This week in Vancouver: the best brunch spots, a royal visit, travel tips, and more
Here's what you need to know for April 29 to May 5!
Brunch at Honey Salt in Vancouver. Right: A plane taking off from Vancouver International Airport.
Hey Vancouver, I hope everyone had a great weekend!
It's Asymina again and I'm back with another weekly guide for all the exciting things happening in the city. From Vancouver restaurants you should check out, travel tips, community festivals and a look at the weather forecast.
As we transition from April to May, there are a lot of fun events happening in the city this week so check out all the suggestions below.
Here's what you need to know if you're in Vancouver from Monday, April 29 to Sunday, May 5.
THINGS TO KNOW
π A ROYAL VISIT
Vancouver will be hosting a royal this week. Princess Anne, King Charles' sister, is visiting Vancouver and Victoria for her three-day visit from May 3-5. The royal will attend a commissioning ceremony in North Vancouver for the HMCS Max Bernays on May 3. She'll then set sail on the vessel to head to the Canadian Forces Base in Esquimalt on Vancouver Island where she will attend services in Victoria.
β°οΈ GROUSE GRIND REOPENS
The famous Grouse Grind in Vancouver reopened for the 2024 season on April 27. The 2.5-kilometre trail was closed since September 2023 for annual maintenance. The trail also underwent upgrades, including a new trailhead entrance with improved access, new seating, a water fountain, stretching bars and better access for first responders, according to a press release. A footbridge over a creek near the one-quarter mark was also replaced.
π’ BC FERRIES ADDS MORE ANIMAL DECKS
If you travel with your furry bestie on the BC Ferries you'll be happy to know the company has added outdoor pet areas to two more major vessels. BC Ferries says it's added areas for dogs and cats on its Queen of Surrey and the Queen of Coquitlam ships, meaning passengers can now utilize pet-designated areas on six vessels.
ποΈ VANCOUVER IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE CITY
Anyone who lives in Vancouver knows how expensive of a city it is and another rent ranking report confirms it once again. North Vancouver took the cake for the most expensive rent in Canada this month in a April 2024 report released by Rentals.ca. A one-bedroom in the Metro Vancouver city goes for $2,704, in April 2024.
π° FILING TAXES
Haven't filed your taxes? It could cost you. Narcity's Lisa Belmonte spoke with a national tax specialist on how not filing your taxes in Canada this year could mean you're missing out on hundreds of dollars. You don't have much time left with the April 30 deadline coming up. So if you haven't filed your taxes, get those done ASAP!
π¦οΈ WEATHER
Get ready for more... rain!
Vancouver's weather forecast is living up to its Raincouver name again this week (surprise, surprise).
Thankfully it's not all bad. We'll see some sunshine on Wednesday and the temperatures will rise throughout the week with a high of 17 C on Friday. Here's hoping the weekend forecast doesn't change because it's currently showing sun and warm temps making it perfect patio weather!
TRAVEL
βοΈ YVR TO SINGAPORE
Air Canada has launched a new direct flight from Vancouver to Singapore. The 16-hour non-stop flights are scheduled to fly year-round on a Boeing 787 four times a week. The flights leave Vancouver International Airport at 12:15 a.m. and get to Changi at 7:10 a.m. the following day.
𧳠EUROPE TRAVEL TIPS
If you're planning a European vacation in 2024, you'll want to keep a few things in mind. Narcity's Katherine Caspersz put together a list of key tips you should check out before your trip, including passport and visa requirements, tourist fees and local tipping etiquette. Make sure you also keep up with any travel advisories before embarking on your travels!
π¨ VANCOUVER HOTEL RANKED #1
If Vancouver is on your travel list this year, you may want to stay at the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa. The Vancouver hotel took the spot on Tripadvisor's Travellers' Choice Awards Best of the Best Hotels in Canada for 2024. The luxurious hotel has a spa, sauna, stunning views and a European-inspired restaurant.
FOODIE NEWS
π§ BEST BRUNCH SPOTS
It's not just hotels that Vancouver was recognized for in the past week. Fourteen Vancouver brunch restaurants ranked as some of the best in Canada. Take a look through the list and start making those brunch plans ahead of the weekend!
π£ ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT SUSHI
What's another meal Vancouver is known for? If you said sushi then you're right. The city is full of incredible sushi restaurants and thankfully some of them offer all-you-can-eat menus for both lunch and dinner. We found seven sushi restaurants in Metro Vancouver where you can enjoy a feast.
πΈ VANCOUVER'S TOP BARS
The Vancouver love keeps on rolling in. Two Vancouver bars were also ranked as some of the best in North America. The 50 Best revealed its list of the 50 best bars for 2024 and Botanist Bar and The Keefer Bar are both on it. These cocktail spots offer impressive drink menus so it's worth checking them out on your next date night!
VANCOUVER FESTIVALS
π LA PIZZA WEEK
Calling all pizza lovers! Canada's largest pizza festival La Pizza Week runs from May 1-7, 2024. Restaurants in several Canadian cities will take part in the annual festival by releasing limited-edition pizzas. As for which restaurants in B.C. will be participating, that info is coming soon so stay tuned!
π CHILLIWACK PARTY IN THE PARK
A fun two-day event is coming to Central Community Park on May 4 and 5. The Chilliwack Party in the Park will blend the magic of Star Wars and the vibrant spirit of Cinco de Mayo for a fun celebration. Organizers encourage you to show up in your best costumes for a chance to win $50 in food truck dollars. Along with food trucks, there will be live entertainment, a beer garden, an artisan market and a kid zone.
π‘ BURNABY TJ FESTIVAL
You can feast on authentic Taiwanese street foods at TJ Fest happening on May 4-5 at 3426 Smith Avenue in Burnaby. The event will also have outdoor performances showcasing the community's diverse cultures and free carnival-style games for all to enjoy.
ππ° VANCOUVER HONG KONG FAIR
A large Hong Kong celebration is happening at The Shipyards in North Vancouver on May 5. This year the Vancouver Hong Kong Fair will have a cultural market with over 68 booths by Hong Konger artisans, creators and small businesses. There will also be street food stalls, performers, face painting and a Cantonese storytelling area. The general entry ticket is free.
SPORTS
π VANCOUVER CANUCKS
The Vancouver Canucks are up 3-1 in the best-of-seven series after their 4-3 win against the Nashville Predators on Sunday. The Canucks have a chance to advance on April 30 when they host the Predators in Game 5, as per Sportsnet.
β½ VANCOUVER WHITECAPS
The Vancouver Whitecaps are back home this week for a 50th-anniversary match against Austin FC on May 4 at BC Place.
You can also snag some tickets for an exciting summer match-up. Vancouver-born actor Ryan Reynolds announced the Welsh team he co-owns, Wrexham AFC, will be coming to Vancouver where the team will play against the Whitecaps on July 27 at BC Place.
JOB POSTINGS
πΌ YVR JOBS
The Vancouver International Airport is hiring for a variety of positions.
Among the jobs listings is a communications specialist who will be responsible for providing support with media relations and public affairs activities. That means they'll handle media inquiries, write statements, and coach spokespeople before media interviews, among other things. The salary range for this position is between $68,011 and $88,886 per year.
As you can see, a lot is going on in Vancouver from April 29 to May 5.
Have a great week everyone!