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MOVIE THEATERS

Friday, May 3rd, 2013

Here is a listing of where to find a good movie such as the Mainstream or Independent films.

SCOTIABANK THEATRE
900 Burrard Street
Vancouver, BC, V6Z 3G5
(604) 630-1407

Scotiabank Theatre is the closest to us that will show more of the most popular major new releases…walking time is around 15 minutes.

Film Listings - http://www.cineplex.com/Theatres/TheatreDetails/Scotiabank-Theatre-Vancouver.aspx

Where to find the Cinema: https://maps.google.com/?q=Scotiabank+Theatre+Vancouver%4049.282176,-123.124341

CINEPLEX – Cineplex ODEON INTERNATIONAL VILLAGE CINEMAS (TINSLETOWN)
88 West Pender
Vancouver, BC, V6B 6N9
(604) 806-0799

Located at the gates of Chinatown and a short walk to Gastown, like the Scotiabank Theatre, this will premier the latest major movies…

http://www.cinemarktinseltown.ca/

Where to find the Cinema: https://maps.google.com/?q=Cineplex+Odeon+International+Village+Cinemas%4049.281069,-123.107409

OMNIMAX THEATRE (SCIENCE-WORLD)
The Omnimax theatre is the perfect experience for the family and an excellent reason to checkout Science World while you are, this is one the coolest spots to visit in the city..prepared to be taken on a magical ride that an Omnimax movie can make the screen come to life before your eyes….

http://www.scienceworld.ca/omnimax

THE RIO THEATRE
1660 E Broadway Vancouver, BC
(604) 879-3456

A true Vancouver Institution that hosts not only films (especially old cult movies) but there are always fun cabaret and burlesque shows and much much more……also they do a mean Grilled Cheese sandwich…probably the best in all the land.

http://riotheatre.ca/

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Events this May

Friday, May 3rd, 2013

Here are some exciting events to look out for this month of May.

BMO VANCOUVER MARATHON
SUNDAY MAY 6th
The Vancouver Marathon has to be one of the stunning courses around. Starting off at the gorgeous Queen Elizabeth Park which has 360 degree views of the city and its mountains, and then winding around the South and West of the City along the UBC Campus grounds through to downtown and around Stanley Park and back to the downtown core again, not only do the participants get to stretch their legs but they also will heighten their senses with the spectacular scenery that this city has to offer!
What is even better this year is that it looks likely the Weather is going to be on our side, with the thermometer quite possibly reaching the low 20s C (Mid to high 60s if you work with Farenheit).
So whether or not you are a participant or a spectator, get out there and enjoy the day and make sure to grab the Sunscreen!

http://www.bmovanmarathon.ca/

DOXA DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL
MAY 3rd till MAY 12th
Presented by The Documentary Media Society which is a non for profit organization….DOXA returns to wow audiences with the most groundbreaking and innovative and independent Documentary films for you to enjoy.
The Participating theaters are as follows:
VIFF’s Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour Street
Vancouver Playhouse, 600 Hamilton Street
The Cinematheque, 1131 Howe Street
Rio Theatre, 1660 E Broadway

http://www.doxafestival.ca/festival/program

VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL BURLESQUE FESTIVAL
We are slightly late on this one, as it started on MAY 2nd and ends MAY 4th.
Burlesque is everywhere, and if you haven’t managed to catch a show then head to this!
Now in its 8th year and growing fast in popularity this is a must see festival!

http://www.vanburlesquefest.com/

RICHMOND NIGHT MARKET Featuring Chinese/Japanese/Korean/Asian cultural foods and more
MAY 17th to OCTOBER 14th
After successfully restarting in 2012 after a 4 year hiatus The Richmond Night Market is back!
Many will say that this night market is the one to see if you want to visit a Chinese market – as the summer season shows signs of its return, the night markets are a great place to visit for some excellent Asian food and cheap goods, it is well worth a visit and we are sure you will come back with your hand full and a satisfied belly!

