Northern Lights in Vancouver

In addition to the gorgeous, interactive art tradition: Lumiere, lighting up Downtown Vancouver this November 5 – 30, 2020, our city’s very own BC Place will also be brightening lives this month with the stadium’s Northern Lights Display!

Photo Courtesy of  LumiereYVR/Instagram

In the following article, originally posted on BC Place.com, the stadium is honoured to be able to help bring awareness to events, charities and non-profit causes that are important to communities in British Columbia.

Here are the stadium’s lighting initiatives for November:

November 1st – Green and purple for LGS Awareness Day

November 2nd – Orange for CRPS/RDS Awareness

November 3rd – White for Lung Cancer Awareness Month

November 4th – Green for Show Your 4-H Colours Day

November 5th – Teal for the ‘Light the World in Teal’ campaign

November 6th – Lime green for Adoption Awareness Month

November 7th – Red for Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Month

November 8th – Purple for Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month

November 9th – Moustache design for Movember

November 10th – Teal for Cervical Cancer Awareness

November 11th – Poppy design for Remembrance Day

November 12th – Blue for World Pneumonia Day

November 13th – Blue in advance of World Diabetes Day on November 14th

November 14th – Rainbow animation for Diwali

November 15th – Rainbow for Multiculturalism Week in British Columbia

November 16th – Blue and gold for the Covenant House ‘Sleep Out’ event

November 17th – Purple for World Prematurity Day

November 18th – Light blue in advance of National Child Day on November 20th

November 19th – Special animation for the St. Paul’s ‘Lights of Hope’ celebration

November 20th – Blue, pink and white for Transgender Day of Remembrance

November 21st – Purple for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

November 22nd – Blue for National Addictions Awareness Day

November 23rd – Blue and green for Fall Prevention Month

November 24th – Purple for Osteoporosis Awareness Month

November 25th – Orange for the ‘Orange the World’ campaign

November 26th – Purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

November 27th – Northern Lights Animation

November 28th – Snowfall Animation

November 29th – Red for The Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign

November 30th – Blue for Stomach Cancer Awareness Day

In addition to these lighting initiatives, the stadium will continue to light up with a heart animation at the top of each hour (between 7pm and 11pm) for 5 minutes every night to show support for health care professionals across the province who are working tirelessly to support our communities through the COVID-19 pandemic.

This article was originally published on BCPlace.com To learn more or to submit a lighting request, visit BC Place’s Northern Lights Display page.

Things To Do October 2020 | Hallowe’en 2020 Vancouver

Hallowe’en 2020 falls on a Blue Moon. That’s right Downtown Vancouver, it’s more than just an expression. A blue moon is the second full moon in a calendar month, and this isn’t the only reason Hallowe’en 2020 is special. This year will occur on a:

  • Blue moon: The next blue moon will be 2023
  • Saturday: The next time Saturday Halloween will be in 2026
  • Full moon: The next full moon on Halloween will be 2039
  • Plus there is that whole pandemic spook factor… (we’ll just hope that will recur approximately never.)

With all those spooktacular factors aligning on the very year, we all could use an extra excuse for some light-hearted and distracting fun this Haunted Season, it begs the question: Is there a safe way to celebrate this tradition in 2020?

Luckily for us, safe Hallowe’en fun in Downtown Vancouver occurs far more frequently than an average blue moon.

Gastown Ghost Tour 

Photo courtesy of Gastown Ghost Walking Tour

Craving some ghoulish fun? From the Great Fire in 1886 and unsolved murders to the chilling tales of George Vancouver and Gaoler’s Mews,  this Gastown walking tour takes you to the heart of Vancouver’s paranormal activity… Do you dare to learn more?

 

The Forbidden Downtown & Chinatown

Photo courtesy of Prohibition City Walking Tour

Few may remember how far north prohibition spread, but the gangstersspeakeasies and bootleggers from Vancouver’s rum-running past have yet to be forgotten – if you know where to look that is…learn more

Dark Secrets of Stanley Park

 

October Halloween 2020 vancouver
Photo Courtesy of Forbidden Vancouver

Think you know Stanley Park? Are you familiar with the Hidden Cemeteries, Historic Totem Poles, Notorious Crime Scenes, Legends of Ancient Wars, Deadman’s Island, and something strange beneath the seawall? 

