South of Vancouver, BC’s Lulu Series Celebrates Art in the City

March 2nd, 2013
Richmond, British Columbia - The Lulu Series: Art in the City logo

Public Spaces Art The 2013 Lulu Speaker Series on Art in the City concludes with a presentation on the art of public spaces and urban living by Andrew Pask.

Richmond, British Columbia in the South of Vancouver region continues to spotlight art in the city with it’s Lulu Speaker Series.  March 28 will feature Vancouver Public Space Network founder Andrew Pask delivering a presentation on the art of public spaces and its place in the city experience at Richmond City Hall.

Early spring is a great time to discover Richmond, BC and all that the South of Vancouver region of British Columbia has to offer.  Add this engaging exhibition and the unique South Vancouver lodging of our member bed & breakfast inns to your travel plans.

The City on Display: Urban Living and the Art of Public Space

Richmond City Hall Council Chambers
7:00 PM
Seating is limited
RSVP to lulu@richmond.ca

From beaches to civic architecture, parks, plazas, public squares and even the streets themselves, cities are evaluated by the quality of their public spaces.

Vancouver Library

Public spaces have the potential to inspire whole populations.

Mr. Pask, an anthropologist and urban planner who studied in Toronto and Amsterdam, will present the history of public spaces and reveal how theories of their design has evolved to the theories used in the present day.  Recent public space debates, issues and their solutions through design around the world will be explored, including:

  • New park & plaza projects
  • Social (and contested) nature of public places
  • Recent artistic interventions to enliven existing public spaces

Andrew Pask, a neighbourhood planner with the City of Vancouver, founded and directs the Vancouver Public Space Network (VPSN), a nonprofit organization run by volunteers since 2005.  It uses a blend of creative research, design and intervention to advocate for the importance of quality public spaces.  Mr. Pask has contributed to a wide variety of community developments with non-profits and local governments in both British Columbia and Ontario.

More information available from the City of Richmond, British Columbia, Canada website.

Choose South of Vancouver, BC Lodging That Provides Custom-designed Private Spaces

South Vancouver bed & breakfast inns bedroom

The bed and breakfast inns of South Vancouver invite you to choose a personalized stay experience.

Our South of Vancouver bed and breakfast inns offer unique lodging for your family vacation to help you get the most out of your spring getaway to the South of Vancouver region of British Columbia.

Wake to a delectable variety of breakfast option after a night’s stay in a cozy guest room.  Enjoy the pampering service and area expertise of the innkeepers at locations all across the South of Vancouver area.

What’s Your South of Vancouver Public Spaces Expectation or Experience?

The South Vancouver region of British Columbia is a center of multicultural and multimedia public art and spaces.

Please share your plans for and memories of the public spaces of South Vancouver.

Sooke, BC Farming & Gardening by Women Is the Focus of Awareness Film Night in March

February 26th, 2013
Awareness Film Night logo

edible garden Learn the history and current state of women organic farmers and gardeners in Sooke, BC.

With spring on the way, thoughts turn to the outdoors and our place in it.  How we shape our environment says a lot about us.  Sustainable and organic practices are growing increasingly important all over the world and it’s no different for Sooke, British Columbia.  On March 6, there is a unique opportunity to learn about the past and present of sustainable, organic farming and gardening on south Vancouver Island.

The Awareness Film Festival will hold its Annual Farming and Gardening Gala, featuring film and discussion of women farmers and gardeners of the region at Edward Milne Community School in Sooke, British Columbia on March 6, 2013.

If you are coming to Sooke, you will want to take the time to add this evening program to your itinerary.  To enjoy accommodations that will be as memorable as your time in Sooke, we recommend the Sooke lodging of our member bed & breakfast inns.

Feature Film: “Outstanding in Her Field”

The heritage of organic and sustainable farming in the Greater Sooke area and beyond will be highlighted with a screening of “Outstanding in Her Field,” a 1995 Media Network Society documentary that explores the unique history and legacy of women in sustainable agriculture, including Sooke’s own ALM Organic Farm cofounder Mary Alice Johnson.  In this film women share their stories about and love for organic farming, including the challenges of access to land, seeking support, the physical demands, cooperative marketing, and the never-ending search for creative solutions. Read the rest of this entry »

Historic Fort Langley & Burnaby Village Museum Make Spring Break Fun for Families Visiting East Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, BC

February 23rd, 2013
Family time

Make spring break vacation plans for East Vancouver’s historic sites.

Two historic areas of the East Vancouver and the Fraser Valley region of British Columbia are getting ready for the coming of spring break this March with events that are fun for all ages and will make for a family vacation to remember fondly.

