Dundarave Festival of Lights and the Forest of Miracles in West Vancouver

dundarave festival of lights 2017

Image courtesy of Dundarave Festival of Lights

On a quiet beach in West Vancouver, a dazzling sight appears after dusk each night when hundreds of Christmas Trees are lit up in the “Forest of Miracles” on display as part of the annual Dundarave Festival of Lights.

This family-friendly display is the largest outdoor display of Christmas trees in coastal BC. Each of the trees are sponsored, lit, and decorated by community groups, businesses, schools, churches and families in order to raise funds to alleviate homelessness on the North Shore.

The trees are free and displayed for everyone to enjoy 24/7 until December 31, 2017.

Continue reading:
Dundarave Festival of Lights and the Forest of Miracles in West Vancouver

Ambleside Amble

Photo: Rob Weiss

Welcome! Gazing up at the glorious Coast Salish Welcome Figure in Ambleside Park I felt humbled. This iconic gift from the Squamish Nation, carved from an old growth cedar log, honours the teachings of our Squamish Nation grandmothers. Intended to foster respect for the land, animals and people in the area, the figure spoke to me. Silently, I stared across the water at Stanley Park, a Vancouver treasure, and reflected once again on how unique our city is. Vibrant and bustling, yet so intimately connected to nature.

Continue reading:
Ambleside Amble

Waiting for Winter at Whytecliff Park, West Vancouver

whytecliff-park-discover-the-outdoors5

View from Whytecliff Park Photo: Rob Weiss

When the snow starts to fly in the upper alpine, and a gorgeous dusting of white becomes clearly visible on our beloved Lions, like many other Vancouverites, I naturally turn to the mountains for my outdoor fix.  Anxiously, I monitor snowfall, weather forecasts and await the upcoming ski season with impatience. Over the years I have learned to turn the waiting game into an exploration game. Why not take advantage of shoulder season to revisit many of our local parks?  These little gems are there under our noses and offer a wide variety of walks and easy hikes. One of my favourite weekend destinations is Whytecliff Park, located in West Vancouver. Here land meets sea in an explosion of natural beauty.

Continue reading:
Waiting for Winter at Whytecliff Park, West Vancouver

An all-star Vancouver tribute to a classic David Bowie album

ziggy

Later this month, some of Vancouver’s finest musicians will pay tribute to one of the most revered rock ‘n’ roll albums of the seventies.

On Friday, Sept 30 and Saturday, October 1, the Capilano Global Roots series and the Kay Meek Centre in West Vancouver presents The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust: A Vancouver Celebration.

Continue reading:
An all-star Vancouver tribute to a classic David Bowie album

Kayaking the West Vancouver Shoreline

Flickr Ikan1711

The Welcome Figure by Stan Joseph Photo: Flickr Ikan1711

With the magnificent North Shore Mountains towering overhead and spectacular shoreline, West Vancouver is well known for its luxurious oceanfront homes.  Viewing these architectural estates from the water is a unique and thrilling.  Paddling affords you an intimate, exploratory experience.  Think of it as type of “British Columbia Outdoor Home Tour of the Stars”.

Continue reading:
Kayaking the West Vancouver Shoreline

21 Spots in Vancouver to Snap That Show-Off Instagram Pic

Vancouver Lookout | photo: @kat_m_palumb

populistPopulist is Vancouver’s cinematic city guide, showcasing everything that’s happening in the city through video – Your hub for where to go, what to do and who to see. Populist is run by Film and TV Producer, Rebecca Traub and Broadcast Journalist, Blanca Blandon (aka YinYang). Follow the fun at thisispopulist.com.

Instagram has become the world’s best digital photo album where you get to show off your wicked photography skills (or ability to use a filter from an app). Thankfully, Vancouver is one of those cities that doesn’t take much to make it look good with it’s beautiful natural colors, mountains tops and hipster brick and modern style. These are the best spots to get a solid show-off pic for your IG account.

Continue reading:
21 Spots in Vancouver to Snap That Show-Off Instagram Pic

West Vancouver’s Harmony Arts Festival’s Exciting New Line-Up

13-DWV-BoW-SJP_0045From July 29 to August 7, West Vancouver becomes a mecca for anyone interested in the arts. Attracting over 400 established and emerging visual artists and 150 performing artists, the 26th annual Harmony Arts Festival, is a celebration of music, performance, literary works, cinema and art. Continue reading:
West Vancouver’s Harmony Arts Festival’s Exciting New Line-Up