Family Day Fun and Valentine’s Date Ideas in Coquitlam

Add a Comment by Guest Author
Disclosure: Sponsored Post — This post is part of a monthly series sponsored by the City of Coquitlam Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.

Entertain your kids and woo your Valentine in Coquitlam this month! Coquitlam is the place to be in the coming weeks, with a host of crafty events, Family Day activities, date night options and a popular francophone festival providing endless entertainment opportunities. Here are some ideas to keep the children, your sweetheart and even your pets busy.

Family Day in Coquitlam February 13th

Explore a New Park

Easily accessible by transit for visitors from all throughout Metro Vancouver, Town Centre Park (at Lafarge Lake-Douglas SkyTrain Station), has outdoor foosball and table tennis tables as well as a flat 1.2-kilometre trail circling the lake, which is suitable for all ages, including young children on bikes.

Another lovely park to explore is Como Lake Park, which has an easy, 1-kilometre trail that loops around the lake, with a playground and two fishing docks (the lake is stocked with rainbow trout).

If you’re looking for a place to release the hounds, try Mundy Park, a heavily forested urban park that has an off-leash park and allows off-leash dogs on certain trails (before 10:00am).

Family Day Swim

Splash about in the pool and take part in some fun and games. Family Day will be celebrated at City Centre Aquatic Complex, which has a waterslide and wave pool, as well as Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex. Fee is $2 per person.

Family Day Skate
Round up the family for this fun skate at Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Family admission and regular rental rates apply.

Family FUN Day
Get active and have some fun! This day includes entertainment, games and a variety of activities for the family at Poirier Community Centre from 10:00am to 1:00pm. It’s free, but you must pre-register.

Valentine’s Day February 14th

Sure, you could pick up a bouquet of roses, but here’s something a little bit different that’s sure to impress.

Craft Your Own Card
Surprise your loved one by creating your own hand-crafted Edwardian-style card. The historic Mackin House will show you how to do it on February 11 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. All supplies will be provided, and you even get to snack on delicious sugar cookies from a 1915 recipe. Registration is required (by donation).

Sweets for Your Sweet

Nothing says romance like melted chocolate. Learn how to make your own delicacies in a class offered by the Coquitlam Heritage Society. You’ll learn the basics of tempering couverture chocolate and you’ll be able to bring home your treats at the end of class. Appetizers will be provided and wine will be available for a minimal cost. Ages 19+, 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Cost is $35.

Get the Heart Pumping

If your sweetheart is the physical type, why not start off your date with a climb up the Coquitlam Crunch? Feel the burn as you power up 437 stairs followed by a steep trail finishing at an elevation of 280 metres. Your hearts will be pumping after traversing this 2.2-kilometre trail. It just so happens to be the perfect location to pop the question (wink!).

Go VIP
Take in a movie in pure luxury at Cineplex Cinemas Coquitlam and VIP, featuring in-seat dining in comfy reserved leather chairs and a licensed lounge. This is an age 19+ venue for those looking for a kid-free experience.

Do Dinner
Coquitlam has plenty of dining options. One place to start is Glen Drive, a short walk from Lincoln SkyTrain station, where Vietnamese, Japanese, Persian and Filipino restaurants share the same blocks with hip eateries.

Family Valentine’s Day
February 14th falls on a school night this year, so why not include the kids in the fun, while making memories that will last a lifetime? Take a group photo of your family, and then stop in to Opus Arts Supplies in Coquitlam for a stash of fun crafting gear to decorate your own picture frame.

Festival du Bois March 3-5

Save the Date! Dig out the plaid, chomp on poutine and dance to French Canadian music. Festival du Bois is the largest francophone festival on Canada’s West Coast, with three full days of musical performances, traditional cuisine and activities. This family-friendly event is based at Mackin Park in Coquitlam’s historic Maillardville neighbourhood.

For more information about exploring Coquitlam, visit coquitlam.ca/explore and share your photos using tag #explorecoquitlam.

Win a Hockey Night Out From the Canucks and The Sportsbar LIVE! at Rogers Arena

Comments 333 by Rebecca Bollwitt

There’s been a game-changing shift for sports fans in Vancouver as The Sportsbar LIVE! at Rogers Arena has opened its doors this season. The upscale 14,000 square foot venue is the first-of-its-kind in North America to fuse an exceptional sports and dining experience with the energy and excitement of the bowl.

The Sportsbar LIVE! at Rogers Arena

With a 524-person capacity, The Sportsbar LIVE! at Rogers Arena has 104 new in-arena seats offering a restaurant atmosphere, in-seat dining privileges, and an unobstructed view of the ice.

Its multi-purposed design speaks to the vast draw of the room that ranges from young professionals to die-hard sports and entertainment fans. The stunningly designed Trophy Room features leather booths with their own private TV screens, and there’s a VIP Player’s Lounge area for relaxed entertaining amidst semi-private booths.