Click here on how to get there…http://www.richmondnightmarket.com/transit.html

http://www.richmondnightmarket.com/

SPOT PRAWN FESTIVAL
The Festival is a culmination of various events that welcome in the Spot Prawn Season. This is a very popular event especially among the Foodie community that just can’t get enough of their Crustaceans.
Head down to Granville Island from around May 7th and look out for the fun festivities!

http://chefstablesociety.com/spotprawnfestival/

http://www.wildbcspotprawns.com/events/34-wild-bc-spot-prawn-festivals-in-bc

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Vegetarian/Vegan friendly Restaurants

Friday, April 26th, 2013

Vancouver is a great city if you are Vegetarian or Vegan, you will not have to look too far to find some excellent meat free cuisine.

Take a look at the list below to find our popular best picks for anyone who is Vegetarian.

THE PARKER
One of the most recent Vegetarian venues to open in the last year or so and it is really bringing excellent fine dining and atmosphere to Vancouver all the while being meat free.
It is also one of the most environmentally friendly establishments in the city as they pride themselves on local sustainability and utmost care regarding its product and relationship with the community.

http://www.theparkervancouver.com/

NUBA – A LEBANESE CUISINE
Now in its 10th and has since grown to 4 locations around the city, this restaurant is very popular and loved. Some may say that Lebanese food is some of the healthiest around, and after dining at Nuba it is very hard to argue with this comment.
The menu blends the very best from the Middle East and has some European influences, many of the dishes served will not seem unfamiliar.
There are Halal, non medicated hormone free meat options if you are dining with a carnivore in the group.

http://www.nuba.ca/

THE NAAM
Open 364 days a year in the beautiful district of Kitsilano – The Naam is one of the most well known Vegetarian Restaurants. It is cute, rustic and open for 24 hours and live music in the evening. A nice fireplace to keep you warm in the winter and a lovely outside garden during the more balmy weather of summer It can be very very busy and due to the volume and space no reservations.

http://www.thenaam.com/

HONS WUN TON HOUSE
Not Exclusively Vegetarian. The menu however is huge – and they have a separate menu that is extensively suitable for Vegetarians.
This is great Chinese food that is loaded full of flavour and really is the real deal.

http://www.hons.ca/

THE FOUNDATION
A very popular Vegetarian restaurant that is a huge hit among a younger crowd and hipster scene – it is cheap and cheerful but can be a hectic place at times, so if this is somewhere you are looking for to spend some time to relax in peace and quiet then this may have a little too much hustle and bustle for you. Saying all that, it is worth a visit on a budget. No website available.
2301 Main St Vancouver, BC V5T 3C9
(604) 708-0881

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Davie Village and The West End Gay District.

Wednesday, April 24th, 2013

The Sunset Inn and Suites is located in the gorgeous West End Community of Vancouver – this area fills the void between the Downtown core of the city and Stanley Park.

Our location is situated in an area called Davie Village which is in the heart of the Vancouver Gay District of Vancouver. The Village spans over 3 blocks along Davie St beginning from the Eastern Side at Burrard St and ending around Jervis Street to the West.

In 1999 The Davie Street Business Association decided to phrase the area as ‘Davie Village’ and in the process they decided to give the neighbourhoood an uplift by installing colourful Rainbow flags (the official symbolic flag for Gay Pride)on one side of the post, with the other side showing artwork from a local artist called ‘Joe Average’.

We will like to highlight the very best of the Davie Village area so you know where to go for good food and entertainment right on your door step.

WINE AND DINING
Davie Village is absolutely teeming with fantastic restaurants, so much so that it is very difficult not to find anything that you won’t like.
Here we will recommend some of the Staff best picks that we hope you will enjoy! We will begin with the High end right down to the cheap and cheerful!

