public transit, buses and trains which are available for visitors who chose not to take a vehicle to the Island.

TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2010

Memories of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics

The 2010 Winter Olympics may have ended but we will all have amazing memories from the last seventeen days of triumphs, friendliness, good food and the City of Vancouver which we will remember for decades to come! Here are some photos from this amazing event which brought Canadians to the World Stage and the World to our streets!

The 2010 Olympic Winter Games were seventeen days of excitement, Canadian pride, International Pavilions, exciting moments and exploration of the City, its waterways, its mountains and its attractions. Visitors from around the world could explore every unique Canadian province and territory, eat at restaurants representing ever corner of the globe and walk the famous seawall to see famous city landmarks sporting those famous red mittens.

The Olympic Cauldron at Jack Poole Plaza was one of the biggest draws in Vancouver during the day and night bringing crowds of hundreds of thousands to the city's waterfront.

Pin trading, national treasures (such as Canada's Million Dollar Coin which was on display at the Royal Mint Pavilion as well as the long lines to touch a medal), our unseasonable warm weather which brought out Vancouver's cherry blossoms (which also left our mountains bare!) and of course our unflagging Canadian pride and spirit made for a unique experience which will make Vancouver 2010 a Winter Games (or any Games!) that will be hard to beat!

Thank you World for visiting during the 2010 Winter Olympics and next time you want to hear a 'sorry', feast on poutine or play some hockey we can't wait to see you again!

MONDAY, MARCH 1, 2010

Canada the Face of the World for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games

Sunday, February 28th, 2010 marked the end of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, British Columbia, and although the weather didn't always cooperate there was true patriotism and excitement in the air - and it didn't matter if you were Norwegian or Korean or American or Canadian, no matter the athlete there were always encouraging cheers from people hailing from the most multicultural country in the world! Canada!

As the eyes of the World have been on Vancouver, Canada these last two weeks, it has come with enormous pride as a first generation Canadian to enjoy our country being celebrated.

Although the 2010 Olympic Winter Games had a bumpy start the real gold medal belongs to the Canadians who volunteered for these games, who participated and who made Vancouver a true international experience.

There are two things that really make these Olympics special, the country it was held in and the people within it. Canada is and always has been a meld of every culture on earth - going into any event or even on the streets you had Europeans, North Americans, South Americans, Asians, Africans and Australians celebrating together - some of which came to enjoy the games from their respective countries or some which have lived in Canada for a few years or even all their lives. What really makes Canada special is its multicultural population - we have such a deep identity with Canada and with the countries our ancestors came from.

This multiculturalism makes it impossible for us to be strangers and this was seen in many events as many Canadians carried two flags into events cheering on for teams they, their parents, grandparents or even great-great grandparents came from. When we remember these games in the future we should look back and embrace how truly amazing these Olympics were and how they really brought the World out of us as well as the World to us! Well done Vancouver... well done!!!

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2010

Weekend Adventurer: Cherry Blossoms in Vancouver

With over 37,000 Cherry Blossom trees lining the streets, walkways, seawall, parks and homes of Vancouver, British Columbia, spring ushers in the region's most beautiful display, the blooming of these beautiful trees which is one of the most anticipated events of the Spring Season! Set off by the snow-capped mountains and beautiful surroundings these Cherry Trees embody the spirit of Vancouver and its allure to visitors from around the World! Enjoy the last weekend of February among these beautiful trees which have bloomed just in time for the World to see them.

This weekend marks the end of the Olympic festivities but also the beginning of Spring for the Vancouver season - this year the City has gotten its blooms early (usually they bloom from March through to May) so spend this weekend exploring some of the 37,000 cherry blossoms trees planted throughout the Lower Mainland. The following is a list of some of the best locations to view the Cherry Blossoms around Vancouver and the Lower Mainland:

• Van Dusen Gardens in Vancouver
• Nitobe Garden at the UBC Campus (Point Grey)
• Vanier Park (near the Vancouver Museum)
• Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver
• 3100 block of Graveley Street (at Lillooet Street)
• Kitchener Elementary School in Burnaby at 1351 South Gilmore Avenue

The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival usually occurs in the City between March and May, however, with the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games it was put on hold this year, but it will return next year for Vancouver's 125th year.