The 90-foot long “cracked ice” bar anchors the room where a massive 16 ½-foot projection TV keeps guests in on the action. A private Party Room featuring fully-equipped, exclusive bar and service stations along with premium in-arena seating is available for corporate and group events.

Alongside the extensive marble, walnut, and natural stone accents throughout the space, a nod to the country’s passion for hockey lore is displayed with 120 hockey sticks owned by iconic greats like Gretzky, Crosby, Ovechkin and Linden. Overhead, dynamic lighting is programmed to highlight the not-to-be-missed moments during live sporting events that are also captured on the 4K HD-TV screens anchored throughout the space.

Fan Favourites with a Delicious Twist

Executive Chef Robert Bartley heads up the elevated food and beverage program that is unlike any other sports bar venue. His extensive, premium menus include the best of classic fan favourites with added delicious twists like:

Whipped Ricotta, Grilled Farmer’s Sausage, The Biggest, Baddest Sportsbar Wings, Trainer’s Salad, The Sportsbar Cheeseburger, Foot Long Grilled Cheese, BBQ Pork Back Ribs, Carrot Cake and more along with over 35 beers on tap, an impressive wine list, and crafted cocktails. Enjoy a Sportsbar Caesar, Negroni, or a Chocolate Old Fashioned.

Located at 99 W Georgia St, The Sportsbar LIVE! at Rogers Arena is open for every Canucks home game, major sporting events, and live entertainment shows (access via the Georgia Street viaduct or Section 301 off the arena’s concourse).

Want to guarantee your spot at the bar AND at Rogers Arena for live NHL action? Ticket memberships in this area start at $119 per game.

Win a Hockey Night Out

The Canucks and The Sportsbar LIVE! at Rogers Arena have put together an amazing prize package for a lucky Miss604 reader and their guest.

You’ll start the night (on February 25th) at The Sportsbar LIVE! at Rogers Arena where you’ll have reservations for 5:30pm and a $150 gift card waiting for you. Enjoy some drinks and snacks, then head into Rogers Arena with two tickets to see the Canucks host the San Jose Sharks. You’ll also get some signed team swag to take home. Here’s how you can enter to win:

  • Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
  • Post a photo featuring your Canucks gear on Instagram, tagging @Canucks @thesportsbar_ra @Miss604 (1 entry)
  • NEW! Enter by liking or commenting on this post on Facebook (1 entry)
  • Click below to post an entry on Twitter

[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win a hockey night out from @thesportsbar_ra @Canucks #TheSportsbarLIVE! http://bit.ly/Sportsbar604″ quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]

Follow The Sportsbar LIVE! at Rogers Arena on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest menu and sporting event viewing information. Be sure to follow the Canucks on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest team news.

I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Monday, February 20, 2017. The winner must be able to attend the game on February 25, 2017. Prize items including tickets will be available at The Sportsbar LIVE! at Rogers Arena for pickup for the winner’s 5:30pm reservation. Must be 19+. Please enjoy responsibly.

Update The winner is Missy Ann Kennedy!

February Events in Metro Vancouver

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

This February it’s all about Family Day, Valentine’s Day, food festivals and what’s on stage. The BIG event list is below and I update it every day throughout the month so if you hear of something, or have something to add, please send it in for a free listing. Have a great February!

February Events in Metro Vancouver

Jump to: Wednesday, February 1, 2017 to Sunday, February 5, 2017
Jump to: Monday, February 6, 2017 to Sunday, February 12, 2017
Jump to: Monday, February 13, 2017 to Sunday, February 19, 2017
Jump to: Family Day
Jump to: Monday, February 20, 2017 to Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Multi-Day Events

Events that run for longer than three days in a row are highlighted in green.

Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Vancouver Writers Festival: Incite
Paint pARTy Fundraiser
Dine Out Vancouver Festival
Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival
Taste White Rock Festival
PuSH Festival
How He Lied to Her Husband & Love Letters to Mrs. Patrick Campbell
Odysseo by Cavalia
Thursday, February 2, 2017
Alessandro Sciarroni: FOLK-S, Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?
Dance Without Limits Surrey
Power of Ideas Traveling Exhibition
The Vancouver Pancakes & Booze Art Show
Studio 58 Presents: 42nd Street
Pacific Theatre Presents: Corleone – The Shakespearean Godfather
Vagabond Players Presents: Towards Zero
PuSH Festival
Taste White Rock Festival
Dine Out Vancouver Festival
How He Lied to Her Husband & Love Letters to Mrs. Patrick Campbell
Odysseo by Cavalia

