Inside Vancouver

Haunted Canyon? Ghost-hunting at Hell’s Gate Airtram

by Remy Scalza in Family Friendly on May 7, 2012

Photo credit: KyleWiTh | Flickr

When Simon Fraser, the great fur trader and explorer, first stumbled upon British Columbia’s Hell’s Gate canyon in 1808, he declared: “This was a place where no human being should venture.”

From the raging rapids of the Fraser River, sheer rock walls rise to a height of more than 1,000 meters. Over the centuries, hundreds of miners and railroad workers plunged to their doom here.

It’s no wonder the place is haunted today.

Ghost sightings are a regular occurrence at the Hell’s Gate Airtram – a gravity-defying cable car that zips visitors across the canyon at dizzying heights. In recent years, guests and staff have reported all sorts of paranormal activity, from mysterious shadows to objects falling off shelves.

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Haunted Canyon? Ghost-hunting at Hell’s Gate Airtram

Ocean Concrete Open House this Saturday, April 28

by Dana Lynch in Family Friendly on April 27, 2012

Ocean Concrete Open House

I don’t know what it is about big machinery and trucks that draws kids likes moths to a flame, but whatever it is, it’s certainly as popular amongst two-year-olds as it amongst ten-year-olds (and plenty of adults, too, for that matter). If your kid (or you) dream of climbing inside North America’s largest concrete mixer truck and honking the horn, you can do just that at the 14th annual Ocean Concrete Open House this Saturday, April 28.

And yes, it’s free.

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Ocean Concrete Open House this Saturday, April 28

Da Vinci Exhibit Opens at Science World, April 28

by Remy Scalza in Family Friendly on April 27, 2012

The genius behind The Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, who sketched out plans for a helicopter in the 15th century and is still regarded as the world’s first and foremost Renaissance man, is coming to Science World.

Da Vinci – The Genius is a sprawling, 10,000-square-foot exhibit dedicated to the life and incredible creations of Leonardo Da Vinci. It fills much of the newly renovated space in Science World and is being labeled as “the most comprehensive exhibition ever compiled on the works of Leonardo Da Vinci.”

The exhibit opens on Saturday, April 28, and museum officials have remained tight-lipped about exactly what’s in store. But from the few details that have leaked out, Da Vinci – The Genius looks absolutely spellbinding. Continue reading:
Da Vinci Exhibit Opens at Science World, April 28

Playland Vancouver Opens April 28, 2012

by Dana Lynch in Family Friendly on April 24, 2012

Playland Vancouver. Photo credit: Remy Scalza

It may seem hard to believe, but summer can’t be too far off when Playland, one of Vancouver’s biggest summer traditions, kicks off its 2012 season this Saturday, April 28.

The Playland Amusement Park at the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) is one attraction that’s fun for all ages, from the littlest kids to full grown adults. Packed with rides—including the 218-feet-high AtmosFEAR, which debuted in summer 2011, and the famous/infamous Wooden Roller Coaster—as well as Midway games, fairground food, arcades, sports, and the Haunted Mansion, Playland truly has something for everyone. (Plus what better way is there to spend a sunny Saturday than riding the Playland Westcoast Wheel and munching on mini donuts?)

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Playland Vancouver Opens April 28, 2012

Maplewood Farm – A Farm “Petting Zoo” for Kids

by Dana Lynch in Family Friendly on April 19, 2012

Girl and goat meet at Maplewood Farm. Photo: Maplewood Farm

Kids love animals, but there aren’t a lot of options in Vancouver for getting your kids up-close-and-personal with animals that aren’t someone’s pet (the skunks trolling your neighbourhood after dark don’t count). There’s the amazing Vancouver Aquarium, of course, and the Greater Vancouver Zoo (in Aldergrove), but neither let the kids touch the animals. For that, you have to go to Maplewood Farm in North Vancouver.

The only remaining farm on the North Shore, Maplewood Farm may be best described as a “petting zoo” for farm animals; it’s a popular Vancouver kids’ attraction aimed at children under 10. Home to over 200 animals and birds, Maplewood Farm lets kids pet the goats, feed the rabbits and ducks, and visit cows, sheep, horses, pigs, chickens, and birds. It’s likely to be the closest your urban kid gets to an actual farm experience, and it’s just 20 minutes away from downtown Vancouver.

Continue reading:
Maplewood Farm – A Farm “Petting Zoo” for Kids

Haunted Canyon? Ghost-hunting at Hell’s Gate Airtram

Ocean Concrete Open House this Saturday, April 28

Da Vinci Exhibit Opens at Science World, April 28

Playland Vancouver Opens April 28, 2012

Maplewood Farm – A Farm “Petting Zoo” for Kids

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