The history of Vancouver's Cherry Trees started in the 1930s when the City planted 500 which were donated by the mayors of Kobe and Yokohama to honour soldiers who died in World War I. Their popularity saw thousands more planted along roadways, walkways, in parks and on private property to where they now number over 37,000.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2010

Venture Vancouver has a New Homepage!

For over one year Venture Vancouver has been working to provide visitors and locals with new and exciting things to do in Downtown Vancouver, Vancouver, North and West Vancouver, Richmond, the Sea to Sky Highway Corridor, Squamish and Whistler and today the new homepage map launches with more cities to choose from and learn about the exciting activities within them along with pictures, maps, information, hours & rates and much more!

We're growing here at Venture Vancouver! Today we've launched our new home page which will give people the chance to explore new and interesting activities in all the cities throughout the Lower Mainland!

For the next year we will be adding a new activity every week from Delta, Point Roberts, Surrey, White Rock, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Belcarra, Langley, Aldergrove, Abbotsford, Mission, Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows as well as adding to our existing zones, Downtown Vancouver, Vancouver, North and West Vancouver, Richmond, the Sea to Sky Corridor, Squamish and Whistler. You also can now sign up for one (or all) of Venture Vancouver's RSS feeds - There is one for blogs, one for images and one for activities. We also have a link to our Twitter (VancouverLocal).

We hope to continue to provide you with new and exciting places to visit, and the information you'll need to put together the best vacation with the activities that suit you, a perfect day trip or just a walk after work at a local park!

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2010

2010 Olympic Experience: Whistler

Whistler, British Columbia is also the location of several events during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and this resort town has welcome the World to its doorstep with pavilions, events, activities and of course sightseeing to explore the region, its international guests and the history behind this world famous resort!

If you happen to be lucky enough to visit Whistler, British Columbia during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games make sure to experience the interesting pavilions, events and activities happening in this beautiful resort town, or enjoy sightseeing or a ski on its World famous slopes!

• WHISTLER MEDALS PLAZA [Location: Near the market place (map)] Times: February 12-28: 6:30pm | Information: See the medals awarded to athletes who have won medals for the days events followed by music and dazzling performances


• WHISTLER LIVE! [Location: Various areas through Whistler Village (map)] Times: February 12-28: 9:00am - 11:00pm (Town Plaza Children's Art Activities: 12:00pm - 6:00pm); March 12-21: 9:00am - 11:00pm | Information: Whistler Live! (Schedule) is where the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games come to life with a fusion of sport, art and entertainment.


• FIRE AND ICE REMIX (SHOW) [Location: At the foot of Whistler Mountain between the Whistler and Blackcomb Gondolas] Times: February 12-28: 9:00pm) | Information: Fire and Ice Remix is a nightly show featuring big air, fire dancers, fiery rings which skiers and snowboarders jump through, music and more!


• STORYTELLING AT BLACKCOMB BRIDGE [Location: Beside the Blackcomb Bridge across from Rebagliati Park (4540 Blackcomb Way)] Times: February 13-27: 4:00pm - 6:00pm | Information: Writers, First Nations storytellers and locals provide tales, urban myths and traditional Aboriginal legends of the region while the sun sets by the warm glow of a winter fire.


• INTERNATIONAL PAVILIONS [Location: Austria House (Near Lost Lake); Norway House (Located in MY Place, 4335 Blackcomb Way); and Swiss House (Mountain Club in Town Plaza)] Times: February 12-28: Austria: 10:00am - 4:00pm; Norway: Mornings for Waffles; Swiss House: 8:00am - 1:00am | Information: Austria House invites guests and athletes to enjoy Austrian hospitality, Norway House will be open to the public for free waffles every morning and Swiss House features delectable Swiss cuisine


• WHISTLER CANADA OLYMPIC HOUSE [Location: Whistler Public Library at 4329 Main Street] Times: February 27: 9:00pm - 11:30am; February 28: 5:00pm - 10:00pm | Information: Whistler Canada Olympic House celebrates the spirit of the game and its athletes with a Community Pancake Breakfast on the 27th, and on the 28th enjoy the closing ceremonies on a big screen with traditional Whistler Après. The backyard of the library is set to become a family snow play zone with piles of snow to play on.