High end/Fine Dining
BIN 941 (CLASSIC CLASSY CANADIAN CUISINE)
A fantastic experience of Tapas in style with a Canadian twist accompanied with an extensive Wine List and local Craft Beers. http://www.bin941.com/
LA BRASSERIE (FRENCH/GERMAN)
A great alternative to BIN 941, this has is Franco/German comfort food in style! http://www.labrasserievancouver.com/
CAFE LUXY (ITALIAN)
If you like Italian Food and specifically Pasta, then Cafe Luxy is the place for you! Excellent Daily Specials. http://www.cafeluxy.com/
LOLLITAS(MEXICAN CANTINA)
A very busy restaurant and an excellent choice if you have a preferance for Latin American style foods, and like the others it has an excellent choice in Fine Wines and Craft Beers. http://www.lolitasrestaurant.com/

Mid Range/Affordable
THE BANANA LEAF (MALAYSIAN)
This place is a huge hit among the staff here, if you like Thai, Indonesian style foods, you will love this! http://www.bananaleaf-vancouver.com/
KADOYA (SUSHI)
Vancouver Sushi is world renowned and EVERYWHERE! The Staff do gravitate to this establishment, excellent portions! http://www.kadoya.ca/
TAKIS (GREEK/CYPRIOT)
There are 2 Greek Restaurants in the area, this is great for a dining out experience and directly behind the hotel on Davie St. http://www.takistaverna.com/

Cheap and Cheerful!
STEPHOS (GREEK)
Very very busy restaurant for a good reasons, excellent price and huge portions…there is a very long line up, we suggest that you order for pick to skip the line.
PHO GOODNESS (VIETNEMESE) They sell excellent Subs here at the price of $4.75 including Tax, so cheap yet so so good.
MONGOLI GRILL (MONGOLIAN) This is great, you just pick your food and watch it get cooked Ghengis Khan style, suitable for Vegetarians. http://www.mongoliegrill.ca/home.html

PUBS and BARS
THE SCORE – A popular Sports bar with excellent food Specials, even if you are not a sports fan this place will still do the job! Great staff and great atmosphere. http://scoreondavie.com/
THE SPEAKEASY – A dark and moody setting which is a great place to watch sports with friends and it also boasts a fantastic balcony that can get busy in the summer http://thespeakeasy.ca/
1181 Trendy Bar on Davie http://www.1181.ca/
THE FOUNTAINHEAD – One of the more popular Gay bars in the area, with a fantastic patio and pool table. This is in institution on Davie Village. http://www.thefountainheadpub.com/
OASIS – Recently renovated this is a gem, it has a club vibe to it and excellent theme nights, Sundays are a great day, with Karaoke on Tuesdays – great fun and great patio space in the summer months too that double the size of the venue. http://oasisondavie.com/

NIGHTCLUBS
CELEBRITIES – One of the most popular night clubs in the district and recently renovated, a big hit among the younger crowd. http://celebritiesnightclub.com/
NUMBERS – Boasting 3 floors, the dancefloor on the main level and more of a pub vibe at the top, it also has a fantastic Karaoke Box where you can scream like a banshee and not annoy the rest of the bar! http://www.numbers.ca/UI/User/UserHome.aspx
THE JUNCTION – A quiet pub in the day and night club after nightfall, hosts quiz nights and drag shows. http://www.junctionpub.com/

BREAKFAST & COFFEE SHOPS
JOES GRILL &HAMBURGER MARYS, NEIGHBOURHOOD DINER People tend to like one over the other, both are very very good at breakfast. Hamburger Marys has been a staple in the Davie Village area and in many Gay Districts along the West Coast of North America (it was orginally a Drag Bar diner).
MELRICHES COFFEE HOUSE A local Community Coffee house right in the heart of the village.
BLENZ & STARBUCKS Canadian Vs USA you choose!

BOOKSTORES
LITTLE SISTERS
This is an institution that has been in the West End for the past 20 years, it sells books, DVD’s Toys and more, certainly for someone with an open mind on books regarding Gender, sexuality and more… http://littlesisters.ca/blog/

QMUNITY & PRIDE FESTIVAL
Qmunity is an excellent resource centre for the LGBT community…http://www.qmunity.ca/

Pride Festival http://www.vancouverpride.ca/Pride2013/

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Popular Bus Routes & Destinations….

