Things to Do in Vancouver – COVID-19 Edition
Wendy Underwood
Each month, we put together a round-up of fun Vancouver events and activities that you can add to your itinerary when you’re planning a visit to our city. But of course, right now, no one is travelling while we all focus on flattening the curve of the global COVID-19 pandemic. So instead, to inspire your future travel planning, we’ve come up with a list of our favourite ways to experience Vancouver right from the safety of your sofa.
Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
The city’s streets are alive with petals throughout April, and normally, you’d find us blossom-peeping with the best of them. But the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival has found a way to bring some of the springtime cheer to our sofa-bound selves. Go on a virtual tree walk, take an online haiku workshop or enjoy virtual performances by some of the Cherry Jam concert acts. Follow them on Instagram for the most up-to-date information.
Vancouver International Film Festival at Home
Sure, you already have Netflix, Disney+, and HBO On Demand, but if you miss catching an indie flick down at your favourite arthouse cinema, then VIFF has you covered! Stretch out and stream some of the movies that were scheduled to screen at Vancity Theatre this spring, with half of the streaming fee coming directly back to support VIFF’s programming. And along with paid content, you’ll also find a curated selection of free shorts, documentaries, and more.
A Seat at the Table at the Museum of Vancouver
Taking a look at Chinese immigration and culture in British Columbia, the Museum of Vancouver’s A Seat at the Table exhibition is expected to open this summer. But in the meantime, get a taste of what to expect via the institution’s online collection. Other ways to explore the museum from home include downloading their colouring sheets (for kids and grown-ups!), or their YouTube channel with tours and workshops from past exhibitions.
Vancouver Whitecaps Soccer Skills Clinics
These days, the only sporting action we’re getting is our own solo dribbling in the backyard. So why not use this time to improve those ball skills with some instruction from the pros! The coaching staff from the Whitecaps — Vancouver’s MLS soccer team — are offering daily skills clinics at 2 pm on weekdays. So take the iPad outside, grab your soccer ball, and take advantage of the pro-level instruction. Or just grab a beer and watch the livestream!
If you’ve got some time on your hands, why not research your next trip to Vancouver and check out our different room categories?
Photo credits:
Feature Image: by Anokarina via Flickr
Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival: Jessica Tremblay via VCBF Website
Best of CatVideoFest: Creature Comforts Edition!: via VIFF website
A Seat at the Table: Museum of Vancouver website
Vancouver Whitecaps: Vancouver Whitecaps website