• WHISTLER MUSEUM [Location: 4333 Main Street] Times: February 12-28: 11:00am - 6:00pm | Information: The Whistler Museum hosts the Whistler's Olympic Journey exhibit featuring the history of Whistler specially designed to celebrate Whistler's journey to the 2010 Winter Games.

Make sure to experience and enjoy the 2010 Olympic Experience in Whistler, British Columbia!

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2010

Weekend Adventurer: Maple Sugar Festival du Sucre d'Érable in Nanaimo, British Columbia

Maple Syrup has been around for centuries - first created by Native Americans from the sap of Sugar Maple trees in Eastern Canada and spread with the settlement of the rest of the country. Vancouver Island honours its French-Canadian heritage with the Maple Sugar Festival du Sucre d'Érable which offers markets, traditional foods, maple sugar treats, entertainment, rides and more this weekend in Beban Park in the heart of Nanaimo, British Columbia!

Every February Nanaimo hosts the Maple Sugar Festival du Sucre d'Érable - a two and a half day bilingual celebration inspired by Eastern Canadian sugar shack traditions.

• Date: February 19th - 21st, 2010
• Time: February 19th: 4:00pm - 9:00pm; February 20th - 21st: 9:00am - 4:00pm
• Admission: February 19th: By Donation; February 20th - 21st: Adult: $5, Child: $3; Child (12 and Under): FREE
• How to get there: The Maple Sugar Festival du Sucre d'Érable is held in Beban Park in Nanaimo, British Columbia which is located at 2300 Bowen Road which is accessed from the Island Highway.

The Maple Sugar Festival du Sucre d'Érable offers a variety of activities such as educational presentations on how to tap your own trees and how to make maple syrup, performances, hay rides and of course, delicious traditional French-Canadian food and delicious deserts!

Make sure to visit the Aboriginal House which tells the history behind Maple Syrup and explores traditional methods on how its made, hay rides, an ice sculpting demonstration on the 20th, an indoor market and don't miss the Maple Syrup toffee made on snow!

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2010

2010 Olympic Experience: Downtown Vancouver Celebration Sites

The 2010 Winter Olympic Game celebrations welcome the World to Vancouver, British Columbia and introduce visitors to the culture and communities of the city through activities, events, live entertainment and alongside some of the most beautiful locales in the Downtown Core where locals and visitors can celebrate together.

Visitors to Vancouver can enjoy a wide range of activities, events, shows, celebrations and interesting locales. The following are Olympic experiences within Vancouver's Downtown Core, celebrating the 2010 Winter Olympic Games and the communities within the city.

• EDGEWATER CASINO CELEBRATION VILLAGE [Location: Along Pacific Street across from BC Place] Times: February 12-28: Mon-Thurs: 2:00pm - 11:00pm; Fri-Sun: 12:00pm - 2:00am | Information: The Edgewater Casino Celebration Village celebrates the Year of the Tiger with events, activities and Olympic broadcasting. Edgewater will also be hosting the International Pin Exchange for visitors to trade their Country's pins.


• PLACE DE LA FRANCOPHONE 2010 [Location: Granville Island] Times: February 11-28: Air Canada Stage: 6:00pm - Close*; Club Adrenaline: 11:00am - 12:00am; Agritourism Pavilion: 11:00am - 8:00pm; Street Events: 8:00am - Close* (*varies) | Information: Place de la Francophone will become Vancouver's French Quarter with live shows, Olympic coverage in French, an Agritourism Pavilion, Bar, venues and activities.


• 2010 STREET PARTIES [Location: Robson Street (east of Jervis Street to BC Place; Mainland Street in Yaletown (from Davie to Nelson Streets); Granville Street (Smithe Street to the Waterfront); Hamilton Street (Smithe Street to W Georgia) Beatty Street (Smithe to Dunsmuir Streets); and West Georgia (Hamilton to Beatty Streets)] Times: February 12-28: 12:00pm - 12:00am | Information: For pedestrians only, these streets will have a variety of activities, booths and events to enjoy throughout the Olympics.


• PRIDE HOUSE VANCOUVER [Location: Qmunity at 1170 Bute Street at Davie Street (Davie Village)] Times: February 12-28: 10:00am - 7:00pm | Information: For the first time in Olympic history the Lesbian and Gay Community will have a Pavilion, Pride House, which shows off Vancouver's Pride with daily events and Pride Ambassadors welcoming athletes, their families and the World.