Fun Things to Do in Vancouver Area During COVID-19 BC Reopening Phase
15 Fun Things To Do In Vancouver This Weekend: January 26 To 28
The last weekend of January is here!
Time flies when you're having fun, so get to soaring with these 15 things to do in Vancouver from January 26 to 28, including Lunar New Year celebrations, The Witness Blanket, and more.
For more fun things happening around town, be sure to check out our Listed section.
And don't forget to enter to win tickets to Just For Laughs Vancouver 2024 in our Five Days of Funny Contest! You could win your way in to see Ronny Chieng, Ben Schwartz, Wanda Sykes, Marlon Wayans, and more!
NBC/SNL
What: Nate Bargatze gained a wide audience through his three Netflix stand-up specials: The Tennessee Kid, Greatest Average American, and The Standups. His latest special, Hello World, was released in 2023 on Amazon Prime Video.
The Nashville, Tennessee-born star has appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon over 10 times, had his first stand-up album, Yelled at by a Clown, reach number two on the Billboard Comedy Charts, and performed at JFL Montreal Comedy Festival multiple years in a row.
When: January 28, 2024Time: 7 pmWhere: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, VancouverTickets: Various prices; purchase online
What: Coquitlam Heritage is hosting Lunar New Year celebrations, with festivities including traditional dance demos led by instructor Jessica Yue and a cooking demonstration of sesame balls or baked rice cakes in which guests will get to taste the treats.
Yuto Books will present story time sessions throughout the day in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, and there will also be crafts and art activities. Make sure to take a Lunar New Year photo at the photoshoot station on site.
When: January 27, 2024Time: Noon to 3 pmWhere: Coquitlam Heritage at Mackin House – 1116 Brunette Avenue, CoquitlamCost: Free
What: Calling all musical theatre fans! Broadway Across Canada is bringing an iconic lineup to Vancouver, and it's your chance to see everything you love about Broadway — without an expensive trip to NYC.
The highly anticipated Mean Girls musical, based on the beloved Tina Fey screenplay, will provide all the energy and fun you remember from the movie. Cheer on Cady Heron as she takes on a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. She'll need to be careful, as she'll soon learn that you can't cross a queen bee without getting stung.
When: Now until January 28, 2024Time: 8 pm from Tuesday to Saturday, 2:30 pm on Saturday and Sunday, and 7:30 pm SundayWhere: Queen Elizabeth Theatre — 630 Hamilton Street, VancouverTickets: Various prices; purchase online
Witness Blanket by Carey Newman/Submitted
What: Carey Newman's The Witness Blanket is a one-of-a-kind art piece made up of over 800 items from sites and Survivors of residential schools across the Lower Mainland, BC, and Canada.
The limited-time exhibition at West Vancouver Memorial Library also includes a lineup of free events, including tech talks, concerts, an evening with the artist Carey Newman, and more. Find out more information online.
When: January 26 to March 10, 2024Time: 10 am to 8 pm (Monday to Thursday), 10 am to 6 pm (Friday to Sunday)Where: West Vancouver Memorial Library — 1950 Marine Drive, WestVancouverCost: Free, though registration is required for events
What: DanceHouse and The Cultch present The Mirror by Australia's Gravity and Other Myths. Watch in awe as the laws of physics are suspended in order to create a new kind of dance mixed with elements of circus, cabaret, and even a light spanking of kink. Audiences will be treated to a huge serving of humour, torch songs, and sexy underpants at The Playhouse until January 27.
When: Now until January 27, 2024Time: 8 pmWhere: Vancouver Playhouse – 600 Hamilton Street, VancouverCost: From $35; purchase online
What: Vancouver International Film Festival presents the fifth MENA film festival from January 27 to February 1.
The annual celebration spotlights the art and film of the Middle East and North Africa/Southwest Asia and North Africa (MENA/SWANA) region and diaspora in Vancouver. MENA 5 is a 19+ event and includes 40 films, including features, shorts, workshops, panels, Q&As, and networking opportunities throughout the week.
When: January 27 to February 1, 2025Time: Various times. See the full schedule onlineWhere: VIFF Centre – 1181 Seymour Street, VancouverTickets: Various prices; purchase online
What: Wes Barker is one of the stars of Big Trick Energy on truTV and has performed on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, MTV, America's Got Talent, and Penn & Teller: Fool Us.
The Stunt Magician has hundreds of millions of views online and performs live at The Biltmore this Friday.
When: January 26, 2024Time: 7 pmWhere: The Biltmore Cabaret – 2755 Prince Edward Street, VancouverCost: $24.50 to $36.50; purchase online
Street Food City/Dine Out Vancouver
What: Vancouver has a pretty epic food truck scene, and this free food truck festival is here to prove it.
Street Food City is back for its 12th year, giving visitors a delicious opportunity to try some of the great food truck eats Vancouver has to offer, all in one convenient location.
