A luxury train ride with Rocky Mountaineer is the most relaxing and scenic way to get to Whistler
Howe Sound, the Cheakamus Canyon, the Tantalus Mountains—scenery just doesn’t get any more spectacular than this. See these sights and more on a luxurious 3.5-hour train ride from Vancouver to Whistler, on the Sea to Sky Climb with Rocky Mountaineer.—Sheri Radford
Heritage Hall is the cornerstone of Main Street. Photo by KK Law
Built in the bustling Mount Pleasant area of Main Street in 1914, Heritage Hall is one of the city’s oldest buildings. Easily spotted thanks to its castle-like clock tower, this former post office was home to the RCMP and, later, the city’s oldest theatre troupe. It sat unoccupied for a while, then underwent an interior re-vamp—the main hall is reminiscent of a French chateau—and is now busy with private parties, craft fairs and comic shows.—Jennifer Patterson
Photo by Joan Marcus copyright 2008 Global Creatures
Catch the mighty t-rex and the 11-m- (36-ft-) tall brachiosaurus in Walking with Dinosaurs (Aug. 26 to 29). These life-size, snarling dinos take the audience through the rise and fall of the massive species, but don’t worry: they won’t bite.—Jennifer Patterson
Glimpse into Vancouver's past with this coffee-table tome
In 1939, the Marine Building and the Hotel Vancouver protruded above the Vancouver skyline. Nowadays, the city is chock-a-block with highrises. Discover these differences—and many more—in the fascinating paired photos in Francis Mansbridge’s Vancouver Then and Now (Thunder Bay Press, $22.95), at local bookstores.—Sheri Radford
The ferris wheel at the PNE is great fun and offers a spectacular view of Vancouver. Photo by Sheri Radford
One day is definitely not long enough to experience the Pacific National Exhibition (Aug. 21 to Sep. 6), which is putting on a bigger spectacle than usual to celebrate its 100th anniversary. The 46-hectare (114-acre) site at Hastings Park is bursting with rides, midway games, agricultural displays and the PNE prize home. Local legend Dal Richards brings his big band to the fair—for the 71st time. Despite being in his 90s, Richards does two shows a day. Other musical enticements include an opening concert with Bryan Adams and The Beach Boys (Aug. 21), plus free nightly concerts by folks such as Michael Bolton (Aug. 23), Wayne Newton (Aug. 26) and Cyndi Lauper (Sep. 3). See the Peking Acrobats, RCMP Musical Ride, sandcastle contest, nightly pyrotechnics show and the adorable Superdogs, performing feats that put the average Fido to shame. Permeating it all is the mouth-watering aroma of Those Little Donuts—bet you can’t eat just one. On the night before the fair opens, an anniversary parade through the streets of Vancouver kicks everything off, with 12 giant parade balloons and more than 2,000 participants.—Sheri Radford
Vancouver's own Michael Bublé plays two shows in the city this month. Photo by Jonathan Cruz
Burnaby’s Michael Bublé returns to his roots for two concerts at Rogers Arena (Aug. 20 and 21). The charismatic crooner, who is known for peppering his performances with jokes and stories, is wrapping up the North American leg of his Crazy Love tour in support of his fourth disc. Expect to hear many of his hits, from the self-penned “Haven’t Met You Yet” to winsome covers such as “Feeling Good.” Impressive a cappella act Naturally 7 opens the show.—Kristina Urquhart
Both adults and wee ones get a kick out of the Gastown Motorcycle Show 'N' Shine. Photo by Greg Descantes
Biker dudes and dudettes of all ages show off their motorcycles on the streets of Vancouver for the 6th annual Gastown Motorcycle Show ‘N’ Shine (Aug. 15). Ogle hundreds of gleaming two-wheelers on display, including cruisers, choppers and drag bikes. Brush up on brands at the manufacturers’ displays, watch bikers perform stunts for the crowds and enjoy live music. The motorcycle demos are a hit, so line up and ride, baby, ride.—Kristina Urquhart
Chris Isaak wows the crowd in Vancouver on Aug. 15
Vancouverites adore the debonair crooner, who lived here for three years while filming The Chris Isaak Show. His concert performances are filled with witty banter, hits such as “Baby Did a Bad, Bad Thing” and even a costume change or two. See the hardest working man in show biz at The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts (Aug. 15).—Sheri Radford
An orca swims through local waters. Photo by Tom Ryan courtesy Tourism Vancouver
Ogling orcas is a popular activity on the West Coast. Killer whales in the wild often breach, spy-hop and lob-tail as entertainingly as their captive brethren. To embark on your own Free Willy adventure, book a tour with one of the many local whale watching companies.—Sheri Radford
Grab the guide Off the Beaten Path by Norman Watt and hit Vancouver's hiking trails
