BC Adventures – Our To Do Picks for February 11-17

Entity is a staggering blend of bodies, lights, technology and film. See it at the Vancouver Playhouse

What to do in BC this week

Float Your Boat at the Vancouver International Boat Show – February 8 to 12
Does seafaring float your boat? Then you’ll be in ship shape at the Vancouver International Boat Show, making a splash from February 8 to 12 at BC Place and Granville Island Maritime Market and Marina. As Western Canada’s biggest boat show, the event features more than 300 exhibitors showcasing the latest marine products, along with a lineup of boating experts — including Russell Newberry of Deadliest Catch — offering tips on everything from do-it-yourself repairs to pleasure trips.


See Entrancing Dance
 – February 10 and 11
Wayne McGregor is winning rave reviews as “probably the hottest choreographer on the planet right now,” and his latest work Entity — called “a great sexy beast of a piece” by The Sunday Times of London — demonstrates the reason why. Set to a soundscape created by Coldplay collaborator Jon Hopkins and award-winning composer Joby Talbot, it’s a staggering blend of bodies, lights, technology and film that has been called “boundary breaking,” “technically astonishing” and “emotionally uncompromising.” See it at the Vancouver Playhouse on February 10 and 11, starting at 8 p.m.


Catch the 15th Annual Vancouver International Mountain Film Fest – February 10 to 18
Thought Vancouver’s favourite pastime was yoga? Don’t let all those Lululemon-clad ladies fool you, because it’s also ground zero for a booming climbing culture. Case in point? The 15th annual Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival, screening flicks of alpine adventures from February 10 to 18 at various local theatres, along with presentations by the likes of some of the world’s biggest adrenaline junkies, including a fearless fellow who rowed solo across the Atlantic Ocean.


Have Dinner at Diva – February 10 to 18
Vive la différence! Diva at the Met (645 Howe St, Vancouver) is serving up a Valentine’s Day dinner that recognizes men and women have diverse tastes, even when it comes to food. From February 10 to 18, couples can choose between two distinctly different four-course menus — the “Divo,” highlighting rich, bold dishes; or the “Diva,” featuring lighter fare with lively flavours. Dinner is $70 per person, and includes a take-home gift from the chef. Book by calling 604-602-7788.


Check out the BC Sports Hall of Fame – February 11 and 12
Planning a visit to the BC Sports Hall of Fame? Good timing. The newly renovated museum is celebrating a grand reopening on February 11 and 12 with family-style fun and 50 per cent off the price of admission. What’s more, you can check out the 2010 Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic medals, meet and greet athletes and explore new galleries like the “Hall of Champions,” “Our Teams, Our Turf” and “The Dream Card Hockey Card Collection.” Check it out from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.


Don’t Miss the Chutzpah Festival – February 11 to March 4
What’s in a name? Depends, but if the moniker in question is the Chutzpah! Festival, you’re safe to expect scads of in-your-face entertainment. Held from February 11 to March 4 at various Vancouver venues, this multi-faceted fest rolls out a roster of music, theatre and dance from top-notch local and international artists, including Holland’s Noord Nederlandse Dans, a contemporary dance troupe making its Canadian debut at Norman and Annette Rothstein Theatre from February 15 to 18.

Drink Chocolate – until February 14
Cue the drooling: If you’re sweet on the movie Chocolat, starring Johnny Depp and Juliette Binoche, word has it that Vancouver’s own Chocolaterie de la Nouvelle France (198 E. 21st Ave) boasts all the charm and old-world ambience of the shop featured in the film. And until February 14, you can try a special sipper called “Surprise Flower,” a Mexican-style hot chocolate infused with the flavours of hibiscus, jasmine or violet. Call 604-566-1065 for store hours.

Get Heart Smart – February 15
Like death and taxes, one of life’s certainties is that prices tend to rise year over year. Luckily, that’s not the case with the 27th annual Heart & Stroke Celebrity Breakfast, which makes its $125 ticket price a little easier to swallow. Hosted by CBC commentator Rex Murphy, this chow-down for charity serves up a buffet breakfast, entertainment and an auction, with proceeds benefiting the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Check it out February 15 at the Vancouver Convention Centre (1055 Canada Place), starting at 7 a.m.


Get Well at the Wellness Show – February 17 to 19
“The greatest wealth is health,” said Ancient Roman poet Virgil. Two thousand years later, his words are still equally true today. So why not safeguard your own health by picking up tips at the Wellness Show from February 17 to 19 at the Vancouver Convention Centre East (999 Canada Place). Along with scads of vendor booths and nutritious nibbles, this 20th annual exposition also includes workshops on everything from healthy aging to naturopathy to pet wellness.

Book a Romantic Retreat
 – now
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the Old House Village Hotel (1730 Riverside Lane, Courtenay) is offering a Romeo & Juliet package that’s designed to prime you up for a night of passion. Couples will enjoy accommodation in a cozy suite, along with spa services like a dip in a chromatherapy effervescent tub and a one-hour massage followed by eats and a glass of champagne in front of a fire, starting at $179 per person. To book, call 1-888-703-0202.


Make a Sweet Escape – until February 29
Score points with your sweetheart at Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa (849 Verdier Ave), Victoria’s only five-star oceanfront resort. Until February 29, you can treat your valentine to a Sweetheart Escape, a one-night getaway that includes accommodation in a luxurious suite, a welcome gift of handmade chocolate truffles and BC wine, and a complimentary $100 credit for dinner at the SeaGrille Restaurant. Check out this limited-time offer for $299, based on double occupancy.

Go Ice Climbing – this winter
The latest rage in winter recreation? Ice climbing! And the place to try it is at Big White (5315 Big White Rd, Kelowna), home to not only some of Canada’s best “champagne powder” but also to a new 60-foot-tall Ice Tower. Suitable for all fitness levels, this three-foot-thick pillar of ice has a beginner side and three sleeker sides for more advanced climbers. Check it out daily, except Tuesdays, and don’t worry — you’ll receive all the equipment and safety instructions you need from a certified mountain guide. Tickets are $20 per person, or $55 for all-day access.

Originally published in TVW. For daily updates, subscribe to the free TVW e-newsletter, or purchase a subscription to the weekly magazine.