Vancouver International Auto Show: Win Tickets

Comments 76 by Rebecca Bollwitt

The Vancouver International Auto Show attracts car lovers from all over the province year after year due to its reputation for showcasing the hottest and latest vehicles, and a marketplace for all things auto.

From March 28 to April 1, the Vancouver Convention Centre will transform yet again into the ultimate playground for car enthusiasts. The expanded show footprint, which will include 30,000+ of additional space will showcase the latest models available in the market and also some of the most unique cars in the world.

Vancouver International Auto Show

When: Wednesday, March 28 to Sunday, April 1, 2018
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre West
Admission: Wednesday, March 28: 12:00pm to 9:30pm
General Admission: $17*
Thursday, March 29: 10am to 9:30pm
General Admission: $17*
Friday, March 30: 10:00am to 9:30pm
General Admission: $20*
Saturday, March 31: 10:00am to 9:30pm
General Admission: $20*
Sunday, April 1: 10:00am to 6:00pm
General Admission: $20*

*Admission discounts provided for seniors (65+), students with valid ID, children ages 7-12, multi-day passes and family packs. Free admission for children 6 and under.

Show Highlights

First time debuts
A premiere showcase for many auto manufacturers, show goers can expect to see a number of exciting regional and national debuts at this year’s Auto Show including unveils from top brands. Be sure to get a first glimpse of what the auto industry has to offer this year with some of these never-before-seen models that have yet to hit the market.

Supercars
Always a crowd pleaser, the 2018 Auto Show will see the return of its and supercar feature vehicles. With jaw-dropping models from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lotus, Porsche, Rolls Royce, Aston Martin, Bentley, Karma, and McLaren, the supercars are sure to make an impression on all visitors alike.

Customs
Check out some of the rarest vehicles, including an amazing custom one off Woody + Matching boat from the 1960’s that has never actually seen the water, some amazing pieces from 360 Fabrication and a host of hot rods in the Dueck Classic Garage display. Stay tuned for a complete list of what to expect at this year’s show.

Electric Vehicle test drives
A green solution created by the auto industry, electric vehicles (EVs) have reinvented energy and transportation. Boasting two test drive locations (the Electric Vehicle Experience Test Drive powered by CEVforBC and the Toyota Lexus Hybrid Ride and Drive), the Auto Show gives visitors the chance to experience this new technology first-hand and get behind the wheel of 20+ of the latest EV models.

Monster Energy DUB Show Tour
The world’s most amazing custom cars, trucks, low riders and motorcycles will be brought to the Vancouver Auto Show by the Monster Energy DUB Show Tour. Making its only Canadian stop of the year in Vancouver, visitors can expect to see some of the coolest aftermarket vehicles in the world, including multiple debuts of new Liberty Walk Vehicles.

Win Tickets

I have a 4 pack of tickets available to give away, here’s how you can enter to win:

  • Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
  • Click below to post an entry on Twitter

[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win tickets to the Vancouver International Auto Show #VanAutoShow18 @vanautoshow http://ow.ly/W9eI30iM0Fz” quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]

The prize consists of 4 General Admission tickets, valid for one day of the show Wednesday to Sunday. I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Thursday, March 15, 2018. Follow the Vancouver International Auto Show on Twitter and Facebook for more event information.

Update The winner is Kristy!

Kids Ride Free at Sea to Sky Gondola for Spring Break

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

An escape to wilderness and panoramic views is so close to the city, and it’s even more accessible this Spring Break as the Sea to Sky Gondola offers up free admission for kids! March 17th to March 30th, up to three children, 12 and under accompanied by at least one adult, can ride the gondola for free to enjoy fun activities and outdoor adventure at the summit.

