Cat-lovers won’t want to miss this festival! meowfest returns to Vancouver this August with a full day of all things cats including, food, workshops, adoptable kitties and more.
meowfest Vancouver 2023
When: August 19, 2023
Where: Rocky Mountaineer Station, 1755 Cottrell Street, Vancouver
meowfest features a jam packed lineup of workshops and events! If you have questions you’re dying to ask a cat owner, find your way to the Feline Librawry for advice and expertise from those with unique experiences. Plus, enjoy insightful and educational interactive presentations on the speaker stage.
Meet local famous cats featuring up close and purrsonal meet and greets with famous cat friends who make us laugh and bring us pawsitivity. You’ll get the chance to meet their humans, take pictures and maybe even give them a pawsome high five.
Take photos with larger-than-life-sized cat cut outs with the human size cat tree, connect with other cat lovers in the community by playing our event scavenger game, get a temporary cat tattoo, help paint a kitten mural, participate in a speed dating session by and more.
Spoil your fur babies and yourself by shopping at the marketplace with over 40 vendors, and enjoy food offerings including alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, vegan options, and some surprise snacks.
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by Rebecca BollwittDisclosure: Review — Media stay courtesy of Harrison Hot Springs Resort. Views are those of the author. Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.
I took a photo from our balcony at Harrison Hot Springs Resort during our late spring, early summer stay. A light wind made for whitecaps on the water and dancing clouds around the mountains in the distance. It was a classic coastal BC scene, set in the middle of the Fraser Valley, the best of both worlds.
About 90 minutes from home in Downtown Vancouver, my vacation mode was fully engaged when we got to Harrison Hot Springs Resort for a brief mid-week stay. All of my ideal vacations have either forest, mountains, water, amenities, and good eats – and Harrison has all of the above.
We took an evening stroll along the lake followed by dinner, then it was time to robe-up and get down to the legendary hot springs pools. At this time in the season, it wasn’t very busy at all so our little group has plenty of room and time to soak, float, and chat while watching the sunset turn the sky orange above the trees.
The Copper Room is open again from Wednesday to Saturday evenings with live music and dancing.
I’ve stayed at here before but this was the first time I’ve had the breakfast buffet in the morning at the resort’s Lakeside Cafe. For $25, compared to $40+ hotel buffets downtown, it was a really good value. Everything from sautéed vegetables, potatoes, and scrambled eggs to strawberries and whipped cream piled high on icing sugar-dusted waffles. Endless coffee, tea, and juice. Pastries, yogurt, berries, oatmeal and cereal, pretty much everything you’d want at breakfast served with a lakeside view.
Niece at the lake / Mom enjoying her breakfast buffet
After another stroll around the lagoon, and an obligatory stop at Rocky Mountain Chocolates (mom needed her Bigfoot chocolate), we set out to do some shopping at local farms before heading back to the city feeling quite refreshed.
Whether you want to get out on the water, or head around the valley to do some farmgate shopping, there are some options right by the resort: Rent a kayak or bumper boat Harrison Watersports, or on land rent a kayak or eBike with Harrison Eco Tours.
#iLoveHarrison Selfie Contest
Enter the #iLoveHarrison selfie contest between now and June 19th for a chance to win a 2-night stay at the resort. Take a photo at or near the resort, share it to your social media with the tag and you’ll be entered to win!
Follow the resort on Facebook for the latest news and updates from Harrison.
Downtown Vancouver’s free outdoor movie nights will return to šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square (formerly known as the Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza) this July and August with a sizzling lineup of fan favourites, appropriate for all audiences.
Photo courtesy of the Downtown Vancouver BIA
Free Outdoor Movies in Downtown Vancouver
When: Every Thursday from July 6 to August 17, 2023
Activations start at 5:00pm each night, with the film screenings starting at sundown
Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square (formerly known as the Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza)
Admission: Free!
“After last summer’s successful return post-pandemic, we’re thrilled to be bringing Summer Movie Nights back again this year,” says Jane Talbot, President & CEO of Downtown Van. “For the team at Downtown Van, Summer Movie Nights marks the beginning of an exciting and vibrant summer season, and we know that many in our community feel the same,” she says. “Last year’s series brought so much life to the downtown core, and we look forward to welcoming thousands of movie lovers to the plaza again every Thursday night.”
