VANCOUVERISM – A LABEL THAT BECAME RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE MOST LIVABLE CITY’S IN THE WORLD
A CITY THAT BECAME
Vancouverism …. was once a concept credited or created by the Canadian Architect Arthur Erickson. An urbanistic visionary, who in the mid 1950′s visualized urban planning of a contemporary city with the highest density neighborhoods, high-livability, protecting view corridors, preserving this beautiful natural city’s scenic environment backdrop and taking advantage of the tremendous amount of our water fronts.
Vancouverism …. became more than just an urban development model, it became an urban trend, a unique lifestyle, an eco-density illustrated example and an iconic livable development with a great environment and sustainability.
Vancouverism …. is now a label that has gained around the world recognition and makes us proud as Vancouver is one of the most livable model city’s in the world.
VANCOUVER MARITIME MUSEUM
A MAGICAL PLACE THAT INSPIRES ALL AGES, LANDLUBBERS AND OLD SALTS ALIKE
The Maritime Museum is where the young and young at heart thrill to their many exhibits and the adventures within their galleries. They inspire all to be life-long learners and everyone who enters their world gains a deeper understanding of how people respond to and interact with the sea.
Every day the Vancouver Maritime Museum charts a different course of adventure for all. Discover the rich maritime history and traditions of the Pacific Coast. Step back in time to 1944 on board Canada’s famous RCMP St Roch and explore the many permanent and changing exhibits, Children’s Maritime Discovery Centre, family activities, and the boats in Heritage Harbour.
VANCOUVER CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL – 2012
TOUCHING SPIRITS WITH THE FRAGILE BEAUTY OF THE CHERRY BLOSSOM
As the quintessential symbol of spring, the universal theme of the cherry tree inspires new poetry, art, music, film, design, crafts, photography, and cuisine while inspiring the artist in us all. Through a wide array of diverse programs from Cherry Jam Downtown, Haiku Invitational, Bike the Blossoms, Japan Fair, BC Blossom Watch Photo Contest, Cherry Scouts Program, Tree Talks and Walks and the Cherry Blossom Viewing Map the festival captures the exuberance of the blossoming with cultural programming for the whole community to enjoy. Inspired by the age old Sakura festivals of Japan, the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival uplifts spirits in the city, while the ephemeral nature of the blossoms remind us all to take time now to celebrate life.
FUN FACTS ABOUT BRITISH COLUMBIA
ARE YOU THE CURIOUS SORT WANTING TO KNOW INTERESTING AND UNUSUAL FACTS WHEN EXPLORING A REGION?
You will already know that British Columbia (BC) is Canada’s westernmost province and one of North America’s most mountainous regions… but did you know…
• British Columbia has the longest frost-free periods in Canada due mostly to mild temperatures related with its maritime climate, with flowers often blooming as early as February.
• Considered one of the youngest cities in the world, Vancouver was incorporated in 1886 – sharing an anniversary with Mercedes-Benz and Coca-Cola! Also known as ‘Hollywood North’, Vancouver has become the third largest North American film and TV production centre with only LA and New York making more films.
PLAYDOME – BC PLACE
CANADA’S LARGEST INDOOR CARNIVAL WITH OVER 45 RIDES AND ATTRACTIONS
Today we were invited to the BC Place for an exclusive preview of the PlayDome before it opens to the public. We had a great pleasure of meeting both Bob Hauser, an owner/operator of the West Coast Amusements Ltd. and Adam Stowe, the Communications Coordinator for Pace Group who showed us around the PlayDome.
PlayDome is Canada’s largest indoor carnival with over 45 rides and attractions and it is back to BC Place! Feel like your floating in air with the Zero Gravity ride, be spun around on the new open air cars of the Ring of Fire and be flung into oblivion on the Super Shot. Popular favorites such as 1001 nights, The Ferris Wheel and the Zipper are all back to be enjoyed. Make sure to bring all your family to this wonderful, fun and exciting event!
LUNARFEST 2012 – OUR PHOTOS
LUNARFEST IS WISHING YOU A PROSPEROUS, HEALTHY AND HAPPY YEAR OF THE DRAGON!
Started in 2009 and built to be a Vancouver Winter Olympics Legacy event, LunarFest is Canada’s premier presenter of contemporary expression in Asian arts and culture. It endeavours to reach new Canadians and those who have been here for many generations to share in the diversity of Canada. It also encourages and fosters the collaboration of Canadian and International cultural presenters to create new forms of artistic expressions. LunarFest is a festival that brings together Soul, Art and Life on one stage.
