Good pals Jay & Pippa are 4 years old and always looking for adventure! Pippa loves playing with her friends & family, skiing and swimming. Jay fancies himself a rock star and loves riding his bike, playing hockey and being outside.
Photographed by Dylan Doubt | www.dylandoubt.com
Location: Kids Market, Granville Island | www.kidsmarket.ca
Boys Hat: Karibou Kids | www.facebook.com/kariboukids
Girls Hat: Little Miss Vintage | www.littlemissvintage.com
events
publisher’s note
spring is in the air! Warmer weather and longer days are just around the corner, and for families that means spring break and fun times ahead. Here on the west coast, the options for spring holidays are endless - whether it’s daytrips not far from home, family adventures afar, or mini-vacations in between. We’ve got it all covered in this issue of WestCoast Families so you can always find a great way to spend your time together.
In the fall we had the opportunity to visit Disneyland in California for Halloween to see what holidays in the Magical Kingdom are all about. It’s an experience worth having and we’re telling you all about it. If you can’t get away for a holiday afar this spring, we’ve created a Top 20 list of local adventures that will make long lasting family memories. And if you are able to hop on an airplane to an exotic destination, we found information on vaccinations and other health issues to think about before you go.
Let’s not forget about all the amazing camps that happen at Spring Break around the Lower Mainland. Biking, arts, music, gymnastics, crafts, and even aerobatics – they’re all here. We’ve listed some in this issue, and we have even more on our website to suit every child in your family.
So don’t forget to take a minute to stop and smell the flowers as you step outside this spring, because you know the west is always the first to bloom!
Art Director & Layout Krysta Furioso studio@westcoastfamilies.com
Published by National Families Network Publisher: Andrea Vance publisher@westcoastfamilies.com
For distribution inquiries, please email publisher@westcoastfamilies.com For submissions to our community calendars, please email admin@westcoastfamilies.com
To share your feedback, please email editor@westcoastfamilies.com
westcoast finds
Love Child Organics
Fortunately for nursing mothers, infants have no teeth. However, toothlessness is limiting on their other dietary choices. Most store-bought baby foods are bland and over-processed, and if you wouldn’t eat it, why would you serve it to your little one? (Unless he just bit you with his new tooth.) Love Child Organics is a local company that makes baby food that is both tasty and nutritious, with superfoods like quinoa and acerola, packaged in convenient and earth-friendly re-sealable pouches. They also make great school snacks for kids who have their chompers.
3 for $4, at Walmart and other smaller retailers
YummiGo Booster Seat
Snack Trap
You are already aware that your lovingly homebaked, organic health muffin has nothing on a three-week-old Cheerio from under the sofa to your toddler. But you can eliminate that temptation, and the potential for rodent infestation, with the handy Snack Trap. Perfect for at home or traveling, the Snack Trap, which is available in both plastic and stainless steel, admits little hands but eliminates formerly inevitable, not to mention wasteful, spills.
Stainless Steel Version $6 on www.snacktrap.com
Safety Tat
Encouraging your kids to get tattoos is probably not how you envisioned your parenting strategy (or maybe it is – we don’t judge). But kids love temporary tattoos, and parents will love the added peace of mind that comes with having your child’s ID and your contact information right on your child. Perfect for playgrounds, fairgrounds and other crowded places, SafetyTats are also great to write emergency contact numbers for kids in sports, and importantly, they are easy to take off as well.
$20 on store.safetytat.com
Children come with a lot of baggage – snacks, diapers, toys and more, and they are also too short and squirmy to eat at a regular table. You can solve both of these dilemmas with the convenient, portable YummiGo Booster Seat. Your baby can enjoy her own personal seat at any table, and the seat also has ample room to store daily travel essentials. The seat has a three-point safety harness system, and converts into an attractive, sturdy carrying bag when you and baby are on-the-go.
$45 at Jack and Lola in North Vancouver, and at various online retailers
LifeStraw
Camping creates many life-long memories for your family. Try not to make that time you were all hospitalized with beaver fever one of them. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter allows your family to drink from lakes, rivers, and other water sources, (like taps in Mexico) without worrying about contamination; enabling you and your family to enjoy the outdoors without spending all your time in the outhouse.
$20.00 on www.eartheasy.com/lifestraw
Snoozeshade
For some babies, the stroller is like valium, others need a bit more help. The SnoozeShade fits right over your stroller to block out sun, UV rays, chilly winds, and distractions like pokey older brothers so your baby can get a good sleep.
$40 at West Coast Kids in Richmond, and online at happybabydailyneeds.com
Car Play Mats
Vroom Vroom! Your automobile enthusiast will love this adorable personalized (for boys or girls) car tote. It’s a perfect way to carry around all your Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars, and it even comes with a handy racetrack for impromptu Indy 500’s wherever you happen to be.
$15 on www.etsy.com/shop/kadynamelia
Travel Doodler Chalk Mat
Writing on the back of the airplane seat? Bad. Ditto with the tablecloth at a restaurant. But your little graffiti artist can tag away to his heart’s content with the Travel Doodler Chalkmat. Great for budding Basquiats, as well for games of tick-tack-toe and hangman while you’re en route or waiting in an airport and it rolls up conveniently when you’re done. $15 on www.etsy.com/shop/VictoriasArtsnCrafts
Seido iPhone and iPad Covers
Although iPads and iPhones were obviously not designed to bounce or as projectiles, unfortunately when you have kids, tablets and smartphones are sometimes (often) subjected to more than the recommended amount of dropping and smashing (the recommended amount is none, FYI). Seidio Active cases fit onto your devices snugly and are light and protect with two layers, and also come with built-in kickstands, finger grips and more.
Starting at $30 on www.seidioonline.com
Disneyland A Special Brand of Magic for the Holidays
By Andrea Vance
what happens when you mix Mickey Mouse and Buzz Lightyear with Jack Skellington and Santa Claus? You get some of the most amazing experiences at Disneyland Resort in California! We had never thought of Disneyland for the holidays, but we had a chance last fall to visit the park and see it for ourselves.
Our visit in October started at the beautiful Grand Californian Hotel, with Disneyland Park, Disney California AdventurePark, and Downtown Disney just steps away. In spite of many visits to Disneyland, this was our first experience at a Disney Resort Hotel. I had never seen the true benefits of staying at one of the resort properties in the past, but the amenities and location quickly proved to us that it was worth it.
Our room slept a family of five comfortably with bunk beds and a trundle bed, a large bathroom, a small fridge and lots of space for luggage. Opening up the balcony door revealed a view of the pools, hot tubs and waterslides, with a backdrop of California Park. There’s great restaurants on site, and we found a cafeteria-style eatery with great take-outs that we could put in the fridge for nighttime and morning snacking. With three kids in our group, this was a lifesaver.
We wasted no time in dropping our bags the first afternoon and heading over to Disneyland. This was a Sunday, and the park was very busy with lots of locals and annual pass holders. We found that waiting until after eight pm meant much shorter line-ups for most rides. With a four year old in our crew, the stroller was an essential item for late nights and lots of walking. If you can’t bring your own, there are plenty of stroller rentals on-site. We took advantage of the first evening to orient ourselves at the park, get in a few late night rides, and just take in the scene.
