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Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for February

From comedy to love-themed events, here's what to add to your calendar this month

By Rhiannon Jones /

From comedy to love-themed events, here’s what to add to your calendar this month

 

1. Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea at Notch8 – Until Sunday, February 19

Notch8Notch8Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver’s Notch8 with a Lunar New Year-inspired afternoon tea. You’ll begin with a selection of Fairmont’s Lot 35 tea, along with sweet and savoury bites, such as chilled char siu sablefish on milk bread, typhoon shelter prawn toast, pork dumplings, egg custard tart, a special red envelope with chocolate coins, and so much more. Eight lucky winners will also receive a ‘Golden Ticket’ in a red envelope throughout the Lunar New Year, ranging from complimentary tea for two to an overnight stay at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and more.
900 West Georgia St, Vancouver; Details online

 

2. Winterlust Outdoor Dome Dining at The Westin Bayshore – Until Sunday, March 12

The Westin BayshoreThe Westin BayshoreIf you haven’t had the opportunity to visit Winterlust at H Tasting Lounge yet, there’s still plenty of time to book a reso for The Westin Bayshore’s al fresco dining experience. Providing views across the harbour and of the North Shore mountains, you’ll get to dine within the comfort of your very own glass-panelled dome and spend a chilly Vancouver day or evening enjoying afternoon tea and West Coast-inspired dishes.
1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver; Details online

 

3. Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience – Wednesday, February 1 to Sunday, March 5

Beyond Van GoghBeyond Van GoghImmerse yourself in more than 300 of the greatest works of post-impressionist artist, Vincent Van Gogh in the form of a a three-dimensional experience that exhilarates every sense and brings to life one of the most influential artists the world has known. Produced by Paquin Entertainment Group, the Beyond Van Gogh experience is one of the most popular travelling exhibitions and opens in Surrey on February 1. 
Agriplex at Cloverdale Fairgrounds, 17798 62 Ave, Surrey; Tickets from $31.99 (adults), and $23.99 (children); Details online

 

4. A Month of Love at the Improv Centre – Friday, February 3 to Wednesday, February 15

TICTICThis Valentine’s, head to the Improv Centre (TIC) on Granville Island for a lineup sure to appeal to the romantic and unromantic in all of us. Artistic director Jalen Saip says, “With a number of shows that will excite singles, couples, throuples—or those whose relationship status forever reads ‘it’s complicated’—there is something for everyone. Our Love Month programming will leave you laughing until your heart swells and your belly aches.” Shows include Single, Not Single, Kiss & Tell, Date Night, and Happy Un-Valentine’s Day.
Details online

 

5. The Wellness Show – Saturday, February 11 and Sunday, February 12

Wellness ShowFacebook/Wellness ShowCelebrating its 30th anniversary, the Wellness Show returns with more than 150 exhibitors and 100 guest speakers. Vancouver’s premier and longest-running healthy, holistic lifestyle showcase features workshops, seminars and demonstrations. Highlights include live celebrity chef cooking demos by chef Tojo; a traditional medicinals tea lounge where you can relax and recharge; freebies, prizes and so much more.
Vancouver Convention Centre, West Building; Details online

 

6. Vancouver Aquarium After Hours Valentine’s Day Edition – Saturday, February 11 to Tuesday, February 14

Vancouver AquariumFacebook/Vancouver AquariumFriends, lovers and couples are all invited to spend Valentine’s night at the Vancouver Aquarium. The adults-only, late-night event is one of the city’s most unique Valentine’s date experiences and features a wonderful three-course meal, as well as the opportunity to learn about the animals’ intimate behaviours from experts, to get up close with African penguins, plus more.
845 Avison Way, Vancouver; Details online

 

7. A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Saturday, February 11 to Thursday, February 16

Vancouver OperaFacebook/Vancouver OperaEnjoy an evening of magic filled with the ethereal beauty of Britten’s atmospheric score and Shakespeare’s fantastical story. Based on the famous play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream follows a myriad of hilarious characters in a whimsical whirlwind of magic potions, love triangles and mistaken identities.
Queen Elizabeth Theatre; Tickets from $50; Details online

 

8. JCC Jewish Book Festival – Saturday, February 11 to Thursday, February 16

JCC Jewish Book FestivalJCC Jewish Book FestivalWarm up your winter nights with fascinating authors from across Canada, USA, Israel and Germany at the JCC Jewish Book Festival. Look forward to lively conversations and engaging books, with featured festival authors including Gabor Mate, MD, showcasing his latest bestselling book, The Myth of Normal Trauma, Illness and Healing in a Toxic Culture, in conversation with Marsha Lederman, as well as an incredible abundance of B.C. authors. 
Details online

 

9. Just For Laughs – Thursday, February 16 to Saturday, February 25

Facebook/JFL VancouverFacebook/JFL VancouverWestern Canada’s biggest comedy festival returns to Vancouver with a lineup of comedy’s funniest folks. With stand-up legends like Margaret Cho, Sarah Silverman and Jack Whitehall taking the stage, Vancouverites can also enjoy shows from the much-loved Queer Eye sensation, Jonathan Van Ness, as well as an evening with the Office Ladies, An Evening with the Office Ladies, Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey, plus so much more. Experience podcasts, improv and sketch performances, alongside breakout sets from comics you didn’t even know you loved.
Various locations and prices; Details online

 

10. Snowshoeing at Grouse Mountain Resort – Until the end of winter