Don’t miss out.  Plan your BC family vacation travel now and book your accommodations at the unique East Vancouver lodging of our member bed and breakfast inns to make the most of your stay while enjoying the spring break activities that are happening at Burnaby Village and Fort Langley in the East Vancouver region of BC.

Check out what’s happening!

Burnaby Village Museum
Spring Break Scavenger Hunt – Storybooks

Burnaby Vilage

The Burnaby Village Museum & Carousel is a themed attraction and a full-service museum all rolled into one.  Visitors experience the heritage of Burnaby and the Lower Mainland of British Columbia in a historic community that offers up:

  • Burnaby Village Carousel flowery baroque horseIndoor & outdoor exhibits
  • Over 50,000 historic objects
  • Gallery
  • Gift shop
  • Historic 1912 C.W. Parker carousel
  • Restored Interurban tram #1223
  • and much more.

Burnaby Village will celebrate the 2013 Spring Break with a storybook character-themed scavenger hunt.  Participants may search the village for clues left behind by the storybook characters then come to the village’s real estate office to see if they’ve won a reward.

Need a break during your hunt? Storytelling Showtimes at Brookfield Hall happen at 1, 2 & 3 PM.  Stop by the Ice Cream Parlour for light lunches and yummy treats.

Tickets: $7.30 (with taxes) at the door for ages 2+ – includes carousel rides, crafts & entertainment.

More information on the Burnaby Village Museum website.

       

Fort Langley National Historic Site
Spring Break

CN Fort Langley Station

Over 150 years ago, Fort Langley became the historic site where the Hudson’s Bay Company, the mega-corporation in the fur trade of the day, built a small outpost to trade with Canada’s First Nations on the West Coast.  This outpost led to an expanding enterprise that influenced Canadian history with the creation of the British Columbia colony.

Spend spring break at Fort Langley and enjoy access to a world of activities, including:

  • Introductory Tour: A costumed interpreter introduces the history of fur trade at Fort Langley.
  • Historic Treasures: The fort’s Collections Officer presents a variety of Fort Langley artifacts and their unique history.
  • Fur Trade Wedding: See what a traditional wedding might have looked like between a Fort Langley fur trader and a First Nations bride.
  • Historic Weapons: A costumed interpreter presents the workings of a period musket.
  • Campfire Stories: Learn about the famous figures of Fort Langley through an oral history presentation.
  • BlacksmithingBlacksmith Presentation: Hear the anvil ring as a blacksmith transforms metal into tools and more.

More information on the Fort Langley National Historic Site website.

Choose East Vancouver Lodging That Personalizes Your Family’s Spring Break Experience

The comfortable accommodations of East Vancouver Bed & Breakfast Inns

Get a good night’s rest before and after your day of family activities at Burnaby Village and Fort Langley when you choose East Vancouver bed & breakfast inns.

Our East Vancouver Bed and Breakfast inns and Fraser Valley inns provide custom lodging for your family vacation to help you get the most out of the spring break events at Burnaby Village, Fort Langley as well as all the other activities and attractions the East Vancouver region and Fraser Valley of British Columbia have to offer.

There are many breakfast options for your family, relaxing and cozy guest rooms, and the personal attention to service and area knowledge of the innkeepers at locations all across the East Vancouver and Fraser Valleyareas.

What’s Your East Vancouver/Fraser Valley Spring Break Expectation or Experience?

Burnaby Village and Fort Langley have drawn families on spring break vacation for years.  What do you remember of past family vacations or anticipate for this year’s spring break?

Please share your plans for Spring Break and memories of past visits to Burnaby Village in East Vancouver and Fort Langley in the Fraser Valley, BC.

Fraser Valley Readies for Spring with Appearances by the Mythbusters, Terri Clark and the Pink Floyd Experience

February 16th, 2013
Abbotsford Centre logo

Abbotsford Centre is the entertainment hub for the Fraser Valley of British Columbia.

As British Columbia begins to thaw out from winter, the Fraser Valley hastens the warming of spring in the month of March by hosting some hot international entertainment at the Abbotsford Centre, including Terri Clark, the Pink Floyd Experience and the Mythbusters.

Each of these performances are likely to be highly attended, so it is recommended that you reserve your tickets now and choose the individualized Fraser Valley lodging of our member bed and breakfast inns.

Terri Clark

Terri Clark – one of Canada’s preeminent country music stars.

