The Britannia Mine Museum, a National Historic Site just up the Sea to Sky, has launched its summer “I HEART Carbon” exhibit which runs until end of September. This exhibit explores the complexities of an element that’s all around and through us: carbon.

I HEART Carbon Exhibit

From what is carbon, how it shapes the world we live, how it has been used throughout history, CO2 emissions, to innovations that capture and convert carbon compounds such as CO2 into assets and the future of carbon.

The “I HEART Carbon” exhibit also features several innovative Canadian companies who are bringing carbon innovations to life.

There’s a company in Squamish that’s building the world’s first industrial pilot plant to explore whether atmospheric carbon dioxide could be used to produce gasoline, diesel and other transportation fuels, which are cleaning burning than fossil fuels. Abbotsford’s Fraser Valley Biogas was the first facility in North America to produce and supply renewable natural gas to customers, turning farm waste into natural gas and organic fertilizers.

Learn about these initiatives and more at the “I HEART Carbon” exhibit, which is part of Canada’s Innovation150 program that showcases Canadian innovations of the past, and focuses on innovations that drive our future.

The Britannia Mine Museum has an important role in educating the public about the contributions of mining and minerals to society, the 113-year history of the storied Britannia Beach community and the ideas and practices of environmental renewal and sustainability.

Britannia Mine Museum Giveaway

I have a fantastic prize package to give away that includes:

• A Family Flex Pass (unlimited visits for any 2 adults and up to 3 youth for the entire year)
• $50 to the Britannia Mine Museum Company Store where you can pick up a unique souvenir or gift.
• $25 to the new Chatterbox Cafe where you can grab a cup of coffee, a bite to eat, and enjoy the beautiful Howe Sound view.

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 a @BritanniaMine family prize pack http://ow.ly/Yu7Q30dpNNR” quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]

I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Thursday, July 13, 2017. Prize package can be picked up by the winner at the museum.

The Britannia Mine Museum provides unique and memorable experiences that engage visitors of all ages. Visitors can enjoy fun exhibits and crowd favourites like the underground mine train, the historic 20-storey concentrator mill and gold panning, and learn about Britannia’s history as one of the largest copper mines in the British Commonwealth in the 1930s.

Follow the Britannia Mine Museum on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more information about “I HEART Carbon” and other exhibits and attractions.

Update The winner is Kenneth McAllister!

Free outdoor music! Need I say more? Coquitlam is amping up its entertainment offerings this summer with a number of concerts and festivals centred at its amphitheatre-style stage at Town Centre Park. Think live music in the open air, the scent of coconut sunscreen, and picnic blankets spread out over the grass. This is summertime at its best – and it’s open to all ages.

Hop on the SkyTrain to Lafarge Lake-Douglas station, which drops you off at Town Centre Park. From there, follow the music and the crowds to the outdoor plaza, which has plenty of seating plus grassy areas to stretch out. Mark your calendars for these highlights!

Free Outdoor Music in Coquitlam

Summer Concert Series presented by Envision Financial
Pack a picnic or grab a bite to eat at one of the food trucks on site as musical acts take the stage under the white canopy at Town Centre Park Plaza. The first concert on Friday, July 14 features Joe Fernandes Band and Megan Twist from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Also mark your calendars for concerts on August 11 and September 1 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Free admission!

Place des Arts presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Place des Arts’ summer teen theatre troupe performs a wild, fun-filled adaptation of Shakespeare’s comedy, featuring lively music and audience participation. The free performances take place at Town Centre Park Plaza at 7:00pm. each night from Wednesday, July 26 to Saturday, July 29, or watch the matinee on Sunday, July 30 at 2:00pm.

Kaleidoscope Arts Festival presented by Kia West
BC’s beloved rocker, Bif Naked, takes the outdoor stage as the headlining act to this highly anticipated, full-day arts festival set for Saturday, August 12. The musical lineup also features The Matinée, The Paperboys, West My Friend, Derrival and Jennifer Hayes. Other festival highlights include dancers, circus performers, storytellers, artists, an artisans market, kids’ activities, local food trucks and craft beer. Free admission!

While You’re Here

Have children in town? Their eyes will bug out at the sight of Town Centre Park’s playground, skate park and spray park. The park also has free foosball and table tennis located near Percy Perry Stadium (just pack your own paddles and ball).

The park is located in Coquitlam’s City Centre, so there’s plenty to do in the area, including shopping, dining and unique dessert options. If you’re in need of an espresso, the nearest café is Caffé Divano, or take a short stroll down to Glen Drive for a huge selection of restaurants from around the globe.

Other Fun Events this Month

Music on the Grill: Evergreen Cultural Centre takes the entertainment outdoors for its popular Music on the Grill series. Sit down for a BBQ dinner served al fresco on their patio with pre-show entertainment, followed by the evening’s marquee presentation in the Studio Theatre. The lineup includes The Bills with Mildly Wild on July 8, Big Little Lions with Ben Beveridge Trio on July 22, and Tiller’s Folly with Dawson Rutledge on August 19. The cultural centre is located at Lafarge Lake-Douglas SkyTrain station. Tickets required.

CanWest Games : Athletes travel from the US northwest and western Canada from July 28-30 to compete in this event, deemed the largest Functional Fitness Competition in Western Canada. Watch the athletes at Percy Perry Stadium (at Town Centre Park), shop in the vendor village and chill out in the beer gardens.