Kids Ride Free at Sea to Sky Gondola for Spring Break


Paul Bride Photo

The Sea to Sky Gondola’s forested trails are the perfect backdrop for unstructured play time in nature and the summit’s viewing platform’s iconic views are the perfect place to break out the selfie stick for some candid family photos. Families can also discover mountain peaks and Howe Sound vistas from various scenic viewpoints and check out the 100-metre-long Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge before warming up with a hot chocolate and a snack in the lodge. Continue reading this post ⟩⟩

5 Spring Break Day Camps in Vancouver

Comments 2 by Rebecca Bollwitt

« Click here for 2020 Spring Break info »

Spring Break is just around the corner and local businesses and attractions are gearing up by loading their calendars with events and activities for kids. Whether your child is into space exploration, nature, science, or the performing arts, there’s a day camp in Vancouver that can accommodate, educate, and entertain them all week long:

5 Spring Break Day Camps in Vancouver

5 Spring Break Day Camps in Vancouver

HR MacMillan Space Centre: The Next Giant Leap
March 19 to April 2, 2018
Open 10:00am to 5:00pm daily
Special activities running from 11:30am to 4:00pm daily

“Do you have what it takes to be a Mars colonist or an asteroid geologist? Join the Space Centre over Spring Break to learn about the future of space exploration. We will have family friendly activities running daily and are premiering brand new shows and demonstrations in the Planetarium Star Theatre and Groundstation Canada Theatre.”

Vancouver Aquarium: Spring Break AquaCamp
March 19 to 23 and March 26 to 29, 2018

“AquaCamps offer your children a fun, educational experience never to be forgotten. The Aquarium’s camps are filled with hands-on activities, animal observations, crafts and time to run around outside to fully engage your children in an environment that encourages active learning. Children will learn about local and exotic animals, life cycles, food webs, adaptations, ecosystems and sustainability.”

Stanley Park Ecology Society
Art in Nature March 19 to 23, 2018
Forest Explorers March 26 to 29, 2018
Aftercare available from 4:30pm to 6:00pm
Camps run outdoors, rain or shine 8:30am to 4:30pm

“SPES offers spring day camps for children ages 7 to 11. Embark on an exciting educational adventure amongst the giant trees, sandy beaches and hidden wetlands of Stanley Park. Spot wild animals like otters and beavers, have a blast splashing at the beach, and learn while spending valuable time outdoors.”

Arts Umbrella Day Camps
Granville Island March 19 to 23, 2018
Granville Island March 26 to 29, 2018
South Surrey March 26 to 29, 2018

Youth Camps (ages 3–12) let students get creative in our widest variety of classes – perhaps through imaginative theatre games, plein air painting, or a 35mm camera lens. Teen Programs (ages 13–19) feature practical, project-based classes that help students develop and enhance skills – while building and strengthening their portfolios.

Vancouver Police Museum: CSI Spring Break Kids Camp
March 20 to March 22, 2018
March 27 to March 29, 2018 (10:00am to 2:00pm every day)
“An exhilarating, three-day crime-solving spree, featuring exciting opportunities for kids and pre-teens to work on criminal investigations and forensic science activities. Designed for Junior Detectives aged 9-12.”

More Information in Your City

« Click here for 2019 Spring Break info »

Surrey Recreation Facilities Day Camps »
New Westminster Spring Break Brochure »
City of Burnaby Kids Camps »
City of Vancouver Recreational Activities »

Food Options at BC Place for Vancouver Whitecaps FC Matches in 2018

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

Fans are going to seriously enjoy the food and snack options at BC Place this Whitecaps FC season, with menu items ranging from Chickpea Buddha Bowls and Crispy Fried Cod Tacos, to Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese and a Beer Brined Bacon BLT — you’ll want to come hungry on match day.

Food Options at BC Place for Vancouver Whitecaps FC Matches

Media were invited to the pitch for a pop-up dining event before Sunday’s season kick-off, to preview these menu items and more. President Bob Lenarduzzi and BC Place’s Senior Director of Business Graham Ramsay gave a quick season preview and some of the stadium’s warm up videos played on the big screen.