VANCOUVER DOWNTOWN MAP OF NEIGHBOURHOODS AND AREAS
FEATURING BEACH CRESCENT NEIGHBOURHOOD BY BUILDINGS
Vancouver4life features Vancouver’s Condominiums and Residential Buildings by areas or neighbourhoods in Downtown Vancouver and surrounding areas. Discover and learn about different Neighbourhoods, research Information on each Building, View Pictures, Google Maps and our featured MLS® Listings. Read articles on Real Estate News and Real Estate Statistics, architecture and design, find fun and entertaining Vancouver Events and visit our Food & Drink for fantastic Restaurants in Vancouver.
Vancouver4life provides you with valuable information whether you’re a Buyer or a Seller. We feature Studios, Lofts, Penthouses & Townhouses in the Downtown Vancouver area so if you’re Buying or Selling Real Estate we have the knowledge and the experience for both Buyers and Sellers.
Vancouver4Life
Vancouver Real Estate and Downtown Condos
Agnieszka Stryjecka
t 778.991.5881
e vancouver4life@gmail.com
SCIENCE WORLD AT TELUS WORLD OF SCIENCE – EXTREME DINOSAURS EXHIBITION – OUR PHOTOS
DISCOVER THE EXTREME!
These unusual beasts aren’t your parents’ dinosaurs – with ferocious feathers and handsome horns, some of these dinosaurs are unlike any you’ve seen before. We’d go as far as to say they’re extreme! Extreme Dinosaurs gathers some of the world’s strangest dinosaurs and gives you the inside scoop on their unique looks and how some may have been related to birds instead of reptiles. These life-sized animatronic creatures come to life and let you experience first-hand what it would have been like to share our world with these wacky reptiles. Learn how their extreme features were adaptations which helped to keep them warm, find food, make babies, and stay safe.
VANCOUVER’S 18TH ANNUAL WINTER SOLSTICE LANTERN FESTIVAL – OUR PHOTOS FROM DR. SUN YAT SEN CHINESE GARDEN – 2011
ONE FESTIVAL, FIVE NEIGHBOURHOODS
This year Vancouverites celebrated the longest night of the year, which was December 21, 2011 at the 18th Annual Winter Solstice Lantern Festival. Families, friends and neighbours lit their lanterns for the annual lantern procession through five of Vancouver’s unique neighbourhoods: East-Side, Yaletown, Granville Island, South-East False Creek and Chinatown and enjoyed performances, storytelling and the Labyrinth of Light in various locales. It was a great night.
CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM VANCOUVER4LIFE
WE WISH EVERYONE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A FANTASTIC NEW YEAR!!!
VANCOUVER PARKS – 450 BEACH CRESCENT – GEORGE WAINBORN PARK
GEORGE WAINBORN PARK …. YALETOWN …. AND THE OCEAN BEYOND
This beautiful 2.49 hectare park was announced Vancouver’s newest jewel of waterfront parks. The George Wainborn Park is located downtown, off Pacific Boulevard at the foot of Richards Street and boasts formal and informal spaces, expansive lawns, a dramatic water feature and spectacular views of False Creek and the city. The park is named for Vancouver’s longest serving Park Board Commissioner, George Wainborn. George Wainborn contributed to the City’s parks and recreation system for 33 years between 1956 and 1990. Among his many accomplishments he was a leader in the creation of Stanley Park’s Miniature Railway, played a key role in starting the Carol Ships program, and initiated lighting of the magnificent grove of elm trees on Beach Avenue at Bidwell each Christmas season. A recipient of the Freedom of the City in 1991 and Order of Canada in 1999, he died in September 2003. George Wainborn Park opened in 2004 at a cost of $5.1 million.
In July 2006 a 40 foot tall wind sculpture entitled “Khenko” was installed at the bottom of the park. It was designed and built by artist Doug Taylor and was a gift from Concord Pacific Group Inc. dedicated to British Columbia’s former Lieutenant Governor, David Lam. “Khenko” is a Coast Salish word for “heron” and the sculpture celebrates the return of this bird species to the once industrialized False Creek.
ROAD 13 VINEYARDS – BC WINERIES & VINEYARDS
THE MOTTO OF ROAD 13 “IT’S ALL ABOUT THE DIRT”
ABOUT ROAD 13
The site was originally operated by a partnership between three field engineers who were kicked out of Russia by the communists after the revolution. After irrigation canal water became available inthe early 1920s, they planted tree fruits and ground crops.
