Swimming in a calm, warm, refreshing lake with snow-capped mountains as a backdrop is a pretty peaceful way to spend an summer afternoon. In Cranbrook, swimming is just one of many options for enjoying the region’s beautiful tributaries, lakes, and rivers as I discovered when I was on assignment with ZenSeekers this month.

Step 1. Start with Just Liquid Sports

If you’re going to explore a new area, start off by gearing up and chatting with the folks at your local water sports shop. In Cranbrook, Just Liquid Sports is your home base. Talk to the pros there about the best recreational spots, or if you’re up for a whitewater run in the Bull River’s rapids.

Step 2. Pick a Lake

 St.Mary’s, Moyie, Norbury, Peckham’s, Jimsmith Lake, Rock Lake, Wasa Lake, Surveyors Lake, Lazy Lake – take your pic! Tourism Cranbrook has a guide to each including features, locations and amenities here »

Step 3. Head Out for a Community Paddle

Just Liquid Sports hosts a community paddle every Wednesday, which is followed by a social at local restaurant. You can rent SUP, canoes, or kayaks at the lake otherwise it’s free for those with their own craft. Check their weekly schedule to see where they’ll be when you visit.

When You Go

• Read my full story on ZenSeekers (including my first Triathlon-watching experience and some white water action.
• Visit the Cranbrook Tourism website  for pre-trip research and to connect with the businesses listed in this story, or stop by the in-town visitor centre for more details on the region.
• Check out the #RockiesExploring expedition page on ZenSeekers to see what other experiences you can have nearby.

The Vancouver Island Symphony is launching its 25^th Anniversary Season with a special fundraising event featuring The Tenors in Nanaimo at The Port Theatre on June 29th.

The Tenors began their career performing with the Vancouver Island Symphony as The Canadian Tenors and they’re returning to support and celebrate the 25th Anniversary with this fantastic fundraising event.

The Tenors in Nanaimo

Where: The Port Theatre (125 Front St, Nanaimo)
When: Saturday, June 29, 2019 at 7:30pm
Tickets: Available online now from $100. VIP options from $249 that include ticket, meet and greet with photo and a VIP reception with drink ticket, gourmet canapés and desserts along with a tax receipt for $49.

The Tenors, Clifton, Fraser, and Victor, have been thrilling audiences around the world with their powerful songs, outstanding harmonies, and undeniable charm. Blending classical music and contemporary pop, the award winning and multi-platinum selling band have achieved international success, performing over 1000 live shows and hundreds of TV appearances on five continents. Their global success has seen them perform for audiences of all ages in venues of all sizes, including hundreds of Fortune 500 companies and the last four Presidents of the United States. These appearances include the White House Christmas Tree Lighting for the Obama family, and for the world leaders at the G20 Summit.

Other performances include the opening ceremonies of the XXI Olympic Winter Games, for Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, The Oprah Winfrey Show with Celine Dion, The Primetime Emmy Awards, and the NBC Tree Lighting Ceremony at Rockefeller Centre. Most recently in March 2019, The Tenors were invited back to open for Ellen DeGeneres’ arena shows in both Montreal and Toronto.

Win Tickets

It’s a quick turnaround but if you’re in Nanaimo (or can get there this weekend) I have a pair of tickets to give away! Here’s how you can enter to win:

• Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
• Click below to post an entry on Twitter

I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Friday, June 28, 2019. Follow Vancouver Island Symphony on Facebook and Twitter for more information about events and performances throughout the year.

UPDATE The winner is Penny!

It’s Canada Day weekend in Vancouver and there’s so much to do, from the North Shore to the Valley. Miss604 is proud to sponsor Surrey Canada Day with headliners Our Lady Peace, as well as the 74th Steveston Salmon Festival with 54-50. Both festivals run all day with unique attractions, food, entertainment and fun for the whole family. These events and more are listed below:

Things to do in Vancouver Canada Day Weekend

Friday, June 28, 2019
Golden Spike Days Festival in Port Moody
Sophie Buddle at Yuk Yuk’s
Indigenous Summer Stage
Red Bull Presents: A Day in Vancouver
Modus Operandi Dance on Screen
Vancouver Canadians Baseball at the ‘Nat
Athol Fugard’s Hello and Goodbye
Shipyards Night Market
Richmond Night Market
Vancouver Queer Arts Festival
TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival
The Arts Club Presents: Matilda the Musical
Bard on the Beach
Broadway and the Bard
Kitsilano Showboat

UPDATE – Unfortunately the Fun City Festival has been CANCELLED this year. I will be awarding a gift card of equal prize value to a contest winner this afternoon. More information about the cancellation and refunds is available here »

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Every summer my Facebook feed fills up with photos of friends and family taking part in the unique – and thrilling – Fun City Festival in North Vancouver. What sets this fest apart is the popular 1,000 foot waterslide right down Lonsdale! Now in its 4th year, this free festival connects North Vancouver through family-friendly activities, DJ, food trucks and more.

Fun City Festival

Where: Victoria Park (Lonsdale & Keith Rd, North Vancouver)
When: Saturday, July 13 & Sunday, July 14, 2019 10:00am to 6:00pm
Tickets: The festival is FREE! Tickets for the slide ($30-$60) are available online »

All activities will take place around Victoria Park including the ticket booth and bag check. North Shore Neighbourhood House will offer a bag check as well, along with change rooms and a free shuttle to and from the slide.

Parking for the event will be limited and biking, walking or transit is encouraged.

Win Slide Passes for the Family

I have two Family Prize Packs to give away! Each prize pack includes 4 unlimited all-day slide tickets so the winners can ride the slide as many times as they like on either Saturday or Sunday, you pick. Here are a few ways you can enter to win:

• Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
• Follow the City of North Vancouver & Miss604 on Twitter (1 entry)
• Follow the City of North Vancouver & Miss604 on Facebook (1 entry)
• Like, comment on, or share this post on Facebook (1 entry)
• Click below to get another entry by posting on Twitter:

I will draw two prize pack winners at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Friday, July 5, 2019.

Follow the City of North Vancouver on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for information about the Fun City Festival and more.

Free outdoor movies at Canada Place return every Thursday night July 11 to August 29, 2019. Back by popular demand, Waterfront Cinema will be hosted on the North Point at Canada Place with a line-up of blockbuster movies.

Free Outdoor Movies at Canada Place

Where: North Point, Canada Place, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
When: Every Thursday, July 11 to August 29, 2019 at dusk

Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair, sit back and enjoy the show. Beverages and popcorn will be available for purchase onsite.

July 11, 2019 Captain Marvel (2019)
July 18, 2019 Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
July 25, 2019 Elf (2003) – ‘Christmas in July’
Canada Place’s North Point will be turned into the North Pole for one night only! The evening will be hosted by none other than Buddy the Elf, so be sure to bring your holiday spirit, a canned food donation for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, and enjoy candy canes, hot chocolate, and other treats from holiday vendors.

August 1, 2019 Shazam! (2019)
August 8, 2019 Beauty and the Beast (2017)
August 15, 2019 How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019)
August 22, 2019 Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
August 29, 2019 Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) – 30th Anniversary

For more information about the movie series or free Zumba events at Canada Place, follow on Facebook.