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Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for August 23-29

This week: Get a taste of Vancouver's best food trucks, spend a summer night at Front & Company, head to Vancouver Island for a foodie bike tour and more

By Kirsty Chan /

Credit: Flickr/Lee LeFever

Columbia StrEAT Food Truck Festival – August 23

If you’re stumped for dinner on Saturday, stop by New West’s Columbia Street for the StrEAT Food Truck Festival. Show up between 4-10 p.m. for over 50 food trucks, live entertainment and three beer gardens featuring local craft brewery Steel and Oak Brewing. You can get your fill of everything from tacos to doughnuts to Japadogs and enjoy it all on their pet-friendly Pop-up Picnic Park. 



Credit: Flickr/Dennis Jarvis

Discover Thailand – August 23-24

Spend your weekend exploring the exotic without ever leaving the city at Discovering Thailand. The inaugural event will be held at the north plaza of the art gallery on the 23 and 24. This family friendly festival was organized by the Royal Thai Consulate-General and will feature activities like Muay Thai demonstrations, cooking demonstrations, food tasting, children’s activities, games and more.



Credit: Flickr/Julius Reque

Afternoon Family Cruise – August 24

Vancouver’s summer Salsa Cruises have always been a big hit, and now they’re throwing an event for the entire family. Their Afternoon Family Cruise will be held on August 24 from 3 to 5 and will have lots of family-friendly activities on board. If a day at sea isn’t enough to get excited about, then the special guests are sure to do the trick. Mr. Bubbles the Clown will be ballooning, Petals the Fairy will be painting faces, and, for Frozen fanatics, Elsa and Anna from the hit Disney movie will be making an appearance.  



Credit: Flickr/graham

Paddle with InspireHealth – August 24

If you’ve been waiting all summer for the chance to go kayaking or to try out that new stand-up paddleboard craze, then wait no longer because Paddle with InspireHealth is the perfect opportunity. For $50 you can take part in the fun and help raise money for integrative cancer care. The registration fee covers the rental of a kayak or paddleboard, a morning on the water with an experienced guide, a barbecue lunch and a chance to win awards and prizes.



Credit: Flickr/Vik Approved

Victoria Flavour Cycle – August 24

Strap on your helmet for the tastiest bike tour on Vancouver Island. The Flavour Cycle will take participants on a leisurely 25-km bike tour of North Saanich’s picturesque country roads with plenty of “flavour stops” along the way. The ride will take around seven hours and lunch, provided by The Roost, is included in the registration fee. It’s the perfect way to taste all the island has to offer (and work off those calories while you’re at it). 



Credit: Front and Co. 

Summer Nights at Front & Company – August 28

Grab dinner, do some shopping and mingle to your heart’s content at Summer Nights at Front & Company. This popular Main Street consignment store will be open late until 9 p.m. with JJ’s Trucketeria serving up ethnic comfort food starting at 7. You can get all fall shopping done on budget with some killer deals on the latest trends and some unique styles.



Credit: Flickr/It_Paris

Waterfront Cinema at Canada Place – August 28

Trekkies across the city better mark down August 28 on their calendar. It’ll be your last chance (’till next year) to catch an outdoor movie at Canada Place, so bring a blanket and some chairs and get comfy for Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Pack a picnic for a perfect summer night of entertainment, or be one of the first 300 people to arrive and score some free popcorn courtesy of Scotiabank.



Credit: Flickr/Mariska Richters

Squamish Nation Youth PowWow – August 29 to 31

Experience some culture and join in the fun at the Squamish Nation’s 27th Youth PowWow. There will be dance competitions and traditional food served, including a delicious salmon barbecue. Each day will begin with dancers in full regalia to kick off the festivities. Kids are sure to love experiencing the authentic crafts and games, and with tickets at just $5 per person it’s the perfect family outing.  



Credit: Flickr/JamesZ_Flickr

Babes and Bather: History of the Swimsuit at the Maritime Museum – June 28 to November 2

Celebrate (or mourn, depending on your outlook) the end of summer with a trip to the Vancouver Maritime Museum. Their Babes and Bathers: History of the Swimsuit exhibit is only on for a limited time, and it’s a must-see for anyone interested in fashion. From the retro to the revealing and everything in-between, the exhibit covers styles popular in Vancouver from the 1890s till the 1980s. 



Credit: Flickr/Miss Copenhagen

Yoga on Grouse Mountain – Saturdays and Sundays until August 30 (not August 23)

Yoga with a view of the bustling city is literally the height of serenity. Unroll your yoga mats and breathe in Grouse Mountain‘s fresh alpine air for an hour-long class every Saturday and Sunday until the end of August. Yoga mats are provided for the first 50 participants, but make sure to show up early since classes are very popular. Yet another thing that keeps the stress low? Classes are completely free.