BC Adventures – Our To Do Picks for November 3-9

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This week in BC: Enjoy Whistler’s Cornucopia, stretch your body at the Vancouver Yoga Conference, take part in the Great Pumpkin Smash, and more

Shadows of Eternity Musical – November 3-4

Indoor kite flyers and dancing dogs? That’s what’s in store on November 3 and 4 at Shadows of Eternity, an all-ages musical at Surrey’s Bell Performing Arts Centre to raise funds for the animal-rescue charity S.A.I.N.T.S.

Directed and choreographed by local dog trainer Ray Underwood, the show features 20 dancing dogs who somehow skitter into a story set in Ancient Egypt about a Pharaoh kidnapped by shadow creatures. Tickets are $27, with discounts for seniors, students and children.

Great Pumpkin Smash – November 3-4

Now that you’re done with the “Monster Mash” for another year, it’s time for the Great Pumpkin Smash, taking place in Victoria on November 3 and 4.

Rather than just toss your gourd into the garbage, this earth-friendly fling offers fun and games for the whole family while diverting about 13 tonnes of jack-o-lanterns from the landfill. Pack up your pumpkins and drop by on Saturday at Fairfield Thrifty Foods, or on Sunday at the Admirals Walk-Cloverdale location, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Creme de la Creme Grand Wedding Showcase – November 4

Every couple deserves a dream wedding. That’s why Crème de la Crème Grand Wedding Showcase is dedicated to making all your “I-do” dreams come true.

The eighth annual expo, held on November 4 at Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver, promises to wow brides-to-be with everything from champagne and caviar to a haute couture runway show featuring the latest looks from the likes of Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, Marchesa and Jenny Packham. Catch it from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for $45 per person.

Gold Mountain – November 4

Toronto playwright David Yee pieces together the broken jigsaw that was his father’s life in the visually spectacular, continent-spanning tale, Gold Mountain, on stage until November 4 at The Cultch (1895 Venables, Vancouver).

Audiences will go on an epic journey from rural China to war-torn Liverpool to the horrors of an Atlantic convoy in this story of friendship, addiction and adversity told through a multimedia spectacle combining breathtaking imagery, film and music. Tickets from $17.

Circle Craft Christmas Market – November 7-11

When it comes to holiday shopping, you can put in miles at the mall and still never find anything to outdo the selection of one-of-a-kind offerings at the 39th annual Circle Craft Christmas Market.

Held at Vancouver Convention Centre West from November 7 to 11, this fab fair attracts 40,000 shoppers annually to browse the wares of more than 300 artisans selling everything from gourmet chocolate and peanut brittle to fashion and home décor. Tickets are $10 online and $12 at the door.

Whistler Cornucopia – November 7-11

Mark Twain once said, “Good taste is made, not born.” That’s definitely true when it comes to Cornucopia, an epicurean extravaganza celebrating the best of Whistler’s bounty.

From chef-made meals to hip sips, you’ll find it all from November 7 to 11 at this 16th annual eatathon, featuring five days of tasting events, wine seminars, gala parties and lavish meals at various venues. Plus, check out the special Cornucopia packages at local hotels, including the Westin, Fairmont Chateau and Nita Lake Lodge, for $94 per night.

Play with Monsters – November 9

What happens when your parents turn into zombies? Or when your girlfriend’s father is actually a ninja? These are some of the offbeat issues explored in Play With Monsters, presented by the Solo Collective Theatre from November 9 to 18 at Vancouver’s Performance Works.

Expect lots of substance to the silliness, though, ’cause this outrageous rom-com penned by award-winning scribe Aaron Bushkowsky deals with the parental issues that haunt every grown child. Tickets for the 8 p.m. show are $15 on opening weekend and $25 thereafter, with discounts for seniors and students.

Vancouver Yoga Conference – November 9-11

Okay we admit it: We go to the Vancouver Yoga Conference as much to exercise our credit cards as our bodies. That’s because you can browse 120 exhibitors selling everything from mala beads and meditation masks to ayurvedic candles and organic essential oils, along with continuous yoga demos, live entertainment and 150 workshops by master teachers from around the world. Check it out at the Vancouver Convention Centre from November 9 to 11 for $15.

Lily Mae’s Comfort Cafe – Anytime

“French café meets prairie kitchen” is how Vancouver restaurateurs Armand Tencha and Jeff Jefkins describe their new comfort café Lily Mae’s, which just opened its doors in Gastown (12 Powell St).

The cozy 25-seat eatery, serving lunch and dinner daily, is quaint, homey and rustic — with a menu to match. You’ll find everything from fresh salads and hearty paninis to beef bourguignon and coq au vin, along with a sumptuous weekend brunch.

Escents’ New Scent – Now

From the rainforests of the West Coast to the briny breezes of the Maritimes, every region of Canada has a distinct essence. So who better to capture these provincial perfumes than Escents, a Vancouver-based aromatherapy company that has just bottled up a new “My Canada” line of bath, body and home products.

Start your holiday shopping early by sniffing out the scents at 10 B.C. locations, including a new shop at 948 Robson Street in Vancouver.