Some notable trucks at this year's festival include Shameless Buns, Shawarma Time, Tornado Potato, Reel Mac and Cheese, Mad Greek, Dos Amigos, Slavic Rolls, and Chickpea.
When: Now until January 28, 2024Time: Weekdays: 11 am to 2 pm; weekends: 11 am to various timesWhere: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl'e7énk Square, West Georgia Street, VancouverAdmission: Free entry
What: Columbian alternative country singer Lydia Loveless is on tour to support her latest album, Nothing's Gonna Stand in My Way Again, and local fans can see her live at The Wise Hall on January 28. The concert will also feature Jason Hawk Harris and Spank Williams as openers.
When: January 28, 2024Time: Doors 7 pmWhere: The WISE Hall – 1882 Adanac Street, VancouverTickets: $25 plus fees; purchase online
What: Some of the world's funniest comedians are coming to The Improv Centre this month, and the live shows are sure to crank up the temperature in Vancouver.
The improv theatre company's The Heat is an international comedy showcase happening on Granville Island from January 23 to 27, featuring groups from the Philippines, England, the United States, and Canada.
When: Now until January 27, 2024Time: Various timesWhere: The Improv Centre – 1502 Duranleau Street, VancouverCost: Starting from $15; tickets are available online
What: Vancouver Canucks host their annual Lunar New Year Game when the Columbus Blue Jackets come to town. There will be a variety of special Lunar New Year activities to enjoy during the celebration.
Some of the activities and events planned include a celebration in sections 122 to 103 featuring food samples and other festivities, $20,000 in donations to the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation and S.U.C.C.E.S.S., and a Lucky Dragon made from sticks that will be on display outside Rogers Arena.
When: January 27, 2024Time: 7 pmWhere: Rogers Arena — 800 Griffiths Way, VancouverCost: Various prices; purchase online
Surrey Libraries/Facebook
What: Check out Family Literacy Day at the annual Surrey Libraries Expo at Cloverdale Rec Centre. There will be a variety of fun activities for all ages to enjoy, including craft stations, coding sessions, book bowling, and more. Plus, check out the pop-up library to discover the latest literary releases.
When: January 27, 2024Time: 10 am to 2:30 pmWhere: Cloverdale Recreation Centre – 6188 176 Street, SurreyCost: Free
What: Choir Boy is the acclaimed coming-of-age story of Pharus, a senior at the Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys and the leader of its famed gospel choir. Pharus soon discovers that conforming to the school's traditions is more difficult than he thought when he learns to accept his identity as a young gay man.
Choir Boy is filled with soaring gospel hymns and is a testament to the healing power of music from the Oscar-winning screenwriter of Moonlight.
When: January 25 to February 25, 2024Time: Various timesWhere: Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage – 2750 Granville Street, VancouverCost: Starting from $29; purchase online
What: The long-running winter comedy tour returns to Surrey and Vancouver in 2024. This year's lineup includes Just for Laughs winner Dan Quinn, CBC's The Debaters regular Erica Sigurdson, Great Canadian Laugh Off winner Paul Myrehaug, and five-time Canadian Comedian of the year nominee Pete Zedlacher.
When: January 25 (Surrey), January 26, 2024 (Vancouver)Time: 7:30 pmWhere: Surrey Art Gallery & Surrey Arts Centre — 13750 88th Avenue, Surrey; The Vogue Theatre — 918 Granville Street, VancouverCost: Various prices; purchase online
What: The City of New Westminster and the Parks and Recreation Horticultural team have lit up a dozen gardens and public spaces around the city with stunning holiday lights, and they're shining until January 28. Bundle up and head out to see them all before they're taken down.
When: Now until January 28, 2024Time: NightlyWhere: Various parks and public spaces around New WestminsterCost: Free
Best Places To Eat, Stay And See In Vancouver
Vancouver beaches -English Bay and Sunset Beach
gettyVancouver is ranked as one of the best cities to live. It is known and loved for its alfresco active lifestyle, thanks to its stunning natural scenery that includes mountains, beaches and forests. Cycle, run or walk along the city's seafront, in vast Stanley Park or take a day trip to Whistler mountain. And, it's fast becoming a city recognised for its culinary delights. The Michelin Guide came to Canada for the first time in October 2022, with restaurants in Toronto and Vancouver being awarded Michelin stars. Eight Vancouver restaurants won a Michelin star. Eating and outdoor pursuits aside, the city has a world class public art gallery and the second biggest fashion week in North America (open to both industry and public).
