If you’re in the Metro Vancouver area, you can find anything from dining, to shopping and other events. There’s lots to see and do in Vancouver, and you’ll find some of it here.
Canada Line at Richmond-Brighouse station
The Canada Line turns one year old today! On August 17th, 2009, Vancouver, Richmond and the Vancouver International Airport all became linked together with rapid transit.
Since it opened, the Canada Line has transported some 36 million passengers between the two cities. During the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, 3.88 million passengers rode the system between February 12th and 28th.
Ridership numbers on the rapid transit line average close to 95,000 per day.
Source: TransLink
The historic wooden roller coaster at Playland
Since 1910, the Fair at the PNE has delighted locals and visitors alike with rides, food, exhibits and various of other events. During the fair’s centennial year, the PNE has returned with a strong line up of musicians; including Cindy Lauper, Huey Lewis and The News, Jesse Cook, Wayne Newton, Kevin Costner and Michael Bolton. Of course, there’s always the popular PNE Prize Home, the Dal Richards Orchestra, Super Dogs, mini donuts and more!
The Fair at the PNE runs from Saturday, August 21st to Monday, September 6th, 2010. Don’t forget to come early on Sunday, August, 22nd as the fairgrounds open at 9:00 am PDT with free admission, but only until 12:00 pm PDT.
Passes to the PNE and Playland can be purchased online.
Mexico delights the crowds
The beaches were packed as Mexico took the stage, err, barge, during the third evening of the Celebration of Light. The crowd cheered on a magnificent performance by Lux Pirotecnia that lit up English Bay.
This time I sat with a group of friends on the rocks by the inukshuk on the beach and was able to capture some truly spectacular pictures of the fireworks. Sadly, a few last minute stragglers blocked my friend (who has the better camera and full tripod), so she wasn’t able to take any photos.
There’s only one more night left to the Celebration of Light – a tribute to China, on Saturday, July 31st, 2010. Head down to English Bay to catch the last pyrotechnical show of the year over the water.
Spain lighting up the sky
Spain put on an amazing show for the second night of the Celebration of Light fireworks festival. The evening was bathed in dazzling colours that lit up the darkened skies and wowed the crowds along English Bay.
If you missed the show, take a look at some of the photos taken from my spot on the sea wall. These turned out much better considering I used a mini tripod to help steady the camera.
Mexico will take to the skies next on Wednesday, July 28th, followed by China on Saturday, July 31st.
Rogers Arena with Downtown Vancouver
General Motors Place, or “the Garage” as it’s come to be known by local hockey fans, will be getting a new name after 15 years.
The Vancouver Canucks and General Motors of Canada have agreed on a new sponsorship deal which didn’t include naming rights for the arena.
The Canucks have announced the new name as Rogers Arena, in partnership with Rogers Communications.
Since GM Place’s opening in 1995, the the car manufacturer has had its name on the structure, except during the 2010 Winter Olympics when it was temporarily known as Canada Hockey Place.
Source: Vancouver Canucks
South Africa's 2009 performance.
At long last, the participating countries for this year’s Celebration of Light have been announced. Four nations will be presenting their skills and colours over four nights this July with 30 minutes of pyrotechnical beauty. The line-up features displays from:
The fireworks begin at 10:00 pm PDT, so come out early to hunker down in a good spot to catch the show over English Bay. Visit the Celebration of Light web site for maps on where to best view the event from along with transportation options.
Canada Place at night
Another Vancouver icon is undergoing roof repairs. The famed white sails at Canada Place are being replaced as part of a rehabilitation project to fix leaks and install a covering that will last longer than the existing fabric.
The replacement is being funded by the federal government’s Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
Canada Place was constructed in 1983 and opened in time to house Canada’s pavilion for Expo 86. In addition to serving as a convention centre, the landmark is also a cruise ship terminal, as many large ships can be seen berthed during the warmer months.
The project is expected to be completed sometime in 2011.
Source: Canada Place
Come out and celebrate Canada's birthday!
Canada is celebrating her 143rd birthday this July 1st, and it’s time to break out the red and white again! There will be plenty of parties in and around Metro Vancouver, so take a look below to see what’s happening near you!
The Olympic Cauldron by the Vancouver Convention Centre will be re-lit again for Canada Day. Head on down to Canada Place if you missed seeing the flame during the Olympics.
South Africa's 2009 performance.
The Celebration of Light returns once again to the shores of English Bay for four nights this summer. The fireworks spectacle will take place on the evenings of Wednesday July 21st, Saturday July 24th, Wednesday July 28th, and Saturday July 31st, 2010.
The participating countries have yet to be announced for the event.
View photos from South Africa’s performance in 2009.
Crowds inside the festival
Foodies, bring your appetites! The eighth annual EAT! Vancouver Food + Cooking Festival is going on for three days this weekend at the new Vancouver Convention Centre, just west of Canada Place. Celebrity chefs, local restaurateurs and food producers are showcasing their skills and creations for everyone to try.
Right when you walk in, your senses are overtaken with many wonderful flavours enticing you to taste. Most of the food was available tapas style with small, easy bites, while others overflowed the plates making an almost modest meal. However, the samples were not entirely free, seeing as you had to purchase tickets (separate from the price of admission) for each sample. Tickets are only available at a booth near the entrance, with 10 tickets for $5 or 20 for $10.
There is a wide selection of cuisines to choose from: Korean, Mexican, South Asian, Chinese, Peruvian, Italian, fusion, and local, just to name a few. For vegetarians, there are many non-meat dishes, soups and alternatives available. Some booths had free samples of cheeses, breads, local honey and fruits which was all fresh and tasty.
Rob Feenie demonstrates how to handle red beets
Of course, aside from the snacking, there were plenty of interactive demonstrations focusing on food preparation and unique utensils. Chef Rob Feenie was up on stage preparing red beets for a seafood dish and providing tips on how to handle the vegetable. Other booths catered to personal health and wellbeing along with pet food and nutrition.
The only downside is that the room gets crowded pretty quickly and if you’re carrying a plate, it’s easy to drop the contents or have them spill on someone else. That and there weren’t too many garbage cans around, and the ones that were available, you had to artfully stack your plate or cutlery on top of the teetering pile.
The festival runs for one more day, this Sunday, so go early and make sure your stomach is empty. Remember, buy your tickets online to save $3 off the full price for admission. EAT! Vancouver Food + Cooking Festival is definitely worth attending.