Our second day was October 29 and we had tickets to Mickey’s Halloween Party for the evening starting at three pm – one of many dates throughout October. The park closes at five pm to general ticket holders, and the Halloween festivities start shortly after for those who had purchased the special $69 ticket. Special event ticket prices vary by date, and are much cheaper if you buy online in advance. The kids excitedly put on their costumes, and the parents wore some fun hats and wigs, and off we went. We thought we were a pretty good looking crew ready for some trick or treating, but we had no idea just how amazing the other party-goers Halloween outfits would be that night.
Forgot your costumes? No problem! Downtown Disney is full of them – from Tinkerbell to Buzz Lightyear (and beyond). Sorry, Mom and Dad, although Disneyland strongly encourages you to fulfill your lifelong fantasy to become Super Mario (and you will fit in), adults dressing as a Disney character is a big no-no.
For the October celebrations, Disneyland goes all out with amazing décor –from the 300 uniquely carved pumpkins on Main Street, to the redesign of the Haunted Mansion “Holiday” inspired by Jack Skellington, from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. This is a Halloween wonderland full of surprises, and even more so during the special party nights.
Even though we had brought our own handmade treat bags, we were given a special Disneyland treat bag at the park entrance and the kids loved the souvenir. There were treat stations all over the park, and it did not take long at all before we had our bags full of yummy chocolate bars, lollipops, and candies. We were really happy to see virtually no lineups for the treat stations, but we did hear from others who attended on Halloween night that the lineups were much longer. Because the Halloween Party night is limited to special ticket holders only, ride lineups were also shorter.
Mickey’s Costume Party Cavalcade parade at night was a great opportunity to see all the characters in one spot, and the nighttime Halloween Screams Fireworks Spectacular was just that – spectacular! This was a night for some of Disney’s wickedest villains like Cruella De Vil and Jafar to make grand appearances. We even found Mickey, Donald, Minnie, Goofy, and all the classic characters at a dance party in Frontierland where everyone could join in. How often do you get to shake it up with the Disney crew?
Cars Land
Haunted Mansion
Grand Californian Hotel
We maximized our night and stayed late. By 9:30pm there were no ride lineups to be found and with the little one sleeping soundly in the stroller we took advantage of this time to hit all the great rides like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Space Mountain “Ghost Galaxy” over and over.
Even though the Halloween Party night ended and we all went home happy and exhausted, our trip was far from over. We took full advantage of being a guest at a Disney Resort Hotel, and used the early access for California Adventure Park the next day. This means you can get FASTPASS tickets to the busiest rides, and lineup for your favourite attractions at either Park before the general public is even let in. A huge perk, especially during the high volume dates.
We found that California Adventure Park had lots of great options for rides and attractions for older kids, like the California Screamin’ roller coaster and Mickey’s Fun Wheel at Paradise Pier. Neither is for the faint of heart. If you love a thrill, absolutely do not miss The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror in Hollywood Land. It was a top favourite for the teens and adults in our group, hands down. The central food area was great and on this hot day, the parents even got to enjoy a beer and a margarita at lunch.
Cars Land opened last year, and you will be stunned when you walk through the gates into Radiator Springs. Disney went all out to make this a full visual experience, and you don’t want to miss it. Radiator Springs Racers is the fast road-racing ride that everyone in our group loved, but lineups can be long. A hint to visitors: use the “singles” line to cut your wait time down drastically. You can also get FASTPASS tickets for the Racers if you get to the park early. Pull up to Flo’s V8 Café for a refill too.
After 4 days at the resort, exploring the hotel and parks, it was time to go home. We were happy and tired, and buzzing with excitement. Before this trip, we hadn’t heard much about the holidays at Disneyland. Now that we’ve experienced it first-hand, it’s something we’ll aspire to do again and again. If you are looking for a new way to spend the holidays, and you want to visit Disneyland, this is a great opportunity to combine two experiences into one.
To find out more information on special holidays at Disneyland, go to: disneyland.disney.go.com/events
To view the best deals and special offers for visitors from BC, be sure to use the special Canadian Disneyland website: www.disneyland.ca
Holidays at Disneyland Park
Christmas is one of the most festive times of year at the Resort, and they do it up big! Every aspect of the Parks, Downtown Disney, and the hotel resorts are decorated to reflect the season’s magic. Many attractions and rides are also redesigned and decorated to provide an experience like no other:
• Sleeping Beauty Castle has snow-capped towers with icicles and lights
• It’s a Small World embraces festivities and traditions from around the globe
• Santa joins all the Disney characters for the Christmas Fantasy Parade.
• Believe… in Holiday Magic Fireworks Spectacular each evening, with a grand finale where snow falls and icicles appear throughout the park.
• Jingle Jangle Jamboree at Big Thunder Ranch in Frontierland where Santa and Mrs. Claus celebrate Christmas ‘western style’.
This is a busy time of year at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park so be sure to plan ahead, allow plenty of time to explore, and be prepared!
>> “Sharks and Rays” at the Vancouver Aquarium
For a limited time, visitors to the Vancouver Aquarium will get to see and learn about some of the ocean’s most stunning and fascinating animals. Opening February 7, The Secret World of Sharks and Rays dives into the amazing lifestyles of some not-so-famous sharks and their cousins – the skates, rays and ratfishes.
“We are excited to introduce guests to these intriguing and often misunderstood creatures,” says Clint Wright, senior vice-president and general manager of the Vancouver Aquarium. “Whether you’re curious about their hunting strategies or the human activities that put these creatures at peril, or if you’d simply like to be awed by their magnificence, The Secret World of Sharks and Rays has something for everyone.”
Ever wonder what makes a shark a fierce hunter or how they achieve incredible stealth and speed through the water? Did you know that some sharks are capable of virgin births? Have you ever seen a stingray suck up its prey? Uncover these fascinating facts and behaviours as you explore the Aquarium’s newest animals, exhibits and shows for The Secret World of Sharks and Rays
Discover the sharks and rays that can be found living in B.C. waters, like the Pacific spiny dogfish and the endangered basking shark, in one of our new interpretive shows. Explore incredible life-sized models of thresher, basking and the bluntnose sixgill sharks in the Pacific Canada Pavilion. The Secret World of Sharks and Rays also provides an inside look into ways that humans can help protect these amazing animals in the wild. View the daily schedule of The Secret World of Sharks and Rays at www.vanaqua.org.
>> Parents may be the last to know when a teen or
young adult is struggling with depression and other mental health issues
More than 60 per cent of Canadian teens and young adults, aged 15 to 25, who experience a mental health issue do not seek professional help. Speak Up, a program funded by Coast Capital Savings and Fraser Health, was launched last month to address this very problem. The program’s goal is to get teens and young adults to join the conversation about mental health before their issues mushroom and become worse, requiring intensive treatment such as hospitalization.
Speak Up offers an interactive web page at www.mindcheck.ca/speakup where teens and young adults can respond – in privacy – to mental health questions, share tips for dealing with mental health challenges as well as movies and books that inspire them, and generally express themselves by uploading photos, videos, writing and music.
Signs that a teen or young adult may be dealing with a mental health issue are noticeable changes such as: loss of interest or pleasure in activities; not wanting to be with family or friends and withdrawing from activities; having problems sleeping; and being grumpy and irritable with family and friends.
The Speak Up program is also bringing the mental health conversation into Fraser Health region schools. Over the next three years, mental health educators will talk about the signs and symptoms of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, psychosis and substance misuse, and youth peer mentors will share their lived experiences. Teachers across the region will be offered a mental health lesson plan to support students in joining this important conversation. Speak Up, a Fraser Health initiative, is funded in large part by a generous $432,000 donation from Coast Capital Savings.
Please visit www.mindcheck.ca/speakup for more information.
>> Alzheimer’s disease affects a large number of British Columbian adults: 39% know someone with the disease, and the majority (61%) are concerned about getting Alzheimer’s in the future. There is optimism though, as 52% expect there will be a cure in the next ten years.
An online survey conducted by Insights West of 513 British Columbians, released to coincide with Alzheimer Awareness Month in January, finds the majority of adults (61%) are concerned about being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, even though only 39% have been directly impacted by the disease. But there is also optimism, as the majority (52%) believe there will be a cure found in the next ten years. Alzheimer’s disease is the third most-feared disease among British Columbians. Cancer concerns are the highest, with 74% of British Columbians concerned about contracting cancer (39% are very concerned). Slightly fewer are concerned about being diagnosed with heart disease (69% concerned, 31% very concerned), and a small majority are concerned about diabetes (57%, 25% very concerned). Seventy thousand British Columbians are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia and 15,000 more are diagnosed with the disease each year. www.alzheimer.ca
Family Orienteering Fun
The Easy-to-Learn Outdoor Adventuring Sport
think of it as a twist on the Hansel and Gretel tale. A brother and sister working together, following a trail of bread crumbs through the woods to find their way home, only in this case the ‘bread crumbs’ are orange and white flagged checked electronic timer checkpoints that you have to find using just a map, a compass and your ingenuity. (Also, no one almost gets eaten by a witch.)
That’s Orienteering, the growing Canadian national sport, and it’s all about the challenge of outdoor navigation, fitness fun, and problem solving on the go.
In orienteering, the objective is to run, walk, ski or mountain bike between each of several control point locations on a course – using a course map showing where the control points are located, a compass and a Sport-Ident (SI) stick (a cool little digital timing device worn on the index finger that you insert at each control point) – and to get back to the finish line in the shortest amount of time.
“We really encourage newcomers and families to participate together as a team”, says Alison Price, spokesperson with The Greater Vancouver Orienteering Club (GVOC), which hosts weekly training sessions and oncea-month ‘Why Just Run’ orienteering competitions at various park and urban locations all around Metro Vancouver and beyond.
The Vancouver-based orienteering club is one of a number of clubs around BC linked together under the Orienteering Association of BC banner. The Club’s Why Just Run race series recently won “Best Orienteering Race” for Western Canada in Get Out There magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards.
“It’s a great team-building family activity ”, says Price about the all-year round outdoor sport that has an all-ages following right across Canada, “and it’s a fun way to get kids interacting with the environment and learning to use and read a map”.
Our family got started with the we registered for the Club’s 2-day fall event in Whistler that included an easy beginners level trail-based walking course around Lost Lake, a kid-friendly mini course, a funky urban course through Whistler Village and a more rigorous on-the-mountain course.
On the forested Lost Lake course our kids, aged 8 and 10, had a blast learning how to read a map and see who could be first on our team to get to the next control and insert their SI digital timing device. Before they knew it, they’d both had a great hike and we’d all got in some excellent family problemsolving exercise studying the course map and figuring out which trails to take to get us to the required check points and then on to the finish line.
The Whistler urban event found our team sprinting through the pedestrianfriendly streets of the village in search of the sometimes elusive and cleverly hidden checkpoints. Easy exercise and lots of laughs were had on this scavenger hunt-like race.
The cost to register our family of 4 for each GVOC orienteering event was only $20 - a steal of a deal! A full years’ family membership with the clubrequired for insurance coverage - was just an additional $20. GVOCs’ Wednesday Evening Training (WET) events are free with the annual membership fee. All other required equipment, such as maps, compasses and SI digital timers, are provided as part of the entry fee.
While kids under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in the clubs’ races, spokesperson Alison Price wants families to be assured that “we always have an open beginners course that allows families to go out on the course as a team to learn and work together”.
For kids who are really keen about learning how to orienteer on their own, the GVOC is holding a 6-week junior development training program that gets underway in April. Contact national program director Meghan Rance at Orienteering Canada (meghan.rance@gmail.com) for more details.
Event information, including details on how to pre-register, can be found at www.gvoc.whyjustrun.ca.
Get Outside!
Just want try out an orienteering event with your family during Spring Break to see if it’s something you’d like to pursue? GVOC is hosting 2 events that may interest you: on Sunday March 17, head out to Silver Valley in Maple Ridge, for one of the longer, forested Why Just Run events. Alternatively, come to Queen’s Park in New Westminster on Wednesday March 20 for the Wednesday Evening Training (WET) session.
Discover Spring Break Fun in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains
Kick off Spring Break with some fun and excitement in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Region! You don’t have to go far to discover great activities that are suitable for the whole family. It’s time to discover some of the amazing things in your own backyard!
Spend some quality time outside at Manning Park Resort, located approximately 40 minutes southeast of Hope. Snowshoeing is a popular family activity and there are marked snowshoe trails
that are perfect for beginners. Try the Similkameen Trail which follows along the Similkameen River and forested areas and takes approximately 30 minutes return. The whole family will also have fun conquering the Polar Coaster Tube Park. Four different runs are offered for the beginner to the advanced and there’s even a lift service back to the top of the hill! The resort lodge offers comfortable rooms and self-contained cabins are also available for overnight stays.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly attraction close to the city, visit the Vancouver Lookout. Located in downtown Vancouver, it’s one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. The round observation deck rests high above the street and a glass elevator transports people 170 metres (450 feet) above street level in just 40 seconds!
At the top you’ll find a 360 degree view of downtown Vancouver, the Pacific Ocean, Coal Harbour and the North Shore Mountains. Kids ages 3 to 15 can participate in the Junior Pilot’s Program, where they will have fun learning all about Vancouver. Upon completing the program “graduates” will be presented with a Golden Wing Badge and certificate. Afterwards, check in to a downtown hotel and then come back to the Vancouver Lookout after dark with your all-day ticket. The city lights are spectacular at night!
For those wanting to unearth some fun, head to the Britannia Mine Museum in Britannia Beach, north of West Vancouver along the Sea to Sky Highway. The museum is a designated National Historic Site and a British Columbia Historic Landmark. Children will love being able to climb aboard an underground mine train and ride it through an authentic mining tunnel. Every visit also includes gold panning and the chance to take home real gold! When your little miners start getting tired, head to nearby Squamish where you’ll find comfortable accommodations and great restaurants such as The Nest. The three course kids menu is sure to be a hit!
Visit 604Pulse.com for event information, travel ideas and our favourite things to see and do in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Region!
Written by Crystal Solberg
DaytriporOvernightStayT
The best weekenders or oneday adventures in the Lower Mainland and beyond!
day trips
Whale Watching
From the charming village of Steveston in Richmond, you can hop of a comfy Zodiac with Vancouver Whale Watch, and have an over 90% chance of seeing whales, along with porpoises, seals, sea lions and a plethora of birds and other wildlife. Afterwards the 3-5 hour tour, stop in for fish and chips at Pajo’s Fish and Chips on the wharf. www.vancouverwhalewatch.com
www.pajos.com
Westham Island
Take the Ladner exit of of Highway 19 to Ladner, and follow the signs to Westham Island. Stop at the Westham Island Herb Farm and visit the goats and bunnies and pick up some fresh produce and delicious preserves made on site. The follow the road to the Reifel Bird Sanctuary, where you can spend hours observing and feeding over seventeen different varieties of ducks, along with Sandhill Cranes, owls and many many more. On the way home pick up a bottle of wine from Westham Island Estate Winery.
www.westhamislandherb.ca
www.reifelbirdsanctuary.com
www.westhamislandwinery.com
Victoria
Board the BC ferries to Swartz Bay. Stop in Sidney for a jelly doughnut at the classic Sidney Bakery, and discover the treasures of the Salish Sea at the interactive Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre at the wharf in Sidney. Then head downtown and visit Canada’s oldest Chinatown, stroll the Inner Harbour, and take in the spectacular First Nations art and history exhibits at the Royal BC Museum, before eating a delicious dinner while heading home on the BC Ferries decadent onboard Pacific Buffet.
Begin your day traipsing through the treetops on the treetop walkway of the UBC Botanical Garden, then visit the astonishing collections at the Museum of Anthropology. Finish up your educational tour underneath the skeleton of a real blue whale at the Beaty Museum of Biodiversity. Finally, take a nature walk through beautiful Pacific Spirit Park down to Spanish Banks Beach where you can have a surprisingly delicious dinner al fresco at the East Spanish Banks Concession Stand.
www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca
www.moa.ubc.ca
www.beatymuseum.ubc.ca
Burnaby
Spend a few hours discovering history at Burnaby Village Museum and ride the carousel, then rent a canoe on Deer Lake for an afternoon of fishing. In the evening hit the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts to see a show.
www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca
www.deerlakeboatrentals.com
www.shadboltcentre.com
Snowshoeing to Hollyburn Lodge
Drive up to Cypress Mountain and take the family on a showshoe over to Hollyburn Lodge. Once you are there, sit everyone down for a threecourse fondue feast before snowshoeing back down again.
www.cypressmountain.com/hollyburn-lodge
Fort Langley
Experience some firsthand history at the Fort Langley National Historic Site, before relaxing in the orchards at Vista D’oro, where you can pick up their decadent seasonal artisanal preserves. Finish up with some dinner at the Domaine de Chaberton Estate Winery’s restaurant, Bacchus, open for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays.
www.pc.gc.ca/fortlangley
www.vistadoro.com
www.domainedechaberton.com/Bacchus
Chuckanut Drive
Take the I-5 South to Exit 250, to Fairhaven and have a bite at the Dos Padres Mexican restaurant, then head on Chuckanut Drive for over 17 kilometres of beaches, views of the San Juan Islands, and quaint farmhouses. www.dospadres.net
www.chuckanutdrive.com
overnighters
Mayne Island
Take a short ferry ride from Tsawwassen to spend the day hiking the various trails around the island. Visiting the shops of local artisans (and don’t miss the farmers’ market in summer months), have dinner at the Bennet Bay Bistro, before getting cozy at the beautiful Fairview Farm Bed and Breakfast. www.mayneisland.com www.fairviewonmayne.com www.bennettbaybistro.com
Harrison Hot Springs and Minter Gardens
Avoid the ferry hassle and head east for the weekend! Take Highway 1 to the Agassiz-Rosedale Highway, and visit the famous Minter gardens. Have lunch at their lovely café and then move on to Harrison Hotsprings Resort. Once you are unpacked, grab a snack and head out for a hike on the Sandy Cove Trail. Then treat yourself to dinner at the Copper Room and a long soak in the warm springs.
www.tourismharrison.com
www.mintergardens.com
www.harrisonresort.com
Manning Park
Drive past Hope (but not before stopping for some excellent pie at the Home Restaurant) up to the beautiful Crow’s Nest Pass, to Manning Park Resort. Visit Lightening Lake before settling into your suite to relax, eat at Pinewoods Dining Room, and sit in front of the fire planning your next day activities on the lake or the trails.
www.homerestaurants.ca
www.manningpark.com
White Rock
If you’re feeling rained in and are looking for a break in the sky, the place in the Lower Mainland most likely to be sunny is Whiterock. Peer up at million-dollar homes perched on the cliffs, visit the deep-water pier, and wade or swim at the beach’s warm waters, and check out the town’s namesake white rock. Have dinner and listen to live music while the sun sets at Iguana’s Beach Grill.
www.iguanaswhiterock.com
www.whiterockcity.ca
Qualicum Beach
Take the ferry from Horeseshoe Bay to Nanaimo and then take the Old Island Highway up past Parksville to Qualicum. Spend the day beachcombing, hiking, or even spelunking before checking into the oceanfront Sand Pebbles Inn. Have a leisurely dinner over the rising tide at the Beach House Café next door.
www.spebbles.com
www.qualicumbeach.com
The Sunshine Coast
Take the Langdale ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Gibsons, where you can see Beachcombers memorabilia and have lunch at Molly’s Reach before strolling around the quaint village and beach. Then take a drive up to Davis Bay where you can fish off the pier, before settling down in Roberts Creek at Cottage Al Sole. Wake up and wander the extensive gardens before going to the Gumboot Garden Café for your morning meal.
www.mollysreach.ca
www.cottagealsole.com
Cowichan Valley/ Saanich
Peninsula Farm, Wine and Cider Tour
Take the ferry over to Nanaimo and drive south, “Down Island,” through the Cowichan Valley. Follow the farm wine tour signs and discover Merridale Cidery, and bunk down with the water buffalos for the night at Fairburn Farmstay and Guesthouse, Canada’s first working water buffalo farm. Take the Swartz Bay ferry home the next day.
www.merridalecider.com
www.fairburnfarm.bc.ca
Kayak around Deep Cove
If the day is sunny and calm, there’s no better place than Deep Cove. Have a filling lunch at Deep Cove Fine Foods before getting a kayak from Deep Cove Kayaks, located right on the beach in the tranquil harbour. Then spend the afternoon paddling around the myriad small islands in the cove. Adventurous families can even make it down to the waterfall at the end of Indian Arm.
www.covefinefoods.com
www.deepcovekayak.com
Saltspring Island
Hop on the ferry at Tsawwassen to Long Harbour – and don’t forget to bring your bikes! Grab a coffee at Saltspring Coffee, before spending the day in Ganges perusing one of BC’s first and finest farmer’s markets for treasures edible and otherwise. Then head over for dinner at Moby’s. Stay in a charming lakeside cottage at Cusheon lake Resort.
www.saltspringcoffee.com
www.mobys.ca
www.cusheonlake.com
Pemberton
Take some time on the beautiful Sea-to-Sky Highway to stop at the Britannia Mining Museum before having organic pizza in Whistler at Creek Bread. Then drive up to Pemberton, and take a horseback ride through the valley with Adventures on Horseback. Have dinner at The Wood Restaurant, before going to sleep at the cozy Pemberton Valley Lodge.
www.adventuresonhorseback.com
www.thewoodrestaurant.com
www.pembertonvalleylodge.com
Bowen Island
Take the ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Snug Cove on Bowen Island, and take out a kayak for a couple of hours from Bowen Island Sea Kayaking right on the dock. Grab lunch from the Village Baker Café, before setting off around Killarney Lake for a two-hour walk. Have a pizza dinner at Tuscany, and if you can’t bring yourselves to leave, grab a room at Evergreen Hall Bed and Breakfast.
bowenislandkayaking.com
villagebaker.ca
tuscanypizza.com
www.evergreenhall.com
When you’re looking for events, activities and accommodations when you’re on vacation, there’s no better tool than your SmartPhone. Check out these handy sites and apps that will help your trip go more smoothly, and may even save you money (or in two cases, even your life).
www.art-bc.com
The Arts and Cultural Guide for British Columbia can tell you what festivals are happening, where the galleries are, and what’s going on in the art and culture of this province, organized by time of year and region
www.onthegokids.com
Find out what’s going on for kids and families in and around Vancouver and Toronto (with more cities coming soon) right now, this weekend or next week! Browse event listings, read a full event description and plan your time with your kids by building a personalized schedule. You can even share event details on Facebook or tweet what you’re up to.
maps.nationalgeographic.com
National Geographic MapMachine lets you locate any place on earth, then search and print historical information about those places. Use Atlas Explorer to investigate far-off places in the world, or just the closest beach, and create unique puzzles with the Atlas Puzzle creator.
www.voxer.com
Voxer is an integrated multimedia “push-to-talk” application. It lets you send instant audio, text and photo messages to your friends (to both individuals and groups). Messages stream live as you talk, you can choose to speak instantly or listen to recorded audio later.
www.helpcallapp.com
You and your family can travel the world with peace of mind when you have the Help Call App, available in iTunes. Help Call is designed to help you quickly place important emergency phone calls in your current country location.
www.mpassport.com
mPassport allows you to find medical professionals and schedule appointments wherever you happen to be. It also helps you locate emergency services, hospitals and pharmacies, and translate medication names, medical terms and phrases into the language of the country you’re visiting.
www.songza.com
Sick and tired of your own playlists, or even worse, the music your kids have put on your phone? Songza is a free streaming music service that has expert-made playlists for working, relaxing, or entertaining, and makes it easy to find the right one at the right time.
www.whiptheapp.com
The new way to create, share, and discover awesome social albums. Whiptheapp allows you to relive and share the funny, quirky, moving, awe-inspiring stories that make up your life with. Effortlessly blend your photos, text and more together to tell these stories in just a few taps.
www.tripadvisor.com
This great website and app makes it easy to find hotels and restaurants near where you are, with handy user ratings and reviews, along with price ranges, pictures and more.
www.rvparkreviews.com
The self-explanatory website is the TripAdvisor of the camping and RVing world. Check out the ratings of your RV parks along your road trip before you get there.
funspringbreak
The Village Scavenger Hunt
Burnaby Village Museum, Burnaby
March 16-24, 12noon-4pm
Storybooks - Heroes, villains and quirky characters and places from children’s stories - come to life through a scavenger hunt, crafts and performances. Special Event pricing includes carousel rides.
604.297.4565
www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca
Medieval Mayhem at Science World
Vancouver
March 10-23
Take the kids to explore medieval science together. Make-and-take activities include Crazy Catapulting, Create a Crown, Lego: A Castle Adventure, Pocket Full of Posies. www.scienceworld.ca
Jump In and Take a Swim
Watermania and Minoru Aquatic Centre, Richmond
March 15 – April 1
Enjoy extended pool hours with water slides, hot tubs, diving boards, rope swings, kids pools, and much more. www.richmond.ca
Zoo Tours
Urban Safari Rescue Society, Surrey
There are about 200 animals at this indoor zoo - exotic insects, arachnids, amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals - mostly rescues and surrenders from people who got them as pets and can no longer care for them. $10 adults, $6 children/seniors, kids 3 & under free. 604.531.1100 | www.urbansafarirescue.ca
Spring into Action
Sports Hall of Fame, Vancouver
Test your skills with the Ultimate Trivia Challenge, RunClimb-Play in the Participation Zone (free!), take a photo on a real 2010 Vancouver podium, and much more. www.bcsportshalloffame.com
Ride the Dinosaur Train
Railway Heritage Park in Squamish
March 16-31
Come Ride the Dinosaur Train to the giant Roundhouse and search for fossils, find their footprints, get up close to your favourite TV Dinosaur friends and other activities. Get your photo with Buddy. Tickets $25.
604.898.9336 | www.wcra.org
Park Rider Ski & Snowboard Event
Whistler Blackcomb, Whistler
March 24
Featuring an early season All Rounder Park Jam and Slopestyle taking place on both mountains, utilizing the best terrain available. Competitions open to skiers and snowboarders, all ages welcome unless an age range is indicated in the title of the event. www.whistlerblackcomb.com
Explore
History
Fort Langley National Historic Site, Fort Langley March 16-24, 10am-5pm
Help plant the heritage garden, watch a baking demonstration at noon, and hear the historic weapons demonstration at 3:30 pm. Regular admission applies; free for annual pass holders www.pc.gc.ca/fortlangley
Lace it up at Grandview Lanes
Vancouver
Starting at just $35 you can rent a lane for up to six bowlers for an hour for five-pin and 10-pin bowling. Try Glow-In-The-Dark Bowling to make it even more fun. Kids shoe rentals are free.
www.grandviewbowling.com
Create and Learn
Beaty Biodiversity Museum, Vancouver
Create biodiversity crafts, learn at activity stations, explore the Allan Yap Discovery Lab, watch films in the Allan Yap Theatre, and participate in biodiversity themed scavenger hunts. Schedules may change so be sure to check online calendar of daily and special programs!
www.beatymuseum.ubc.ca
Look, Learn & Make
Vancouver Art Gallery
Things that Go Vrooooooom!
Vancouver
If you have a kid that is obsessed with anything that goes vroom vroom, take them to the Trev Deeley Motorcycle Exhibition. The current show is called Made in America, featuring the history of the motorcycle industry in North America. Open to public seven days a week, admission by donation.
www.deeleymotorcycleexhibition.ca
March 18-29, Daily 12-4pm, in the Gallery
VAG presents the Gallery’s Special extended Weekly Family Programs. Join our fun team of Art Agents to learn more about the current exhibitions. Then check out The Making Place and try a range of hands-on activities inspired by what you have seen in the gallery. All activities are FREE for Members or with Gallery admission.
www.vanartgallery.bc.ca
Take a hike in Lynn Canyon
Learn about everything from bears to bats (topics change daily) during Wildlife Weeks at the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre. Suggested donation $2/person or $5/family.
www.dnv.org/ecology
MORE CONTENT ONLINE! Looking for more Spring Break Camps?
Visit www.westcoastfamilies.com
Take in a show!
Enjoy the funniest, most mischievous feline in The Cat in the Hat at the Waterfront Theatre, Vancouver from February 23March 30. For Ages 3 and Up. www.carouseltheatre.ca
Take the kids on a mysterious and adventurous journey that dives 100 years into the past, in the Raven Meets the Monkey King at Evergreen Cultural Centre on March 19-21. www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca
Send the kids to camp
Machines & Me!
Science World
March 16-April 1 www.telusworldofscience.com/vancouver
Swim and Bike camps
Atlantis Programs, Point Grey and North Vancouver
March 18-29
www.atlantisprograms.com
Jump and Play
Jump Gymnastics, Vancouver
March 18-28
www.jumpgymnastics.ca
Performing and Visual Art Camps
Arts Umbrella, Granville Island
March 18-28
www.artsumbrella.com
CircusWest
PNE Garden Auditorium, Vancouver
March 18-28
www.circuswest.com
Crafty Spring Break Camp
Create It Emporium, Surrey
March 18-29
www.createitemporium.com
Ignite your Creativity!
Place Des Arts, Coquitlam
March 18-28
www.placedesarts.ca
Performing and Visual Arts Camps
Evergreen Cultural Centre, Coquitlam
March 18-28
www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca
School of Rock
Tom Lee Music, Vancouver
March 18-22
www.tomleemusic.ca/learningcentre
mom westcoast Ellie Harvie Actor & Activist
By Stephanie MacDonald | Photo by Taran Rai
perhaps best known as the exuberantly morbid Morticia Addams on “The New Addams Family” on TV, Ellie Harvie is lately taking on two of her most challenging roles yet: working mom to five-year-old Simon, and outspoken activist for the foundering BC film and television industry.
Born in Belleville, Ontario, Ellie first came out to BC at the urging of a theatre professor with whom she was taking an elective drama class at the end of a political science degree. “There was a theatre school at the Vancouver Playhouse and he thought it would be right up my alley,” she says. “At the time people were talking about Vancouver because of “21 Jump Street”, so the city had a bit of a buzz”. From there the young actress cut her teeth doing local theatre and improv comedy before beginning to land small roles in films like “Happy Gilmore”, and TV shows such as “The X Files,” leading up to her vampy star turn as Morticia in 1998. For the next twelve years, Ellie worked steadily in many films and series, supplementing her income with lucrative commercial work, and getting her “live fix” from doing improv and stand-up comedy work. “I used to only want to do edgy adult-oriented comedy, before Simon,” she laughs, “but now I just love doing kid’s stuff.” On a recent trip to Winnipeg to film the latest in the “Home Alone” franchise, Simon enjoyed a first-hand look at behind-the-scenes of a real film. But when asked if she would encourage her son to pursue a career on the stage or screen, the answer is an unequivocal “No for many reasons. I never wanted to do anything else, but it is a really tough business.”
And it’s especially hard for people in the industry here in Vancouver. “In a nutshell, two summers ago I noticed that my auditions had dwindled down to virtually nothing, and when I investigated, I found that there were 28 shows filming in Toronto and just eight here”. This was the result of the Ontario Government’s 25% “all in” tax rebate that was luring productions out East. “I thought, I’ve got to do something about this! So I ran for the board of directors of the Union of BC Performers… and was elected.”
According to many within the industry, much of the general public is under the misconception that the film industry is all rich Hollywood people seeking subsidies. The truth is that the industry employs over 25,000 people directly and indirectly in British Columbia. These people are not only performers, but accountants, construction workers, scenic painters, set decorators, lighting technicians, carpenters, graphic designers, and people from all walks of life and all creative backgrounds. BC built this industry up, has fantastic infrastructure like studios, and a talented and experienced workforce, but with the other provinces undercutting BC when it comes to tax incentives, these attributes are just not enough to be competitive.
“And what worries me, is that once you lose this great infrastructure, it’s not coming back,” Ellie warns. “What worries me is that the studios will be turned into condos.”
Making it even more difficult for BC performers, Ellie explains, is that they can’t even go to Toronto to work, as to be eligible for the province’s 25% labour credit, you have to be a taxpaying resident of Ontario. “So you can’t get hired unless you’ve been living in Ontario for more than six months.”
Recent polls suggest the majority of British Columbians are in favour of the government’s ongoing and strengthened support of “Hollywood North”, with 83% supporting an increase in subsidies to Ontario and Quebec levels.
In November, Ellie hosted the first annual UBCP and the national branch ACTRA awards at the CBC studio in Vancouver, awarding acting, voice and stunt performers from BC. The event received much attention and helped highlight and raise the profile of the talent this province has to offer, and Ellie is not stopping there. With the forthcoming election, Ellie and her cohorts on the UBCP Board of Directors are going to make sure that saving the film industry is a big part of the debate.
By bringing attention to this cause, which affects so many British Columbians, Ellie Harvie might not be in front of a camera as much as usual, but she is playing hero to many families struggling with unemployment in the industry. Her reward will not be in the form of a statue, but if she succeeds, it will mean renewed prosperity to an important and beloved industry in this province.
Recent polls suggest the majority of British Columbians are in favour of the government’s ongoing and strengthened support of “Hollywood North”, with 83% supporting an increase in subsidies to Ontario and Quebec levels.
Kids & Travel
Make travel with kids fun and easy
By Julie Nowell
when planning a travel post, I asked my husband about his best tip for travelling with kids.
Full of seriousness he replied ” Don’t” Seriously. That was his tip.
Just don’t travel with kids. It is exhausting, expensive and frustrating. So why do we do it?
We recently spent two weeks in St. Lucia with our three kids (aged eight, six and three) It took us 24 hours to get there, and 38 to get home. We travelled red eyes on the way there and spent three days recovering. It was hotter than expected and we spent most of the two weeks fighting with our three year old to wear clothing and shoes. There was one dinner – just one in two weeks – where every kid was pleasant at the table. Just one where no one was crying, or fussing, or complaining.
So, again? Why do we do this?
We do this because of the day my eight year old spent playing water soccer with some boys from Soufrie, the moment she understood that those little tin houses were where they lived, all in the same room, were good enough for them. Kind of puts the fight of having your own room into perspective. We did it so our kids could understand that when there is a lack of space and income, the goats tied up outside the door are a needed source of food. It isn’t cruel, they are not pets. Even though we would consider them as something more than a food source.
