Peek beneath Vancouver’s sparkling surface to uncover a hidden history of dark crime, outrageous intrigue, and scandal. Discover the outrageous histories of our city’s most famous and iconic heritage buildings on a morning stroll around downtown with Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours new experience The Monumental Scandals Tour.
Monumental Scandals Tour with Vancouver Walking Tours
When: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, & Sundays at 10:00am starting May 4, 2023
Where: Starting in front of Old Navy on the corner of Robson and Granville Street and ending at the Marine Building on Burrard Street
Tickets: Adults $32 and $29 for seniors and youth per person. Book online.
Roam the city with expert guides in these one-of-a-kind walking tours, and hear the scintillating stories of Vancouver’s secret past.
Guests will enjoy a private viewing inside Art Deco masterpiece the Marine Building, as they uncover a tale of greed, rum-running, and back-room real estate deals. They’ll hear the story of crooked 1950s Police Chief Walter Mulligan and the paper bags he received from local crime overlords, stuffed full of dirty gambling cash.
At the Vancouver Art Gallery – once the city’s courthouse – guests will discover the tale of Francis Rattenbury and his cosmopolitan second wife, Alma. He was the building’s architect, brutally murdered by Alma’s young lover in a frenzy of jealous rage.
At the Hotel Vancouver guests will hear about its earlier incarnation, lost to the wrecking ball in a crime against heritage preservation. A hotel that once hosted Winston Churchill and Babe Ruth and glistened on West Georgia as one of North America’s great hotels.
Other stops on the tour include tales of explosions, corrupt mayors, outrageous vaudeville dancer Marie Lloyd and her deal with the White House, the violent police assault on Vancouver’s “Bloody Sunday” and the local showgirl who became a Hollywood legend.
The Monumental Scandals walking tour is led by one of the company’s cast of professional guides: historical interpreter Aman Johal, comedian and actor Rachel Ruecker, storyteller Glenn Tkach, magician Robert Teszka, or company founder and tour creator Will Woods.
Stay up to date with Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours by following their Instagram.
Some Assembly Theatre Company presents The Identity Bureau, an existential theatrical production exploring the importance of one’s identity on stage at the Roundhouse during BC Youth Week.
The Identity Bureau: Ciara Wilkinson, Fox Hunt. Photo credit Gaetan Nerincx
The Identity Bureau
When: April 28 & 29, 2023 at 7:30 pm
Where: Roundhouse Performance Centre 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
Created by diverse Metro Vancouver youth with playwright and director Valerie Methot, and several industry professionals, this timely theatre piece stems from conversations with youth who spoke about damaging effects when their identity is disrespected. This production engages and entertains with topical relevance, humour, original music, and inspiration.
Set in the very near future, The Identity Bureau is a place that assigns identities and traits to all citizens. It’s the last day citizens can make identity updates and pay fines before the big system rehaul. Meant to create calm, the Bureau creates chaos as we witness the absurdity of not simply deciding to be who we truly are.
Some Assembly Theatre Company is in its 23rd year of bringing together youth and industry professionals to create and produce original plays that promote awareness, dialogue, and positive social change around issues that young people face. The company is the recipient of the City of Vancouver Youth Award for outstanding contribution to the youth community and the Deryck Thomson Award for exceptional contribution to community building and well-being.
Follow BC Youth Week
Connect with BC Youth Week is May 1-7, 2023 with events and activities for youth throughout the province. Follow along on Twitter, and Facebook for more information.
The Vancouver Park Board has approved amendments to the by-law to designate selected park and beach sites as places where alcohol may now be consumed, on a permanent or temporary basis.
Drink Alcohol at These Vancouver Parks and Beaches Starting This Summer
From June 1, the public will be able to bring and consume alcoholic beverages at 31 permanent year-round park locations across Vancouver. In addition, 16 parks will become permanent summer-only sites between July 1 and August 31 each year.
