March in Vancouver: Events You Can’t Miss

Cross border moving requires lots of thought and can cause lots of stress. Once you are moved to Vancouver, you may want to get out of the house and look around the city. Here are some activities you might not want to miss.

Head to Mt. Seymour for the “Tubbs Romp to Stomp.” You can choose from a 3K or 5K benefit snowshoe walk, or a 3K fun run to “Stomp Out Breast Cancer.” Even if you have never snow shoed before, you and your kids can take a snowshoe lesson, and head out on the well-marked trails. Takes place March 3 from 8am-12pm.

The National Nikkei Museum & Heritage Centre will have Jan Ken Pon!, a family games day full of traditional Japanese heritage games and toys. Play with colorful tops, make your own sumo wrestlers and beanbags, and more. The highlight of the day is a rock-paper-scissors tournament with prizes. Takes place March 17 from 1-4pm.

The photography section of Nature Vancouver and its Young Naturalist Club holds a photo competition every year. Results of the competition will be presented on March 22. The categories are: Birds; Botany; Entomology; Mammals; and other Natural History.

VRS will present Andreas Brantelid on cello, and Shai Wosner on piano at the Kay Meek Centre Sunday, March 25 at 3pm. The Danish cellist is only 23, but the Sunday Times refers to his “astonishing maturity, youthful freshness, and vigor.” Wosner is called by The New York Times “a superb pianist.” Program details include Debussy and Brahms.

Once you arrive in Vancouver, you will find there is much to experience. Leave the process of cross border moving behind you, and get out to hear some music, see some photography, play Japanese games, or snowshoe for a good cause.

(Photo attributed to Flickr member @Mega Hammond via the creative common license.)

Living in Vancouver: Tips for Staying Active This Winter

A month of planning your cross border moving can leave you worn out. But they say that along with a little rest, you should add a little exercise. Vancouver offers infinite options for physical activity. Try these three tips for staying active this season.

1. Try the Kitsilano Adventuring Moms Meet-up group. Meetup.com is a site where you can find other people who enjoy the things you enjoy. People meet about pets, politics, religion, cooking, crafts, and so much more. This adventuring group of moms will keep you active in the winter months. There are often activities for both you and the kids to participate in.

2. Sign up for classes at Inner Space Yoga in Gastown. This all-inclusive stop for physical health won’t disappoint. It is a beautiful space, meant to slow you down and relax you. It is a “boutique” studio with smaller classes and a more intimate, authentic experience. They offer Hatha, Anvsara, Vinyasa, and Yin yoga, but they have more than yoga. Experience meditation, Pilates, massage, infrared saunas and more.

3. Try Cypress Mountain for cross-country skiing. You can rent your skis here and try this cardio workout. Their Nordic Trails are groomed and track-set. They are good for both the Classic and Skate technique. Take a friend and enjoy the snowy views.

4. Head to Grouse Mountain for some outdoor ice-skating on an old-fashioned, 8,000 square ft. pond. The ticket includes a gondola ride, access to many peak activities such as sleigh rides. You can get a nice warm cup of hot cocoa at the nearby Peak Chalet.

After cross border moving to Vancouver, you may need to get out of the house and get some exercise. Maybe a meet-up group, a yoga class, or a day of cross country skiing will do the trick.
(Photo attributed to Flickr member @ronsombilongallery via the creative common license)

NYE 2012 in Vancouver: Top Hot Spots

After cross border moving into your home during the holidays, you might consider a quiet night at home for New Year’s Eve. That would be a mistake! This is the perfect time to get out on the town and meet some people. Here are some top hot spots for NYE 2012.

Go to the New Year’s Eve Gala at Grouse Mountain. Choose from early seating to later seating, and from a three or six course meal. Enjoy a complementary glass of champagne and a DJ and dancing.

The City of Vancouver will host a Dinner and Dance for those over 30. Located at 2929 East 22nd Ave, there will be party favors, snacks, a full dinner, door prizes, and champagne at midnight. DJ music by “Jun” will keep you dancing until midnight. Cost is $38 per person.

Hit all the hottest clubs at the New Year’s Eve Extravaganza Club Crawl 2012. A party bus will take you to four local clubs, without waiting in line or paying cover charges. You’ll find drinks specials, party favors, contests, and prizes. Cost is $30 per person.

Take a dinner cruise aboard the luxurious Pride of Vancouver. There will be a gourmet buffet, entertainment, and dancing like you would expect on a traditional cruise ship. View the Vancouver skyline and city lights at night, as you enjoy a New Year’s Eve on the sea.

Attend the New Years Le Gala at the Pan Pacific Hotel. This event gives you the chance to dress up in formal attire, and enjoy a delicious dinner while proceeds go to the BC Children’s Hospital. Cost is $120 per person.

After your cross border moving is complete, think about going out for New Year’s Eve to one of these great locations.

(Photo attributed to Flickr member @TinyTall via the creative common license)

Moving to Canada: Life in Vancouver

Cross border moving can be exciting, especially when moving to the city of Vancouver, BC. Known for its mild climate and close proximity to the ocean, mountains, rivers and lakes, it is not only beautiful, but perfect for someone interested in outdoors recreation. It is only a 30-minute drive from downtown Vancouver to the ski resorts, mountain biking areas, and white water rafting. There are 3,200 acres of parks in the Vancouver area, so you can always find a green space away from the busy city life. Walk the 6-mile seawall at Stanley Park for magnificent views of the ocean and mountains.

Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of he most livable cities in the world. The reasons for this are many. The city is clean, and the downtown has high-rise living with access to shopping and entertainment, reducing urban sprawl. Cost of living can be high in Vancouver, as can real estate.

Vancouver is called a “city of neighborhoods,” each one having its own character. It is easy to find that perfect neighborhood for your needs. Consider Yaletown, a newly renovated area for the urban dweller. It is full of art galleries, trendy shopping, and “high-concept” restaurants. Life in Yaletown would be in a New York-style loft, with an active nightlife. Among the 2.37 million residents, there is a large Chinese community, one of the largest in North America. Downtown Chinatown is interesting with its historic buildings, and exotic wares.

Vancouver is a center for film and television production, sometimes called North Hollywood. The Vancouver international Film Festival runs for two weeks each September is one of the larger film festivals in North America.

Living in Vancouver, you might find yourself at Granville Island. This is the location of a hip and quite large Public Market, where you’ll find all kinds of shopping and eateries. Or you might make your way to shopping and dining on Robson Street, a location of over 200 shops and cafés. Also check out Kitsilano and Pacific Centre for shopping and dining.

Vancouver has a lot to offer to someone considering cross border moving. It is a place you could easily call home.

Photo provided by Flickr user @watsuandok under the creative common license.