Our kids explored flora and fauna otherwise unavailable to them in the cold weather of BC. They explored bad traffic due to poor city planning, and lack of infrastructure that created lines up for gas, and food and travel. They engaged with the kids club ladies who all raised kids in St Lucia, and they walked away with an appreciation for what they have, and how many opportunities are open to them.
We do this so our kids know what it is like to be really tired, and still be able to make their way through customs with a smile on their face. We do this so they can see the how big the world is, how different, and to be able to have a vision of it from above as they fly over cities, towns and seas.
It creates understanding, and empathy to build relationships with people from different cultures. It opens up options to our kids, allows their minds to explore creative ideas that they may not have had without the experience of travel.
And yes. It is exhausting, and hubby and I get tired and frustrated. But, we aren’t travelling to escape our life or for relaxation and a good tan. We are travelling with our kids, because it is our life, every day of it, and we have no need to escape and sleep it away on a lounge chair.
So, best tip when travelling with kids. Don’t try and vacation, or escape. . . embrace the experience for what it is, for the bigger picture, for more than a tan.
Julie Nowell is a mom of three, a blogger and writer based on Salt Spring Island. www.julienowell.com
Adult Events for the Hip Mom Around Town! momevents
The 39 Steps
Various venues throughout Vancouver
Ongoing until March 16
Hitchcock meets hilarious! Four gifted actors play over 150 zany characters in this Monty Python–flavoured Hitchcock spoof that just might give you vertigo. www.artsclub.com
Vancouver Winter Farmers’ Market
Nat Bailey Stadium Parking Lot
Ongoing throughout March
Everything from organic and conventional produce, meat, cheese and seafood, preserves, baking and bread. 604.879.3276 | www.eatlocal.org
Fraser Valley Women’s Show
Chilliwack Heritage Park
March 1-3, check website for hours
Enjoy a day out with girlfriends, get pampered and have fun including shopping at over 150 exhibits, free samples, entertainment, free makeovers, fashion shows, informative workshops, & cooking theatre demos. Tickets are $6 at the door. www.fraservalleywomensexpo.com
Terminus
Performance Works, Granville Island
March 1-17, check website for times
A serial killer dreams of singing Bette Midler tunes, a former teacher races to save a former student from a barbarous gang, and a young woman finds love in the arms of a demon. The play is dark, disturbing, poetic and comic. Tickets start at $15. 604.689.0926 | www.pitheatre.com
Self -Defence: Street Smarts for Kids & Adults
Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre
March 2, 2:30-4:30pm
Learn how not to be a victim, your body’s arsenal, key striking targets, improvised weapons, practical self-defence and the best release and escape methods for even the smallest person. Time-saving, confidence-building, empowering and potentially life-saving, this workshop is a great investment for yourself and your family. $45/session www.hitandrunselfdefense.com www.roundhouse.ca
Diva on the Run
Jericho Sailing Center parking lot
March 3, 9:30am
Take part in this annual all women 8km run along Vancouvers Westside Seawall. Make sure to be ready to sport your new feather Boa at the finish along with a huge Diva smile!
www.divaontherun.com
The 12th Annual BC Lung Association’s Climb the Wall Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel
March 3, 8:30am
The Stairclimb for Clean Air takes place with more than 500 participants going one-onone with BC’s tallest staircase in support of clean air and lung health, climbing all 739 steps and 48 stories. Registration is $25. 604.731.5864 | www.stairclimb.ca
Harvest
Gateway Theatre
March 7-16, 8pm
Harvest is based on the real-life experience of the playwright’s parents; this show is moving, thought provoking and very funny. Tickets are $38. www.gatewaytheatre.com
Vitaly: An Evening of Wonders
The Cultch
March 8-10 & 15-17, 8pm
Every illusion in Vitaly’s performance is original and represents an ‘impossible dream’ that he has set out to accomplish. From making drawings and paintings come to life to teleporting playing cards from one audience member to another, Vitaly’s illusions defy logic and belief. www.eveneningofwonders.com
Drop & Dash - Kids Night Out
South Delta Recreational Centre
March 9, 6-10pm
Drop your kids (age 6-10) off for an evening of fun & entertainment while you enjoy an evening out. They will play games, make crafts & prepare a healthy evening snack. $20/child. www.delta.ca
Classical
604.501.5566
Kids Swap Meet
Cloverdale Fairgrounds
March 16, 9am-12:30pm
New and gently used kids items for sale. Everything for baby to 10 years from toys, books, movies to clothing and ride on toys, you will find it here.
604.588.9919
21st Century Flea Market
Croatian Cultural Centre
March 17, 10am-3pm
This fun collector’s market is the largest of its kind in BC, with over 175 vendor tables packed with vintage jewelry, boho chic accessories, china & glass, retro furnishings, antiques & memorabilia and much more!
604.980.3159
www.21cpromotions.com/flea_market
If you’d like WestCoast Families magazine delivered to your event free of charge, please email your request to publisher@westcoastfamilies.com.
The Secret World of Sharks and Rays
Vancouver Aquarium
Throughout March
Ever wonder what makes a shark a fierce hunter or how they achieve incredible stealth and speed through the water? Come explore the mysterious lives of these fascinating creatures and their cousins, the skates, rays and ratfishes.
604.659.3474 | www.vanaqua.org
North Delta Second Annual Baby Fair
North Delta Recreation Centre
March 2, 2013 9:30am – 1 pm
This is an event to to connect new parents and their families with community agencies and businesses available to help them in their new responsibilities as parents.
604.818.3290
Vancouver International Dance Festival
Various venues throughout Vancouver March 5-23
Featuring companies from New Zealand, Switzerland, Denmark and Canada informed by techniques and styles as diverse as Butoh and Gitxsan dance including exhibitions, and workshops.
604.662.4966 | www.vidf.ca
Diversity Health Fair
Croatian Cultural Centre, Vancouver March 9, 10am-3pm
This free, family-friendly event features over 50 health and wellness related exhibitors, interactive culinary demonstrations, health screenings and onsite tests, spectacular multicultural entertainment and children’s activities. The theme of this year’s event is Chronic Disease Prevention. Free. www.amssa.org/healthfair2013
community
Kidstuff Swapmeet
Willingdon Community Centre
March 9, 9am–1pm
40 tables of pre-loved children’s items.
604.297.4526
Eyes on Owls
Campbell Valley Regional Park
March 9, 1:30-4:30 pm
Examine feathers, bones and beaks to find out about the life of owls. Enjoy displays, crafts and take a guided walk. Meet at the Nature House, at 8th Avenue and 204th Street in Langley, via the South Valley entrance.
604.530.4983
Aliens Among Us Traveling Exhibit
Richmond Nature Park
March 9-June 2, 9am-5pm
This is a traveling Royal BC Museum exhibition on British Columbia’s invasive species. American bullfrogs, Smallmouth Bass and Purple Loosestrife are just a few of the species featured. Admission by donation for all ages!
