12 things to do in Vancouver this week: January 11 to 17

Please note: As recommended by BC’s provincial health officials, gatherings of any kind and unessential travel in the province is not recommended at this time. Please adhere to COVID-19 health and safety measures, including proper physical distancing and frequent hand washing, and wearing a mask or face-covering in public indoor and retail spaces. If you are sick, please stay home. 

---

A new week means new things to do around Vancouver. From film festivals to more online events, we’ve got you covered with plenty of things to do, some of which don’t involve leaving the couch.

• See also: 
  • Where and when you can recycle your live Christmas tree in Vancouver
  • Where to find the most dazzling holiday lights in Burnaby
  • Grouse Mountain’s luminous light walk is back to brighten up your Christmas

Here are 12 things to do in Vancouver this week.

Brazil Film Festival Canada

What: Until January 22 people from across the country will be able to stream 17 movies that celebrate Brazilian films and filmmakers. Programming includes a variety of genres and narrative styles.

Where: Online
When: Until January 22, 2021
Tickets: Available online

Inside the mind of a crow

What: If you live in Vancouver, it’s safe to assume you are well acquainted with crows. But did you know that crows can remember your face for years, solve puzzles too hard for toddlers, and know to use crosswalks when the light is red? As a postdoctoral researcher at UBC, Ben Freeman has studied how crows interact with their raven relatives. Find out how crows live alongside people as Ben tours you through crows’ lives in Vancouver and explains why they have evolved so many fascinating behaviours.

When: Thursday, January 14
Where: Online via Zoom
Time: 5 pm to 6:15 pm
Tickets: “Sliding scale” of $10 to $20 *Note: Tickets must be purchased in advance

Red Rose Art Class

What: This class from the Vancouver Visual Art Foundation invites participants to join instructor Lisa Wolfin on how to paint a red rose for someone they love. Wolfin will guide the class to create a vibrant rose using gold and blue stencil background. She’ll also show participants how to add depth and make it appear life-like.

When: Thursday, January 14
Where: Livestreamed
Time: 11 am to 1 pm
Tickets: Available online, between $28.90 to $34.47

Grouse Mountain’s Light Walk

What: If you’re looking to take a sparkling snowshoe stroll this winter, you can head to Grouse Mountain’s Light Walk, full of lustre and lanterns.

When: Now through the entire winter season
Where: Grouse Mountain – 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Admission: Family Rate for a Mountain Admission Ticket, which includes admission for 2 adults and 2 children/youth (under 18), is $79.50

A Brimful of Asha on the digital stage

What: Surrey Civic Theatres presents an online recording of the award-winning show A Brimful of Asha. Join real-life mother and son duo Ravi and Asha Jain as they share their true and very hilarious story of generational and cultural differences.

When: Premieres Friday, January 15 at 7 pm. Show available until January 31
Where: Online
Tickets: Available online. Pay what you can (suggested price $15)

Go skiing or snowboarding at one of Vancouver’s local hills

What: All three of Vancouver’s North Shore mountains are now open for the winter season, welcoming skiers and snowboarders who make advance reservations. Check out Cypress Mountain with excellent views of the water, Grouse Mountain, which is transit-accessible, or Mt Seymour, the highest elevation of the three.

When: Now until the snow melts
Where: Cypress is at 6000 Cypress Bowl Road, Grouse is at 6400 Nancy Greene Way, and Seymour is at 1700 Mount Seymour Road
Time: Times vary by the mountain, but they typically open between 9 and 10 am, and stay open for the evening until 9 or 10 pm
Admission: Varies by mountain

Check out the BC’s Black Pioneers online exhibit

What: This exhibit examines how 800 Black immigrants who were invited to settle in BC by Governor James Douglas helped establish and stabilize British colonial communities. The digital exhibit has been curated by the BC Black History Awareness Society.

Where: Online
When: Any time

Vancouver Italian Film Festival streamed online on VIFF Connect

What: The Vancouver Italian Film Festival will be showcased online this year. Featuring a wide range of critically acclaimed films — including a new, live-action version of Pinocchio with Roberto Benigni as Geppetto, the lineup has something to offer for all film enthusiasts.

Where: Online
When: Streaming until January 21
Tickets: Available online, festival pass is $25

Take an illuminated snowshoe trek on Cypress Mountain

What: Cypress Mountain is offering a magical snowshoe experience this winter with Lights to the Lodge, an LED lights-lit trail in the Old Growth Forest. The trail is a one-kilometre, self-guided, snowshoe trek lit with LED lights that lead to one of the most popular Cypress Mountain destinations, the Hollyburn Lodge.

When: Now until the snow melts
Where: Cypress is at 6000 Cypress Bowl Road, 6000 Cypress Bowl Road
Tickets: Various rates, check website for details

Check out a new show

What: There’s nothing but time these days, so it’s a perfect opportunity to catch up on your must-watch list. Binge away on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ — don’t forget the popcorn.

When: Any day
Time: Any time
Where: Your phone, tablet, computer, or television
Cost: $10 to $12 or a free trial

Try an online fitness class

What: New year, new you. A number of local studios and businesses offer online classes, giving you the perfect opportunity to keep your body moving and your mind active in 2021.

Here is a list of several online workouts and classes to try in Vancouver while supporting local businesses.

Ruby’s Ukes beginner ukulele workshop extraordinaire

What: Since 2009, Ruby’s Ukes has guided thousands of students through their musical endeavours. Now, they’ll be hosting a beginners ukulele workshop online, offering a tried and tested start to playing the ukulele. Classes are interactive and will allow for real-time questions as well as an opportunity to meet other ukulele players. Expect to learn chords, strumming patterns, and basic songs. 

When: Saturday, January 18
Where: Online via Zoom
Time: 2 to 3:30 pm
Admission/ Tickets: Available online, $35