The land was next sold to Tim Robin, one of the largest growers in the area, who continued to farm it as an apple and peach orchard.
The property was sold in a derelict state to Hungarian Arpad Pallay in 1961. Arpad (deceased in 2004) planted apples, cherries and ground crops. He was the first farmer in the lower valley to circumvent the growers’ co-op and took his fruit direct to Vancouver. As a juicy side, his daughter Kate married the son of the fruit inspector who has always trying to catch Arpad selling his fruit outside the co-op!
Peter and Helga Serwo purchased the winery site in 1985. Coming to the Okanagan Valley in the late 1960s from Germany, where they worked as building contractors and grape growers. They continued these callings in Canada and were responsible for a good chunk of the early Golden Mile plantings including the original Tinhorn Creek site. Pam and Mick Luckhurst purchased the land in 2003, when Peter and Helga wanted to slow down after 50 years of viticulture.
GUU KOBACHI – TRADITIONAL JAPANESE TAPAS (IZAKAYA) – VANCOUVER
“NO REGULAR MENU” FOR GUU KOBACHI
Guu is the izakaya pioneer with the Japanese spirit in Canada. Started serving locals in Vancouver, they have reached Five locations in Vancouver, two locations in Toronto, and one in Sichuan, China today. Other than serving authentic izakaya food/drink, their warm and energetic loud greeting to patrons is one of their characters. Shout with us, “Guu is Guuu’d!”
MOUNT SEYMOUR PROVINCIAL PARK – VANCOUVER
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN MAGNIFICENT SNOW CAPPED MOUNTAINS AND BREATHTAKING VIEWS OF VANCOUVER, THE ISLANDS AND THE VALLEY.
ABOUT MT. SEYMOUR
Located just 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Mount Seymour Provincial Park has been enjoyed by generations of Lower Mainland residents. The park offers viewpoints overlooking the city of Vancouver and east over Indian Arm Provincial Park. There are opportunities for bird and wildlife viewing and four areas for day-use picnicking are available. There are several lakes in the park with Elsay Lake being the largest. Its waters and those of De Pencier, Gopher and Goldie drain eastward to Indian Arm. Some of the smaller lakes and ponds feed their waters west to the Seymour River. Mount Seymour rises to to a summit of 1,449 m (4,754 ft) and the park size is 3508 hectares.
Visitors will find many trails of various lengths and difficulty. Lower mountain trails are used extensively by mountain bikers and hikers, while upper mountain trails are restricted to hiking. Winter trails are put in place Mid-December thru March 31 each year. Winter snowshoe trails and ski trails marked by BC Parks do not require a permit or pass. The park also offers extensive winter recreation facilities including skiing, snowshoeing and a supervised snow play area operated by Mount Seymour Resorts. Mount Seymour also offers a multitude of activities for summer recreationalists, include, hiking, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and mountain biking. (more…)
VANDUSEN BOTANICAL GARDEN – FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS – OUR PHOTOS FROM THE OPENING NIGHT
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS 2011 – THE OPENING NIGHT WAS A HIT!!!
The Festival of Lights at the VanDusen Garden this year was as magical as always. The turnout was great and the garden filled with both adults and children who were mystified by this truly wonderful yearly event.
VANCOUVER CHRISTMAS MARKET – 2011 – OUR PHOTOS
STEP BACK IN TIME … EXPERIENCE A TRADITIONAL GERMAN CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL FOR ALL!
Vancouver Christmas Market is an authentic outdoor German Christmas market village featuring unique holiday shopping, seasonal music and entertainment and delicious traditional food and drink. The market will be located on the Plaza at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (on Georgia, between Cambie and Hamilton) and is guaranteed to get you in the festive mood! You can stroll through the festively decorated outdoor Christmas village that will feature more than 45 traditional wooden booths containing traditional German products and be treated to row upon row of illuminated wooden huts offering handmade gifts and tempting treats. You can listen to the sounds of bells, trumpeters and carolers. As day becomes night, thousands of Christmas lights sparkle and delicious aromas of mulled wine and spicy gingerbread waft through the air. The Vancouver Christmas Market will start on November 24th to December 24th 2011 and will be open daily from 11:00am to 9:00pm. It has been named as one of the 10 most Spectacular Holiday Markets Around the World.