604.718.6188
www.alienspecies.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/
Highlands Preschool Children’s Sale
Highlands Preschool, North Vancouver
March 9, 9am-12noon
With dozens of vendors every year, find new and gently used baby and children’s items in the most anticipated annual children’s sale on the North Shore!
www.highlandspreschool.ca
Build a Race Car - Home Depot Kid Workshop
Various Home Depot locations
March 9, 10am-12noon
A great free activity for children ages 4-12. Kids will learn how to build a race car using a hammer and glue. Register in advance. www.homedepot.ca/workshops/build-arace-car
Trail Troupers: Nature Walks for Kids
Pacific Spirit Regional Park
March 16, 10-11am
Every third Saturday of the month, Pacific Spirit Park Youth Committee offers a free nature walk. Parents must accompany children. www.pacificspiritparksociety.org
St Patty’s Party
South Delta Recreational Centre
March 16, 6:30-8:30pm
Bring your family out for a night of activities and fun for everyone. All ages. $3 per person. www.delta.ca
Celtic Fest 2013
Surrey Museum
March 16, 1-4pm
Be entertained by captivating Celtic music and dancing, history and crafts. By donation. www.surrey.ca
Princess Tea Party benefitting the Children’s Wish Foundation
The Coast Hotel & Convention Centre, Langley
March 16
Support The Children’s Wish Foundation in a land of enchantment, where you will be entertained by royal musicians, dancers, crafts, photo booths, fairies and more. Tickets: $25 604.299.2241 | teaparty.wishmonth.ca
Vancouver Lego Games
Firefighters’ Club, Burnaby
March 17, 2-4pm
See 100 competitors at this local Lego charity event with all proceeds going to Canuck Place. www.firefightersclub.com
Symphonic Sorcery-
The Music of Harry Potter Orpheum Theatre
March 17, 2pm
CelticFest Vancouver 2013
Various venues throughout Vancouver March 9-17
Enjoy music, dance, family-friendly entertainment and a healthy dose of Celtic spirit. With over 70 events scheduled, there is something for everyone.
www.celticfestvancouver.com
La Diva Malbouffa
Evergreen Cultural Centre
March 10, 2pm
Be prepared for a fun-filled show for kids about opera and healthy eating. Tickets $14/$18. Family of 4: $54.
www.evergreeenculturalcentre.ca
Relive the intrigue, magic and wonder of the Harry Potter stories with the music of John Williams and Nicholas Hooper. Arrive an hour early for the VSO Instrument Fair, where children have the chance to play real orchestral instruments. $19-$28. 604.684.9100
www.vancouversymphony.ca
calendar
Family Day at the Surrey Art Gallery
Surrey Art Gallery
March 17, 12noon-4pm
Drop in for family-friendly activities inspired by exhibitions that explore contemporary Canadian ceramic art, plus a special performance at 2pm. Everyone is welcome. Suggested donation $4. 604.501.5566 | www.surrey.ca
Mythbusters
Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre
March 17, 8pm
With this show, for the first time, fans join Jamie and Adam on stage and assist in their mind-blowing and mind-twisting approach to science. $47-$62
1.866.977.2372 | www.abbotsfordcentre.ca
Make It Mondays!
A Drop-in Family Arts Night Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre
March 18, 6:30-8:30pm
This art program invites parents and children ages 2-8 years to learn about making art as you explore art media, mark making and much more. Fun, creative activities will inspire the whole family. Suggested donation $2 per person www.roundhouse.ca
2013 Behind the Scenes Sessions
Maplewood Farm
March 19, 23, 26 & 30, 11am & 2pm
Get a ‘Behind the Scenes’ look into the operation of the farm including egg collection and washing, animal grooming, setting up feed and exploring “Staff Only” areas. $11-$24. www.maplewoodfarm.bc.ca
Family Day at IKEA
Ikea Coquitlam
March 20, & 27, 11am-3pm
Amazing make-up artist, Melanie Dawn will be here outside the cafeteria on the first floor. It’s always busy so come early. www.ikea.com/richmond
Learn to Fish
Green Timbers Lake, Surrey
March 20, 1-3pm
A hands-on program to learn about fish habitat and conservation, as well as where, when and how to catch fish! Equipment provided and includes time to fish on the lake. Ages 5 to 15. Registration required. Suggested donation $5 604.502.6065 | www.surrey.ca/culturerecreation | www.gofishbc.com
Birds of a Feather
Burnaby Lake Regional Park
March 21, 11am – 3 pm
Feed the ducks and geese, and look for bird nests. Make a bird feeder to take home. Allow one hour. Free. www.burnaby.ca
Earth Hour
March 23, 8:30-9:30pm
Turn your lights off to take a stand and support action on climate change. The campaign encourages individuals, communities, businesses and governments to show leadership on climate change and to use Earth Hour as a platform to showcase to the world what measures they are taking to reduce their environmental impact. www.wwf.ca/events/earthhour
The Kerplunks
Evergreen Cultural Centre
March 26, 11am & March 27, 11am and 7pm
This lively group brings high-energy, colourful performances to the stage guaranteed to get kids engaged and singing along. Tickets $14/$18. Family of 4: $54. www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca
Easter Animal Fair
Surrey Museum
March 30, 1-4pm
Join in Easter fun with crafts, games, a scavenger hunt and learn about the real Easter Bunny and friends as you discover local wildlife and meet rescue animals, from rabbits to reptiles and an assortment of dogs and parrots. Drop in, by donation. www.surrey.ca
Seed Tapestry: For the Birds! ArtStarts
March 30, 11am & 1pm
Participating families will work together making a large quilt-like pattern on the ground, using birdseeds and flower petals as the palette.
604.336.0626 | www.artstarts.com
Eco Easter Egg Hunt
Surrey Nature Centre
March 30, 10am-3pm
Bring your own basket and search for Easter eggs in the forest! Take a picture with the Easter Bunny and enjoy egg-themed crafts, activities, food and entertainment. Every child receives a prize. Tickets $7
604.502.6065
Bhangra/Bollywood with South Asian Arts
The Roundhouse | Performance Centre
March 31, 2pm
Music and dance go hand in hand to recreate the rituals of our ancestors, keeping the culture and tradition alive through disciplined art. Fresh and energetic, this performance is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Suggested donation $5-$20, kids 10 & under free. www.roundhouse.ca
Easter Egg Hunt
Harris Road Park
March 31, 9-11am
Come out and participate in the annual Easter Egg Hunt hosted by the Pitt Meadows Lions’ Club in partnership with Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Parks and Leisure Services. Free. 604.467.7453
Visit www.westcoastfamilies.com/events_ calendar for more family friendly events in June! To have your event included in the WestCoast Families community calendar, please email your details to admin@ westcoastfamilies.com.
stylefile
Spring is in the air and it’s time to bring on the colour! With the help of Twist Fashions in Vancouver, we’ve put together styles that look great whether you’re heading out for a lunch meeting, walking to the playground, or getting ready for a long family road trip.
