With the summer fast approaching, it is a great time to check off your bucket list items and add a few new to-do’s. Here is a list of 10 tours in Downtown Vancouver, both indoor and outdoor, and for locals and visitors alike!
When: Wednesdays, Thursdays and most Saturdays at 12:00pm Book: Online here Details: Each plant, each tree has its own special story. Explore Vancouver’s iconic Stanley Park, Beaver Lake, with a local Indigenous guide/cultural ambassador who will highlight how the local trees and plants of the Pacific Northwest are harvested by Indigenous people for food, medicine and technology. Talaysay guides, who are members of the local Indigenous communities and the surrounding region, will share with you our ecological practices, ancient and contemporary history, stories, legends and Indigenous ways of living.
Candace Campo of Talaysay Tours – Rebecca Bollwitt/Miss604 photo
When: Monday – Saturday at 7:00pm, including the occasional Sunday Book:Online here Details: Follow the lamplight of your guide into Vancouver’s earliest and most gruesome history. You’ll step inside a world of murder, revenge and true grit in a dramatic retelling of Victorian Gastown’s earliest stories. Tales of deadly fire and smallpox emerge from the shadows as you venture through cobblestone streets to the shocking finale in this unique performance-theatre experience.
When: Anytime at your own leisure. Details: I love walking tours, and I find they’re most often the best way to get to know a city — even if it’s your own. There is a virtual, self-guided tour featuring places in E. Pauline Johnson (Takehionwake)‘s “Legends of Vancouver” published over 100 years ago.
When: Thursdays to Sundays at 10:30am Book: Online here Details: Vancouver’s top-rated food tour company, is relaunching after a two-year pandemic hiatus with two food tours – the iconic Granville Island Market, and the new Authentic Asian Eats, which offer guests immersive experiences of Vancouver’s rich culture and diverse cuisines. The Granville Island tour is close enough to Downtown so it’s made our list, and they play to bring back their Gastown tour in 2023.
When: Anytime at your own leisure Book: On the app (Android & Apple) Details: VanWalks contains 5 in-depth walking tours of the most popular areas of Vancouver, British Columbia. The host, Chris King, has been living in Vancouver for 20 years and is excited to give you a unique look into the most interesting aspects of the city. The walks range anywhere from 1 hour to 5 hours and are a wonderful, accessible option for all.
When: Sundays at 10:00am Book: Online here Details: From drag kings and two spirit warriors, to queer church ministers and transgender crime fighters, this walking tour is a celebration of the unsung heroes who forever changed the social fabric of our city. Hear about the bravest pioneers of the LGBTQ2+ community, the famous “kiss-in” of Granville Street, drag queens who made a difference and more.
When: 7 days a week 2:00pm to 4:30pm Book: Online here Details: Enjoy local craft beer, Japanese Kar-age style chicken, freshly made Sicilian Tortellini with local wine, crispy sweet & chili cauliflower, Canadian poutine; handmade fries topped with cheese curds & gravy and choice of beer/wine, smooth soft ice cream, Vancouver’s award winning cheesecake and delicious lemon bars! This 2.5 hour walking tour includes local history and insights from entertaining guides.
When: You may request a tour time and date of your choosing on their website. Gallery hours are: Wednesday to Sunday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm, closed Monday and Tuesday. Book: Online here Details: The Bill Reid Gallery is Canada’s only public gallery dedicated to contemporary Indigenous Art of the Northwest Coast. Nestled in the heart of downtown Vancouver, the Gallery is home to the Simon Fraser University Bill Reid Collection and special exhibitions of contemporary Indigenous Art of the Northwest Coast of North America.
Bill Reid Gallery – Miss604/Rebecca Bollwitt Photo
When: Every day of the week Book: Online here Details: If you prefer to see Vancouver in a bit of a faster fashion than a walking tour, explore Stanley Park by bike with a small group. Stanley Park is 1,000+ acres of lush rainforest, with easy off-road biking trails and coastal vistas. Ride at a relaxed pace to take in the sights, smells and sounds of the park. You will be awed by wildlife, old-growth trees and explore the city and seaside views over the duration of 3 hours.
When: Every day of the week Book: Online here Details: The Vancouver Highlights and Hidden Gems Private Tour is an option for those looking for a more intimate tour. The ticket includes a local host and one on one time, rather than being completely tourist focused. This experience can be completely personalized to your interests – murals, hiking, restaurants, beaches, shopping, various markets. You name it. If you wish to add transportation that can be arranged at an additional cost.
