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This week: learn how to make your own sushi, celebrate CandyTown in Yaletown, get a steal on some local Black Friday deals + more
For just 20 days in November you can have double the high-flying fun at FlyOver Canada. From November 10 to 30 they’ll have a special double feature of FlyOver Canada and AboveUSA all for the price of one. AbouveUSA, from the same people that created last year’s popular Flight of the Dragon film, takes guests on a bird’s eye tour of the country’s most famous landmarks.
Victoria is a favourite getaway year-round, but now you’ll have even more reason to make it your destination of choice with this magical winter experience. The iconic Empress Hotel is, for the first time ever, offering the chance to skate on their front lawn overlooking the Victoria Harbour. If you plan a visit between November 20 and January 11 you can take advantage of their Skate and Stay special, which includes a 10 per cent discount on rooms, passes for two to the rink, and two beverages from the skating rink concession.
There’s nothing sweeter than Yaletown’s outdoor Christmas extravaganza CandyTown. This free festival will be turning Mainland Street into a glitzy, twinkling wonderland. It’ll be the perfect place to pick up some holiday gifts at their specialty market filled with local artisans and merchants. Other festivities include visits from Santa and the Ice Queen, live music, ice carving, free carriage rides, a CandyTown cocktail tour, and much more.
If you’ve been growing out your November moustache, here’s your chance to show it off. Groom your ‘mo and sign up for the Movember Moustache Miler, a 5-k run around Stanley Park to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer. There’ll be a post-race party with prizes, awards and refreshments. It’s free to participate in the run, and you can sign up online to start collecting your donations now.
Sure, you can find delicious sushi at any time of any day in Vancouver, but there’s something so satisfying about making it yourself. You can become a sushi artist in a flash with an Art of Sushi Class from the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre in Burnaby. On November 22 they’ll teach you how to make cute Totoro and Caterpillar sushi. If you’d like a more festive experience, stop by on December 13 to learn how to make Santa Claus- and Christmas tree-shaped sushi.
The Grey Cup in Vancouver means that there are no shortage of parties and events around town, but if you want in on the official celebration then grab your tickets for the Red Truck Tailgate Concert Series. Thursday will have performances from local bands Hey Ocean, Gay Nineties and Californians Family of the Year. Friday will be country music night with shows by Tim Hicks, Tebey, and One More Girl. On Saturday you can catch Trooper, 54-40, Sass Jordan, and Pigeon Park.
Enter the magical world of Disney right here at home at the PNE with this year’s Disney on Ice. They’re presenting a “medley of holidays, celebrations, and festivities from around the globe.” Your favourite Disney characters will take you through their most beloved celebrations, from luau with Lilo and Stitch to a princess themed Valentine’s Day ball. It promises to be an enchanting experience for Disney fans of all ages, and you can grab tickets for the whole family online now.
The twinkling lights of Stanley Park are a must-see holiday attraction, and it isn’t a proper holiday until you take a spin on the Bright Nights Christmas Train. You can check out the lights and explore Christmas Plaza by donation to the Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund. To take a ride on the train, book tickets online and over the phone, or stop by in person. Make sure to move fast since tickets for this popular event tends to sell out on popular days.
After a successful inaugural summer season the Sea to Sky Gondola is gearing up for winter fun. Opening on November 27, they’ll have tons of activities and adventures, such as tubing, backcountry skiing, and snowshoeing. For more luxurious relaxation, you can hang out at their picturesque Summit Lodge for hot chocolate, fondue, and other seasonal fare. On November 28 they’ll be hosting a special tree-lighting ceremony with festive carolling, as well as other special holiday events throughout December.
Shop till you drop on one of the biggest day for deals in the world. There will be Black Friday deals and store specials all over town on November 28. Coquitlam Centre is offering extended hours and gift card giveaways. Metropolis at Metrotown will have a plethora of freebies and prizes, including door crasher prizes from 15 different retailers. Pacific Centre is giving shoppers a chance to prepare for the action by downloading their app and signing up for a session with a personal shopper.
Capilano Suspension Bridge sets the bar high as a summertime tourist attraction, but their Christmas display promises to be truly dazzling. They boldly claim to be home to the tallest living Christmas tree in the world, a 152-foot-tall Douglas fir, that will be decorated for the occasion. There is a lot to do beyond taking in the beauty, like a children’s scavenger hunt, carolling and glass blowing workshops.