Friday, February 3, 2017
Opening Reception: Toy Babies, New Works From Andrea Hooge
East Village Chinese New Year
Lunar New Year at CF Pacific Centre
VSO Tiny Tots
Scotiabank Feast of Fortune Gala
Surrey Interfaith Harmony Week Devotional Gathering
Align Entertainment Presents: The Little Mermaid
Taboo Vancouver
PuSH Festival
Taste White Rock Festival
Dine Out Vancouver Festival
How He Lied to Her Husband & Love Letters to Mrs. Patrick Campbell
Studio 58 Presents: 42nd Street
Vagabond Players Presents: Towards Zero
Pacific Theatre Presents: Corleone – The Shakespearean Godfather
Odysseo by Cavalia

Saturday, February 4, 2017
PADS Gala: For the Love of Dog
dirtsong at the PuSh Festival
Le Mozart Noir
Wesbrook Lunar New Year Celebration
Nat Bailey Stadium Winter Market
Winter Wander at Vanier Park
Canada Women’s National Team vs Mexico at BC Place
Stanley Park Zoo Historical Walking Tour
Digger Dan & The Dirt Brigade at the Di Reggae Cafe
Taboo Vancouver
PuSH Festival
Taste White Rock Festival
Dine Out Vancouver Festival
How He Lied to Her Husband & Love Letters to Mrs. Patrick Campbell
Studio 58 Presents: 42nd Street
Vagabond Players Presents: Towards Zero
Align Entertainment Presents: The Little Mermaid
Pacific Theatre Presents: Corleone – The Shakespearean Godfather
Odysseo by Cavalia

Sunday, February 5, 2017
Lunar New Year at CF Richmond Centre
Super Bowl at the Yale Saloon
Hastings Park Winter Farmers Market
Cooking Class: Eclairs and Cream Puffs
Italian Cooking Class
Taboo Vancouver
PuSH Festival
Taste White Rock Festival
Dine Out Vancouver Festival
How He Lied to Her Husband & Love Letters to Mrs. Patrick Campbell
Studio 58 Presents: 42nd Street
Vagabond Players Presents: Towards Zero
Align Entertainment Presents: The Little Mermaid
Odysseo by Cavalia

Continue reading this post ⟩⟩

Toque Tuesday: Ball Hockey for a Cause in Surrey

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

Toque Tuesday joins together 50 communities across Canada, through local toque-selling events, to raise funds and awareness for long-term solutions to homelessness. On Tuesday, February 7th, you can join a truly Canadian event, playing ball hockey for a cause in Surrey.

Toque Tuesday

Ball Hockey for a Cause in Surrey

Where: Surrey City Hall Plaza (13450 104 Ave)
When: Tuesday, February 7th, 2017 9:00am to 3:00pm
Cost: Free. Donations of scarves, gloves, and socks encouraged

The event will consist of a ball hockey tournament, toque sales, and the community is encouraged to come out to watch, support, and donate winter wear. There is no cost to watch, but guests are asked to bring a donation of scarves, gloves, and socks.

Hotdogs, hot chocolate and coffee will be for sale by donation from the City of Surrey Firefighters. Toques will be on sale for $10 from PCRS Surrey Youth Services staff and volunteers, and all proceeds from toques will go towards long-term solutions to homelessness in Surrey.

The event in Surrey was started by Tim Baillie, a retired firefighter, and participating teams come from Trilogy Recovery House, Flamingo Hotel, SFU and KPU, and there’s a team made up of MLAs (from both sides of the House). Music and a DJ make the tournament fun and entertaining for those coming out to watch.

Enjoy a uniquely Canadian ball hockey tournament, during this national campaign, while supporting those in need in the Surrey area. Vancouver’s Lookout Society will also be present, with ball caps for sale for $20.

Since 1997, the annual Toque Campaign has supported nearly 200 community agencies across Canada, raising more than $7 million to date in support of long-term solutions to homelessness. Follow Raising the Roof on Twitter and Facebook for more information about this event and others across Canada.

Winter Wander at Vanier Park

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

The Winter Wander at Vanier Park combines everything that I love so much about this city: A walk by the seaside, a chance to enjoy some arts and entertainment, and of course some really cool museums!

Winter Wander at Vanier Park

Winter Wander at Vanier Park

On Saturday, February 4, 2017 bring your family down to Vanier Park for a day of music, science, history and art. Enjoy local food vendors, entertainment, and have the chance to win great prizes.

For only $5, get admission to the Museum of Vancouver, H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, Vancouver Maritime Museum, Vancouver Academy of Music, and City of Vancouver Archives. You can also watch performances from the Young Shakespeareans from Bard on the Beach, VAM students, Gamelan Bike Bike, and storytelling by VPL.

New this year: Play ball hockey in the Vancouver Archives parking lot, learn to fold origami and explore a giant wild migration map of Canada at MOV.

Purchase your ticket on the day of the event from MOV, H.R. MacMillan Space Centre or Vancouver Maritime Museum. Children 5 and under are free.