Bonus
Historic Powell Street walking tours When: Every Thursday & Saturday starting June 10, 2022 Book:Online here Details: A walk through a historic neighbourhood which was once home to a vibrant Japanese Canadian community. The tour takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Tours are in groups of 4 to 8 people. Individual and group bookings are welcome. Tours depart from Vancouver Japanese Language School at 487 Alexander St, Vancouver and go along Alexander Street, Gore Avenue, Powell Street, and Princess Avenue.
Looking for more things to do? Check out Miss604’s event lists, posted weekly and monthly!
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Imagine taking all the wonder and fun of a BC family vacation in a beautiful, entertaining place and turning it into your everyday life:
A place where the kids could walk to school, then you could go for a family kayak on the lake before dinner. Where there’s a festival or event every weekend in the summer and when it’s rainy, there’s always a museum, indoor pool or ice rink to enjoy. Where you can all ride bikes to the farmers market, get an ice cream, or catch the action of a hockey game. I bet Penticton came to mind when I mentioned a BC family vacation, now how about BC family living? Here are 10 reasons why Penticton is an awesome place to raise kids, plus a fun giveaway for the whole family to enjoy!
Penticton – Chris Stenberg Photo
10 Reasons Why Penticton is an Awesome Place to Raise Kids
1. You’re surrounded by beaches and lakes
Penticton is home to 7 public beaches
Choose from two lakes: Skaha and Okanagan Lakes
The summers are warm and sunny
Great playgrounds and splash park options
Lots of opportunities to play outside, get off screens (water sports, sandcastles, etc)
The Canada SCORES Vancouver Soccer Ball Gala on May 19th will bring together its community of poet-athletes, community members, families, sponsors, and supporters for an evening to raise crucial funds for Canada SCORES Vancouver programming. The Gala will also feature TELUS as their Corporate Honouree, as well as Canada Soccer Women’s National Team Head Coach and Olympic Gold Medalist, Bev Priestman as the Individual Honouree.
Soccer Ball Gala in Support of Canada SCORES Vancouver
When: Thursday, May 19, 2022 from 6:00pm to late
Where: Brock House Restaurant (3875 Point Grey Rd, Vancouver)
The event will be hosted by CTV Morning Live in Vancouver co-anchor Jason Pires, and will feature Canada SCORES poet-athlete performances, guest speakers, a cocktail reception, a three-course dinner, and a silent and live auctions with incredible prizes where 100% of proceeds will support Canada SCORES Vancouver.
“We are extremely grateful to have both Coach Bev and TELUS at our Soccer Ball and also as partners to provide opportunities for children to experience sport, express themselves, and build confidence and character to make a difference in the world,” says Kevin Yang, Executive Director of Canada SCORES Vancouver.
“We know after-school programs are critically important for all children and we also know that not all children have access to them. At Canada SCORES Vancouver, we aim to remove barriers so those who need it can have access to it.”
Canada SCORES Vancouver is the only sport-based youth development after-school program that uses the unique combination of soccer, poetry, and community projects, emphasizing physical activity and health, creative expression and literacy, and community engagement. Their mission is to inspire vulnerable youth to lead healthy lives, be engaged students, and have the confidence and character to make a difference in the world.
Promoting mental health awareness with the music of Nirvana in one unique concert for a cause! On May 14th, The Negative Creeps will perform in support of Dan’s Legacy BC, a non-profit that provides no-barrier trauma informed counselling programs to youth at risk. Funds raised at the event will support “East Van Dan’s”, the charity’s drop-in workshop program in the Downtown Eastside and East Vancouver.
The Negative Creeps Fundraiser for Dan’s Legacy
When: Saturday, May 13, 2022 at 7:30pm
Where: The Red Room (398 Richards, Vancouver)
Tickets:Buy online now for $10 in advance or $15 at the door.
This one-off send-up to the music of Nirvana is being orchestrated by Vancouver singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Rod Moore (The Rod Moore Band, The Hang-Ten Hangmen), who had recently completed reading Dave Grohl’s autobiography and was affected by the depiction of Kurt Cobain’s struggles.
Moore was also affected by the book musically, having found himself immersed in Nirvana’s music; he was inspired to put together an ensemble to perform these songs while shining a light on some of the issues which affected the band’s late frontman.
“2022 marks 30 years since ‘Nevermind’ topped the Billboard charts; I felt that performing songs from both this album and the rest of their catalogue would not only make a great tribute, but also present a fun challenge,” stated Moore about the upcoming performance.
As this will be a one-time performance by THE NEGATIVE CREEPS, Moore has started an Instagram account @TheNegativeCreepsYVR which will chronicle the preparations in putting on this show.
The fundraising event will feature songs from “Nevermind”, “Bleach” and “In Utero”, along with sets by up-and-coming local acts Wax Theatrics and In the Cards.
