Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for February 21 to 27

This week: head to Chinatown to celebrate the Year of the Sheep, sip and nibble at a gourmet wine pairing on top of Whistler Blackcomb, dive into an unforgettable festival filled with French-Canadian culture, and more 

Vancouver Heritage Week – February 16 to 22

Show your city some love by taking part in Vancouver Heritage Week. This year’s theme is “Main Street: At the Heart of the Community.” The focus will be celebrating all the “main” streets – think Commercial, Granville etc. – that have helped turn Vancouver into the city it is today. There will be different events to inform and entertain, such as a behind-the-scenes tour of the Commodore Ballroom on February 21 and city walks around some of the selected streets on February 20, 21, and 22. Check online for details and schedules.

Dash for Dogs – February 21

Get out and woof it up at Stanley Park, all while raising money for a good cause at Dash for Dogs. All the proceeds from the event go towards helping B.C. and Alberta’s guide dogs. You can choose between a 2-, 5-, or 10-k run and, since the race is non-competitive and untimed, start any time between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. After the race, there will be an after-party with pancakes and prizes.

Retro Design and Antique Fair – February 22

Wanting a unique statement piece for your home? Look no further than the Retro Design and Antique Fair at the Croatian Cultural Centre. It will be holding the first fair of 2015 this Sunday, featuring 175 tables selling old-school décor and vintage treasures. You can find one-of-a-kind jewellery, toys, books, kitchenware, memorabilia and more. 

Cineworks 2nd Annual Oscar Fundraiser – February 22

Attention movie buffs and comedy lovers! Grab your tickets now for the Cineworks 2nd Annual Oscar Fundraiser. Held at the Creekside Community Centre in Athlete’s Village, the fundraiser raises money for independent filmmakers and artists. Comedian Paul Anthony, the host and creator of Talent Time, will host the event, so make sure to grab your tickets online for a night of drinks, tapas and tons of laughs. 

Vancouver Chinese New Year’s Parade – February 22

Vancouver’s Chinatown may be the best place outside of China to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Over 3,000 people will be taking part in a parade that will include multicultural dances, marching bands, martial arts performances and other community groups. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. on East Pender St. and finish on Keefer St. Stick around after the parade to check out the lion dances that will be blessing stores in Chinatown, and pay a visit to the Spring Festival Cultural Fair. 

Winemaker Après Series with Robert Mondavi Winery – February 24

Take your Whistler getaway to luxurious new heights with the Winemaker Après Series featuring Robert Mondavi Winery. Steeps Grill, located at the top of Whistler Blackcomb, will be creating a special five-course menu crafted from local ingredients and paired with fine wines for a gourmet dining experience like no other. You can buy tickets to the event and find out more online.

Moonlight Snowshoe – February 26

Take a hike for at-risk youth and you enjoy the stunning views of Mt. Seymour at night for the Moonlight Snowshoe. There will be live music by Tobacco Brown and Brent Tyler, food, and even steaming hot chocolate for participants. There will also be an opportunity to win a variety of prizes, like tickets to Pemberton Music Festival, a trip to Whistler, and a trip to Seattle. 

After Hours at the Vancouver Aquarium – February 26

Escape the winter and take a tropical vacation to the Vancouver Aquarium After Hours. Enjoy the special programming on tropical ocean life, visit the Amazon Gallery for a glimpse of a sloth, catch a show in the 4-D theatre and more. You can grab food from their cafe, and they’ll be serving up beer, wine and a special tropical cocktail at this adult-only event. 

Festival du Bois – February 26 to March 1

Maillardville’s Festival du Bois promises guests “un weekend de folie” (that’s French for madness) at the largest francophone festival in the province. It’s an event the whole family will love, featuring pancake breakfasts, authentic French Canadian food stands and kid-friendly live entertainment. The musical performers will include Les Échoes du Pacifique, Les Chercheurs d’Or, Charlotte Diamond and many more. 

Unsung Heroes at Blue Water Café – Until February 28

Celebrate the underrated and expand your palate at the Unsung Heroes hosted by Blue Water Café. Chef Frank Pabst is raising awareness about sustainable seafood by serving up some of the culinary world’s most overlooked delicacies and donating a cut of the proceeds to the Ocean Wise sustainable seafood program. This year’s menu includes steamed Gooseneck Barnacles with Seaweed, Jelly Fish Congee, Sturgeon Liver Mousse, and more.