Even after years of hiking, it’s difficult for anyone to claim they’ve conquered every local trail. You can get one step closer with North Shore News columnist Norman Watt’s Off the Beaten Path (Harbour Publishing, $21.95), available at local bookstores. A hiking enthusiast’s guide to exploring the back hills, the book reveals 31 of the North Shore’s best-hidden trails and lookout points. Watt provides estimated hike times, terrain, maps and brief histories. Get your backpack and water bottle ready!—Kendra Wong
Dancers congregate for the Wreck Beach Butoh. Photo by Yuri Kikuchi
One weekend each year (Jul. 10 to 11), dancers clad only in white make-up perform on clothing-optional Wreck Beach. Kokoro Dance provides the choreography, while Mother Nature controls the stage, lighting and score. Audience members have been known to rip off their clothes and join in.—Sheri Radford
Don't be surprised if you see hundreds of people running in their unmentionables in Vancouver on Jul. 10
Don your best undies—listen to your mother and don’t wear ones with holes—and your comfiest sneakers and get ready to help a good cause: the 10K run and 5K walk raise money to research cancers down there (Jul. 10).—Sheri Radford
The Chippendales take it off for two Vancouver shows
Hey ladies, listen up! The Chippendales are heading our way for some hip-shakin’ entertainment. That’s right, the famous erotic male revue show is back and hotter than ever. What started as a simple nightclub act has turned into a permanent Las Vegas show and continuous tours. Come prepared to be wowed—or wooed—by über-fit eye candy, at the Red Robinson Show Theatre (Jul. 9) and River Rock Show Theatre (Jul. 10).—Jennifer Patterson
Canadian songbird Sarah McLachlan. Photo by Jennifer Tzar
After a 10-year hiatus, Lilith Fair (Jul. 1) has finally returned. It was formed out of pure frustration in 1997, after both concert promoters and radio stations refused to play two female musicians in a row. Lilith Fair ran until 1999 and was once the highest grossing touring festival of all time—not to mention it raised more than $10 million for charity. Catch founder Sarah McLachlan (pictured), Sheryl Crow, Erykah Badu and others as they reclaim their rightful place atop the festival throne. Girl power! —Jennifer Patterson
Vancouver's John Fluevog celebrates 40 years of hip and trendy Fluevog Shoes. Photo by Rebecca Blissett
Lordy lordy looks who’s 40: Vancouver’s own Fluevog Shoes marks the milestone with a bunch of birthday surprises, such as a collaboration with JJ Bean Coffee Roasters to produce both funky footwear (the Coffee Tanango Shoe) and cool coffee (the Special Reserve Fluevog Roast of Huehuetenango). Fox, Fluevog & Friends: The Story Behind the Shoes at the Museum of Vancouver keeps the party going until Sep. 26.—Sheri Radford
The funky interior of Red Card Sports Bar + Eatery is great for kicking back and watching the game
Just because 18 TVs are showing sports (probably the FIFA World Cup) doesn’t mean you’re stuck with beer and chicken wings all evening. At Red Card Sports Bar + Eatery, homemade pastas, risottos and pizzas are on the menu, along with a huge assortment of wines, cocktails and craft beers. Now that’s something to cheer about.—Sheri Radford
Dragon boat racing is an exciting sport to watch. Photo copyright LethalWeapon Photography
On Jun. 19 and 20, head to False Creek shores to cheer teams in the Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival. What started as a fertility ritual in ancient China is now a popular race with precision paddling to the rhythm of a drum. Don’t miss performances, food and retail vendors.—Kristina Urquhart
Big Sky Golf and Country Club
Even those who can’t tell a putter from a driver love local golf courses, thanks to the postcard-worthy scenery. Snow-capped mountains, glacier-fed lakes, waterfalls and towering trees make up just some of the backdrop. You can rent clubs, but make sure to bring your own camera.—Sheri Radford
Rockers Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers play Vancouver on Jun. 8. Photo by Sam Jones
For more than 30 years, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers have been cranking out hits such as “You Got Lucky,” “I Won’t Back Down” and “Don’t Come Around Here No More.” Catch the rockers at GM Place (Jun. 8).—Sheri Radford
Jack-of-all-trades Henry Rollins is in Vancouver on May 25. Photo by Maura Lanahan
Is there anything Henry Rollins can’t do? He conquered the world of hardcore punk rock. He’s hosted radio shows, acted for television and film, and campaigned for human rights. His resume also includes stints as a publisher, author and Vanity Fair blogger. Hear him discuss his travels to troubled and war-torn countries, at The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts (May 25).—Sheri Radford
