We spend so much time looking up and over at the mountains in Vancouver. Luckily, thanks to their accessibility, through trails in the summer and powder-covered slopes in the winter, we get almost as many chances to look down at the city from their peaks.
Night hikes along ice-filled canyons, airline deals, cheering on world-class athletes, and mid-mountain dining are all featured in this month’s set of stories on SnowSeekers.ca.
I get to write alongside a talented (and adventurous) team of influencers and story-tellers on SnowSeekers.ca and here are some of our highlighted stories this month:
Typical huh? Two buddies on a chair lift arguing over who has skied more places. But the competition went further. When Ted Allsopp and Greg Scott realized they could challenge each other to ski all of BC and Alberta, the dare was on. Did they ski them all? Can you? Check out the story of lifetime pals and the SnowSeekers Challenge here »
Sleds, skis, bikes, sloppy kisses and headlamps. That just about sums up the action packed list of “must do’s” of Banff. You’ll want to try crawling through caving near Canmore, hiking into an ice covered canyon or, riding fat tire bikes. But who are the sloppy kisses from? One word…”Woof!” Find out how to sign up for any of the adventures here »
Hiking in the mountains in the daylight you are surrounded with sights to navigate your way. But what if someone turns out the lights and sends you through icy Johnston Canyon with only a headlamp? Jody Robbins found out two things; it’s not that hard to see in the dark and the trees smell better. Smell better? Better read the hiking by headlamp story about find out why »
I revisited Manning Park Provincial Park to discover how much more there is to do during winter. Only 3 hours from a soaking wet Fraser Valley you can ski, skate, tube and toboggan under a bluebird sunny sky. Yes, it’s true. Find out more from my adventures through the winter playground »
Canmore is hosting the annual Winter Carnival from February 1st through March 13 but this year it’s the World Cup Edition! World Cup Biathlon and World Cup Cross-country events are heating the trails at the Nordic centre in February and March. That means it’s time to haul out the cowbells to cheer on international athletes and the dogs. Huh? Yup, the annual Kid and Mutt race on main street will pack in the spectators at the carnival. Find out how you can participate here »
Chef Wolfgang Sterr thinks the guests at Whistler Blackcomb deserve more than cheese dogs and fries. With over 6,500 forks set for lunch or dinner at 17 locations dotting the two mountains, Chef Sterr is “stirring” the pot and creating amazing cuisine to fuel the patrons. Here you can find out what to order next time you dine at Whistler Blackcomb »
You guys in BC are so lucky. Pacific Coastal Airlines can drop you and your skis close to over 20 ski destinations throughout the province without charging for baggage fees. Check out why this carrier “flies under the radar” yet ranks as the sixth largest airline operating at YVR. Then, decide where you want to fly for the best pow in BC »
Follow Powder Matt as he discovers how the town of Wells offers more than just the end of the road. Fresh bread, fresh tracks and friendly trail guides are on the list. Learn about Wells and the road less travelled here »
Follow SnowSeekers.ca on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news, updates, inside tips, and information about how adventurers of every kind can enjoy the snow in BC.
Vancouver has a collection of unique attractions and museums, focusing on everything from anthropology and biodiversity, to shipyards and sports. Included on that list is the Vancouver Police Museum, which is located in the old city morgue. It features organizational history, crime-solving gear, artifacts, mystery stories, and even an autopsy room. This weekend you can check out their permanent collection and their latest exhibition at a free open house.
Where: Vancouver Police Museum (240 East Cordova St)
When: Saturday, January 16, 2016 from 11:00am to 2:00pm
Bridging the Gap: Vancouver’s Youth and the Law is the latest exhibition at the Vancouver Police Museum. It explores how crime trends, changing legislation, and policing practices have come together to create a very Vancouver story. Students were invited to contribute in the form of an artwork that conveys the topic of ‘Youth and the Law’. They were asked to reflect on their interactions or connections with police and the law (positive or negative experiences) through artistic expression such as paintings, drawings and photographs.
Learn more about the Vancouver Police Museum, and their movie nights and walking tours, on Facebook and Twitter.