Learn when you can tour all the dark secrets of Stanley Park here.

 

Slayland by Playland

Photo courtesy of PNE.ca

While the haunted houses won’t be open, complimentary masks will be limited, rides will be open and Playland will make sure all your screams come true…learn more.

 

 

Trick-or-Treating is Approved Province Wide

Photo Courtesy of Hocus Pocus

For most of the province, our worst fears were settled when Dr. Bonnie Henry declared that, provided certain guidelines are followed, trick or treating will still be safe to proceed this year.

Early instructions include: 

? Pre-packaging treats

? Keeping groups smaller than 5-6

? Encouraging masks (a happy coincidence) 

?Handing out candy in single file lines (perhaps from a cauldron spoon for good measure?)

 

Do you have a Vancouver event or attraction to share? Let us know for a chance to be featured.

Let’s Get Digital! Vancouver Virtual Events

Welcome to our Virtual Vancouver

Remember when you would rather stay in or play host rather than go out? In this age of social distancing, many are finding Skype and Netflix parties are keeping us more social than ever — however with that same old twist: the venue (and for some of us — the wardrobe) never changes; however in ever-innovative Downtown Vancouver Style  that hasn’t stopped these Vancouver based virtual social events from helping us stay connected!

Know of a virtual event you’d like to share? We want to hear from you! We’re all in this together, and we look forward to sharing your local events, or sending a shout out to businesses who have taken steps to innovate entirely and support their customers virtually. — so reach out to us in the form below, on any of our social channels, or simply #StayVancouverHotels to get our attention.

What’s Happening in our Virtual Vancouver?

Courtesy of Downtown Vancouver BIA (Facebook)

Missing the hustle and bustle of Downtown? Downtown Vancouver BIA is proud to present Part 1 of “Downtown Sounds”, easy listening to virtually showcase the buskers and musicians we work with in our placemaking & public space programs. Listen, support, and follow the new playlists, launching every Thursday. Learn More at  www.dtvan.ca

The Workout for Fitness Haters . Local actor and Instagram sensation Jason Sakaki is known for recently livestreaming his one-man production of Les Miserables. Advertised as a “workout/dance class for people who do not like to workout/dance”, make space for big moves and expect a lot of lighthearted fun! Learn more via Instagram

To be or not to be quarantined? Brought to you by the cheeky students of SFU’s School for Contemporary Arts, watch the online recreation of the iconic Shakespeare play.Learn more at sfu.ca

Dancing should be fun. Keep your feet moving and heart pumping in an energizing follow-the-leader style fitness class. You will dance to some of today’s hottest music and leave sweaty and energized. Follow the leader (Jared Byrne) style cardio dance in a sweaty dance party that you can have at home. Expect big queen energy pop hits from Beyonce and Lady Gaga. Learn more at popqueencardio.com 

Courtesy of @popqueencardio Instagram

Capture Photo Fest. Held every April, Capture is a photography and lens-based art exhibition in galleries and public spaces. Based in Metro Vancouver, you can browse the digital catalog from submissions all around the world and observe public art pieces (online!).Learn more at facebook.com/CapturePhotoFest

 

The Best Aquatic Screensaver Ever. You know who else is #stayinghome? Our aquatic pals at the Vancouver Aquarium!…That doesn’t mean they’ve stopped being ADORABLE though! If you want an uplifting backdrop, catch their virtual show for free and from the comfort of your home. See what our city’s Jellyfish, Penguins and Otters are up to right now

 #MuseumsAndChill Vancouver has joined the countless  International Council of Museums (ICOM) establishments around the globe offering virtual tours. Locally this includes the Vancouver Art Gallery and MOV Learn More 

The Best New Video Party App

 

Courtesy of VentureBeat.com

The new all-ages isolation app we hope is here to stay. You may have already heard of it but passed it up based on the assumption it was just another video call platform — we did at first! The House Party free app allows anyone with a smartphone to:

  • Jump in and out of a group video call
  • Play Heads Up  and Pictionary style games
  • Group or two-player trivia and more

Start the party at houseparty.com

Until next time, thank you to all who are doing their parts in healthcare, essential services and by staying home to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We’re in this together Vancouver and as we dream of travelling later, we look forward to discovering which clever indoor innovations our beautiful city will come up with next. #stayhomestaysafe

Looking for more? Check out Tourism Vancouver’s latest #VirtuallyVancouver post.

