The main objective of this website is to scout out and promote the things that make Vancouver such a sweet place to be. We do this with an emphasis on the city’s independent spirit to foster a sense of connectedness within and between our communities, and to introduce our readers to the people who grow and cook our food, play the raddest tunes in our better venues, create our most interesting art, and design everything from what we wear to the spaces we inhabit. The Scout List is our carefully considered, first rate agenda of super awesome things that we’re either doing, wishing that we could do, or conspiring to do this week. You can also check it out in the Globe & Mail, from our calendar to theirs…and yours!

LEARN | Andrea Potter of Rooted Nutrition will be at Canadian School of Natural Nutrition teaching a fermentation workshop on Wednesday night. Participants will be schooled on the basics of how to make a variety of delicious probiotic-rich goodies like kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha. Leave with a brain full of information, a selection of recipes, some tasty sauerkraut, and a healthy kombucha starter (‘mother’) culture to set you on the way to making your own at home.
Wed, Aug 13 | 6:30-9:30 | Canadian School of Natural Nutrition (2245 W Broadway) | $25 | DETAILS

FAKE INDIANS | Artist Jean Paul Langlois has an exhibition opening this week that casts a suspicious (and colourful) eye on the misrepresentation of First Nations people in film and television. Fake Indians “is a hyper-colourful mix of the Wild West, neo-expressionism, and Saturday morning cartoons. A captivating and critical look at the misrepresentation of First Nations peoples in old Spaghetti Westerns, the show reflects a sad sense of disconnect between JP and his own Métis heritage.” Big, bright, and bold art plus music, a themed bar, and an after-party in the Fox Cabaret’s Projection Room.
Thu, Aug 13 | 7-10pm | Make (257 East 7th Avenue) | DETAILS

GET OUTSIDE | Dedicate some time to breathing in some fresh air this week. Walk around the Stanley Park seawall; wander the forested trails of the Pacific Spirit Regional Park; hit the shoreline of Iona Beach; make your way to Deep Cove. Summer will slip away and you’ll want to have gathered as many memories as possible to comfort you over the cooler days of winter. Get out there!
Now until September 21st | Everywhere | Free

FRESH AIR FILM | Grab yourself some summer picnic food and stake-out a spot on the ocean-flanked deck of the North Point of Canada Place on Thursday night. It’s movie night! This week it’s Back to the Future Part II. Pro tip: Tractor Foods – located in the Marine Building at 335 Burrard – has great picnic-style take-out.
Thu, Aug 13 | 8:30pm | North point of Canada Place | DETAILS

ART | Vancouver artist Johnny Taylor is self-taught – his abstract impressionist paintings feel like an elegant cross-section of architectural renderings and maps seen through the prism of structured geometric stained glass. Cool stuff! Schedule yourself a little bit of time to swing by Chinatown on Friday night for the opening of his show, Landmarks: New Landscapes. The exhibition continues Sat + Sun from 12-6pm.
Fri, Aug 14 | 7-10pm | 263 E.Pender (upstairs) | DETAILS

FILM | Showcasing queer alternatives to mainstream film, the Queer Film Festival takes place at International Village this week. With over 70 films from 21 countries covering themes from “transgender trailblazers” to “spectacular queer con artists”, there’s a lot going on. For a full list of films and events, click here.
Now through August 23 | Cineplex Odeon International Village | $12 | DETAILS

FUSE | It’s time for Fuse at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Head to the VAG on Saturday night to it transformed into a one-night party palace. This time around, technology is key. Dig the decidedly different evening ‘vibe’ that includes live music and performance, a lounge, and a heavy electronic art component (see what 50 local and international artists can do by combining art and technology). There’s something sort of magical about wandering an art gallery after hours, particularly when one is permitted to enjoy a glass of adult refreshment!
Sat, Aug 15 | 8pm–1am | Vancouver Art Gallery (750 Hornby St.) | $20 | DETAILS

GREEN | VanDusen Botanical Garden celebrates it’s 40th Anniversary this weekend. Head to the gardens for a full day of activities on the serene and informative garden grounds. We’re particularly looking forward to the botany of gin-tasting, the bee safari, and the heirloom veggie harvest and tasting. Also of note: a fairy postal office, educational talks and tours, tattoo stations (we’re guessing they will be of the temporary variety), and a climbing wall. ‘Retro’ admission rates are in effect — get in for only $2!
Sun, Aug 16 | 10am-5pm | VanDusen Botanical Garden (5251 Oak St) | $2 | DETAILS

NATURE | Head to Stanley Park on Sunday afternoon for a guided trail walk with nature enthusiasts from the Ecology Society. Leave better informed about one of the cutest of the trouble-making city creatures: the racoon! Learn about where the little rascals like to live, what they love to eat, and hear about some of the antics that they get up to.
Aug 16 | 3:30-5:30pm | Lost Lagoon Nature House | $10 | DETAILS

SUNDAY SUPPER | Take a step out of your regular routine to attend a special potluck dinner in Strathcona this weekend. Sunday Supper brings the idea of an artist’s talk together with good food and bright conversation, laying them all out in a lovely backyard setting for maximum summer enjoyment. This weekend, Sunday Supper features a talk by artist Erin Siddall. As event organizer Sydney Southam expains, “Siddall is a Visual Artist who works primarily with film, video, photography and installation which interrogates the viewer into thinking about looking rather than what they are looking at.” There will be some food provided, but please arrive with a dish to share. To RSVP, email ssoutham [at] gmail.com. Once you RSVP, you will receive the location details.
Sun, Aug 16 | 8pm | Location details upon RSVP | Free | DETAILS