Monday, April 15th, 2013

At the Sunset Inn and Suites we receive many questions regarding the Bus Routes that will get you to the most popular destinations around Vancouver.

Below is a comprehensive list on the more popular routes/destinations that the majority of our guests will want to use, we have split the destinations into 2 parts, the first being destinations within Vancouver such as Stanley Park, Gastown and UBC, and secondly we have destinations in the Greater Vancouver area such as Capilano Suspension Bridge and the Ferry Terminals….we really hope that this will be beneficial for you in regards to getting yourself to your appropriate destination.

PLEASE NOTE Some destinations may require you to transfer a couple of times, the system is very regular and there are announcements so you are awar of which stop to get off and change Buses etc etc.
Prices may change due to busy periods or unexpected events such as Rush Hour, Weekends and Festivals, please double check at Front desk for further information regarding Bus fares around the city or visit the Translink Website here..http://www.translink.ca/

ALL TICKETS LAST FOR A DURATION OF 90 MINUTES AT TIME OF PURCHASE – WHICH CAN HELP ENABLE YOU TO REACH YOUR DESTINATION WITH JUST THE ONE TICKET – Double check with the Front-desk regarding your travel times.

SECTION 1 – VANCOUVER DESTINATIONS

TO AND FROM VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (YVR)
To Vancouver
This Route involves 1 transfer. 2 ZONE TICKET
AT YVR SKYTRAIN
Purchase a 2 Zone ticket to Yaletown Station.
Transfer to Bus C23 to Davie and Thurlow St. Walk 1 block South along Thurlow – turn your first right onto Burnaby St and we are the 2nd building along heading West.
Adults $7.75 Concession $6.75

To the Airport
BUS NUMBER C23 Main St Bus…..Catch the Eastbound Bus on Davie & Thurlow St. Transfer @Yaletown Station – Catch the YVR (Airport) TRAIN.
Adults $4.00 Concession $2.75
Vancouver Airport Website www.yvr.ca/

YALETOWN (SKYTRAIN STATION)
BUS NUMBER C23 Main St Bus…. catch the Eastbound bus @Denny’s restaurant on Davie st and Thurlow St
Yaletown Website yaletowninfo.com/

AQUARIUM
BUS NUMBER 19 (Stanley Park bus)@ Georgia St & Burrard St
Go to Burrrad St, catch the Northbound BUS NUMBER 22 (Knight Bus) (Bus stop is by TD Bank on Burrard and Davie) to Georgia St and transfer onto the BUS NUMBER 19 (Stanley Park Bus) to the Aquarium.
Adults $2.75 – Concession $1.75
Aquarium Website – www.vanaqua.org/

CHINATOWN/CHINESE NIGHT MARKETS
BUS NUMBER 22 (Knight bus) catch the Northbound Bus at Burrard St and Davie St (By TD Bank) the bus will run directly through the Chinatown District.
Adults $2.75 – Concession $1.75
Chinatown information http://vancouver-chinatown.com/

GASTOWN
BUS NUMBER 6 (Davie St bus) @Davie and Thurlow St (Bus Stop by Denny’s Restaurant) The very last stop is @Waterfront Station which is the very beginning of the Gastown District.
Adults $2.75 – Concession $1.75
Gastown Information www.gastown.org/

MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY/UBC (University)
BUS NUMBER 44 (UBC Bus)- Southbound on Burrard & Burnaby St (MONDAY TO FRIDAY ONLY) or BUS NUMBER 14 (UBC Bus) (Southbound on Granville St) WEEKENDS ONLY
Adults $2.75 – Concession $1.75
Museum of Anthropology Website moa.ubc.ca/

QUEEN ELIZABETH PARK/VAN DUSEN GARDENS
This Route involves 2 Transfers
BUS NUMBER C23 (Main St Bus) Eastbound at Davie & Thurlow. Transfer to Yaletown Station/Canada Line (Skytrain) to KING EDWARD STATION BUS NUMBER 33 – 29th Ave Station SOUTHBOUND at Cambie S @ W King Edward Ave
Van Dusen Gardens Website vancouver.ca/vandusen/
Queen Elizabeth Park – vancouver.ca/parks-recreation…/queen-elizabeth-park.aspx

SCIENCE WORLD
BUS NUMBER C23 Main St – catch the Bus at Davie and Thurlow St @Denny’s Restaurant to the final stop, then walk Westbound a couple of blocks to Science World.
Science World Website http://www.scienceworld.ca/

SECTION 2 – GREATER VANCOUVER/NORTH & WEST VANCOUVER DESTINATIONS
These Tickets are classed as 2 Zone MONDAY TO FRIDAYS ONLY
ADULTS $4.00 CONCESSION $2.75
WEEKENDS - Adults $2.75 Concession $1.75
TSAWWASSEN FERRY ROUTE Prices are ADULTS $5.50 CONCESSION $3.75

BOWEN ISLAND
1 transfer
BUS NUMBER 6 Davie Eastbound @Denny’s Restaurant on Davie & Thurlow St – Transfer onto BUS NUMBER 257 (Horseshoe Bay bus) @Georgia St (Heading Westbound)
Transfer to the Bowen Island Ferry @The Horseshoe Bay Terminal.
See BC FERRIES Website for further Ferry scheduling http://www.bcferries.com/
Bowen Island information www.bowen-island-bc.com/

CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE – GROUSE MOUNTAIN – LONSDALE QUAY/NORTH VANCOUVER
This route has 2 Transfers
BUS NUMBER 6 (Davie St Bus) @Denny’s on Davie and Thurlow St to Waterfront Station Transfer to Waterfront Station and catch the SEABUS to Lonsdale Quay
Transfer to BUS NUMBER 236 (Grouse Mountain Bus) to Capilano and Grouse.
Lonsdale Quay Website www.lonsdalequay.com/
Capilano Suspension Bridge Website www.capbridge.com/
Grouse Mountain Website www.grousemountain.com/

HORSESHOE BAY (FERRY TERMINAL) – NANAIMO
This route has 1 transfer.
BUS NUMBER 6 (Davie St Bus) – Eastbound @Denny’s Restaurant on Davie & Thurlow St – Transfer onto BUS NUMBER 257 (Horseshoe Bay Bus)@Georgia St (Heading Westbound)
See BC FERRIES Website for further Ferry scheduling http://www.bcferries.com/
Horseshoe Bay Website www.horseshoebaybc.ca/

RICHMOND/CHINESE NIGHT MARKETS
1 transfer
BUS NUMBER 6 (Davie St Bus) ……Catch @Denny’s Restaurant on Davie and Thurlow St. Transfer @Yaletown Station – Catch the RICHMOND SKYTRAIN Southbound to Richmond
Richmond Chinese Nightmarket website http://www.richmondnightmarket.com/

TSAWWASSEN FERRY TERMINAL – VICTORIA
PLEASE NOTE The Journey to Victoria from Vancouver takes roughly 3.5 hours in total travel time.
This Route involves 2 transfers.
BUS NUMBER 6 (Davie St Bus) ……Catch @Denny’s Restaurant on Davie and Thurlow St. Transfer @Yaletown Station – Catch the RICHMOND SKYTRAIN Southbound to BRIDGEPORT STATION….Transfer to the BUS NUMBER 620 Bus (Tsawwassen Ferry Bus) to the Ferry Terminal Station (Final Stop)
THIS ROUTE IS $5.50 ADULTS $3.75 CONCESSION

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Special Events – Vancouver 2013

Friday, April 12th, 2013

We are already more than a quarter a way through 2013 and that means the events calendar is really filling up now.

Listed below are the major events that will be having an effect on the city and the occupancy of the hotel for the rest of the year, be sure to check these dates so you may be aware that there is a higher potential for the hotel to sell out over these days respectively.

VANCOUVER MARATHON
5th MAY Sunday – Booking suggestion 3rd to 5th (Fri to Sun)
http://www.bmovanmarathon.ca/

MOTHERS DAY
12th May Sunday – Booking Suggestion 11th & 12th (Sat & Sun)
http://vancouver.about.com/od/vancouverevents/tp/mothersday.htm

VICTORIA DAY
20th May Monday – Booking Suggestion 17th to 26th
http://vancouver.about.com/od/vancouverevents/tp/mothersday.htm

US MEMORIAL DAY
27th May Monday – Booking suggestion 17th to 27th

CAR FREE VANCOUVER DAY/FATHERS DAY
16th June Sunday – Booking Suggestion 14th (Friday) to 17th June
http://westendbia.com/index.php?page_id=1124
And for other Car Free Festivals around the City
http://www.carfreevancouver.org/

RIO TINTO DRAGONBOAT FESTIVAL
21st – 23rd June (Friday) – Booking Suggestion 20th (thurs) to 24th
http://dragonboatbc.ca/home/

CANADA DAY
1st July Monday – Booking Suggestion June 30th (Sun)
http://www.canadaday.canadaplace.ca/
and celebrations at Granville Island
http://www.canada-day.ca/vancouver/

US INDEPENDENCE DAY
4th July Thursday Booking Suggestion – 3rd (Weds)

CELEBRATION OF LIGHT FIREWORKS
27th July – Sat
31st July – Weds
4th August – Sat Booking Suggestions 26th July to 5th August
http://hondacelebrationoflight.com/

PRIDE PARADE
4th August Sunday – Booking suggestion 2nd to 5th August
http://www.vancouverpride.ca/Pride2013/
And check out the Davie Village Events listings
http://www.mydavievillage.com/HappeningNow.html

BRITISH COLUMBIA DAY
5th August Monday – Booking Suggestion 2nd to 6th August

LABOUR DAY
2nd Monday September – Booking Suggestion 30th Aug to 3rd September

GRAND FONDO BIKE RACE
7th September Saturday – Booking Suggestion 6th (Friday) to 8th September
http://www.rbcgranfondowhistler.com/

THANKSGIVING (CANADA) – COLUMBUS DAY (US)
14th October Monday – Booking Suggestion 13th (Sunday) to 15th

HALLOWEEN
31st October Thursday – Booking Suggestion Oct 30th (Wednesday) to Nov 1st
http://www.bcliving.ca/entertainment/spooky-halloween-events-in-vancouver-for-the-whole-family

REMEMBERANCE DAY – CANADA (VETERANS DAY – US)
11th November Monday – Booking Suggestion 10th (Sunday) to 14th

US THANKSGIVING
28th November Thursday – Booking Suggestion Nov 27th (Wednesday) to 29th

If you require further information on events, specials and deals ‘Like’ our FACEBOOK Page.
https://www.facebook.com/SunsetInnVancouver?ref=tn_tnmn

And Tourism Vancouver Home Page will also be very useful.
http://www.tourismvancouver.com/

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Vancouver has been nominated as Earth Hour Capital 2013

Friday, March 22nd, 2013

Vancouver is now proud to be awarded the accolade of The Earth Capital of 2013 due to its ongoing efforts to become a greener and more sustainable city in an ever changing climate. This has come in time for the annual Earth Day celebrations that will be happening this Saturday around the world.

http://www.earthday.ca/pub/

This coming weekend is the annual Earth Day – Earth Hour celebrations – this year, the city of Richmond to the south of Vancouver will be host to celebrate this in festival fashion for the 7th year of this occasion. If you decide to bring the family down, you will be entertained with Live music, environmental exhibits, art, dancing, food and much much more…

http://www.hellobc.com/servicefelisting/all-events/4549664/earth-day-celebration-richmond.aspx?KWDS=&LOCID=646&NBY=True&FLID=646&PN=2

Vancouver has a rich history steeped in environmentalism and it makes sense that this city would be so, just by taking a look at the local surroundings – there is a great appreciation of the land it resides in and the importance of retaining each and every ecosystem that is interwoven to each other, this is what puts Vancouver in the driving seat for the cause. The climate and geography of the area is rich in abundance of some incredible species of wildlife and plant-life with areas of special significance that is unique to us alone.

Vancouver is home to some major organizations that are now world renowned for their efforts in conservation, please take a look at some of the links below if you are interested in this.

GREENPEACE
Most of us know who Greenpeace are.
Founded in Vancouver on September 15th, 1971, Greenpeace has grown to become the world’s largest, independent environmental organization.

http://www.greenpeace.org

THE DAVID SUZUKI FOUNDATION
David Suzuki is one of the most influential persons to come from Vancouver when it comes to working within the environmental cause. The David Suzuki foundation was created in 1990 and it has grown steadily to be quite a force to be reckoned with. Its primary goal is to bring awareness to the masses of the environmental battle and to create a sustainable practice that will conserve the environment while working with Government, local business and individuals through Scientific research.

http://www.davidsuzuki.org

THE LAND CONSERVANCY
The Land Conservancy is a non for profit charitable land trust that works to preserve and protect lands of significant importance through the process of acquisition.
TLC are modeled after The National Trust in Britain, it is the only organization of is kind that recognizes the importance of the wilderness around us in BC and will do all it takes to enable long term protection of these important land masses that require extensive conservation.

http://blog.conservancy.bc.ca/

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A few ideas for Easter in Vancouver 2013

Monday, March 18th, 2013

Easter weekend is fast approaching. Check out the events that are happening in the area and if you wish to find a place for worship there will be a list of churches at the end of this blog.

STANLEY PARK MINIATURE RAILWAY – All, $8.75 per child and includes train ride and Easter egg hunt / $3.50 per adult to ride the train
Spring has sprung at the Stanley Park Miniature Train. Ride the train, hunt for Easter eggs, enjoy Easter themed crafts and visit with the Easter Bunny. Easter egg hunts take place throughout the day. Bring your own Easter basket.

March 25 2013, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

http://vancouver.ca/news-calendar/easter-at-the-stanley-park-miniature-train-march25.aspx

EASTER ON GROUSE MOUNTAIN – Easter Brunch, Easter Egg Hunts & the Easter Bunny
This year’s Easter festivities will feature delicious brunch classics for all ages and an exciting Easter Egg hunt led by the Easter Bunny himself.

Between 10am and 2pm, we will be offering a 3-course prix fixe and a children’s buffet menu. Call 604.998.5045 to reserve your table.

http://www.grousemountain.com/events/easter-brunch-2013

PLACES OF WORSHIP
Churches in the DOWNTOWN AREA- http://www.yelp.ca/search?cflt=religiousorgs&find_loc=Downtown%2C+Vancouver%2C+BC

Churches in the WEST END – http://www.yelp.ca/search?cflt=religiousorgs&find_loc=West+End%2C+Vancouver%2C+BC

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The Cherry blossoms are starting to dominate the streets of Vancouver.

Monday, March 18th, 2013

The Annual Cherry Blossom Festival gets under way this April, but that does not mean that you have to wait until then to enjoy these spectacular trees in bloom. Some of the trees are beginning to bloom quite nicely as many have actually started to show off their pink and whites during the middle of January.

As of this date (March 18th) and under gloriously Sunny skies, some of the blossoms in the West End, notably along Jervis St and Beach Avenue are already reaching full bloom on either sides of the streets, and if the weather holds up like this for a few more days, we can expect to see more signs of the mass awakening that is Spring in the city.

