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Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks For October 11 to 17

This week: Sink your teeth into something sweet from the Baker's Market, take a spooky ride on Stanley Park's Ghost Train, dance your way through Diwali, and more

By Kirsty Chan /

Credit: Flickr/Robyn Lee

Baker’s Market – October 11

Do you have a sweet tooth that needs satisfying? Then a trip to Baker’s Market at Moberly Arts and Cultural Centre, located at 7657 Prince Albert Street (60th and Fraser) should do the trick. You’ll find both established bakers and hobbyists serving up their specialty baked goods at this sweet stop. You can pick up cookies, cakes, artisan breads, macarons, cupcakes, and any other baked good you can imagine.



Credit: Flickr/Liz West

Cranberry Festival – October 11

Cranberry sauce will be a staple at Thanksgiving tables around the country this weekend, so why not give thanks for this little red berry at this year’s Cranberry Festival? Held at Hopcott’s Meadow Maze in Pitt Meadows, you can start out your day with a pancake breakfast before taking in their cranberry-themed activities. Take a wagon ride through the cranberry bog, sample some treats and pick up some to take home with you.



Credit: Flickr/Fracois Peladeau

Adorn Shopping Party at My Sister’s Closet – October 15

My Sister’s Closet is already a hot spot for budget-friendly fashion for a good cause, but their Adorn Shopping Party takes it to the next level. My Sister’s Closet is a high-quality consignment store that helps to raise money for Battered Women’s Support Service. All proceeds from their Adorn party will go to the BWSS, and it promises to be a night you don’t want to miss. They’ll provide music, refreshments, door prizes, and gift bags, as well as all the style inspiration you could ever need.



Credit: Flickr/John Bollwitt

Stanley Park Halloween Train – October 10 to November 1

The Stanley Park Ghost Train is a seasonal must-do for every Vancouverite. This year’s train runs daily from October 10 to November 1, other than being closed on October 13 for Thanksgiving. Their spooky theme is Mother Goose’s Ghastly Garden, a “twisted cabaret of timeless nursery rhymes and bedtime treats.” Beyond the train, you can pay a visit to their spooky barn, pumpkin patch or take part in their nighttime creature walk.



Credit: Flickr/Devlon Duthie

Gastown Shop Hop – October 16

A Gastown shopping trip needs no excuse, but if you really need one then the semi-annual Shop Hop is it. Forty-four shops and 15 restaurants have teamed up to bring a night of style to the city. Stores and restaurants will stay open later and offer special promotions, music and giveaways. Participating stores include Gastown favourites like John Fluevog, Oak + Fort, Bruce Eyewear, and many more. You can check their website for a full list of stores. 



Credit: Flickr/Rick Chung

Vancouver Home and Design Show – October 16 to 19

The Vancouver Home and Design Show at BC Place is sure to provide plenty of design tips and inspiration, but the four-day event also promises so much more. The show will feature celebrity chefs, renovation experts, and the hottest local music, as well as some of the most knowledgeable interior designers in the business. Make sure to catch the Ask a Designer panel to pick up some quick tips from The Friendly Decorator, Christine Friend. 



Credit: Flickr/Carson Ting

Taste of Yaletown – October 16 to 30

Vancouver’s Yaletown neighbourhood is already extremely foodie-friendly, but with Taste of Yaletown, your inner culinary enthusiast will be in paradise. Similar to the popular Dine Out Vancouver, Taste of Yaletown offers fixed price menus at various restaurants around Yaletown. For $25, $35, or $45 you can enjoy multi-course meal from special feature menus from restaurants like Brix Restaurant and Wine Bar, Good Wolf Kitchen & Bar, West Oak and more. See the full menu list here.



Credit: Flickr/Jacob Moyer

The Game and Wild Mushroom Festival – October 16 to November 2

Celebrate autumn with the ninth annual Game and Wild Mushroom Festival at four local restaurants. La Buca, Pied A Terre, Sardine Can, and the Abbey will all be offering special menus filled with wild, local mushrooms, flavourful game meats like deer and elk, and other seasonal ingredients. La Buca and Pied-à-Terre will be offering fixed price menus, while The Abbey and Sardine Can will have daily fresh sheets. It’s the perfect event for fans of foraging, fall and fantastic food. 



Credit: Flickr/Raj Taneja

Toast to the Coast – October 17

The Vancouver Aquarium is a magical experience any time, but their annual Toast to the Coast is truly an elegant evening. Ocean Wise restaurants prepare gourmet appetizers that will be paired with local wines, all to promote ocean conservation efforts. For the first year ever, you can enjoy their downstairs after-party lounge with local band, Side One. Tickets are available online.



Credit: Facebook/Diwali Fest

Diwali Fest – October 17 to 26

Get your dose of culture at this year’s Diwali Fest from October 17 to 26. They’ll be hosting events in Vancouver and Surrey with opening nights extravaganzas in both cities. Check online for the schedule of events like free yoga, sari wrapping workshops, live music and dance performances, Indian bazaar and more. If you want to get in the spirit a little early, stop by their Diwali-style cooking classes to learn how to make some delicious, authentic Indian food.