Each evening arrive early to enjoy face painting, stilt walkers, go-go dancers, mini-golf, live music, and more. Food trucks will be on-site weekly, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own seating.
Film Schedule – Every Thursday
July 6, 2023 – Twilight
July 13, 2023 – Bend it Like Beckham
July 20, 2023 – Legally Blonde
July 27, 2023 – The Lego Movie
August 3, 2023 – (PRIDE) Rocky Horror Picture Show
August 10, 2023 – Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
August 17, 2023 – Everything Everywhere All at Once
Follow the Summer Movies Nights Instagram account for updates.
In search of the perfect outdoor cocktail spot? Want to freshen up your “must try” restaurant list? Look no further! We have curated a list of our current culinary favourites, including a few historical finds, into one convenient spot for this month’s Vancouver Foodie Friday feature. For June we are focusing on long-awaited summer delights:
Photo Submitted
Vancouver Foodie Friday – Summer Preview
Gastronomic Gastown Tour by Vancouver Foodie Tours
Where: Gastown, Vancouver
Details: The Gastronomic Gastown Tour runs from Thursdays through Mondays, and is open year-round, from 4:00-7:00pm. Pricing for tours begin at $139 per guest, with an option to include wine or cocktail pairings for an additional $30 fee. Establishments participating in the tour include Monarca Cocina Mexicana, Kozak, Jules and Gastronomy Gastown. Guests will have the opportunity to learn the history and inspiring stories of those who are thriving in the community and a newfound appreciation for Vancouver’s iconic neighbourhood. The tour has received the Canadian Signature Experience designation by Destination Canada. A perfect group option!
Find more information on the Gastronomic Gastown Tours here.
The second annual Canada Together at Canada Place — one of the largest July 1 celebrations outside of Ottawa — features a diverse lineup of entertainment and activities and the return of the annual citizenship ceremony welcoming new Canadians.
Planned with representatives from the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, Canada Together will feature a full day of festivities, great food, family fun, and performances across multiple stages.
Canada Place July 1st – Miss604 Photo
Canada Together at Canada Place July 1, 2023
When: Saturday, July 1, 2023 from 11:00am to 6:00pm
Where: Canada Place and surrounding plazas (all outdoors)
Admission: Free!
At 11:00am all zones and exhibits, including the main stage, will open with great entertainment and activities for guests of all ages. The iconic waterfront venue will cover five city blocks, including outdoor spaces at Canada Place, Jack Poole Plaza and surrounding city streets. All programming will take place outdoors.
Event Lineup
Enjoy incredible performances from acts including headliners Tegan & Sara, The Fugitives, Pat Chessell, and Murray Porter on the main stage. The North Point Stage (at the North Point of Canada Place) will highlight local emerging artists including Bukola, Tayos, Michaela Slinger, and 24 Strings along with a set from the amazing DJ O Show.
Admire traditional weaving and carving displays by local artists from Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh nations on site throughout the day.
Kids’ Zone presented by CN at Jack Poole Plaza will have family-friendly entertainers and activities, including the Rock N’ Beau Dance Party, the annual mascot dance-off, and performances from Mom Bop, Vancouver Performing Stars, and more.
View the full lineup listed by time and stage online here.
Canada Place July 1st – Miss604 Photo
There will also be a variety of food trucks along Canada Place between Howe and Thurlow.
Once again, the theme of the event will be “Weaving together the fabric of a nation,” which honours Canada’s diversity and marks the day as one for gathering, celebrating, learning and sharing. Weaving is a common activity across many cultures and is a metaphor for the way the beauty, strength, and wisdom from the past can combine through multiple perspectives to create something meaningful for today and tomorrow.
The port authority encourages event attendees to take public transportation to the downtown Vancouver event, which is conveniently located near several bus routes and the Waterfront and Burrard SkyTrain stations. Canada Together will conclude at 6:00pm and the port authority is reminding the public that the event no longer includes an evening fireworks performance.
Get Involved
More than 200 volunteers help welcome over 150,000 guests who take part in the free event activities organized around Canada Place on July 1. Volunteering is a great way to build experience, get involved in your community, meet new people and show your community spirit. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old.
Volunteer positions are needed for the following areas:
