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by Rebecca BollwittDisclosure: Sponsored Post — Published in partnership with the SnowSeekers #SkiNorthBC campaign Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.
This winter I partnered with SnowSeekers, with whom I have done a few fun assignments, to share their #SkiNorthBC stories from destinations in Northern BC.
When Dax spent 72 Hours in Smithers, he did his first sunrise shoot from the peak of Hudson Bay Mountain. It was then that he discovered that there’s a handful of people who live on the mountain and live the Hudson Bay life to its fullest.
“Nearly every person I talked to said they would never leave because they have a deep love for the mountain and close bonds with each other. One snowboarder told me, ‘You can let your kids run wild on this hill with their friends; it’s safe. All of our families look after each other.’”
Dax skied in knee-high, untouched powder through snow-laden trees, all while slaying some incredible terrain. He writes that the best part was, it wasn’t crowded and he learned to understand what brings pure joy to the people from Smithers’ Hudson Bay Mountain.
Photo by Dax Justin
A video that colleague Chris Wheeler produced for the Snow Seekers #SkiNorthBC campaign at Hudson Bay has gone viral, with over half a million views thanks to a share from Explore Canada. He and Dax met Jason Krauskopf’s family (including two boys Toan and Tosh) and filmed as they jumped off their back deck into the pool of Hudson Bay powder below:
At the end of a sunrise-to-sunset day on the slopes, the crew was invited to Kelly McCormack’s cabin. “We literally skied to her front door. I felt like I’d just walked into my aunt’s house because we instantly hit it off,” writes Dax. “The skies were drenched with colour and over a hot chocolate I talked to Kelly about what she loves about this mountain.”
For all your Travel Northern BC details, the folks from Northern BC Tourism can help make the planning process smooth.
#SkiNorthBC and explore more! For travellers, SnowSeekers has partnered with National Car rental to secure you a SnowSeekers preferred rate. Make a reservation online, or with an agent and in the Contract field enter XVC4SNO for a savings that could cover your ski pass cost every day.
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by Rebecca BollwittDisclosure: Sponsored Post — Published in partnership with FestivalSeekersPlease review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.
It’s always an adventure when I travel to Nanaimo to preview some of their awesome festivals. I came back with a pirate doll, a box of Lucky Charms, and a bottle of local craft beer — all totally relevant to what I was researching (including a wee dram of whiskey in my belly). I was sent across the Salish Sea to learn about Festival Nanaimo has planned from St Patrick’s Day to Spring Break.
And don’t miss PirateFest March 22-25, 2017 at Country Club Centre, and in Downtown Nanaimo on March 25th for PirateFest Day with the Purple Pirate. Be sure to bring your costumes!
From Celtic tunes and local blues, to whiskey tastings benefitting the dance society at Wee Tipple, and craft beer supporting the BC SPCA at Hops and Hounds. I love the mashup of events that creative minds at Festival Nanaimo and their partners have come up with. There’s a lot going on at the Port Theatre, in the heart of Downtown Nanaimo, like the Symphony & Soundbites. There you can have appies and enjoy a live performance — or come for the later show and have dessert with a side of Mozart.
Before and After! Hops & Hounds coming soon to Maffeo Sutton Park. Last photo by Dirk Heydemann of HA Photography.
If You Go
Grab some grub while checking out Festival Nanaimo. You likely know that Nanaimo is home to the Nanaimo Bar Trail, but now’s the time to treat yourself to the self-guided tour. Your sweet-tooth will thank you.
Heading to Nanaimo for some festival fun? Check out these places to stay while visiting. Make sure to read the Festival Overview and see the line up this year at Festival Nanaimo. For more detailed information about Festival Nanaimo, make sure to check out its official website.
Following their Canadian premiere at the Vancouver International Dance Festival (“VIDF”) in 2015, Japan-based ensemble, Dairakudakan, returns with their newest work – Paradise – at the Vancouver Playhouse. Proudly presented as part of VIDF 2017, the visual tour-de-force drives audiences on an absurd, haunting hunt for the elusive concept of paradise.
Dairakudakan’s Paradise at VIDF
Dairakudakan’s Paradise by Hiroyuki Kawashima
VIDF 2017 Presents Dairakudakan: Paradise Where: Vancouver Playhouse (600 Hamilton St, Vancouver) When: March 10 & 11, 2017 at 8:00pm Tickets: Adults: $60, Seniors/Students: $50 call (604) 662-4966 or book online
Paradise begins on a white, geometric, and deceptively bare set. From this empty space, the 21 members of the company depart on a surreal and haunting journey – filled with provocative, dreamlike imagery. Amidst visions of jungle locales, ghoulishly cheerful roller-skating gangs, and chained-and- bound masses, the work ultimately asks whether paradise is something that can only exist in the mind – and must therefore be found by tunneling within.
Dairakudakan’s Paradise by Hiroyuki Kawashima
Founded in 1972, Dairakudakan is Japan’s longest-standing butoh ensemble, globally recognized for spectacular and theatrically explosive performances. The company’s appearance at VIDF 2017 is held in celebration of award-winning Choreographer, Director Akaji Maro’s 45th anniversary with the butoh- theatre company.
Characterized by the dancers’ whitened bodies, shaved heads, and fragmented movements, butoh was first performed in post-World War II Japan in 1959. Born as a reaction to western dance styles of ballet and modern, butoh emerged in Japan in the 1960’s before swiftly migrating to other countries around the globe where it continues to thrive, influence, and evolve.
Win a Date Night
I have the opportunity to give away an amazing date night that includes:
A $100 gift card for dinner for two at Hapa Izakaya, a modern Japanese restaurant located in Coal Harbour (909 W Cordova) along with two tickets to see Japan-based ensemble Dairakudakan’s Paradise on Friday, March 10 at 8:00pm at the Vancouver Playhouse.
Here’s how you can enter to win:
Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
Click below to post an entry on Twitter
[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win a Date Night in Paradise with #Dairakudakan at @VIDF #VIDF2017 http://owl.li/KY3s309rWU2″ quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]
I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 4:00pm on Monday, March 6, 2017. Prize/tickets must be used for the performance on March 10th. Follow VIDF on Facebook and Twitter for more information about the festival.
Vancouver International Dance Festival (“VIDF”) kicks off its 17th year of connecting Vancouver audiences with the power and breadth of contemporary dance in a four-week line-up that showcases world-renowned artists from the United States, Japan, and Denmark alongside seasoned and emerging Canadian artists from Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto.
From March 1-25, 2017, at various Vancouver venues, VIDF will present 14 captivating companies, including anticipated performances by San Francisco’s internationally-lauded troupe Alonzo King LINES Ballet; a Canadian premiere from Japan’s Dairakudakan and Denmark’s Kitt Johnson; west coast premieres from Toronto’s Kaeja d’Dance and Montreal’s Compagnie Virginie Brunelle; world premieres from Vancouver’s-own Kinesis Dance, Karen Jamieson & Margaret Grenier, Rob Kitsos/JaneOsborne/Kim Stevenson, among many others.
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by Guest AuthorDisclosure: Sponsored Post — Posted in Partnership with Explore Coquitlam. Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.
From fishing at Lafarge Lake to shopping at Coquitlam Centre or running in Mundy Park, Coquitlam boasts all the amenities of a big city, while nestled on the edge of nature. Don’t know where to start? Coquitlam has just released its 48-page Travel & Experience Guide offering the hottest event info and insider tips. Here are 10 reasons why it’s your go-to resource for all seasons:
1. Free festivals and concerts
Kick back and listen to live music on an outdoor stage, sip craft beer or get up and dance. Coquitlam is ramping up its entertainment offerings in the coming months, and it all takes place at Town Centre Park, located at Lafarge Lake-Douglas SkyTrain station.
Highlights include Coquitlam Celebrates Canada Day, Kaleidoscope Arts Festival, the Teddy Bear Picnic and Parade, plus a free summer concert series presented by Envision Financial. And that’s not all. The park will be bustling with cultural and sporting events, so keep your eye on coquitlam.ca/explore #explorecoquitlam
2. Snag some insider intel
Now that Coquitlam is easily accessible by SkyTrain, you can enjoy all the highlights that Coquitlamites have been experiencing for years. Read about hidden gems and get the scoop on must-do activities.
Did you know that Coquitlam is riddled with forested trails varying from flat, gravel routes to those cutting through rugged mountain terrain? The guide offers a suggested hike through the stunning wilderness at Minnekhada Regional Park, plus recommendations on great running and hiking routes.
4. Get on your bike
Located on the edge of nature, it’s no surprise that Coquitlam is an up-and-coming mountain biking destination. Burke Mountain and Eagle Mountain are right on its doorstep, home to West Coast-style riding. You’ll also find bike skills parks at Mundy Park and Leigh Park, a competition-level BMX track at Town Centre Park, and plenty of on-street and off-street cycling routes.
5. Go fish
If you grew up in BC, chances are the thought of fishing brings back memories of reeling in rainbow trout as a child. You don’t have to travel far to cast your line. Coquitlam’s two larger urban lakes are regularly stocked with trout, including Lafarge Lake, located at Lafarge Lake-Douglas SkyTrain station, and Como Lake, also accessible by transit. Mark your calendars for two free family-oriented fishing derbies coming up in Coquitlam! Check the guide for details.
6. Be wowed by birds
You don’t have to be a birder to appreciate the beauty of soaring eagles or the rarity of a green heron eyeing the water for fish. You’ll be mesmerized by the birdlife in Coquitlam throughout the year. Hot spots include Colony Farm Regional Park and DeBoville Slough. The guide offers a rundown of which birds to look out for and where for each season, plus details on some free birding events.
7. The best bites, beers and patios
Feeling peckish? From the Korean offerings on North Road to the foodie heaven of Glen Drive, Coquitlam’s diverse community is reflected in its incredible restaurant offerings. At Glen Drive, located near Coquitlam Centre mall, you’ll find Vietnamese, Japanese, Filipino and Middle Eastern specialties. The guide includes dining and pub suggestions as well as a breakdown of the city’s best patios.
8. Fun film spots
Did you know that Coquitlam is one of the top film locations in BC? Read about filming hot spots and see which TV series and movies were filmed locally.
9. Free and fun
These activities will guarantee smiles – for children and the young at heart. From fabulous spray parks to some of the best playgrounds in Metro Vancouver, kids will be grinning from ear to ear. Other activities include free outdoor table tennis and foosball at Town Centre Park, a free Disc Golf course at Mundy Park, and the lowdown on geocaching.
10. Shop for that special something
From runway fashion at Coquitlam Centre shopping mall to fabulous furniture finds on United Boulevard, Coquitlam is home to several shopping hubs, each with their own personality.
Pick up your copy of the Coquitlam 2017 Travel & Adventure Guide at any City facility, or read it online.
Imagine a city where around so many corners your phone, laptop, or mobile device hops on a free WiFi signal, allowing you to post and work from anywhere. Thanks to Shaw Go WiFi hotspots, a benefit of being a Shaw WideOpen Internet 150 customer, this dream of connectivity is a reality.
Jack Poole Plaza
Location: 1055 Canada Place, Coal Harbour
Benefits: From the Vancouver Christmas Market, to Canada Day, or a photo op with the Digital Orca, you can be connected at this iconic location on the waterfront at any time of year.
Bayshore West Marina
Location: 450 Denman Street, Stanley Park
Benefits: Connect while you’re out on the Seawall, on your way to Stanley Park, or taking your pup to the dog off-leash area at Devonian Harbour Park.
Bella Gelateria Yaletown
Location: 1089 Marinaside Crescent, Yaletown
Benefits: The world’s best gelato, the historic Roundhouse, and the scenic False Creek Seawall. Get connected while indulging in a sweet treat or waiting for your Aquabus to Granville Island.
UBC Robson Square
Location: 800 Robson Street, Downtown
Benefits: Ice skating in the winter, free dance lessons on hot summer nights, and enjoying food truck fare. Hop onto this hotspot to get some work done at lunch or post your awesome skating selfies.
Granville Entertainment District
Location: Granville Strip, West Cordova to Drake
Benefits: Stay connected as you travel through Vancouver’s entertainment district, past theatres, music venues, eateries, and shops.
Hundreds of thousands of Shaw Internet customers save on cellular data every month. Join them today and you can enjoy the freedom to go online without worrying about your cellular data. Stream all the HD videos you want at over 80,000 hotspots, download hundreds of songs and stream all your playlists on the go, tweet, share, like, post and email as much as you like!
Use the Shaw Go WiFi Finder app (Apple, Android) to locate Shaw Go WiFi hotspots near you, or plug your location into this interactive map.
This winter I partnered with SnowSeekers, with whom I have done a few fun assignments, to share their #SkiNorthBC stories from destinations in Northern BC. 
