A no messing around guide to the coolest things to eat, drink and do in Vancouver and beyond. Community. Not clickbait.

Scout List Vol. 500

An agenda of the things we are doing, wishing we could do, or are conspiring to do in Vancouver from Nov. 28 to Dec. 4, 2018.
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Scout List Vol. 500

From our calendar to yours comes this carefully considered agenda of cool things we are doing, wishing we could do, or conspiring to do in Vancouver from November 28 to December 4, 2018. Please note that you can now get the Scout List – with a few extra pieces of intel included – sent to your inbox every Thursday. Sign up for your subscription in the sidebar.

COMO | We’re super excited to try Como, the brand new Spanish-inspired restaurant from a trio of highly respected industry veterans. It officially opened on Monday night, so this is a good week to check it out before the masses catch on.

REMINDER | Hurry! Empty Bowls Fundraiser is tonight. Sadly, the Soup Dinner has long since sold out, but that doesn’t mean you can scoot into the sale and score a bowl! The annual fundraiser sees a whack of super talented local pottery artists donating their work to the by-donation sale so money can be raised for Backpack Buddies (a local program that ensures inner city school kids relying on school meals also have healthy food to go home in their backpacks over the weekend). Expect to see over 200 bowls, everything from funky to functional. This is a great opportunity to pick up a present or two and do some good while you’re at it. Keep in mind that this is a hugely popular event and the bowls will sell out, so get there as soon as you are able!

Wed, Nov. 28 | 5-7pm | 11 East 7th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada MAP

TOQUE | It’s time to get moving on your holiday shopping! For the most efficient and home-grown effort at knocking a few names off your Christmas list with quality items you can be proud to give, we suggest you hit Toque at The Western Front. The standard is high at this annual fundraiser and craft fair – expect to find candles, jewellery, ceramics, textiles, scents, books, socks, cards and much more. Seriously, don’t miss this one. Make a run for opening night. Find out more.

Nov. 30-Dec 2 | Fri, 6-10pm, Sat/Sun 11am-5pm | Western Front 303 East 8th Ave. MAP

MOVE | Lace up some skates and take a spin around the ice at Robson Square Ice Rink this week. It’s cheap, fun and centrally located. The rink – complete with swirling lights, music and concession stand hot chocolate – is a great way to jump start your winter spirit. Don’t forget a pair of nice thick gloves and a pocket full of loonies for your helmet and skate rentals ($5 /cash only). Find out more.

7 days | 9am – 9pm (Fri & Sat until 11pm) | Robson Square 800 Robson St. MAP

LIGHTS | Vancouver is starting to get festive. Looking for a way to marry your love of fresh air with a solid dose of holiday cheer? St. Paul’s is brightening up the West End with over 100,000 bulbs (details). On the North Shore, The Capilano Suspension Bridge is lit up (can’t go wrong with a stroll through a forest of trees that are illuminated by the gentle glow of lights). Over at Van Dusen Gardens, they flip the switch on their Festival of Lights this week (only a limited number of tickets are available for each night so, it’s a good idea to get yourself sorted with tickets in advance). Also coming up this week, the community of Dundarave in West Van sets up a gallery of decorated trees on the beach and the big lighting of the spectacle happens on Saturday (expect hot chocolate and carols — find out more). And finally, Grouse Mountain goes big with reindeer and sleigh rides in the snow with their Winter Wonderland situation (find out more here).

St. Paul Hospital 1081 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada MAP
VanDusen Botanical Garden 5151 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6M 4H1 MAP
Dundarave Beach Dundarave Beach MAP
Grouse Mountain Grouse Mountain, Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver, BC, Canada MAP

STRATH-CRAFTY | The community of Strathcona is getting together for a kick ass winter craft fair this weekend. The little DTES neighbourhood is jam-packed with talented, creative and community-minded people, so it’s no surprise that the organizers have wrangled a wide cross-section of over 50 vendors this year. Put a dent in your holiday shopping list. Bonus: Santa will totally appreciate how you support local artisans and independent designers!

Sat, Dec. 1 | 10am-4pm | Strathcona Community Centre 601 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC V6A 3V8 MAP

FRESH AIR | Winter beaches have a lot to offer. Swimming isn’t advised, but the cold water is clear and nice to stare at. Take some time out to appreciate the seaweed, shells, rocks and beach glass. Climb around on cliffs or sit on a log with a hot tea and contemplate how great it is to live in a city skirted by a shore that lets you touch down with nature. A walk at Whytecliff Park in West Van would be a beautiful way to start any day this time of year. On your way back to civilization, we suggest you fill up at Temper Chocolate and Pastry in West Van, where they make delicious sandwiches and some very tasty chocolates.

