BC Family Day is here and there’s a really fun lineup of events happening around Metro Vancouver. Spend time together swimming or dancing, exploring a museum, or taking part in a creative workshop on or around Family Day Monday, February 17, 2025.
There will be events across the city at recreation centres and local attractions. Enjoy the day with Family at a Toonie Skate, badminton, pickleball, a day at the museum. Burnaby Village Museum will be open from 11:00am to 4:00pm with free admission.
Gender Equity in Media Society Vancouver (GEMS) has revealed the full lineup for the 20th annual GEMFest, set to take place in-person at the VIFF Centre in Vancouver from March 5-9, 2025. The festival will host screenings, engaging panels, and exclusive events, bringing together filmmakers, industry leaders, and audiences for a celebration of inclusive storytelling.
GEMFest Lineup
Dates: March 5-9, 2025
Location: VIFF Centre – Vancity Theatre and Studio Theatre (1181 Seymour St)
Tickets:Full festival passes are $300 and tickets range from $15 – $22, with discounted access options available for low-barrier admission and GEMS members. The Advocacy Panel, GEMS Showcase, BIPOC networking event and Awards Ceremony are free/by donation.
This year’s festival, celebrating two decades of championing women and gender-diverse filmmakers, features a robust schedule of feature films, panels, networking events, and special programming designed to advance gender equity in the film industry.
With 32 films from nine countries, GEMFest showcases diverse stories and perspectives, including 23 Canadian films and 11 films from BC-based creators.
Today the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler were officially opened in a ceremony and celebration at BC Place. For the next eight days, over 500 athletes from over 20 nations, will compete in 11 adaptive sports in Whistler and Vancouver, with several of the events to take place in the same venues that hosted the 2010 Olympic Games.
The opening ceremony included remarks from Governor General Mary Simon, Premier David Eby, and Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, who is Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation and founder of the Invictus Games. 40,000 fans packed BC Place to cheer on the athletes who paraded in by country once the Invictus flag was presented by members of the Four Host First Nations.
The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 will be held on the traditional territories of the Lil̓wat7úl (Líl̓wat), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler open tomorrow with a ceremony in Vancouver, welcoming hundreds of competitors from 23 nations, who will compete in eleven different sporting events, including six winter sports for the first time in Invictus Games history.
Photo courtesy of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler
The medals draw upon the unique elements of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025’s signature visual identity, designed by four artists of the Four Host First Nations: Levi Nelson (Lil’ wat Nation), Mack Paul (Musqueam Nation), Ray Natraoro (Squamish Nation), and Olivia George (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).
As we welcome a new month and patiently await spring, we’ve curated a list of winter culinary favourites, events, along with notable limited edition menus in Metro Vancouver for our monthly food feature. Here’s your restaurant news for all culinary enthusiasts, and those who love to savour the latest hot spot in town:
Vancouver Eats – Valentine’s Day, Winter Happy Hours and More
H2 Kitchen + Bar’s Dark Chocolate Basque Cheesecake for Valentine’s Day, photo submitted
Valentine’s Day
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at The Westin Bayshore
When: Only February 14th
Where: 1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver
Details: Still in search of the perfect Valentine’s plans? The Westin Bayshore is open for lunch and dinner for an upscale meal at their “Winterlust” outdoor private dome. Entree options include Fraser Valley Wagyu Beef Duo, Zucchini-Wrapped Sablefish with Lobster Thermidor or Acorn Squash Agnolotti – all paired with champagne. Conclude the meal with a “Cupid’s Heart” dessert and a curated takeaway gift. They are also open for dinner at their popular H Tasting Lounge or the H2 Kitchen + Bar. Learn more here.
Fairmont Vancouver Valentine’s Specials
Valentines Dinner at Notch8Fairmont Hotel: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with that special someone with a decadent, 3-course dinner in Notch8. Choose from three starters such as albacore tuna with spiced tapenade and smoked tomato. For the main course, selections include a honey-lavender glazed Duck Breast with cherry jus and spätzle, Steak au Poivre with celeriac pave and mushrooms, or Sablefish with andouille fingerling hash and broccoli rabe, to name a few. Top off the meal with a decadent Passion and Chocolate Financier for dessert. Adults $129, optional wine pairings for an additional $40, reservations here.
Where: 900 W Georgia Street, Vancouver
Fairmont Pacific RimRomance in Rhythm: A Flamenco Celebration: Celebrate Valentine’s Day in style at The Lobby Lounge at Fairmont Pacific Rim with an evening of passion, music and cuisine. On February 14th, be swept away by the energy of flamenco dancers and live music as you indulge in a Spanish-inspired tapas feast, served with a theatrical flair. Seating starts at 5:00pm with last seating at 7:30pm. Tables are reserved for a 2-hour timeframe. Adults tickets $165, reservations here.
Where: 1038 Canada Place, Vancouver
Fairmont Waterfront Valentine’s: Make this Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart one to remember with the exclusive multi-course prix fixe menu at Fairmont Waterfront. Begin your experience with warm pull-apart rolls to share, followed by your choice of elevated appetizers, including Albacore Tuna Crudo, Bison Carpaccio or a Radicchio Endive Salad. For the main course, savor the finest seasonal flavours with options like tender Beef Filet, delicately prepared Sablefish, or Beet Gnocchi for a vegetarian delight. End the evening on a sweet note with a decadent dessert featuring confit strawberries and a champagne macaron. Adults tickets $109, reservations here.