Dan’s Legacy provides therapeutic counselling and life-skills intervention programs to youth affected by trauma-based mental health and addictions issues. In the past year, Dan’s Legacy helped over 400 youth stabilize and begin working towards their educational, employment, and recovery goals. Individuals can self-refer to Dan’s Legacy for help at any time.
The DOXA Documentary Film Festival, Western Canada’s largest documentary film festival, returns to present a hybrid 21st edition, screening in theatres and streaming online May 5- May 15, 2022.
In a return to form, DOXA will screen its roster of crucial and thought-provoking documentaries in theatrical venues across the city, bringing filmmakers and audiences together for a long-awaited communal cinema experience. And for folks who prefer to view from the comfort of their own homes, most festival films will be available to stream online for select durations between festival dates.
2022 DOXA Documentary Film Festival
When: May 5-15, 2022
Where: Online and in theatres around Vancouver:
SFU Goldcorp Centre, VIFF Centre, The Cinematheque, The Playhouse
General Admission in-person ticket: $15; Student/Seniors/Low-income in-person ticket: $13; In-theatre 5 Ticket Pack: $65; $7-10 sliding scale per individual online ticket; Online Festival Passes: $75
The 21st annual Festival will showcase a total of 55 features and mid-lengths, 24 short films, both pre-recorded and live Q+As, as well as Industry events and multiple opportunities for filmmakers, audiences and industry professionals to connect, both virtually and in person.
Films will be available to stream Canada-wide, through DOXA’s Eventive online platform. In-person screenings will take place at The Vancouver Playhouse (Opening film), The Cinematheque, VIFF Centre and SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts. In-person Industry events will be held at SFU’s World Arts Centre.
Enter to Win
I have a pair of tickets to give away to the Opening Night film: Fire of Love, on Saturday, May 7th at 7:00pm at the Vancouver Playhouse (600 Hamilton St). Here’s how you can enter to win:
DOXA will feature two guest-curated programs: The returning FRENCH FRENCH, curated by Thierry Garrel, spotlights the work of two acclaimed French directors (Mariana Otero and François Caillat) in a double retrospective, alongside bold new voices in French-language cinema. A selection of films under the umbrella of GRAND-MÈRE. GRANDMOTHER. BABUSHKA., chosen by guest curator Laurence Reymond, takes the universality of the Grandmother Figure and examines her many cinematic representations.
Beyond the festival’s cornerstone Justice Forum and Rated Y for Youth programs, DOXA 2022 will include two Spotlight programming streams: MEMORY AND ARCHIVES and LANDSCAPES OF RESISTANCE.
The affective and political potential of archival material is the focal point of the Memory and Archives Spotlight program. Landscapes of Resistance presents a collection of films rooted in stewardship and grounded in political freedom. The films in this Spotlight are searing reminders of the ongoing effects of colonialism, systemic oppression and environmental destruction in BC, across Turtle Island and around the world.
Several Canadian filmmakers launch their world premiere at DOXA 2022. In addition to Sara Wylie’s A More Radiant Sphere and Ali Kazimi’s Beyond Extinction, Canadian films premiering for the very first time at DOXA include Teresa Alfeld’s Doug and the Slugs and Me, DOXA’s Closing film; Colin Askey’s Love in the Time of Fentanyl (Justice Forum Special Presentation); Simon Plouffe’s immersive short about a flooded forest on unceded Innu territory, titled Forests; My Friend Jim, Aaron Zeghers’s short about his friend’s kinship with pop star Britney Spears; And Ingrid by Hannah Dubois, a short profile of the conceptual artist Ingrid Baxter; Alixandra Buck’s Beckwoman’s Hippie Emporium, about the legendary Commercial Drive shop owner; and Cypher, directed by Miriam Ingrid Barry and Eva Anandi Brownstein, which follows three Black artists creating safe spaces for youth of African descent in Vancouver.
DOXA’s Special Presentations include Sara Dosa’s Fire of Love (which also finds a place in the Memory and Archives Spotlight), telling the awe-inspiring story of two volcanologists in love; Love in the Time of Fentanyl by Colin Askey, an intimate portrait of a community fighting to save lives through harm reduction; Dear Jackie directed by Henri Pardo, an endearing portrait of Black life in Montreal and a testament to the history and legacy of community-building in the face of segregation and racist urban renewal policies; and Doug and the Slugs and Me by local DOXA alum Teresa Alfeld, which utilizes candid testimonies of the Slugs themselves to temper nostalgia for the band’s glory days with a nuanced look at the complexities of the legendary Doug’s life—from his formative early years to the bittersweet end.