Spring Break 2020 Activities in Vancouver

Spring Break: March 16th – 27th, 2020

 

It’s no secret a lot of people in Vancouver are already enjoying early bird summer fun by this time each year because of the beautiful attractions available in the area. So when it comes to the school holidays, there are tons of exciting activities that are designed to entertain both residents and tourists — of all ages. 

 

Leave it to Vancity to line up almost too many fun activities to keep us all busy this Spring Break 2020. Whether you are a parent looking to join in on the fun or you’re simply looking for an entertaining week for your children while you’re at work, Vancouver is the ideal place to be for the spring break holiday. You have to check these out:

Kids-Zone Fun

Vancouver Art Gallery

Photo courtesy of Dóra Varga-Lencsés and vanartgallery.bc.ca

There are both drop art activities (every Sunday!) and advance booking workshops available for kids at the Vancouver Art Gallery this coming spring break holiday 2020. Learn more: vanartgallery.bc.ca

Admission: Free for children under 12 years old 

 

Spring Break Movies

Photo courtesy of familyfuncanada.com

Entertain your kids (and let’s be honest, Frozen II kept us all entertained) with these must-watch child-friendly matinee movies! Take note that some of these shows are available only during the morning time slot of the school holiday break.

Admission: Varies, please visit familyfuncanada.com  to learn more.

 

YMCA Day Camps

Photo courtesy of Greater Vancouver YMCA

YMCA Vancouver offers spring break camps for children of all ages. It is crucial to book ahead of time as these camps are typically fully-booked. There are tons of activities designed to keep kids active and laughing during these, typically 4-day long, day camps.

Admission: Varies. Please visit ymca.ca to learn more

 

Adults & Adolescence

 

Celtic Fest Vancouver

Photo courtesy of wildernesscommittee.org

This event is ideal for anyone skipping town to Vancity this March — but not willing to skip St. Patrick’s Day: Celticfest has you covered! There are themed activities designed for adults in line with the celebration.

Note: Due to recent health concerns, events for 2020 may be smaller compared to the previous years. Please visit www.celticfestvancouver.com for details and updates.

 

Shen Yun

Video courtesy of Shen Yun (Youtube)

This is the perfect show for just about anyone – whether or not you’re into the arts. Tickets are available for show dates running March 13 to 22, 2020. The event is scheduled to take place at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Expect a world-class performance from these elite theatre actors. Learn more at Shenyun.com 

Admission: $95 – 239

 

All Ages Family Fun 

 

Playdome 2020

Photo courtesy of BC Place

The best place for children (and adults who are kids-at-heart!) is the Playdome 2020. This Indoor carnival is well-known for providing endless fun and excitement to its guests of all ages. It will take place at BC Place and the same is only available during the spring break holiday. 

Admission: Guest Passes start at $11.00. Learn more at bcplace.com 

 

Flyover Canada

Video courtesy of Flyover Canada

Flyover Canada hosts a spectacular feature show during the spring break holiday. The theme changes every year to ensure that there is always something new and exciting that attendees can look forward to. 

Admission: Visit flyovercanada.com for pricing and promo codes 

 

Indeed, Vancouver has a lot in store for us this coming spring break 2020. If you are traveling to the city for the upcoming holiday, be sure to book your stay with us to receive exclusive discounts.

Take note that the list mentioned above is not exclusive. There are still other entertaining activities designed to keep both residents or tourists busy this spring break! 

 

Spring Sneak Preview

Planning your April 2020? This April 14th the Canada WNT will be playing Australia at BC Place! Tickets on sale now Visit canadasoccer.com  for details.

Photo courtesy of Canadasoccer.com