Plunge into the New Year – Vancouver Polar Bear Swim 2010

Crowds gather for the annual Polar Bear Swim in English Bay on New Year’s Day

Kick off the New Year with Vancouver’s crazy, beloved tradition of jumping into English Bay on New Year’s Day for the Polar Bear Swim.

Every January 1 in Vancouver, the Vancouver Polar Bear Swim Club leads a crowd of thousands into the chilly winter waters off English Bay Beach. Costumes encouraged!

To take the plunge, register in front of the English Bay Bathhouse 12:30pm – 2:30pm on January 1, 2010. The Polar Bear Swim happens at 2:30pm sharp!

Vancouver International Airport now on Twitter: @YVRAirport

Bad news: What with the near-calamity in the skies over Michigan on Christmas Eve, travellers passing through Vancouver International Airport are getting lots of practice in the virtue of patience.

Good news: YVR is now active on Twitter. You can follow @YVRAirport for news and updates.

Plan to arrive extra early for your flight–and use the extra time as an excuse to check out the terrific new public observation area at YVR.

New Year’s Eve for All Ages & Families

It’s not easy to find New Year’s Eve activities and parties for all ages and families, but there are a few options in or around Vancouver. (And if you have more ideas, please share them!)

Whistler’s First Night — If you want to party with the whole family, why not head up to Whistler? This 100% alcohol-free event is the premiere New Year’s Eve party for kids and familes, with loads of live music performances, kids’ activities, parent-free ballroom dancing, and more.

Solid NYE 2010 @ Maritime Labour Centre in Vancouver — For teens who want to celebrate without mom and dad, this all-ages event is just like Vancouver’s adult-only parties. There’s a strict dress code, so make sure you know in advance what you can and can’t wear.

Holiday Events in Vancouver – Several of Vancouver’s big holiday attractions are open December 31 (and on January 1, too) and can make a great night out for families with young children. Those open on New Year’s Eve include Stanley Park’s Bright Nights, Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge, and the VanDusen Botanical Garden Festival of Lights. Catch them before they close on January 2 – 3.


Top 5 New Year’s Eve Parties in Vancouver

Telus World of Science celebrates NYE 2010

Vancouver is packed with New Year’s Eve parties, from the raucous and raunchy to the high-gloss, red-carpet galas. All at least 19+, all happening December 31, 2009, and all likely to sell out (so get your tickets now!), these bashes are the way to ring in 2010 in style.

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Top 5 New Year’s Eve Parties in Vancouver

Ready to Shop & Save? Vancouver Boxing Day Sales

Are you ready for the the biggest sale day in Canada? Are you ready for Boxing Day?

As in other Commonwealth countries, including the UK, New Zealand and Australia, Boxing Day—December 26—is a public holiday in Canada. It’s a time to recover from the excesses of Christmas, watch hockey with friends, and, of course, shop for some of the year’s best deals.

Practically every retailer in Vancouver will be offering Boxing Day sales; some will even offer Boxing week sales. So how best to take advantage of all the great offers?

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Ready to Shop & Save? Vancouver Boxing Day Sales

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