Between June 1 and September 4, 2023, beachgoers will also be able to drink at 7 of Vancouver’s beaches, following direction from the Board to staff to explore options to pilot the responsible consumption of alcohol at appropriate beach locations.
“After two successful years, we’re delighted to bring back responsible alcohol consumption to many of Vancouver’s most popular public spaces,” says Park Board Chair Scott Jensen. “Our previous pilot programs demonstrated the importance of creating shared spaces for socializing and we saw how effectively Vancouver’s parks and beaches can accommodate safe drinking.” I look forward to joining Vancouver’s residents and visitors in having a drink at one of the city’s beautiful parks and beaches this summer!””
Locations
For most parks included in the program, drinking will be allowed throughout the park, except in areas like playgrounds, wading pools and splash parks, sports fields and courts, community centres, ecologically sensitive natural areas, parking lots, and off-leash dog areas.
Maps of where alcohol can be consumed will be posted on our website and on signage installed at each location.
For all sites, the consumption of alcohol will be allowed between the hours of 11:00am and 9:00pm daily.
The Board also approved an additional amendment to the by-law prohibiting glass beverage bottles and containers at parks and beaches, in response to concerns over broken glass and potential injury.
From June 1, 2023, consuming alcohol will be permitted on a permanent and year-round basis in the following parks:
Adanac Park Balaclava Park Burrard View Park Elm Park Fraser River Park Garden Park Granville Park Harbour Green Park Jericho Beach Park John Hendry/Trout Lake Park Jonathan Rogers Park Jones Park Kitsilano Beach Park Langara Park Locarno Beach Park Maple Grove Park
McBride Park Memorial West Park New Brighton Park Pandora Park Queen Elizabeth Park Riverfront Park Spanish Banks Beach Park Stanley Park (Lumberman’s Arch) Stanley Park (Southwest and Second Beach) Sunrise Park Tatlow Park Vanier Park Victoria Park Volunteer Park Woodland Park
During the months of July and August each year, consuming alcohol will be permitted at:
Beaconsfield Park Braemer Park Brewers Park Clinton Park Collingwood Park Columbia Park Falaise Park Memorial South Park
Norquay Park Oak Park Quilchena Park Robson Park Ross Park Rupert Park Slocan Park Winona Park
Between June 1 and September 4, 2023, the seven beach pilot sites will be:
Jericho Beach Spanish Banks Locarno Beach Second Beach (Stanley Park)
Kitsilano Beach John Hendry / Trout Lake Beach New Brighton Beach
Park and beach users are reminded to act responsibly when drinking alcohol. Please exercise caution when drinking alcohol on beaches and avoid entering the water when intoxicated.
Celebrate mom, grandma or the mother figure in your life this Mother’s Day at Metropolis at Metrotown! On now until May 14, 2023, BC’s largest shopping centre has transformed into an ode to mothers everywhere with shopping incentives, atmospheric décor, photo opportunities, and more. Plus, you can enter to win a $500 shopping spree from Miss604!
Mother’s Day with Metropolis at Metrotown
Find the perfect gift with over 330 stores as well as Skytrain access and free parking. While you’re there, enjoy several fun photo opportunities for Mother’s Day – from crystal-encrusted mannequins and disco balls, to a glitzy selfie wall, and more.
Metropolis at Metrotown’s Mother’s Day décor (May 1-14) will add pep to your step with glittery disco balls and vibrant pink adornments carving a path throughout the shopping centre. And whether you’re shopping alone or with a group, you can enjoy a savoury array of dining experiences to satisfy everyone’s cravings.
Gift Card Incentives
Shoppers who spend $300 or more on gift cards between April 16-30 will earn two tickets to Metropolis at Metrotown’s Mother’s Day Pink Disco Party. If you spend $250 at any retail stores in the shopping centre May 1-14, you’ll receive a $25 reward card, plus a chance to win a $500 shopping spree. Spend $250 on gift cards and receive a $20 reward card.
