Vancouver Whitecaps FC are back in action for the 2017 MLS season, including CONCACAF Champions League play, the Canadian Championship, and more. Whitecaps games really do have fantastic fan atmosphere, and much of that can be credited to the supporter groups who lead chants, paint banners, and encourage sportsmanship on and off the pitch.
Match Days with Miss604 and the Vancouver Southsiders
John and I have been season ticket members, and members of the Vancouver Southsiders supporter group for the last 6 years so I’m proud to volunteer and support the Southsiders this season for “Match Days with Miss604“.
The Whitecaps also have 3 official supporter clubs, which are groups of fans that come together socially to cheer on the team both at home and on the road. These are the Southsiders (established in 1999, the largest organized supporters group in Canada); Rain City Brigade (2010) and Curva Collective (2011).
Located mostly in the south end of BC Place, all of these groups stand, chant, and sing for a full 90 minutes. They all have home bars (including family friendly restaurant partners), and create their own tifo (which is choreographed fan displays, like banners and flags).
Spring break and cherry blossoms are just around the corner as we sail into March. Around town, there’s plenty to do from the Fraser Valley to the Sea to Sky, including several shows on stage. This list is updated often so send in your event listing anytime – for free – and check back often to plan your week.
Visit the Gulf of Georgia Cannery this spring break for some family fun. This National Historic Site commemorates the fishing and canning industry off Canada’s Pacific Coast through exhibits, activities, films, and events.
Spring Break at the Cannery
March 13 – March 24, 2017
During Spring Break, kids 6-11 years can pick up a Parks Canada Xplorers activity booklet to win a souvenir prize. Don’t miss the historic canning line in action as they rev up the equipment during our machine demos at 11:00am, 1:00pm & 3:00pm on Weekdays.
Best of all, since the Gulf of Georgia Cannery is a National Historic Site, admission is free for all of 2017 to celebrate Canada150!
Outside of regular exhibitions, there’s the Cannery Farmers Market scheduled for March 12 & 26, April 9 & 23, 2017.
Follow along on Twitter and Facebook for special event information. The Gulf of Georgia Cannery is located at 12138 Fourth Avenue in Richmond.
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by Rebecca BollwittDisclosure: Sponsored Post — Published in partnership with the SnowSeekers #SkiNorthBC campaign Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.
This winter I partnered with SnowSeekers, with whom I have done a few fun assignments, to share their #SkiNorthBC stories from destinations in Northern BC.
When Dax spent 72 Hours in Smithers, he did his first sunrise shoot from the peak of Hudson Bay Mountain. It was then that he discovered that there’s a handful of people who live on the mountain and live the Hudson Bay life to its fullest.
“Nearly every person I talked to said they would never leave because they have a deep love for the mountain and close bonds with each other. One snowboarder told me, ‘You can let your kids run wild on this hill with their friends; it’s safe. All of our families look after each other.’”
Dax skied in knee-high, untouched powder through snow-laden trees, all while slaying some incredible terrain. He writes that the best part was, it wasn’t crowded and he learned to understand what brings pure joy to the people from Smithers’ Hudson Bay Mountain.
Photo by Dax Justin
A video that colleague Chris Wheeler produced for the Snow Seekers #SkiNorthBC campaign at Hudson Bay has gone viral, with over half a million views thanks to a share from Explore Canada. He and Dax met Jason Krauskopf’s family (including two boys Toan and Tosh) and filmed as they jumped off their back deck into the pool of Hudson Bay powder below:
At the end of a sunrise-to-sunset day on the slopes, the crew was invited to Kelly McCormack’s cabin. “We literally skied to her front door. I felt like I’d just walked into my aunt’s house because we instantly hit it off,” writes Dax. “The skies were drenched with colour and over a hot chocolate I talked to Kelly about what she loves about this mountain.”
For all your Travel Northern BC details, the folks from Northern BC Tourism can help make the planning process smooth.
#SkiNorthBC and explore more! For travellers, SnowSeekers has partnered with National Car rental to secure you a SnowSeekers preferred rate. Make a reservation online, or with an agent and in the Contract field enter XVC4SNO for a savings that could cover your ski pass cost every day.
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by Rebecca BollwittDisclosure: Sponsored Post — Published in partnership with FestivalSeekersPlease review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.
It’s always an adventure when I travel to Nanaimo to preview some of their awesome festivals. I came back with a pirate doll, a box of Lucky Charms, and a bottle of local craft beer — all totally relevant to what I was researching (including a wee dram of whiskey in my belly). I was sent across the Salish Sea to learn about Festival Nanaimo has planned from St Patrick’s Day to Spring Break.
And don’t miss PirateFest March 22-25, 2017 at Country Club Centre, and in Downtown Nanaimo on March 25th for PirateFest Day with the Purple Pirate. Be sure to bring your costumes!
From Celtic tunes and local blues, to whiskey tastings benefitting the dance society at Wee Tipple, and craft beer supporting the BC SPCA at Hops and Hounds. I love the mashup of events that creative minds at Festival Nanaimo and their partners have come up with. There’s a lot going on at the Port Theatre, in the heart of Downtown Nanaimo, like the Symphony & Soundbites. There you can have appies and enjoy a live performance — or come for the later show and have dessert with a side of Mozart.
Before and After! Hops & Hounds coming soon to Maffeo Sutton Park. Last photo by Dirk Heydemann of HA Photography.
If You Go
Grab some grub while checking out Festival Nanaimo. You likely know that Nanaimo is home to the Nanaimo Bar Trail, but now’s the time to treat yourself to the self-guided tour. Your sweet-tooth will thank you.
Heading to Nanaimo for some festival fun? Check out these places to stay while visiting. Make sure to read the Festival Overview and see the line up this year at Festival Nanaimo. For more detailed information about Festival Nanaimo, make sure to check out its official website.
This winter I partnered with 