Terri Clark

March 8, 2013
$35.25 | $45.25 | $77.25 Dinner Package
Doors: 6:30 PM
Show: 7:30 PM

Eight-time, fan-voted Canadian Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year and multiple Juno winner Terri Clark emerged from Alberta in the 1990s with her own electrifying brand of country music that has been dubbed “turbo traditional.”   Terri is the only female Canadian member of the Grand Ole Opry.  She has released nine full-length albums.  Classic, her latest, turns back to her roots and love of country music’s masters.

Pink Floyd Experience flying pig

Pink Floyd Experience unleashes all the power of one of the great classic rock bands of all time.

PFX: The Pink Floyd Experience

March 13, 2013
$40.25 | $82.25 Dinner Package
Doors: 6:30 PM
Show: 7:30 PM

Though it’s been years since they last performed live, Pink Floyd continues to captivate legions of fans.  The Pink Floyd Experience recreates the provocative psychedelia of their live show with incredible quadrophonic sound and truly “far out” visuals.  Six dedicated musicians, incredible lighting and a show that extends well beyond the stage will transport you to the world of Pink Floyd.  The pig flies again.

Mythbusters

Mythbusters television programme founders Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage go on the road with their “Behind the Myths Tour.”

Mythbusters: Behind the Myths Tour

March 17, 2013
$62.75 | $47.75 | $99.75 Dinner Package $177.75 VIP (includes Meet & Greet)
8:00 PM

Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman co-host the Emmy-nominated series “MythBusters” on the Discovery channel and will debut the 2013 “Behind the Myths Tour” at Abbotsford Centre in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia. Join Jamie and Adam for an evening of mind-bending and senses-shattering science, jaw-dropping video and behind-the-scenes stories.  For the 2013 tour audience members will participate, assisting the Mythbusters in their live experiments.

More information on all of these fantastic shows, including ticket purchases can be found on the Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre website.

Choose Fraser Valley Lodging That Emphasizes Personalized Accommodations and Services

Fraser Valley B&B inns breakfast

Treat yourself to a scrumptious breakfast when you stay at our Fraser Valley B&B inns.

Our member Fraser Valley Bed and Breakfast inns offer signature lodging and hospitality to enhance your stay in the area and all the events and activities across the British Columbia Fraser Valley region.

Savour a wide variety of breakfast offerings, comfortable guest rooms and the singular service & area expertise of the innkeepers at locations all across the Fraser Valley of British Columbia.

What’s Your Expectation or Experience?

The Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre is among the premier event venues in Fraser Valley and the British Columbia province of Canada.  March’s lineup of Terri Clark, The Pink Floyd Experience and Mythbusters Behind the Myths Tour represent a cross-section of world class entertainment.

Please share your plans for these performers and memories of past Abbotsford Centre events.

 

Salt Spring Film Festival Celebrates Arts Culture in BC Gulf Islands

February 9th, 2013
Salt Spring Film Festival

Projector Lens The annual Salt Spring Film Festival highlights today’s local, regional, national and international cultural and social issues.

The 2013 Salt Spring Film Festival will be held March 1-3 on Salt Spring Island in the Gulf Islands region of British Columbia, Canada.

This film festival aspires to inform and stimulate islanders and visitors alike by presenting independent documentary film from BC, Canada and beyond. The films explore the arts, culture, social justice and environmental and humanitarian issues.  The filmmakers attending the festival present their work and lead dynamic discussions about the concerns they raise.

In addition to the films and discussions, Salt Spring Film Festival also serves up delicious, organic local food and other events to delight and engage attendees.  Admission to the festival is by donation to benefit the non-profit Salt Spring Film Festival Society.

We recommend you match your film festival experience with the locally owned and managed BC Gulf Islands lodging of our member bed and breakfast inns, where hospitality and cultural awareness are paramount to your hosts.

Read the rest of this entry »

Sigge’s P’ayakentsut Cross Country Ski Event Returns to BC’s Whistler Olympic Park

January 19th, 2013
P'ayakentsut Cross Country Ski Event logo

P'ayakentsut Cross Country Ski Event The P’ayak offers cross country skiers the chance to race for cash prizes in one of the most beautiful skiing destinations in Canada.

Amateur cross country skiers are gearing up for the 2013 P’ayakentsut Cross Country Ski Event at Whistler Olympic Park in the Callaghan Valley, presented by Sigge’s, British Columbia’s leading supplier of cross country ski equipment and apparel.

This year’s loppets will take place on February 23 and feature 50, 30 and 15 kilometre cross country courses over a variety of terrain, plus a 2.5 km “sit ski” course for Para-Nordic sitting skiers.  Para-Nordic standing skiers are welcome in the 15, 30 and 50 km courses.

