The cherry blossoms are out, it’s a holiday weekend, and there are a ton of events and activities happening all around town. Here are just a few things to do in Vancouver this long weekend – have a great one!
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by Rebecca BollwittDisclosure: Sponsored Post — Sponsored by Kal Tire Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.
The Vancouver Sun Run presented by Kal Tire, happening April 16, 2023, is one of Canada’s largest road races and has the most scenic route! Each year the 10km run and walk through the streets of Vancouver attracts thousands of participants from across the country, with over 30,000 expected this year.
You can view a map of the whole route and a list of road closures online here.
Vancouver Sun Run Route 5 Local Gems to Spot Along the Way
No matter the pace, participants will be able to soak in the sights around Downtown Vancouver and False Creek when they’re on the Vancouver Sun Run route. Here are some of my favourite points of interest:
Search Statue
The run starts along West Georgia around Burrard, then travels down toward Stanley Park turning left on Denman Street. The corner of Georgia and Denman is where you’ll find Devonian Harbour Park, home of the Search statue which is a local favourite.
Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art presents the Canadian premiere exhibition of Bright Futures from April 26, 2023 until January 14, 2024. Co-curated by Bill Reid Gallery Curator Beth Carter, Assistant Curator Aliya Boubard, and in consultation with Jordan Wilson (Musqueam), Bright Futures examines the lasting influence of Bill Reid’s iconic art on the development and creation of contemporary Northwest Coast art today, 25 years after his death in 1998.
Yolonda Skelton Chilkat Dress and Eagle Train, 2022 Pleated Chiffon and Ponti Dress with Beaver fur trim. Ultrasuede Appliqued Cuffs and Removable Wool Suiting Appliqued Eagle Train Courtesy of the artist. Photo courtesy of the Bill Reid Gallery.
Bright Futures at Bill Reid Gallery
When: April 26, 2023 – January 14, 2024
Where: Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art (639 Hornby St, Vancouver)
Alongside a selection of works from Bill Reid Gallery’s permanent collection, the group exhibition showcases a broad variety of disciplines and cultures from BC and the Yukon, including surrealist painting, classic weaving, wearable art, conceptual installation, modern carving, metalwork, and abstract photography.
“Central to Bright Futures is how contemporary Indigenous artists of the Northwest Coast seize new materials and interpret Bill Reid’s legacy today,” says Beth Carter, Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Curator. “Bill Reid was a leader and influencer in building a broader understanding of Northwest Coast art, and combining traditional Haida elements with new techniques and materials. In the examination of traditional culture and familial lineage within his own works, coupled with those of his fellow artists, Bill Reid found inspiration and opportunities for an innovative and bright future.”
The exhibition’s works were selected from an open call for submissions, based on the question: “How does Bill Reid’s work continue to influence contemporary Northwest Coast art being produced today?” The 14 selected artists interweave excellence and traditional knowledge with contemporary topics, such as reconciliation, urban issues, modern creativity, environmental concerns, and intergenerational healing, which fuel their practice and push the boundaries of their art.
Selected artists, many of whom will make their debut with Bill Reid Gallery, include: Tamara Bell (Haida), Sherri Dick (Haida), Rebecca Baker-Grenier (Kwag’ul/Squamish), Shoshanna Greene (Haida), Maynard Johnny Jr (Kwakwaka’wakw/Salish), Keith Kerrigan (Haida), Cody Lecoy (Sylix/Lekwungen), Latham Mack (Nuxalk), Calvin Morberg (Teslin Tlingit), Kelly Robinson (Nuxalk), Natasha Seymour (Tahitan/Tsimshian/Nisga’a), Yolonda Skelton (Gitxsan), Krystle Silverfox (Northern Tutchone/Selkirk) and Dustin Sheldon (Teslin Tlingit).
Each of the selected works will respond to one or more of Bill Reid’s pieces, which developed and transformed greatly over the course of his career, from copying traditional Haida designs to later re-interpreting Haida stories and aesthetics in his unique vision.
A series of events will support Bright Futures, including an opening celebration on April 25 at 6:00pm, several workshops, a panel discussion, artist talks, curatorial tours and a contemporary Indigenous artist market event. Events will be offered in-person, with some additional activities available online.
