BC Adventures – Our To Do Picks for May 19 – 25

Your little ones will love the paint studio at the Surrey Children’s Festival

What to do in BC this week

Sample Alpine Eateries with Dine in Whistler – now until June 28
So many restaurants, so little time. That could be the motto of Dine in Whistler, a great deal on meals offering three-course spring menus for $19, $29, $39 and $49 at 30 alpine eateries until June 28. It’s a perfect chance for frugal foodies to dine at A-list eateries like Bearfoot Bistro and Hy’s Steakhouse without blowing the budget. Tempted to make a weekend out of it? Book your stay by calling 1-800-WHISTLER (1-800-944-7853).

See a Society Girl Struggle on Stage – Sundays until June 24
A “swellegant screwball comedy,” High Society sparkles with snappy dialogue and a score full of Cole Porter tunes in Arts Club Theatre’s latest must-see musical. What’s a wealthy bride-to-be to do when she’s set to walk down the aisle in mere hours but can’t decide if she should marry her fiancé or two equally eager suitors? See for yourself at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage (2750 Granville St, Vancouver) on Tuesdays through Sundays until June 24.

Celebrate Mother Nature at the South Okanagan Meadowlark Festival – May 17 – 21
It won’t just be bird-watchers heading to the South Okanagan Meadowlark Festival from May 17 to 21. After all, this 15th annual fest has been repeatedly voted the “Best Annual Community Event in the South Okanagan” thanks to a packed program of fun and informative ecological events ranging from horseback riding and cycling tours to canoe trips and astronomy talks. Book your tickets online or by phone at 250-492-5275.

Join a Community Carnival – May 18 – 19
As B.C.’s former capital, New Westminster may have been eclipsed by Victoria, but the demotion hasn’t dampened its civic pride. On May 18, the 41st annual Hyack Festival kicks off with a 10-day community carnival featuring over 60 events, including a street fair, live entertainment, rides and an antique show at various venues around town. Plus, check out the DiverseCity Multicultural Festival, an outdoor extravaganza offering free all-ages fun at Westminster Quay on May 19 from noon to 6 p.m.

Witness the Wild West at the Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair – May 18 – 21
Fans of the Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair already know why it’s been voted the best show in its class across North America for eight straight years. But first-timers will have to take it on faith that this 124th annual exposition boasts all the wonders of the Wild West, including bull-riding and barrel racing, plus family-friendly fun like a parade, kids’ zone and midway, at Cloverdale Fairgrounds (6050 176 St) from May 18 to 21.

Discuss the Importance of H20 at Water Is Life- May 19
Humans could potentially live for weeks without food but only about three days without water. Nature’s most essential element is discussed in Water Is Life, a public brainstorming session on how H2O affects us all. Held on May 19 at Roundhouse Community Centre (181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver), this free interactive event kicks off at 1 p.m. with a slate of speakers, films and enviro displays on ways we can all help maintain a healthy urban water system.

Experience Some Herb Healing – May 19
Lavender has been proven to calm anxiety, relieve insomnia and ease depression. So just imagine how great you’ll feel at the Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm (4380 Takla Rd, Kelowna), where the spring breeze is sweet with the scent of this fragrant bloom. Swing by for a season-opening celebration on May 19, and you can set off on a self-guided tour, shop at a country-style store or sip lavender lemonade at an on-site café.

Celebrate Like a Scot at the Victoria Highland Games and Celtic Festival – May 19 – 20
It won’t be too tough to track down the Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival this weekend. Just follow the sound of bagpipes to Victoria’s Topaz Park (Finlayson and Blanshard) to enjoy a full slate of Scottish-inspired activities ranging from whisky tastings and Highland dancing to a kilted 100-yard dash. Not a Scot? No worries. Everyone’s welcome to attend this fun fete on May 19 and 20. Admission is $12 at the gate.

Learn About Leonardo da Vinci – May 24 – 26
Painter, sculptor, engineer, anatomist. Is there anything Leonardo da Vinci couldn’t do? Short answer: no, which is why he’s being celebrated with a major exhibition at Telus World of Science (1455 Quebec St, Vancouver). On display until September 3, Da Vinci — The Genius is the most comprehensive exhibit ever compiled on the Italian master, featuring full-scale machine inventions, anatomical sketches, reproductions and 3D interactive presentations of his most famous art.

Let Their Imaginations Run Wild at the Surrey Children’s Festival – May 24 – 26
When it comes to young minds, you reap what you sow. That’s why it’s smart to fire up fertile imaginations with events like the eighth annual Surrey Children’s Festival from May 24 to 26. But better wear your runners ’cause with attractions like a paint studio, storytelling tent and adventure zone, you just might have a tough time keeping up with the kids. Catch it all at Surrey Arts Centre and Bear Creek Park (13750 88 Ave).

Say Yes Please to Tableau Bar Bistro – anytime
Fresh local meets bistro cool. That’s the tagline for Tableau Bar Bistro (1181 Melville, Vancouver), an award-winning French restaurant that goes far beyond escargot. Serving classic French comfort food with a local twist, Tableau will have you saying “oui” to the delicious plates prepared by executive chef Marc-André Choquette that range from ocean-wise seafood to duck breast au jardin, all made with fresh, organic and seasonal ingredients.

Take On Some Raging Rapids – anytime
A long weekend awaits, and if you’re looking for a way to make it memorable, Chilliwack River Rafting offers a boatload of aquatic adventures that’ll earn you bragging rights at the water cooler. After clambering aboard a rubber raft, you’ll enjoy non-stop whitewater (and white-knuckle!) action bouncing through big waves along roaring currents. And if you’re less than lion-hearted, no problem — you can always check out the family-friendly runs suitable for all ages and abilities instead.

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.