Whytecliff Park Whytecliff Park | West Vancouver, Marine Drive, West Vancouver, BC, Canada MAP
Temper Chocolate & Pastry 2409 Marine Dr, West Vancouver, BC V7V 1L3 MAP

TASTE | There’s a super cool Brew Your Own Bitters class going down in Stanley Park this Thursday. Bitter Truths is a workshop that introduces spirit and distilling enthusiasts to the processes of artisanal alcohol infusions using ethically sourced plants that are native to Stanley Park. Learn about local plants, infusing techniques, flavour profiles and cocktail making. Bonus: you’ll take home your own creation and have the chance to buy bottled liquors as well. NB: This is obviously a 19+ gig. “With the holidays just around the corner, inject your bitters with the season’s greetings.” Find out more.

Thu, Nov. 30 | 7-9pm | $28 | Stanley Park Nature House MAP

DANDELION RECORDS | On November 30th, Mt Pleasant music and gift shop mainstay, Dandelion Records & Emporium, will celebrate a decade in business. Hurray! Unfortunately, the shop’s days may be numbered, since their building was recently sold. That’s all the more reason to head to The Lido on Friday for their anniversary party. Show your love by shaking a leg to some undoubtedly killer vinyl tunes (spun alongside trippy visuals by local artist Kevin Mnz) while raising a pint to the past and future, whatever it may hold…Find out more.

Fri, Nov. 30 | 7pm | The Lido 518 E Broadway, Vancouver MAP

JAPANESE MARKET | Take a deep breath and then head to Granville Island’s Carousel Theatre for the annual Pac West Kimono & Japanese Gifts Sale on Sunday. Check out a variety of kawaii and cool handmade goodies and art while being transported away from the usual holiday hustle by a live koto (stringed national Japan instrument) performance. Pro tip: grab brunch and cocktails at Edible Canada on the Island or take a slight detour to the Farmer’s Apprentice beforehand, because tackling the weekend crowds is always easier with a full stomach! Find out more.

Sun, Dec. 2 | 11am - 6pm | Carousel Theatre for Young People 1411 Cartwright St. MAP
Edible Canada (Closed) 1596 Johnston St. MAP
Farmer's Apprentice 1529 West 6th Ave. MAP

PROVISIONS | Probably one of the most visually spectacular and memorable meals of the year will be popping up at the Arts Factory this Saturday (December 1st). The ‘ProVisions’ dinner is a four course meal and art show that sees collaborations between four chefs and four artists. All of the participating talent will be in attendance to share their creative processes while you eat and drink cocktails designed to compliment each course. Bonus: if you miss out or want to indulge your senses but can’t afford the full ticket price ($130 per person, plus tax and tip), there’s also a cocktails-only art show option from 8 – 11pm that’s under $30 per person. Hurry and get your tickets here.

Sat, Dec. 1 | 6 - 10pm | Arts Factory 281 Industrial Ave, Vancouver MAP

BOOKS | Calling fellow book lovers: the Regional Assembly of Text is hosting their 10th annual Book & Beer event on Saturday! What better way to spend a winter night than keeping cozy, surrounded by beautiful books and paper objects while drinking beer with a bunch of likeminded bibliophiles? Bonus: if you buy any of the eight new books available for the night you’ll get hooked up with a free beer AND limited edition label. We can’t wait!

Sat, Dec. 1 | 7pm - Late | Regional Assembly of Text 3934 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3P2 MAP

Transition Into 2024 with Some Quality Downtime

From our calendar to yours comes this carefully considered agenda of cool things we are doing, wishing we could do, or conspiring to do in Vancouver, from now until January 8th, 2024.

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From our calendar to yours comes this carefully considered agenda of cool things we are doing, wishing we could do, or conspiring to do in Vancouver, right now.

Scout List, Vol. 600

From our calendar to yours comes this carefully considered agenda of cool things we are doing, wishing we could do, or conspiring to do in Vancouver, from March 30th to April 5th, 2023.

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From our calendar to yours comes this carefully considered agenda of cool things we are doing, wishing we could do, or conspiring to do in Vancouver over the days and weeks ahead.