Whitecaps captain Kendall Waston was also on hand to make some Korean BBQ Chicken Bowls with Centerplate’s Executive Chef Will Tse.

BC Place Food

Chef Tse said he’s inspired by Vancouver and so he and his team create dishes and snacks that reflect the city around us.

BC Place Menu Highlights

On top of your regular stadium favourites (at the Lions Gate Grill, Commercial Drive Pizza, Vij’s, Dawson’s Hot Dog, and The Poutinerie), try some of these new creations this year, paired with your favourite pop, juice, coffee, local craft beer or BC wine this season:

BOOM! Kitchen
Sections 210 & 244
Korean BBQ Chicken Bowl: Crispy seared chicken thigh, Asian slaw, soy ginger garlic sauce, toasted sesame, served on jasmine rice.

Food Options at BC Place for Vancouver Whitecaps FC Matches in 2018

BOOM! Kitchen Nachos & Cheese: Yellow tortilla chips, truffle cheese sauce, olives, green onion, jalapeños, crème fraîche, salsa fresca, *add Korean chicken or pulled pork.

BC Place Food

Mac & Cheese: House made three cheese sauce, *add Korean chicken or pulled pork.

Beast on Fire
Sections 217 & 237
Beer Brined Bacon BLT: Mill Street Organic Lager-brined bacon (cured and smoked in house), with tomato, sourdough, roasted garlic aioli, served with kettle chips.

BC Place Food

House Smoked Beer & Cheddar Sausage: Goose Island IPA, aged cheddar, stone ground mustard aioli, soft bite bun, served with kettle chips.

Chickpea Buddha Bowl (V)
Roasted and spiced chickpea, fried cauliflower, sautéed onion and mushroom, salsa fresca, fresh parsley, served on brown rice.

BC Place Food

Steveston Fish N Chips
Located in the Food Court
Crispy Fried Cod Tacos: Battered cod, green cabbage slaw, salsa verde, pickled red onion, served with kettle chips.

BC Place Food

Pacific Panini
Tuscan Grilled Panini: Eggplant, zucchini, red onion, tomato, mozza, basil pesto.

Southwest Burrito Bowl: Cajun chicken, roasted corn, brown rice, black bean, salsa fresca, green onion.

BC Place Food

Gluten free and vegetarian options are also available at BOOM! Kitchen. And, our favourite, The Thirsty Pigeon (for local craft beer) is located in Sections 203, 234, and 248.

BC Place Food

Follow BC Place and the Whitecaps for match-day food and beverage options and specials. To prepare for the start of the season, read this primer 10 Things You Need to Know Before First Kick »

Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2018 Season: 10 Things You Need to Know Before First Kick

Comments 2 by Rebecca Bollwitt

Vancouver Whitecaps FC kick off the 2018 Major League Soccer regular season against Montreal Impact this Sunday at BC Place at 3:00pm. It’s Vancouver’s 8th season in MLS, and our 7th as season ticket holders, and there are quite a few changes to take note of before first kick.

10 Things You Need to Know Before First Kick

The club is hoping that fans will arrive early to take part in pre-match festivities, which begin at 1:30pm, and if you’re a member of the Southsiders, there are some new and exciting updates for you too!

1. Happy Hour: $5 beers will be sold via hawkers in the supporters’ section stands (sections 207-248) in the hour prior to kickoff (2:00pm to 3:00pm on Sunday). Make sure to get into the building early to take advantage of this great deal (offer only available to those with tickets in the supporters’ section).

2. Opening presentation: The largest and most ambitious game presentation update the club has undertaken since moving into BC Place in 2012. The completely redesigned procession features state of the art effects, a brand-new team intro video, player walkout from the supporters’ section, and more. Make sure to be in your seat early so you’re not missing out on the new opening! The club has also completely redesigned every videoboard production element along with a substantial update to the layout of the LED Ribbon board to create one of the most sophisticated presentations in MLS. Continue reading this post ⟩⟩