Get your five-day weather

Vancouver Convention Centre

Winners of the 2012 My Favourite Vancouver Photo Contest Revealed

Check out the results of our fifth annual photo contest. Curtis Matwishyn, who shot the below picture of False Creek and downtown Vancouver, wins the grand prize provided by Pacific Sands Beach Resort Tofino.

False Creek and downtown Vancouver. Photo by Curtis Matwishyn

(more…)

Hot Shopping: Crafty Creations

Glass jellyfish by Wayne Harjula, at Circle Craft Christmas Market

The always-popular Circle Craft Christmas Market returns for its 38th annual show from Nov. 9 to 13. You’ll find everything from eco-friendly clothing to handmade leather bags to gold and silver jewellery, thanks to the 280 vendors coming from across Canada. A conversation piece worth snatching up: the striking glass jellyfish (pictured) by Wayne Harjula of Mellon Glass Studios. After shopping, catch a glass-blowing demonstration then participate in a Ballz of Fire Workshop where you can design and create your own glass holiday ornament.—Jennifer Patterson

More information:

CIRCLE CRAFT CHRISTMAS MARKET W-F 10 am-9 pm, Sa 10 am-7 pm, Su 10 am-5 pm. $12, s/s $8, under 12 free. Save $2 if you buy tickets online. Vancouver Convention Centre West, 1055 Canada Place. 604-801-5220. www.circlecraft.net

Hot Dates: Top Talent

Hollow Chair by Straight Line Designs

September 29 to October 2

Searching for artistic inspiration? Head to the stunning Vancouver Convention Centre for the best in design, art and architecture during IDSwest. Sculptures by Brent Comber and furniture by Straight Line Designs (including the Hollow Chair, pictured) line the aisles alongside booths by popular shops such as Parliament, Provide and Örling & Wu.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Entertainment: The Next Star

The Next Star

Attention, future rock stars: could you be Canada’s next singing sensation? If you’re bursting with talent and no older than 15, YTV is looking for you. Auditions for season four of The Next Star take place in six cities across the country, including May 21 at the Vancouver Convention Centre, and the new season begins airing in July. Find out more at nextstar.ytv.com.—Sheri Radford

My Favourite Vancouver Photo

Check out the results of our fourth annual photo contest. John Bello wins the grand prize provided by Harbour Air. Have you taken a great picture? Enter our My Favourite Vancouver Photo Contest and you could win a fabulous prize package from Pacific Sands Beach Resort Tofino. We’re looking for iconic images that evoke Vancouver’s unique spirit and character.

2011 contest winner: The inukshuk in English Bay, with the lights of Vectorial Elevation in the background, during the 2010 Winter Games // John Bello

Waterfront in winter // James Putnam

Vancouver skyline // Carlos Victoria

Summertime fireworks over English Bay // Nathalie Harris

The seawall in Stanley Park and the Lions Gate Bridge // Loni Ingram

Giant crab outside the Museum of Vancouver // Carlos Victoria

Autumn in Stanley Park // Lan Hu

Brockton Point Lighthouse in Stanley Park, with downtown and the “sails” of the Vancouver Convention Centre in the background // George Dujmovic

Hot Dining: 5 Finny Faves

Pan-seared BC sablefish at The Fish House in Stanley Park. Photo by KK Law

No surprise, but marine cuisine is our specialty. Where to go for some of the freshest fare?
1 The Fish House in Stanley Park Celebrated chef and author Karen Barnaby delights with Ocean Wise tastes such as cedar-planked Arctic char, in an idyllic setting.
2 Fishworks Hop on the SeaBus to discover chef Shallaw Kadir’s daring inventions, from scallop risotto to wild salmon Wellington.
3 Miku Sleek and stylin’ space close to the Vancouver Convention Centre sports a sparkling ceiling, not to mention trademark aburi (flame-seared) sushi, as well as a wealth of creative sushi and hot plates.
4 Rodney’s Oyster House East Coast–inspired haunt lures locals for its casual atmosphere, raw oyster selection, abundant chowders and well-packed steamers.
5 Blue Water Cafe East meets west at this Yaletown spot, where choices range from the superlative raw bar to chef Frank Pabst’s sablefish in miso-sake glaze.—Tim Pawsey

Hot Shopping: Good Design

Relax in this architectural wood Curvechair by Nico Spacecraft

Catch IDSwest, from Oct. 14 to 17, at the gorgeous Vancouver Convention Centre—a fitting venue for a show about inspired design. World-renowned designer Karim Rashid is sure to draw a huge crowd on Friday at 4:30 p.m., and HGTV’s Sarah Richardson provides decorating tips and answers audience questions Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m. Exhibitors include Martha Sturdy, Christian Woo and Nico Spacecraft—creators of the über cool Curvechair (pictured).—Jennifer Patterson

15 Things We Love About Vancouver

PNE night view

1 All the rides at the annual PNE (to Sep. 7).
2 Exploring our inner Jackson Pollock at Raw Canvas while nibbling tasty tapas.
3 The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, which kicks off the season at the Orpheum Theatre.
4 Walking across Granville and Burrard bridges to see stunning city views.
5 Dim sum at bustling Chinese rooms such as Sun Sui Wah, Kirin and Floata.
6 Mastering culinary skills in a class at The Dirty Apron Cooking School.Chocolate truffles, anyone?
7 Easy access from downtown to Richmond, thanks to the new, state-of-the-art Canada Line SkyTrain, which also stops at the airport.
8 The annual Scotiabank Dance Centre Open House (Sep. 19).
9 Enjoying a picnic in Queen Elizabeth Park, with goodies from Oyama Sausage Co. and Mount Pleasant Cheese.
10 The Terry Fox Run, which takes place Sep. 13 in Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Squamish, Whistler—and hundreds of other cities across the country—to raise money for cancer research.
11 Belgian beer and three versions of moules-frites, including a tomato-coconut-cream option, at Chambar Belgian Restaurant.
12 Toasting the last days of summer with pineapple margaritas on the patio at Las Margaritas.

VCC_Bee Hives_lg copy
13 The beehives on the living roof of the new Vancouver Convention Centre.
14 Hopping aboard False Creek Ferries or Aquabus for an early-morning visit to Granville Island, to seek out coffee and fresh-baked cinnamon buns.
15 All the great kayaking spots close to the city.

 

Courtesy Tourism BC by Albert Normandin

[/caption]