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BC Adventures – Our To Do Picks for February 9-15

This week in BC: Celebrate the Year of the Snake on Chinese New Year, drop anchor at the Vancouver International Boat Show, enjoy a spot of tea at the Victoria Tea Festival, and more

By Anna Dupas /

Credit: Tourism BC/Don Weixl

Vernon Winter Carnival — Until Feb. 10

The best cure for cabin fever? A winter carnival, of course! And the Vernon Winter Carnival, held until February 10, is one sure-fire way to help you shake off the dead-of-winter doldrums. Take your pick from over 100 family-friendly events, including a parade, snow-sculpture competition, dinner dances and even a hot-air-balloon fiesta. And while you’re there, check out nearby Silver Star Mountain Resort for a quick shoosh down the slopes or an après-ski tipple at the Club Saloon.



Credit: Perfect Pet Photos

Vancouver International Boat Show — Feb. 7-11

Ever since Egyptian pharaohs floated their families down the Nile to enjoy the scenery, boating has remained one of our most popular pastimes. And if owning a boat is on your bucket list, set sail for the Vancouver International Boat Show, dropping anchor at BC Place and Granville Island Maritime Market & Marina from February 7 to 11. You’ll find dozens of exhibitors showcasing all the latest marine products on the market, along with free hourly seminars on everything from celestial navigation to weather forecasting to budget cruising.



Credit: Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival

Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival — Feb. 8-17

Armchair adventurers can enjoy all the excitement of an alpine escapade without so much as buckling up a boot at the 16th annual Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival. Held from February 8 to 17 at various venues, it features more than 65 flicks and 21 guest speakers, including some of the world’s best rock climbers, trail-runners, mountain bikers, paragliders and kayakers. And if you thought extreme sports was the exclusive domain of testosterone-fuelled fellas, cliff-hanging queen Nina Caprez will be on hand to change your mind.



Credit: Perfect Pet Photos

Victoria Tea Festival — Feb. 9

Someone once said, “A simple cup of tea is far from a simple matter.” No kidding! Between debates about water temperature, steeping times and proper pouring technique, it’s no wonder tea drinking has become an art form in some countries. So if you want to know how to brew a perfect pot, check out the Victoria Tea Festival on February 9 at Crystal Garden (713 Douglas St, Victoria), where you can enjoy scores of tastings, food pairings, vendor booths and demos by industry experts, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.



Credit: Perfect Pet Photos

Chinese New Year, Year of the Snake — Feb. 10

Is 2013 an unlucky year? Not according to the Chinese zodiac, which marks the Year of the Snake on February 10. Like its iconic namesake, this year portends mythic times that’ll really lend some “gung-ho” to your Gung Hey Fat Choys. And if you plan to celebrate the occasion with a Far East feast, you’ll find some of the best Asian eats at Pearl Castle, Bushuair, Fisherman’s Terrace, Sha Lin Noodle House and Kirin, winners of the 2013 Chinese Restaurant Awards.



Credit: Perfect Pet Photos

Cariboo Comedy Night — Feb. 12

If a laugh a day keeps the doctor away, you’ll be feeling as fit as a fiddle after Cariboo Comedy Night at the Kozmik Zoo (53 W. Broadway, Vancouver) on February 12. That’s when Bernard Robichaud (a.k.a. Cyrus, the gun-toting drug-dealer from the Trailer Park Boys) headlines a night of hilarity emceed by TVW’s Patrick Maliha and featuring an appearance by Vancouver’s own “white trash comedy queen” Shirley Gnome. Check it out at 8 p.m. for just $10 and stick around afterward for a post-show meet-and-greet with the comics.



Credit: Flickr / Rodefeld

Writing for Big Bucks or Personal Fulfillment at the Vancouver Public Library — Feb. 13

Everyone’s got a tale to tell, and if you’re thinking about putting pen to paper to chronicle your own family history, consider swinging by the Vancouver Public Library for a free tutorial first. On February 13, aspiring scribes can check out Writing for Big Bucks or for Personal Fulfillment, an adults-only seminar running from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Alma VanDusen and Peter Kaye rooms, at the Central Library downtown (350 W. Georgia St).



Credit: Fickr / Astro Guy

Wellness Show — Feb. 15-17

’Tis the season for sneezing, and if you want to stay sniffle free, just check out the wealth of health tips at the 21st annual Wellness Show, running from February 15 to 17 at the Vancouver Convention Centre East. The show spotlights health products and services from more than 300 exhibitors, along with educational sessions, exercise workshops and entertainment showcases covering everything from pranic healing to anti-aging to naturopathic remedies.



Credit: Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort

Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort, Parksville

Fact: More relationships break up on Valentine’s Day than almost any other time of the year. If your coupledom is on shaky ground, you just might rescue your romance at Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort in Parksville. After all, you’d have to be pretty hard-hearted not to get all gooey-eyed in a beachfront suite stocked with flickering candles, sparkling wine, chocolate-dipped strawberries and a bed strewn with rose petals. This romantic retreat starts from $341 per night, with details online.



Credit: Perfect Pet Photos

Canyon, North Vancouver

There’s a new canyon to conquer in North Vancouver, and it has nothing to do with athletics and everything to do with eats. Chef Scott Kidd, formerly of Bishop’s, Araxi and Lift, is the culinary kingpin behind Canyon (3135 Edgemont Blvd), a new bistro-style restaurant that puts a gourmet twist on old-style favourites like burgers, pizza and steak, as well as exotic eats like octopus and foie gras. Try it for lunch or dinner.


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.