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Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for July 26 to August 1

This week: find some zen in the middle of the city with outdoor yoga, show off your dance moves in Robson Square, explore the Harmony Arts Festival and more

By Anna Dupas /

Credit: Flickr/rebecca anne

YYoga at Hastings Mill Park – July 26

Occasional rain showers aside, July is a month to be outside. So YYoga is taking their mats to the great outdoors and wants you to tag along. On July 26, come practice for free at a pop-up yoga class with instructor extraordinaire Carolyn Anne Budgell, starting at 10:30 a.m. at Hastings Mill Park (1575 Alma St). It’s an hour-long so class, so bring a water bottle along with your mat and (hopefully!) soak up some Vitamin D.



Credit: Facebook/lululemon athletica Downtown Robson

Lululemon Yoga at Jack Poole Plaza – Wednesdays through July and August

Not to be outdone, Lululemon has gotten into the outdoor-yoga game as well. Every Wednesday throughout July and August you can take a break from the daily grind at the Nooner Yoga Series at Jack Poole Plaza near the Olympic Cauldron. Held from noon to 12:45 p.m., these summer sweat sessions are free and include a lineup of well-known yoga teachers from studios all over town, so you’ll enjoy a different class each time.



Credit: Flickr/Rob Kleine

WaterWorkz Paw Spa Garage Sale – July 26

Charity begins at home, so Burnaby bargain-hunters may want to check out WaterWorkz Paw Spa’s outdoor garage sale on July 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All funds raised go toward helping a local family pay for a life-saving (but mega-pricey) operation for their beloved dog. The action goes down at 3831 Still Creek Ave, Burnaby, so swing by with a pocketful of cash or, if you prefer, something good to donate.  



Credit: Flickr/pomo mama

Wanderlust Festival – July 31 to August 4

“An all-out, ecstatic celebration.” That’s how people have described the Wanderlust Festival, a yoga yee-haw that features some of the world’s top instructors, musical acts, speakers, chefs and performers, in a multi-day mountaintop adventure taking place in Whistler from July 31 to August 4. From early morning meditations to all-night chakra-spinning concerts, you’re invited to practice and party in one of the most awe-inspiring resorts in the world.



Credit: Flickr/harmonyartwv

Harmony Arts Festival – August 1 to 10

There are lots of ways to find harmony, and one of them is definitely at West Vancouver’s favourite summer shindig: the Harmony Arts Festival. Held during the first two weekends of August at John Lawson Park and Millennium Park, it offers everything from bands to bites to beer gardens, but we recommend strolling the Fresh St. Art Market, located along the waterfront on Argyle Avenue between 14th and 17th streets. There, you’ll meet and greet local artists selling one-of-a-kind originals in media, ranging from glasswork to woodwork and everything in between.  



Credit: Flickr/Hisakazu Watanabe

Ballroom Dancing at Robson Square – Friday nights until August 29

Okay, so not everyone can shake it like Shakira. For some, there’s no better way to boogie than by ballroom dancing. And if you think it’s a passé practice, then you obviously haven’t been to the Friday night dance-a-thons at Robson Square, attracting some 500 ballroomers of all ages. Kicks off at  7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.



Credit: Facebook/Rocky Point Civic Association

Summer Concerts at Rocky Point – Sundays until August 24

Bedroom community, ha! Every summer Port Moody turns into a happening place, thanks to a summer-long series of free concerts by top Vancouver bands every Sunday at Rocky Point Park. The tunes take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and don’t worry if you’ve already been, ‘cause there’s a new act every week.      



Credit: Facebook/Boulevard Kitchen and Oyster Bar

Boulevard Kitchen and Oyster Bar

Attention, foodies! Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar, located at Vancouver’s tony Sutton Place Hotel, has just opened its doors to local seafood lovers. Still staring at your computer? Here are two reasons to go there now: the bistro features a wrap-around outdoor patio plus a menu that artfully combines casual West Coast cuisine with international influences, all while taking advantage of local bounty from nearby farms, fisheries and ranches. Check it out daily from breakfast to late at night. 



Credit: Flickr/Jocelyn Durston

Sea Vancouver

Soak up stunning views of the city aboard a thrilling waterfront sightseeing adventure with Sea Vancouver. Led by an experienced skipper, guests board a high-speed zodiac at the Westin Bayshore Hotel for a 1.5-hour tour that takes in sights like Coal Harbour, Burrard Inlet, English Bay, False Creek and Stanley Park, all while offering possible spottings of harbour seals, bald eagles and other marine animals. Tour is $39 per person.



Credit: Flickr/JohnBollwitt

Salsa at Robson Square – Sunday afternoons until August 24

Sunday a day of rest? Definitely not at Vancouver’s Robson Square, where you can channel your inner Shakira and bust out some hip-shaking salsa every Sunday afternoon. Running until August 24, the sessions are open to everyone – regardless of skill level – and include free lessons, salsa performances and social dancing throughout the afternoon, starting at 3 p.m.