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BC Adventures – Our To Do Picks for January 5-11

This week in BC: Hit up Big White, get your stretch on at Unity Yoga, laugh till you drop at Grim & Fischer, and more

By Anna Dupas /

Credit: Tourism BC/Don Weixl

Grim & Fischer — January 3-13

What would you do if the Grim Reaper suddenly came calling? That’s the plot point in Grim & Fischer, a surreal show about a tenacious old granny who dukes it out with Death when he attempts to haul her into the afterlife. Who’ll win this wordless battle of wills? See for yourself when this award-winning show, played out in full face mask, comes to The Cultch in East Vancouver from January 3 to 13. Call 604-251-1363 for tickets.



Credit: ComedyNose

Comedy with Erica Sigurdson — January 11

Don’t let Erica Sigurdson’s girl-next-door looks fool you. This sassy stand-up has been described as a “sugar-coated razor blade” for her cutting brand of comedy. So if you’re looking for a laugh — and who isn’t, now that Christmas bills are coming due? — check out the award-winning entertainer on January 11 at Nanaimo’s Port Theatre (125 Front St), starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $26 at the door, or book in advance by calling 250-754-8550.



Credit: Tourism BC/Don Weixl

Luminescence — Until Jan. 22

Leave the dark days of winter behind (at least for a little while!) by checking out Luminescence at the Vancouver Aquarium. Running from now until January 22, this celebration of aquatic light includes special exhibitions to show why sea creatures like cuttlefish, jellies, corals and electric eels set the ocean’s gloomy depths aglow in a kaleidoscope of colours. And while you’re there, check out The Great Salmon Run 4-D Experience, screening from January 7 to February 6.



Credit: Flickr / Lululemon athletica

Unity Yoga

If misery loves company, the opposite must be true as well because people have been turning up in droves for communal Thai yoga massage sessions at Unity Yoga (1672 East 10th Ave, Vancouver). For $40, you’ll receive an hour’s worth of bodywork involving passive stretching exercises guided by a registered Thai massage practitioner. Swing by on Fridays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and while drop-ins are welcome, bookings are preferred by calling 604-708-8369.



Credit: Tourism BC/Don Weixl

Big White Ski Resort

Whistler may get all the buzz, but Big White deserves bonus points for being the only winter resort in North America that features ice climbing. So if you’ve skied, snowboarded, tubed and tobogganed, set your sights on the latest alpine adventure at the Okanagan-based resort — a 60-foot ice tower that’s been attempted by climbers aged 7 to 75. It’s open Thursdays through Sundays from noon to 8 p.m. in Happy Valley Adventure Park, with single climbs priced at $20 and all-day access at $55.



Credit: Tourism BC/Don Weixl

Fairmont Waterfront Hotel Package

Experts say it’s never a good idea to eat on the run, but we think you’ll make an exception for this Fairmont Waterfront Hotel package. First you’ll glide via gondola to the peak of Vancouver’s Grouse Mountain for a day of guided snowshoeing followed by a scrumptious fondue in Altitudes Bistro. The next day brings a chef-guided tour and lunch at Granville Island Market, ending with a three-course dinner at Herons West Coast Kitchen. This two-night deal is priced at $999, based on double occupancy.



Credit: Tourism BC/Don Weixl

Nita Lake Lodge

Skiing is an expensive sport, so good thing Nita Lake Lodge in Whistler is giving snow bums a break by offering a custom ski package that starts from a wallet-friendly $134 per night. The deal includes five nights’ accommodation in your choice of a studio or suite, a four-day lift pass for Whistler/Blackcomb and even a daily $15 breakfast voucher. Book this offer by January 31 by phone at 1-888-755-6482.



Credit: SweetOnVeg

The Acorn

If your New Year’s resolution is to eat healthier this year, The Acorn (3995 Main St) — arguably Vancouver’s best vegetarian restaurant — makes it easy. Open since July, this hip hideaway on Main Street serves up delicious and nutritious fare like zucchini lasagna, macadamia cheese and beet ravioli, chestnut and potato soup and kale salad, along with plenty of vegan, raw and gluten-free options to satisfy even the pickiest palates. And if you’re just hungering for light bites, swing by from 10 p.m. for an equally tasty late-night menu.



Credit: Tourism BC/Don Weixl

Learn to Fly

According to a recent LinkedIn survey, most men consider being a pilot their No. 1 dream job. So the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel is putting wannabe aviators in the cockpit with a Learn to Fly package, which includes a 60-minute flight simulation on board a Boeing 767 at Canada’s premier airline training facility in Richmond, along with a night’s stay in a Fairmont Gold room, continental breakfast and a welcome gift. This offer starts from $499 per person per night, based on double occupancy, by calling 604-207-5200.



Credit: BlueandWhiteArmy

Royal BC Museum

If you spent just one minute pondering each item in the vast collections at Royal BC Museum (675 Belleville St, Victoria), it would take you 13 years to wend your way through the galleries, which boast seven million artifacts showcasing the region’s natural history. But the best part is, the world-class museum is giving guests a break by offering admission by donation from January 2 to 9. Check out Royal BC Museum online or call 250-356-7226 for more information.


Originally published in TVW. For daily programming updates and on-screen Entertainment news, subscribe to the free TVW e-newsletters, or purchase a subscription to the weekly magazine.