There are age divisions and cash prizes for the top three male and female skiers in the 30 and 50 km courses, plus a bonus for the first male and female to reach the top of the hill climb on the second lap. The self-seeding system, based on expected finish times, will keep the start-time action lively.

Participation is expected to be high in this largest amateur race of the season.  Whether you are coming to ski or just cheer on the competitors, it is recommended you make your Whistler, BC lodging plans now.  Our member bed & breakfast inns will give you personalized accommodations and a morning meal you’ll remember as you make your way to Whistler Olympic Park. Read the rest of this entry »

Parksville Uncorked Wine & Food Festival Offers a Fabulous February Escape

January 12th, 2013
Parksville Uncorked Wine & Food Festival logo

WineCuisineBeer
The Parksville Uncorked Wine & Food Festival is a late winter highlight on Vancouver Island, BC.

The 2013 Parksville Uncorked Wine & Food Festival will take place February 21-24 at two world class resorts  in Parksville on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

Local and regional artisinal wine, beer and cuisine will be presented in tastings and at special dinner and brunch gatherings.  Other events include wine-themed spa treatments and local tours.  Over 25 wineries and more than 10 breweries and cideries will offer their celebrated libations.

Parksville Uncorked is celebrating it’s fifth annual festival this year.  The 2012 Parksville Uncorked events sold out quickly, so now is the time to make your plans to attend.  We recommend that you pair your palate’s adventures with the “gourmet” Vancouver Island lodging of our member bed & breakfast inns. Read the rest of this entry »

Vernon Winter Carnival Goes Prehistoric in BC’s North Okanagan

January 5th, 2013
Vernon Winter Carnival logo

Kalamalka Lake in Winter at Vernon, BC Vernon, BC makes a magical winter setting for the annual winter Carnival.

The 2013 Vernon Winter Carnival runs from February 1-10 and is a highlight of the cold season in the North Okanagan region of British Columbia.

Vernon has hosted this annual festival since 1961 and it has become the largest winter carnival in western Canada.  The theme for 2013 is “Prehistoric Carnival,” so you can expect dinosaurs and cavemen amongst the decorations, events, and parade floats this year.

Over 100 events, many of them free and ranging from snow sculptures to hot air balloon rides, are scheduled for this year’s carnival.  Some of the events are all ready sold out, so now is the time to secure your tickets and make reservations at the memorable North Okanagan lodging of our member bed & breakfast inns. Read the rest of this entry »

Dine Out Vancouver Festival Serves up the Tastiest Part of Winter in BC, Canada

December 29th, 2012

Dine Out Vancouver Festival logo

The 2013 Dine Out Vancouver Festival will run January 18 to Feburary 3 all across Vancouver, BC.  Hundreds of restaurants will participate in the event and each will offer unique three (or more) course prix-fix meals at $18, $28 or $38 per person. Many will pair their meals with British Columbia fine wines and craft beers.

Nearly 70,000 diners are expected to reserve online for the Dine Out Vancouver Festival, with many more making reservations by phone or in person, so now is the time to reserve your accommodations.  Why not pair your fine dining experience with the equally fine Greater Vancouver lodging of our member bed and breakfast inns?

Dine Out Vancouver Festival Features the Finest Restaurants in Greater Vancouver, BC

239 Vancouver restaurants are scheduled to participate in the Dine Out Vancouver Festival, including Hawksworth Restaurant, the Vancouver Restaurant of the year! Read the rest of this entry »

Coldsnap Returns to Thaw the Northern British Columbia Winter with a Hot Music Lineup

December 22nd, 2012
Coldsnap Winter Music Festival logo

Playing Guitar The Coldsnap Winter Music Festival draws emerging talents to Northern BC every year.

The 2013 Coldsnap Winter Music Festival will be held from January 18-26 and will feature dozens of performers at three venues around Prince George in Northern British Columbia.

Coldsnap has earned a reputation of promoting up and coming local, national, and international artists from genres ranging from rock ‘n’ roll and hip-hop to country, folk and blues.  This is your chance to see these talented bands and performers work their way toward reaching wider audiences over the nine nights of the festival.

The volunteers of the summertime Prince George Folkfest organized the first Coldsnap festival in 2008.  Each year the festival has grown and it is now getting major media attention, including:

  • A Globe and Mail Top 5 Cultural Events pick
  • Westworld Magazine Best Winter Events pick
  • Up! (Westjet flight magazine) Best Canadian Music Festivals pick

Now’s the time to secure your tickets for this event.  We recommend you choose the unique Northern British Columbia Lodging of our member bed & breakfast inns to make the most of your festival-going experience. Read the rest of this entry »