Hard Rock Casino Ultimate Car Show: Interested in exotics, classics or muscle cars? Get revved up at this July 29 event held at Hard Rock Casino Vancouver from 10:00am to 3:00pm Admission is free for spectators.

Free & Fun: Whether you’re interested in going for hiking, mountain biking or outdoor spray parks, Coquitlam’s free Travel and Experience Guide has plenty of entertainment ideas. Read about all of these events and more online, and share your fun summer photos using #explorecoquitlam.

Vancouver has a new cinematic art installation this summer! Projected onto the underside of the Cambie Bridge, the river meets the city with Uninterrupted, a story about wild Pacific salmon migration that unfolds nightly along with an ambient, original soundtrack.

Uninterrupted A Cinematic Spectacle

Wild salmon are a major building block within the Pacific ecosystem – if you live in BC or the Yukon that’s your neighbourhood. These amazing fish are intimately connected to our lives and our western landscape in ways we rarely consider. Uninterrupted brings the beautiful struggle of a salmon migration to the heart of the city, encouraging everyone to think about the connections between people, animals, and the environment – and to take action in our own communities.

Tuesday to Saturday
June 28th to August 14th at 10:00pm
August 15th to September 24th at 9:00pm

Free viewing takes place in Coopers’ Park, on the north side of the bridge, with nightly capacity for up to 800 people. We ask that you arrive at least 15 minutes in advance; there are also pre-event projections to enjoy.

Follow Uninterrupted on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for more info.

CBC Vancouver Musical Nooners are back this summer, with a full lineup of free daily lunchtime concerts. The popular series returns with a splash to the outdoor stage at the CBC Vancouver Broadcast Centre on Friday, July 7th at 12:00pm, featuring a special two hour concert with Juno award-winning indie rock band Said the Whale, and opening act Fake Shark.

The first show of the series will be a special 2-hour performance that will see Hamilton Street shut down to vehicle traffic between West Georgia and Robson.

CBC Vancouver’s Musical Nooners free concert series runs Monday to Friday, from 12:00pm to 1:00pm, at the CBC Broadcast Centre at 700 Hamilton Street (between Robson and West Georgia) from July 7 to August 25, 2017.

Musical Nooners Lineup

Following last year’s overwhelming popularity and success, Kids’ Day will be back this year on August 2nd. Will Stroet of Will’s Jams from CBC Kids will be on stage to delight young fans and their parents alike. Guests can mingle with Scout from CBC Kids’ and Parka from Parks Canada, make creations at the craft centre and participate in an adventurous scavenger hunt.

View the full series lineup here »

For more information on the Musical Nooners series and CBC in British Columbia follow along on Twitter or with the tag #musicalnooners.

Mark your calendars and plan your warm summer nights on the shores of English Bay as the Honda Celebration of Light fireworks competition returns for the 27th year as the largest public event in British Columbia!

Honda Celebration of Light Fireworks

July 29, 2017 Akariya Firework, representing Japan
August 2, 2017 Jubilee Fireworks, representing the United Kingdom
August 5, 2017 Royal Pyrotechnie, representing Canada

The fireworks competition will begin promptly at 10:00pm each night, rain or shine, from the barges located in English Bay. Music simulcast can be heard on LG 104.3 FM and through the festival’s mobile app. The winning team will be announced on August 8th.

Amp Up Your Experience with Lounge Tickets

The Keg Lounge: Looking to have a ball under the fireworks, listening to live musical performances? Once again this year, the Keg Lounge, located on the Bathhouse Roof in English Bay, offers a VIP lounge experience and great live music, brought to you by LG 104.3, featuring local and emerging talent. With unobstructed views of the fireworks, the Keg Lounge is the perfect way to treat yourself and your friends to the quintessential Vancouver experience. Purchase tickets »

Concord Lounge at the Inukshuk: With the closest water view of the fireworks, the Concord Lounge at the Inukshuk on the peninsula at English Bay is the place to be if you’re in the mood for great energy, delicious food and fantastic drinks among a discerning crowd. Features of the Lounge include: guaranteed seating, musical simulcast of the fireworks soundtrack, hors d’oeuvres, cash bar service, private washroom facilities and a laid back vibe, making it the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the beach with your friends and colleagues. Purchase tickets »

YVR Observation Deck: The custom built bleacher-style seating of the YVR Observation Deck is situated in the heart of the action at English Bay. This all-ages licensed area offers a fun, energetic atmosphere, as well as reserved seats with a prime view of the fireworks, musical simulcast of the fireworks soundtrack, cash bar service, private washroom facilities, direct access to food service, and giveaways. Purchase tickets »

YVR Business Class Cabanas in the YVR Observation Deck: Back by popular demand, the YVR Observation Deck Business Class corporate cabanas return once more, to offer the perfect location to host guests or a private party, overlooking the spectacular energy of English Bay! Located on the concourse level, each private hosting area holds 24 guests and offers comfortable seating and complimentary appetizers. Contact fireworks(at)brandlivegroup(dot)com for more details.

Enter to Win

I have a 4-pack of YVR Observation Deck tickets to give away to Team UK’s fireworks on August 2nd! Here’s how you can enter to win:

• Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
• Like, comment on, or share this post on Facebook (1 entry)
• Click below to post an entry on Twitter

[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win YVR Observation Deck tickets for @CelebOfLight http://ow.ly/kYs430djWNH” quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]

Follow the Honda Celebration of Light on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more information.

I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 10:00pm on Sunday, July 9, 2017

Update The winner is Linda Foster!