The 22nd annual Victoria Film Festival (“VFF”) invites you to bring your eyeballs to theatre screens around BC’s capital city to celebrate feature films and enjoy cinematic events February 5-14, 2016.
The Victoria Film Festival is Vancouver Island’s largest and longest-running film festival. Celebrating 22 years, VFF screens over 100 films over 10 days, with a selection of films from local, Canadian and international filmmakers, the Festival offers a variety of films for every taste.
Special program highlights include: Canadian Wave, French Canadian, Indigenous film, South Asian and World Perspective, the Festival brings the world to Victoria. There is also the Arabian Nights art exhibit taking place throughout the festival at the Bay Centre.
You can gift a taste of the 10-day festival with the 5-voucher package for $50 or there’s the 10-voucher pack for $99, perfect for couples that will be trying the festival for the first time. The Film Pass gives you entry to every regular screening, including Sidney, for $149. If you’re a Sidney or North Saanich local, there’s also the Sidney Pass that gets you into all the Sidney films for only $109.
Thanks to VFF, one lucky Miss604 winner can get whisked you away from Vancouver to Victoria in style for the film festival on Valentine’s Day weekend. The prize includes:
Here’s how you can enter to win:
VFF annually assembles an impressive and entertaining selection of feature films, acclaimed filmmakers and cinematic arts events to fête the greatest story telling medium of all time. Follow along on Facebook and Twitter for the latest festival updates.
I will draw one contest winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Tuesday, January 19, 2016. Prize cannot be exchanged for other dates and must be used the weekend of February 13 & 14, 2016.
Update The winner is @Char_K23!
Variety – The Children’s Charity, is planning a spectacular celebration for the 50th anniversary of its Show of Hearts Telethon. Happening Valentine’s Day weekend (February 13 & 14, 2016) festivities will be hosted by ET Canada’s Erin Cebula at The Centre in Downtown Vancouver and will also be live on Global BC from The Theatre at the Hard Rock Casino in Coquitlam.
Now you can watch the Show of Hearts Telethon from the comfort of your living room or the comfort of The Centre’s theatre seats! British Columbia’s alternative rock band 54-40 has a new album, “La Difference”, and they’re joining Variety’s celebrations along with Five Alarm Funk, Sophie Simmons, Vancouver TheatreSports League, Jim Byrnes, Barney Bentall, Dustin Bentall, and more – live!
Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased online now net proceeds benefitting Variety. Cut-ins of the performances on February 13th and 14th will be aired live on Global BC from the main stage of the telethon produced from The Theatre at the Hard Rock Casino in Coquitlam.
UPDATE February 9, 2016 Tickets are now available by donation!
Saturday, February 13, 2016
7:30pm to 11:00pm
54-40, Charlie, Aaron Pritchett, Five Alarm Funk, Sophie Simmons, Vancouver TheatreSports League, Sarah McLachlan School of Music.
Sunday, February 14, 2016
2:30pm to 5:30pm
Jim Byrnes, Colleen Rennison, Shari Ulrich, Barney Bentall, Dustin Bentall, Chilliwack.
Plan a date night with your sweetheart for the Show of Hearts Telethon and contribute to a very worthy cause. Join @Miss604 in the Social Lounge, online or offline, using the tag #SOH50 and @VarietyBC throughout the weekend. Whether you’re tuning into Global BC online (there’s a live stream this year), on your television or joining us at The Centre, you can help support kids with special needs in BC during the Show of Hearts Telethon.
The Show of Hearts Telethon raises millions of dollars each year for kids with special needs, and Variety makes it easy for generous donors in BC to get involved and change a child’s life: tune in to Global BC on February 13 and 14 and call 310-KIDS to donate; text “KIDS” to 45678; or visit Variety’s website to make a donation online.
Variety steps in where health care ends, providing direct help to children in B.C. with special needs. For 50 years Variety has ensured children have support to reach their unique potential. Since 2010 Variety has distributed more than $18 million in funding to families and organizations in BC.