Where to StayRosewood Hotel Georgia
Martin TesslerIdeally located at the heart of the city, Rosewood Hotel Georgia is right across from the Vancouver Art Gallery, shops and restaurants, with beautiful Stanley Park and the seafront nearby. This Georgian Revival landmark has attracted famous guests since it first opened in 1927, including Marlene Dietrich (and her 40 suitcases), Louis Armstrong, Sir Laurence Olivier, Katharine Hepburn, Elvis, Frank Sinatra, the Rolling Stones, Queen Elizabeth and King Charles as Prince of Wales.
Rosewood suite terrace, Rosewood Hotel Georgia
Don Riddle ImagesVancouver's most historic hotel was painstakingly and extensively redesigned around ten years ago by Studio Munge. The designers were careful to preserve key elements from the 1920s building, including terrazzo flooring, elevator cab detailing and the original clock and staircase in the Grand Hall. And, last year, many of the 156 suites and guest rooms were renovated. Guest accommodation features an appealing palette of light blues, ivory, and chocolate, complemented by sleek furnishings and spa-inspired bathrooms.
Lord Stanley Suite living room
RosewoodThe hotel's top suites, the Lord Stanley Suite and the Rosewood Suite, are sheer opulence, both featuring two bedrooms and a private rooftop terrace, offering stunning city skyline views, a plunge pool and a private garden. The Rosewood Suite can also connect to an adjacent room to create a three-bedroom accommodation.
As you'd expect from a five-star hotel, the Rosewood offers impeccable service, a great spa, a fitness centre, and an indoor swimming pool. The hotel also has one of the largest private collections of Canadian art available for public viewing, including Alan Wood's Garden series and six tongue–in–cheek pieces by Vancouver native, the author Douglas Coupland.
Rosewood hotel 927 Bar
RosewoodBreakfast is in the chic 1927 Bar and lounge and there's also a more casual cafe. Reflections, is an outdoor terrace for cocktails and snacks in warmer months. The on-site, fine-dining restaurant is Hawksworth, where Chef David Hawksworth and his skilled team transform the best organic ingredients and seafood available from suppliers local and from across Canada. Expect Pacific fish, including albacore tuna and oysters and haida gwaii sablefish on the menu.
Orchid Suite Living Room, Shangri-La, Vancouver
Corey Stovin, VRX StudiosAnother great five-star with an excellent location is the Shangri–La Hotel. Robson Street for luxury shopping is close by as is Stanley Park and the nightlife on Granville Street. The 119 spacious rooms and suites blend modern luxury with traditional Asian décor. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer downtown city views, while over half of the rooms have private balconies. The marble-clad bathrooms feature heated floors and a television embedded in the mirror.
Breakfast is served in the attractive Carlino restaurant. The all-day restaurant pays homage to British Columbia and the similarities it shares with northern Italy – the mountain ranges, forests, lakes and coastal waters. As well as classic Friulian dishes, the menu includes specialties from neighboring regions Trentino and Veneto.
Individual Suite at Shangri-La
Corey Stovin, VRX StudiosShangri-La hotels are renowned for their spas and the Vancouver property is no exception. Chi, the hotel's gorgeous Spa is a major draw for guests and outside visitors. Drawing inspiration from the legendary Shangri-La, a place of personal peace and well-being, the treatments are based on Asian natural healing methods. The spa uses local products made on Bowen Island by Sangre de Fruta Botanical, gorgeous organic products for the face, body and hair, created in small batches by Allison Audrey Weldon. The indulgent 90-Minute Massage includes a body scrub, a relaxing steam/shower, followed by a massage using Sangre de Fruta botanical body cream in a choice of delicious scents: Rose No. 1, Neroli Forever, or Jasmin de Nuit.
Where to EatSt Lawrence dining room
St LawrenceSt. Lawrence was an obvious choice for the Michelin star earned last fall. This modern Quebecois restaurant is petite and super popular so a reservation is essential (and be prepared to wait a month). Chef/Owner Jean-Christophe Poirier (formerly of the highly rated Toqué in Montreal) creates an often changing tasting menu ($125 plus taxes). Classic French cuisine meets the gastronomic identity and culture of Les Québécois.
Roasted Pacific Octopus at Published on Main, Vancouver
Published on MainAnother worthy Michelin-starred restaurant, this smart, buzzy restaurant has a firm focus on the sustainable, sourcing ingredients from local farms and producers. The menu at Published on Main features creative items like bee pollen milk buns, bison tartare and wild BC fiddleheads. Other tempting choices include roasted Pacific octopus, twice cooked pork belly and BC halibut.
Burdock & Co
Burdock & CoChef Andrea Carlson's love for British Columbia shines through in organic, seasonal plates that have thrilled diners since she opened her cosy restaurant in 2013. And Burdock and Co was the worthy recipient of a Michelin star last fall. The changing set menu ($95 per person) includes dishes like shrimp toast; nettle and ricotta ravioli; and dry aged pork loin in fermented spruce tree sauce.