About the Bill Reid Gallery
The Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art is a public gallery nestled in the heart of downtown Vancouver. It was named after acclaimed Haida artist Bill Reid (1920–1998), a master goldsmith, carver, sculptor, writer, broadcaster, and spokesman. Since opening in May 2008, the Bill Reid Gallery has remained the only public gallery in Canada devoted to contemporary Indigenous art of the Northwest Coast, and is home to the Simon Fraser University Bill Reid Art Collection, as well as special exhibitions of contemporary Indigenous art of the Northwest Coast of North America.
Starting May 2023, the Vancouver Art Gallery will be closed to the public on Tuesdays. As part of these weekly closures, ‘by-donation’ Tuesday nights will transition into a monthly subscription pass, allowing visitors to pay $5 a month (with a $29 activation fee) for unlimited exhibition access.
Vancouver Art Gallery Miss604 Rebecca Bollwitt Photo
New Hours and Monthly Pass at Vancouver Art Gallery
The Community Partnership Program is a new initiative offered by the Gallery to create unlimited, complimentary access for local registered not-for-profit organizations serving communities in need. This program enables members of more than 15 participating organizations to visit the Gallery for free as often as they wish.
By closing to the public on Tuesdays, the Gallery will be able to schedule customized tours for groups with specific accessibility requirements, such as sensory-friendly tours. The Gallery will also continue to offer school tours on Tuesdays, and the Gallery Shop, Bistro and Art Rental and Sales will remain open.
“Ensuring all visitors who come through our doors have the opportunity to experience the entirety of what the Gallery has to offer is an important part of our vision and mission,” said Anthony Kiendl, CEO and Director of the Vancouver Art Gallery. “Through initiatives like our Community Partnership Program and our daily complimentary admission for youth and children under 18 years, at least 20% of visitors come through the Gallery for free each year. By offering a new monthly subscription option for our access pass, we can further increase public access for everyone to enjoy our programs more often.”
To coincide with the Tuesday closures, the Gallery will also be moving to more consistent hours of 10:00am to 5:00pm each day with the exception of Thursday and Friday, which will be 10:00am to 8:00pm. The final ‘by-donation’ night will be April 25, 2023.
The Stanley Park Train remains inoperable but there’s another miniature railway option for families and train enthusiasts. The Burnaby Central Railway (“BCR”) in North Burnaby is opening up this long weekend for its 30th season.
Burnaby Central Railway Photo Submitted
Miniature Burnaby Central Railway is Open
Where: Confederation Park in North Burnaby (120 N Willingdon Ave, Burnaby)
Tickets: $4.50 for a single ride, all passengers 3 years old and up. $40 for a 10 ride passes (may be used over multiple days, no expiry)
Starting Friday, April 7th it will run 11:00am to 5:00pm on weekends and statutory holidays all the way through to Thanksgiving weekend in October.
The BCR provides an authentic railroad experience that attracts crowds every season. Cars are easy to ride for children and adults alike. Glide along mere inches off the track, so you can feel every rail and corner. Trains consist of multiple cars carrying 20 or more passengers on a two-mile, outdoor ride through the woods, with bridges, tunnels, crossovers, and spirals. A single ride takes approximately 10 minutes.
Each train is pulled by a miniature – but real – steam, diesel, or electric locomotive. The engines, plus rolling stock, track and maintenance shops, are owned and maintained year-round by the volunteers of the British Columbia Society of Model Engineers (“BCSME”).
“What we have here are genuine steam, diesel and electric trains to ride. It’s literally the real thing, just smaller,” says Ken Lear, president of BCSME, which has been around for 94 years. “Our trains look, act and even smell like the real thing because they are real, at one-eighth the size of a full size locomotive.”
Volunteers Wanted
BCSME is also signing up new members interested in helping run the railway throughout the season, and who want to be part of a new generation of members ready to help run and maintain the railway. Lear says: “If you’re a railroad buff, or you would like to learn about how our trains work inside and out, come to the park, take a ride, see what we’re all about, and join us!”
Opening Day
Members of IAFF323 Burnaby Firefighters will be on hand to join in as honorary members and volunteers on Friday, April 7th from 1:30pm to 3:00pm. Proceeds from opening day will be donated to the Burnaby Firefighters Charitable Society which raises funds for more than 60 charitable and community organizations.
