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Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for May 3-11

This week: treat your mom to a memorable marine cruise, shop for one-of-a-kind handmade crafts, celebrate Science World's 25th birthday and more

By Anna Dupas /

Credit: Vancouver International Burlesque Festival

Vancouver Burlesque Show – May 1-3

Tassels will be twirling and feathers will be flying when the ninth annual Vancouver International Burlesque Festival brings the best acts in the biz to the Rio (1660 E. Broadway) and Vogue (918 Granville) from May 1 to 3. Feast your eyes on burlesque queens from across North America, including names like April O’Peele, Johnny Bottomsworth, Judith Stein and Ray Gunn, known as the “reigning king of boylesque.” 



Credit: Flickr / Jim, The Photographer

Burnaby Rhododendron Festival – May 4

Life’s too short not to smell the flowers. Thankfully, you’ll have ample opportunity to do just that at the Burnaby Rhododendron Festival, an annual petal party showcasing the city’s official flower. Taking place on the grounds of Shadbolt Centre (Norland & Deer Lake Ave), this free floral fest also includes watercolour workshops, garden tours, art activities, roving performers and a silent auction. Drop by on May 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine.  



Credit: Fire and Ice Street Festival

Fire and Ice Festival- May 3

Scenic seascapes and provincial parks are only two of Qualicum Beach’s top attractions – another is the Fire & Ice Street Festival, celebrating its 22nd year on May 3 with an ice-carving competition and a chili cook-off, along with a kids’ zone, roving performers and live music on three outdoor stages. Check out this free fest from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the streets surrounding the town centre.



Credit: Flickr / Tyler Ingram

Harbour Cruises Indian Arm Luncheon Cruise – starting May 3

After years of diaper duty, every mother deserves a place in the sun. That’s especially true around Mother’s Day, when you can treat your favourite matriarch to an Indian Arm Luncheon Cruise aboard the luxurious Harbour Princess. Count on enjoying a wonderful catered buffet as you sail past majestic fjords, waterfalls, privately owned islands and waterfront mansions, all adding up to “a true photographer’s delight.”  One thing’s for sure: an ocean adventure by Harbour Cruises is a no-brainer way to float any mom’s boat. Call 604-688-7246 to book.



Credit: Flickr / JamesZ_Flickr

American Girl Boutique Launch – May 3

Canadian Girls are loving American Girl, a new boutique store specializing in high-end dolls, books and apparel that opens up on May 3 at Chapters-Indigo on Robson. It’s the first time the American retailer has ventured onto Western Canadian soil, and it’s known (and loved) for its assortment of customizable doll lines, available with different hair, eye and skin tones. There’s even a doll hair salon!



Credit: Flickr / G.S. Matthews

Science World 25th Anniversary – May 3-4

Love to party? The biggest one just might be happening at Science World, celebrating its 25th anniversary on May 3 and 4 with a weekend’s worth of entertainment, including fireworks, music, cake-cutting, a screening of its first-ever Omnimax film Beavers and, according to a press release, “other amazing things… but it’s all secret for now.”  



Credit: Facebook / Got Craft?

Got Craft? – May 10-11

Let’s face it, craft fairs tend to conjure up visions of waste-of-space do-dads that only a grandmother could love. Throw those preconceptions out the window because Got Craft?, held May 10  and 11 at Vancouver’s Maritime Labour Centre, features top-notch indie vendors, delicious food carts and DIY workshops on everything from embroidery to letterpress, along with noteworthy newcomers and fan favourites. Tickets are $3 cash at the door, opening from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 



Credit: Facebook / Glenburn Soda Fountain and Confectionery

Gelnburn Soda Fountain & Confectionery – Tuesdays to Sundays

If sunny spring days aren’t enough to sweeten your mood, there’s always Glenburn Soda Fountain & Confectionery (4090 Hastings). This charming addition to the Burnaby Heights shopping strip serves up old-time treats like ice-cream sundaes, hand-poured sodas, creamy milkshakes, retro candy and pies ranging from key-lime to chocolate pecan. Watching your waistline? You can always soothe your soul with organic lavender lemonade, available Tuesdays through Sundays from noon to 8 p.m.



Credit: Flickr / Clemens v. Vogelsand

M&M Meat Shop Charity BBQ – May 10

Anyone suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome knows it’s a huge pain in the, well, butt. If you’re among the thousands Canadians afflicted with this digestive disorder – or even if you’re not – why not help M&M Meat Shops cook up a cure. On May 10, you can buy a burger or hot dog at the  annual Charity BBQ at M&M shops across B.C., and your minimum $3 donation will benefit the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada.



Credit: Township 7 Winery

Mother’s Day at Township 7 Winery- May 11

Of course you want to spoil your mom on Mother’s Day. The only question is how? If she’s the tippling type, you can toast her at Township 7 Winery (21152 16 Ave, Langley) on May 11. She’ll really havesomething to “wine’ about as she tips a glass at an outdoor bar, enjoys a lavish brunch then grooves to a live band. Check online for all the details.