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BC Adventures – Our To Do Picks for April 27 to May 3

This week in BC: Take in a modern retelling of the classic ballet Giselle, explore Asian heritage and Middle Eastern art, relax at an eco-friendly dude ranch, and more

By Anna Dupas /

Credit: Michael Slobodian

Ballet BC’s Giselle — April 25-27

Been there, done that. If that’s your attitude when it comes to Giselle, Ballet BC is set to change your mind with a modern retelling of the 1841 classic. On stage at Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre from April 25 to 27, the tale is told from a contemporary perspective to make it relevant to 21st-century urban audiences. Buy tickets for the 8 p.m. performance for $22.25 to $70 from ticketmaster.



Credit: John “The Dutchman”

Vancouver Tattoo & Culture Show — April 26-28

The Vancouver Tattoo & Culture Show is set to leave a mark on Lower Mainlanders in more ways than one. Held from April 26 to 28 at the Vancouver Convention Centre (999 Canada Place), this fifth annual expo includes dozens of top ink artists in action, along with a motorcycle and hotrod show, alternative pin-up pageants (zombie beauty contest, anyone?), a performance by Swollen Members and an after-hours Party at the Penthouse. Admission is $20.



Credit: Choices Market

Inspired Saturday at Choices Market
 — April 27

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so the saying goes. That’s why Choices Markets has joined forces with InspireHealth, Canada’s foremost integrated cancer care centre to raise awareness about wellness. Scarily, official estimates predict that two out of every five Canadians will develop cancer during their lifetimes, so why not reduce your risk by picking up tips (along with groceries—partial proceeds from Inspired Choices items sold will be donated to InspireHealth) at Inspired Saturday on April 27 at all Choices locations.



Credit: Michael Slobodian

Got Craft? 
— April 27-28

Craft fairs tend to conjure up visions of doodads that only a grandmother could love. Throw that preconception out the window because Got Craft?, held April 27 and 28 at Vancouver’s Maritime Labour Centre (1880 Triumph St), features top-notch indie vendors, tasty food carts and DIY workshops on everything from embroidery to letterpress, along with noteworthy newcomers and fan favourites like Mellifera Bees and Draw Me a Lion. Tickets are $3 at the door, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.



Credit: Ken Howard

Asian Heritage Month Festival — May 1-31

Don’t let the name fool you: everyone’s invited to take part in the Asian Heritage Month Festival, held from May 1 to 31 at various Lower Mainland venues, including Coquitlam’s Evergreen Centre and Vancouver’s Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Expect an all-ages agenda, including art exhibitions, author readings and a world poetry festival, along with Korean dance, youth activities and even Asian-style opera.



Credit: Michael Slobodian

DOXA Documentary Film Festival — May 3-12

Sit back and enjoy: the DOXA Documentary Film Festival is screening from May 3 to 12 at five Vancouver venues. Cinephiles can choose from a lineup of over 90 exceptional films from around the world selected for their ability to entertain, enlighten and inspire, including opening-night offering Occupy The Movie, a documentary by Vancouver director Corey Ogilvie that chronicles the global protest movement by the so-called “99 per cent.”



Credit: Michael Slobodian

Safar/Voyage: Contemporary Works by Arab, Iranian and Turkish Artists — Until September 15

Even chaos can’t stop creative expression — and the proof is in evidence at UBC’s Museum of Anthropology, now hosting Canada’s first full-scale exhibition of contemporary Middle Eastern artists. On display until September 15, Safar/Voyage: Contemporary Works by Arab, Iranian and Turkish Artists is being lauded as a groundbreaking show that spotlights 16 celebrated artists whose mediums include painting, sculpture, video installation and performance, creating a powerful collection that reflects upon migration, war, geopolitics and aesthetics.



Credit: Siwash Lake Ranch

Siwash Lake Ranch

Big comforts, small footprint. That sums up the style of Siwash Lake Ranch, one of Canada’s most upscale eco retreats. Located near Kamloops, this “wildly remote” dude ranch is also one of the greenest places to stay in the country, thanks to its recycling stations, rooftop herb garden and exclusive use of solar power. But don’t think you’ll be roughing it because this luxury lodge boasts country-chic suites outfitted with Egyptian linens, plush robes and elegant antiques, along with cozy common areas like a log-house library and candlelit dining hall.



Credit: Kingfisher Spa

Spa Packages at Kingfisher Oceanside Resort

Picture it: relaxation, renewal and rejuvenation. You’re guaranteed to find all three at Kingfisher Oceanside Resort (4330 South Island Hwy, Courtenay), offering a range of pampering packages available all year long. Choose from daylong spa retreats to midweek escapes to overnighters in an ocean-view suite, ranging from $69 to $385 per person. And if you’ve only got an afternoon, check out the Lunch & Facial or Lunch & Massage mini-packages for $119. To book, call 1-800-663-7929.



Credit: Michael Slobodian

New Catalano Restaurant & Cicchetti Bar

Named “one of the Top 25 Luxury Hotels in Canada” by TripAdvisor, Magnolia Hotel & Spa in Victoria adds yet another notch to its belt with the opening of Catalano Restaurant & Cicchetti Bar. Inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, the eatery showcases locally sourced seafood and shellfish as well as quality produce from local farms. Reserve your spot for lunch and dinner by calling 250-480-1824.


Originally published in TVW. For daily programming updates and on-screen Entertainment news, subscribe to the free TVW e-newsletters, or purchase a subscription to the weekly magazine.