Inside Vancouver

Silicon Valley North: Vancouver’s Most Famous Tech Companies

by Remy Scalza in Town on February 20, 2012

Vancouver has a reputation as a beautiful city nestled between mountains and ocean. But beneath that pretty exterior is some serious innovation.

Many people don’t realize that Vancouver is one of the biggest centres in Canada for Internet and gaming companies. In fact, chances are good that today at least one of the apps you used, games you played or social media sites you visited originated in Vancouver.

Here’s a list of a few of Vancouver’s top consumer tech companies, in no particular order (I know I’ve left some out – Please add some more below):

Electronic Arts: EA is the video-game developer behind the hugely successful NBA Live, FIFA and NHL sports games, as well as The Sims and tons of other games. Their oldest and largest studio is located in Burnaby and employs 2000 people.

Continue reading:
Silicon Valley North: Vancouver’s Most Famous Tech Companies

Top 5 Rainy Day Adventures in Vancouver

by Remy Scalza in Town on February 17, 2012

In the winter of 1953, it rained in Vancouver for 28 consecutive days. Not exactly 40 days and 40 nights – but pretty close.

This February has been a typically wet one in the city. But never fear, spring is right around the corner (fingers crossed). In the meantime, here are five, time-honoured ways to beat the rain in the city.

Got more rainy day ideas? Please comment below.

Bloedel Conservatory: It’s always a balmy, summer day inside this enormous bio-dome perched atop Queen Elizabeth Park. Step inside and take off your raincoat for an instant vacation, with hundreds of tropical trees and plants, free-flying birds and more. The price is right, too ($5 for adults).

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Top 5 Rainy Day Adventures in Vancouver

Lights Out! Canadian painting from the 1960s at the Vancouver Art Gallery, Feb. 18 – April 29

by Taraneh in Town on February 17, 2012

Maxwell Bates, Beautiful B.C., 1966, Collection of the Vancouver Art Gallery; Photo: Teresa Healy

The 1960s was a tumultuous decade throughout the world and the Vancouver Art Gallery’s new exhibit Lights Out! Canadian Painting in the 1960s captures the rampant energy of the era.

Youth rejected social norms. The zeitgeist catchphrases were “counterculture” and “social revolution.” Racism and sexism were forcibly challenged. Radical political change took place worldwide. If you need a refresher, crack the encyclopedia, enjoy a Mad Men marathon and then head out to VAG’s Lights Out! open Saturday, February 18 through April 29.

The exhibit uses 90 paintings by modernists to illustrate the boisterous diversity of the era in the Canadian context, taking its name from a 1963 canvas by the internationally-known artist, musician and filmmaker Mike Snow.

Find out more about the featured artists and take a sneak peak at their work after the jump. Continue reading:
Lights Out! Canadian painting from the 1960s at the Vancouver Art Gallery, Feb. 18 – April 29

Pet-Friendly OPUS Hotel Vancouver – Win a hotel package including breakfast!

by Inside Vancouver in Town on February 7, 2012

Photo: OPUS Hotel

When we got our dog 12 years ago we made the decision to include him in as many of our outings and holidays as possible. Over the years I’ve learned that “pet-friendly” means different things to different hotels, and some aren’t really all that friendly at all. While I appreciate the fact that more and more hotels and motels across Canada are now allowing pets, for some this acceptance is grudging at best. Continue reading:
Pet-Friendly OPUS Hotel Vancouver – Win a hotel package including breakfast!

25 unmissable Vancouver events in February 2012

by Taraneh in Town on January 31, 2012

It’s the shortest month of the year, but February in Vancouver is packed full of events.

You can depend on calendar staples: Valentine’s Day, Leap Year, Superbowl and The Academy Awards. Add to that signature regional events: Winter Pride LGBT Ski Week, Vancouver ComedyFest, Talking Stick Festival, Tales of the Cocktail and Playhouse International Wine Festival (pictured above). Don’t forget about February’s rich cultural celebrations: the city has a month-long program of film, talks, parties and performance in honour of Black History Month.

Get your eager mitts on the full list after the jump. Continue reading:
25 unmissable Vancouver events in February 2012

Silicon Valley North: Vancouver’s Most Famous Tech Companies

Top 5 Rainy Day Adventures in Vancouver

Lights Out! Canadian painting from the 1960s at the Vancouver Art Gallery, Feb. 18 – April 29

Pet-Friendly OPUS Hotel Vancouver – Win a hotel package including breakfast!

25 unmissable Vancouver events in February 2012

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