On Your Feet

I'm currently compiling a list of some hikes & walks that are nice to do, and not too far from the city (Whistler is out).  

Here's what I've got so far:

The Grouse Grind:

No list of Vancouver hikes would be complete without this one.  "Nature's Stairmaster" isn't that what they call it?  Imagine walking up a mountain that's practically perpendicular to the ground.  Sound fun?  Well, I don't know if "fun" is the first word that comes to mind, but by the time you make it to the top you'll feel like you could do anything (maybe after a little nap).  The path itself is only a few kilometres long, but it feels like a lot more due to the severe incline.  If you're going for a lazy Sunday, admire-the-view kind of hike, go somewhere else.

More info here: http://www.grousemountain.com/Summer/summer-activities/vancouver-bc-hiking-trails-trips/grouse-grind.asp

Minnekhada Park

This park is gorgeous, and a good combination of admiring the views and getting a workout.  The High Knoll path is steep, but not too long to handle, and from the top you get a great view of the Fraser Valley, Pitt Lake, Pitt Meadows, etc.  It's gorgeous!  This one is a bit further away, being in Port Coquitlam/Coquitlam.

More info here: http://www.greatervancouverparks.com/Minnekhada01.html

This list is by no means complete, and I plan on continuing to work on it, but if you have suggestions of great local hikes, send them to me or comment!

Gold Diggers

If I was so rich I could spend $130 to go out on a Thursday night (sadly, I'm not), I'd be headed to the Opus Hotel a week from today to check out their Au = Precious Element fundraiser evening for the Arts Umbrella.

The theme is GOLD!  

Your ticket will get you a couple of gold-themed drinks, and you're supposed to dress in gold, too.

You can find all the information you need in my new calendar, at the bottom of this page, or at: www.artsumbrella.com/events/fundraising/preciouselement

And in case you're wondering who they're fundraising for, naturally you can see that, too: www.artsumbrella.com

Vino Italiano!

June 21 to 26 is Italian Cultural Week at the Italian Cultural Centre (www.italianculturalcentre.ca).  They have a variety of events going on all week, including events for the family and events with wine!

Check out the schedule of performances and the information about the dance and banquet at http://www.italianculturalcentre.ca/itoolkit.asp?pg=ITALIAN_WEEK_2009.

Car-Free Vancouver

Sunday is Car-Free Vancouver day and there are a variety of events around the city (Downtown, Kitsilano and Main St).

You can check out carfreevancouver.org for more information.

This day is for having fun, and celebrating the future of our city.  There will be a variety of activities, music and other such fun in each of the areas I mentioned above.  Go enjoy your car-free self (and take transit!).