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Vancouver Adventures: Our To Do Picks for March 15-21

This week: watch the catwalk at Vancouver Fashion Week, shop fresh at Winter Farmers Markets, celebrate St. Patrick's Day, and more

By Anna Dupas /

Credit: Flickr / SimonQ

St. Patrick’s Day at Merridale Ciderworks – March 15

Irish eyes – and everyone else’s – will be smiling at the St. Paddy’s Day Dinner at Merridale Ciderworks (1230 Merridale Rd, Cobble Hill) on March 15. For $29, gourmet-loving guests can indulge in a three-course Irish-inspired feast that includes entrees like whiskey-braised beef, chickpea and roasted squash curry and shepherd’s pie, followed by your choice of chocolate stout cake, traditional apple pie or blue cheese creme. Reserve by calling 250-743-4293.
 



Credit: Flickr / vancouverfashionweek

Vancouver Fashion Week – March 15-21

What will fashionistas be wearing next winter? Find out at Vancouver Fashion Week, where you can get a sneak peek at top trends from emerging and established designers from March 18 to 24 at the Chinese Cultural Centre (50 E. Pender St). And whether your style is indie or ethnic, girlie or grunge, you’ll be happy to hear the designers hail from over 30 fashion capitals, ruling out any chance of cookie cutter couture. The fun ranges from fashion shows to gala parties, with a range of ticketing options available. Also, join BCLiving for the official Vancouver Fashion Week After Party.
 



Credit: Flickr / John Biehler

Play Dome at BC Place – March 15-23

Even rain showers can’t dampen the fun for thrill seekers this spring break, ‘cause Play Dome, Canada’s largest indoor carnival, is back at BC Place from March 15 to 23. Check out more than 45 rides, including all-new ones like the Haunted House Dark Ride, Zero Gravity, Ring of Fire and Super Shot!, as well as old favourites like 1001 Nights, the Ferris Wheel and the Zipper. Tickets are $29 for all-day ride access (with a $10 discount for BCAA cardholders), or $6 for a spectator pass.



Credit: Joe Fortes

Joe Fortes “Joe’s Diner Classics” – Until March 28th

Have a true power lunch at Joe Fortes this month. The Vancouver institution is presenting their “Joe’s Diner Classics” lunch menu on weekdays until the end of the month, with a devastating lineup of comfort foods: a cheeseburger, baked macaroni and cheese and fried chicken, with each item costing only $9.95. Trust us: you will leave with both your belly and wallet feeling full.



Credit: Vancouver Recital Society

Yo-Yo Ma Vancouver’s Recital Society: March 16

One of the finest cellists of his generation, Yo-Yo Ma has got 15 Grammy Awards to prove it. So if you want to see him in person, you’d better snap up tickets fast for the Vancouver Recital Society’s March 16 concert, featuring Ma and his longtime collaborator, pianist Kathryn Stott, at the Orpheum. The program, starting at 3 p.m., includes an array of works by European and Latin American masters, including Stravinsky, Piazzolla, Messiaen, and de Falla. Tickets, from $25, are available online or by phone at 604-602-0363.



Credit: Flickr / Kevin Pedraja

Whistler Fire & Ice Show: Until March 30

Whistler has gained a world-class rep for pristine peaks and perfect powder. But fireworks and fire-spinners – who knew? And it’s all thanks to a free weekly Fire & Ice Show, where the action involves Whistler’s top talents jumping through flaming hoops to tunes spun by a live DJ. Catch it on Sundays till March 30 starting at 7:30 p.m. at Skiers Plaza, then continue the fun at Afterburn, the official after-party held at Garibaldi Lift Co. 



Credit: Flickr / RelaxingMusic

Saltspring Centre of Yoga – March 21-23

Billed as “a sanctuary for body and mind,” no wonder Saltspring Centre of Yoga is known across the nation for its rejuvenating retreats. This year’s event takes place March 21 to 23, and includes two nights’ accommodation, organic vegetarian meals and a variety of yoga classes to suit all levels. While you’re there, check out the Ayurvedic and body treatments at the Wellness Centre, too! For details, call 250.537.2326.



Credit: Flickr / NatalieMaynor

Winter Farmers Market – Until April 26

Winter doesn’t have to mean going without, especially when it comes to fresh fruit and vegetables. So until produce aisles proliferate with summer’s bounty, fussy foodies can check out the Winter Farmers Market at Nat Bailey Stadium (30th and Ontario St, Vancouver). Held every Saturday until April 26, it’s the place to stock up on fresh-picked fare and an array of locally made nibbles, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free.



Credit: Facebook/ Little House

Little House & Co. Tea

Good things come in small packages. That’s the motto of Little White House & Co., a Parisian-style patisserie and housewares shop at various Fraser Valley  locations, including Fort Langley and Abbotsford. Drop by for a leisurely brunch, or book an afternoon tea and enjoy elegant finger sandwiches, hot savouries, fresh-baked scones and pastries served with raspberry preserves, Devonshire cream and your choice of tea or French-press coffee, all for $36. And if you’re big on bubbly, you can even add on a Champagne chaser for an extra $10.



Credit: Flickr / Junnn

Shopabout Tours

Frugal fashionistas, take note: You’ll never miss a “fashion find” or a one-of-a-kind store on Vancouver’s Shopabout Tours. Led by an expert guide, you’ll visit artisan studios, boutiques and designer shops in the trendiest neighbourhoods while receiving exclusive discounts along the way. Shop while you walk on one of three existing tours, or create a personalized one that fits the needs of your group, starting at $40 per person. Call 604-375-1228 to book.



Credit: The Fairmont

The Roof at The Fairmont Hotel

The granddaddy of all pop-up restaurants has just debuted in Vancouver, bringing old-world class to the city’s glittering skyline. The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver’s latest hot spot, The Roof, is a glam space that spans the hotel’s 15th floor and surrounds diners with panoramic views of the coastal mountains, soaring towers and endless expanses of ocean. Drop by for classic faves like oysters, prime rib and Yorkshire pudding or just check out the sunken bar for a range of hip sips.