OSOYOOS – OKANAGAN VALLY – BRITISH COLUMBIA – 2011
OSOYOOS – AN OASIS IN THE DESERT
Osoyoos makes an amazing getaway from a busy city life, all within a 4-hour mountain drive from Vancouver. A popular summer family destination for years, this small town in recent years has emerged as a major draw for wine lovers, golfers, cultural travelers, outdoor adventurers and skiers. You can enjoy a wide array of watersports, go fishing in nearby lakes, hike the hills, golf, enjoy many of the wonderful vineyards and so much more!
We stayed in the Safari Beach Resort which is just ideal for families providing a private sandy beach to relax on and for the kids to play. The Resort offers beautiful views of the spectacular Osoyoos Lake, vineyards and surrounding mountains. In the evening the owners start a fire on the beach for the kids offering marshmellows, story telling and a relaxed evening for the parents. The owners are truly wonderful and helpful in everything.
An amazing place to visit is Satary Stables which offers trail rides, a petting zoo, farm tours, an overnight sleep in a teepee, bed & breakfast, horse boarding, arena riding, birthday parties and so much more!! What an amazing place to visit if you have children or just want to go horseback riding and enjoy the beautiful views of the Valley & Anarchist Mountain. The owners are kind with beautiful hearts that love their animals and their land. This season was the first for a petting zoo at Satary Stables and Jack (a two week old and a very handsome donkey) is the newest addition to the family. The owners put all their attention on the children that come and visit the petting zoo and spend a lot of time showing them around and teaching as much as they can. While we toured the farm we couldn’t believe how much all the animals loved their owners. It is an awesome place to visit that offers so much for everyone.
IDSWEST – OUR PHOTOS FROM THE INTERIOR DESIGN SHOW – PART I – VANCOUVER – 2011
DESIGN/ART/ARCHITECTURE
The Interior Design Show West, is taking over the Vancouver Convention Centre September 29th – October 2nd, 2011. Celebrate design in Vancouver and host over 110+retailers, 30+manufacturers and 75+independent designers. IDSwest is an edited event, showcasing contemporary, cutting edge and original design. Find the next design for your client or your home or become inspired by some of the world’s most creative people.
GO CANUCKS GO!
More than 100,000 fans in Downtown Vancouver came out to celebrate Canucks Game 5 victory of the Stanley CUP 2011.
GO CANUCKS GO
VANCOUVER EUFORIA FOR THE INCREDIBLE WIN OF CANUCKS.
JUNE 4TH, 2011 IS A VICTORIOUS DAY FOR VANCOUVER AND THE WHOLE CANADA …………. GO CANUCKS GO!!!!!!!!!!!
photo curtesy of Miquel Cabrera
OUR PHOTOS FROM LUNAR FEST – 2011 – VANCOUVER
LANTERN AQUARIUM AT VANCOUVER ART GALLERY PLAZA
Using the elements of lanterns to present the contemporary expression of the traditional Lunar New Year that also reflect the diversity of Canada, LunarFest is a festival that brings together Soul, Art and Life on one stage. LunarFest was a wonderful and magical display that I’m sure all children and adults enjoyed.
COYOTE – ENGLISH BAY- DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER
COYOTE SURROUNDING THE ENGLISH BAY NEIGHBORHOOD
How amazing is our beautiful city, Vancouver. Few months ago, twice we saw white whales while walking on the seawall in Stanley Park. Yesterday we saw a coyote sitting peacefully, taking the sun on the stones at English Bay. I won’t even mention the majestic eagles flying above our city. We are so lucky to have all this wilderness just minutes away from our beautiful, ever growing city. I truly hope our city will not lose all this wilderness while expanding and growing. Keep it up VANCOUVER, WE LOVE YOU.
This picture was chosen from the Flickr Pool and featured in Vancouver is Awesome.
OUR PHOTOS FROM THE 17th ANNUAL WINTER SOLSTICE LANTERN FESTIVAL – VANCOUVER – 2010
PHOTOS FROM CHINA TOWN
Chinese winter solstice, dong zhi, which marks the rebirth of the yang qualities of light and energy. Enchanting displays of hand-made lanterns by artists Joey Mallett and Carmen Rosen, with hundreds of community-built ginko tree and red maple tree lanterns and a giant Chinese Ting Lantern created by Craig Stewart. A stunning collection of antique hand-painted lanterns in the Scholar’s Study. Move to the samba rhythms of Drum Syndicate, enjoy a choral performance by The Real Treble Makers and have your spirits raised with the Slavic soul of Balkan and Ukrainian sextet Zeellia.
VANDUSEN BOTANICAL GARDENS – FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS – VANCOUVER
VANDUSEN GARDENS – FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS – VANCOUVER’S ANNUAL TRADITION