10% of proceeds from gift card sales from April 16-30 will be donated to Cause We Care Foundation, a Vancouver-based charity that helps single mothers achieve economic security, build capacity, and create a positive future for themselves and their children.
Mother’s Day Pink Disco Party
The Mother’s Day Pink Disco Party is happening in the Grand Court May 13 at 2:00pm-3:30pm, and 3:30pm-5:00pm. It’s set to be an unforgettable afternoon, delighting guests of all ages with an array of engaging experiences, including a live DJ and fashion show; unique photo opportunities; atmospheric décor; tasty food and beverage, including strawberry and raspberry-infused coffee and tea lattes sponsored by Lions Bay Coffee Company and a build-you-own mimosa bar; a flower market providing complimentary custom bouquets sponsored by local florist, The Heart Company; and more.
Win a $500 Shopping Spree
I have a $500 Metropolis at Metrotown shopping spree to give away along with four tickets to the Mother’s Day Pink Disco Party! Here’s how you can enter to win:
Mother’s Day celebrations at Metropolis at Metrotown run from April 16 – May 14. The shopping centre is open Mondays to Saturdays, 10:00am to 9:00pm, and Sundays 11:00am to 7:00pm. Follow Metropolis at Metrotown on Instagram for more information about their shops, services, and special events.
The participating countries for the 2023 Honda Celebration of Light Fireworks in English Bay have been announced! Australia, Mexico, and the Philippines will illuminate the sky this July and while the classic Vancouver summer experience is free for the public to enjoy, tickets for some enhanced experiences are on sale now.
Honda Celebration of Light Fireworks in English Bay
July 22, 2023 – Australia
Howard & Sons Pyrotechnics are leaders in pyrotechnic innovation. They take immense pride in their international reputation for taking major events into the next league, pushing pyrotechnic boundaries with their passion and exceeding audience’s expectations!
July 26, 2023 – Mexico
Created in 2014, Grupo AVACON is a combination of Cabo Fireworks Co. and Atomic Professional Fireworks. With their extensive experience, Grupo AVACON are always looking forward to giving the best and most innovative shows with the use of the latest technology and effects.
July 29, 2023 – The Philippines
Founded by a group of passionate individuals dedicated to their love of fireworks in 2015, Blue Peacock Fireworks The Philippines is regarded as one of The Philippines promising names in the pyrotechnics industry. Their work has won several awards worldwide in Asia and North America.
At 10:00pm each night the fireworks will begin from barges located in English Bay. Music simulcast can be heard on CFMI Rock 101. The winning team will be announced on Tuesday, August 2nd. The event also welcomes back the Red Bull Air Show, a spectacular pre-show performance happening on all three festival nights.
Premium Experiences
Tickets are available now for the following reserved seating options:
The Concord Pacific Grandstand offers reserved bleacher seating with elevated and direct sightlines to the fireworks barges, making it the most popular of the festival’s ticketed venues for visitors, families or groups.
The Scotiabank Lounge provides guests with premium viewing in this 19+ venue alongside food and beverage selections from Stanley Park Brew Pub. Located on the bathhouse roof in English Bay, this venue offers a lively social atmosphere with panoramic views.
Located at the Inukshuk peninsula overlooking English Bay, the Inukshuk Point offers a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, with the closest viewing position to the fireworks display, alongside local food and beverage offerings that are curated based on cuisines from the competing countries.
Located on the top level of the English Bay Grandstands are a limited number of private luxury cabanas perfectly designed for corporate and group hosting. With capacity for a total of 28 guests, each cabana includes a dedicated row of bleacher seats ensuring that your guests get the best view in English Bay!
Positioned on either side of the English Bay Grandstands, are private patios that can host up to 85 people and can offer your guests exclusive access to an elevated view of the beach and fireworks barge. Each modern patio comes with soft seating and cocktail furniture, shade umbrellas, an individual sound system to enjoy music and simulcast, a dedicated server and bartenders, and complimentary water and snacks.
Follow the Honda Celebration of Light Fireworks on Facebook for the latest updates and news.