Menu highlights, Fiorino, Vancouver
Fiorino, VancouverOpened last year in Chinatown, this Italian gem offers the best in street food, in a warehouse space with a retro vibe. Menu highlights at Fiorino include divine focaccia sandwiches and schiacciata, including one stuffed with guanciale, drizzled with honey and spread with walnut crema, excellent pasta dishes like spaghettoni ai frutti di mare and pappardelle with wild boar sauce.
Miku Restaurant, Vancouver
Miku RestaurantMiku Restaurant's signature Aburi-style sushi (lightly seared and infused with savory sauces), delicious meats (tenderized by Sumiyaki grilling) and desserts created by a Kyoto-trained pastry chef, Miku won't fail to please. Organic, local ingredients enhance Miku's innovative menu, which is carefully paired with fine wines and sake. Executive Chef Kazuhiro Hayashi takes advantage of regional ingredients as well as Ocean Wise seafood options to showcase the best of what Vancouver has to offer.
East is East, Vancouver
East is EastMustafa and Razaviah, siblings of Afghan descent, offer an eclectic menu at East is East that includes the flavors of India, Afghanistan and Persia. Menu highlights include Dhal soup with three different kinds of lentils, cauliflower, spinach, herbs and spices; and Boulani, a traditional Afghan whole wheat roti stuffed with potato, green onion and herbs. The decor features ornate carpets on the walls, ceiling mandalas and nature-inspired furnishings. Live music, often jazz, is a bonus.
Fish tacos at Local
Teegan Tsuchiya/ LocalLocal Public Eatery, Kitsilano is a well-loved hangout for locals featuring a vibe that is a combination of relaxed, California lifestyle and small beachtown. Dine on the large outdoor terrace with favorites like fish tacos, Thai curry or Ahi Tuna poke rice bowl.
What to See and DoGranville Island is Canada's second most-visited tourist attraction, behind Niagara Falls and essential for food-loving locals and tourists alike. Vancouver Foodie Tours at Granville Island offers a tour and taste of fresh, local, seasonal produce, alongside a slice of local life. It offers a range of delicious samples from independent farmers and food artisans from Vancouver and beyond, from duck confit and cheeses to locally-made charcuterie, melt-in-your-mouth donuts, to world-class coffee and chai. Michelle Ng, the ebullient founder, often leads the Granville Island tour. They also have tours in Gastown and one focusing on Asian food in Richmond which according to the New York Times, has the best Chinese food in all of North America.
Vancouver Art Gallery in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia Canada
gettyWestern Canada's largest public art museum,Vancouver Art Gallery has a permanent collection of more than 12,600 works. The historical and contemporary exhibitions, include artworks by Canadian, Indigenous and internationally acclaimed artists. Currently on (until 4 June 2023) is Hard-Edge showcasing a selection of abstract paintings from the 1960s and 70s. Drawn from the gallery's permanent collection, are works by artists including Jack Bush, Frank Stella and Joan Balzar, some of which are being exhibited for the first time since their acquisition.
Vancouver Fashion Week, a biannual event
Paul Allen/Andfotography2For fashion lovers visiting the city in April or October, Vancouver Fashion Week, unlike most other major fashion weeks, offers public access through ticketed shows. If you're seeking vintage finds, try Stepback, a lifestyle shop in Kitsilano with books, prints, antique toys, Canadian Pacific railway dishware and more.
The dome of the Bloedel Floral Conservatory, the city's indoor garden, in Queen Elizabeth Park, one ... [+] of Vancouver's beautiful tourist attractions.
gettyVancouver's parks and gardens are a joy, even on a damp day. Stroll through glorious Stanley Park and VanDusen Garden with 55 acres and over 7,500 plant species and visit Bloedel Conservatory, filled with 100 exotic birds and over 500 kinds of tropical plants inside the dome.
11 Vancouver Restaurants Made Yelp's Top Places To Eat In Canada
Yelp just released its top 100 places to eat in Canada, and Vancouver had some great spots make the list.
Of the 26 BC restaurants that made the list, 11 of those were from Vancouver.
Coming in the third spot of all of Canada was Manoush'eh, a must-visit spot for Middle Eastern food.
Another Vancouver favourite for sandwiches, Number e food (also known as #e food), also made the list at spot number 12.
How is this list created? Yelp shared that "To determine Yelp's Top 100 Places to Eat in 2024, Yelp's data science team starts by using the data generated from our community submissions."
"From the candidate restaurants, we narrow the list down with the expertise of our community managers and Trend Expert to curate a list as quirky, interesting, and unique as the Yelp Community itself. If a business with multiple locations appears more than once on the list, we keep the highest-ranked location," explains Yelp.
So without further adieu, here is the list of Vancouver restaurants that appeared in this year's top 100 in order of appearance:
You can view the full list of Canadian restaurants here.
Still Hungry? Discover Dished Vancouver on TikTok
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