We’ve scouted out some notable options for this upcoming long weekend befitting city-slickers of all sorts. Whether you stay close to home, or want an excuse to hit the road, our guide has got you covered.
First off, consider heading out of town and up to Whistler for Cornucopia for a weekend of food and wine indulgence. This event pumps the party scene into one of Canada’s best snow destinations during its downtime – in a big way. There are plenty of noteworthy ‘stay and play’ options available to fit every budget, and we promise you won’t be disappointed. Nab a few of the last remaining tickets up for grabs for Friday evening’s CRUSH Gala Tasting and be introduced to over 70 wineries as you sip and savour your way around Whistler’s massive Convention Centre in upscale mountainside style. Continue the party the following night at either Araxi’s signature Bubbles and Jazz event or finagle your way into what we think will be the most talked-about soiree, Bearfoot Bistro’s notorious Masquerave that marks its return after a four year hiatus. Owner, Andre Saint-Jaques aims to top everything off this year and has collaborated with his friends at Cirque du Soleil to create a jaw-dropping performance guaranteed to make Masquerave-history.
Sticking close to the city? We think you should kick back and use this weekend to relax and explore a few niche hoods of note. After a sweet sleep-in and slow start to Friday, we think you should grab your coffee to-go and don your poppy before heading downtown to pay your respects at the Remembrance Day Ceremony and Parade taking place at Victory Square.
Once the ceremony is over, head down to Gastown’s hub of activity and grab something sweet and savoury at Nelson the Seagull before perhaps checking out the sneak peek weekend of the annual Circle Craft Christmas Market over at the Vancouver Convention Centre that showcases the wares and creations of more than 280 different artisans.
Stroll into Saturday and grab the Aquabus over to Granville Island Market where you can grab freshly ground coffee at Bean Around the World, baked goods from La Baguette et L’Echalote and pretty much everything in between.
Looking to head in another direction? Then board the SeaBus for North Vancouver recharged Lonsdale neighbourhood. Start your day at the Lonsdale Quay Farmers Market (open every Saturday from 10am until 3pm). We love the massive expanse of artisan offerings, crafty collectables and locally sourced goods. This weekly, waterfront event also lands you steps away from block after block of boutiques, bakeries, restaurants and more to explore all day. A few notable side-by-side stops on our radar: Burgoo Bistro and The District are must-dos.
Sunday calls for a stroll, pedal or run around the Sea Wall followed by a leisurely lunch at La Brasserie (where we have it on good authority that your appetite will meet one of the best burgers calling Vancouver home). Rounding out our Sunday suggestions, be sure to take in a few screenings as part of the Vancouver Jewish Film Festival over at the Ridge Theatre.