The link below is an interactive map that you can scroll your mouse over, so you can specifically pick and choose the area you will be in and what kind of tree is there.

http://www.vcbf.ca/maps/Map.html

The festival is a great appreciation of these majestic trees, and if you go and check out their official Webpage page, you will be able to track the progress of these trees at their locations all over the city. Some of the best places to see them are in the West End, Kitsilano and at The Burrard Street Sky train station – at this location, once these trees are fully blooming you find yourself under a canopy of startling bright pink and whites, a stunning welcome in the heart of Vancouver.

See the listings below for more events regarding the festival and for further reading on the blossoms.
http://www.tourismvancouver.com/do/explore/sightseeing/cherry_blossoms/

These are the 5 best spots to view the blossoms….

http://www.insidevancouver.ca/2012/03/17/the-5-best-spots-to-view-cherry-blossoms-now/

And if you really want to get serious about plants and more, look no further than Queen Elizabeth Park and The UBC Botanical Gardens.

http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/queen-elizabeth-park.aspx

http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/

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Explore the Georgia Strait and beyond as Whale watching Season is coming soon!

Monday, March 11th, 2013

In a little under a month the volume of Orca Whales will hopefully start to dramatically increase in numbers, and this can mean only one thing….Whale Watching Season has truly begun!

http://www.tourismvancouver.com/do/activities-attractions/whale-watching/

As has been mentioned before, this area of the world is enriched with some amazing nature and wildlife out there, and along with the mass migration of birds in the air, beneath those chilly waters of the Pacific North West we have another type of mass movement happening below.

The most common Whales that many wish to see out on the ocean are the stunning Orca (Killer Whales). If you are out there on a good day you may witness a handful of Whales, however, if you are extremely lucky, you can be the few who will witness Pods of up to 100 whales at a given time….crazy!

Not only are there Orca’s, but you may even get the chance to see Humpback Whales, Mink Whales, Grey Whales and Dolphins…also, where there are these creatures, there will be birds too…you may even catch a swooping Bald Eagle.

Many will know about the Whale Watching industry in the area – and if this is your thing, you will not be let down. The Vancouver area is ideally situated for this industry to thrive so you will have a variety of options to get out onto the seas, so you too can witness this spectacular passing migration of many sea-faring species.

Some tours do operate all year round, while others are just more seasonal, please check out the links below for tours that may suit your needs – and remember, you can always just come to the Front Desk where the staff will be able to assist in booking a suitable tour for you.

PRINCE OF WHALES
Operating all year round and located not only in Vancouver but Victoria too.

http://www.princeofwhales.com/

WILD WHALES VANCOUVER
Wild Whales are based down on Granville Island, so not a million miles from us and definitely an area to visit while you are down there….you can reserve your spot with us at the Front Desk.

http://www.whalesvancouver.com/

STEVESTON SEABREEZE ADVENTURES
Steveston is a very cute fishing village that is close to the US border, this place is quaint cute and cool and is somewhere unique to explore as it has character that looks nothing like Vancouver, so if you are more adventurous than others and want to explore some pretty neat areas and fancy a bit of Whale Watching, this will be ideal for you!

http://www.seabreezeadventures.ca/whale-watching-vancouver/

Here are a couple of cool little tidbits…a couple of years ago, a lone Grey Whale decided to be a Tourist for a couple of days and wanted to go for a wee swim through English Bay and all the way up through False Creek to its furthest end by Science World…it came by for a couple of days – much to the delight of the visitors that were in the area that day. A very rare occurance but it is not the first time. It is thought that this particular Whale may have not found enough food for its own fat reserves and may have decided to take a drastic turn in its ongoing search for sustenance.

The particular Whale is shown in the picture in the top right hand corner of this page! And check out what the media at CTV News had to say about this…

http://bc.ctvnews.ca/grey-whale-wanders-into-downtown-vancouver-1.509376

And some Surfers in Tofino had a close shave with some Orca’s last week….maybe they wanted to join in the surfing fun, or fancied some fit surfers….we will never know.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOtntDW0KnM

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