Tag: COVID-19

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 gangsters, speakeasies 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.

Posted on by Jennifer Osmann

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.

Posted on by Jennifer Osmann