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 Thursday, November 20th to Wednesday, November 26th, 2025. 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 here.

LISTEN | Most conversations about conservation start in the wrong place: with what we can spare, instead of what nature actually needs. In this lecture, Dr. Justina Ray — President and Senior Scientist of Wildlife Conservation Society Canada — digs into how this “default scarcity mindset” in planning and policy sidelines biodiversity from the start, and what it takes to flip the script. Expect grounded science, sharp perspective, and a challenge to centre ecosystems before compromise. DETAILS

SKATE | All Aboard is back on Granville Island this weekend, November 22nd and 23rd, marking the start of another green ramp season and the return of Vancouver’s annual community skateboarding celebration. The two-day, all-ages event — organized by the Vancouver Skateboard Coalition — keeps things inclusive, supportive and judgment-free, with sessions for beginners, youths, “later skaters” and seasoned shredders alike. Saturday is all about Street; while Sunday’s focus shifts to Ramp, featuring the beloved covered mini ramp built specially for the occasion. Whether you’re dropping in for your first run, or are just there to cheer on the crew, it’s all about good energy, good people, and the simple joy of rolling. DETAILS

ART | Mark your calendar for Thursday, November 20th, when the Museum of Anthropology unveils Entangled Territories: Tibet Through Images — a new exhibition that contrasts historic outsider views of Tibet with how Tibetans today tell their own stories. Developed with Tibetan Canadian artists and community members, the show explores cultural heritage, identity and resilience through personal and political lenses. The opening night includes free admission from 6pm onward, with a program starting at 7pm. Can’t make it? Return on Saturday, November 22nd, for an artist talk (2-3pm) with Kunsang Kyirong and Lodoe Laura, joined by MOA curator Fuyubi Nakamura, as they discuss the archives and inspirations behind their work. DETAILS

CRAWL | Take to the streets, alleyways, corners, studios and galleries of East Van this weekend, because it’s time for the Eastside Culture Crawl, which is easily one of the greatest things about November in Vancouver. With well over 500 local artists to check out (painters, jewellers, sculptors, textile artists, furniture makers, musicians, weavers, potters, printmakers, photographers, etc.) you really need several days to take it all in. Float from one studio to the next, talk to artists about their processes, and enjoy the diversity of creativity that East Van has to offer. Studios are open from Thursday, November 20th through Sunday the 23rd. DETAILS

FEAST |Here’s your annual excuse to fill the freezer and call it “holiday prep”: On Sunday, November 23rd, the Ukrainian Hall throws open its doors for a day of perogies, borshch, and unapologetic carb-loading — all conveniently timed with the Eastside Culture Crawl. Stop by for lunch, browse handmade crafts and preserves, and leave with baked goods. There’s even a kids’ art corner, so no one can say you didn’t make it a family outing. DETAILS

LAUNCH | Because it’s never too late for a party: Geist Magazine is celebrating the release of their 2025 Spring and Fall issues with an evening of readings, happening at Upstart & Crow on Thursday, November 27th from 6-8pm. The night doesn’t stop there, though: After hearing from authors Gráinne Downey, Judy LeBlanc and Ginger Ngo, the floor opens up to attendees to share their own writing (five minutes or less per person) during an open mic session. Fun! So if you’ve got something laying around (poetry, fiction, non-fiction, whatever!) that you want to put out into the world, this cozy space full of supportive and creative lit-loving people seems like perfect opportunity to do just that. Plus, there will probably be wine and/or beer for added fortification. You’ve still got a week to work up the guts – but don’t wait to RSVP, since attendance is free but space is limited. DETAILS

DINE | Chef Justin Song Ell (Elephant) is cooking at Livia this Friday and Saturday. Ell is always pushing flavour through fermentation and unexpected combinations, and this week’s menu shows it. Expect Cloudy Turnip Soup, Sieglinde Potato with Triple Fermented Albacore Bushi, and a Castelfranco and Savoy dish with oxidized Aurora apple and crispy brown butter – DAMN! There will also be Radicchio with Prosciutto Vinaigrette, an Almost Classic Wagyu Tartare, Sugar Braised Berkshire Pork, and a Chicory Root Panna Cotta to close it out. This is the kind of menu you want to tackle with a few friends, so you can share, experiment, and work your way through the whole thing, with drinks on the table. Service begins at 6pm. Walk-ins only. Be smart, arrive early. DETAILS

HMMMM…| With Orwell: 2+2=5, film director Raoul Peck takes on 1984 in a sharp, unsettling essay film about power, language, and the systems that shape what we believe. With narration by Damian Lewis, the new film digs into surveillance, propaganda, and the way Orwell’s warnings echo in the present. VIFF screenings have been selling out, but luckily there are still seats open for next week (Wednesday, November 26th) – if you move quickly. DETAILS

BIRDS | Bundle up, grab a hot drink, and head into Stanley Park for a relaxed guided walk focused on the winter birds that fill the park this time of year. Local birder Kim will lead the group through trails and along the water, helping you identify species, understand seasonal behaviour, and take in some fresh air while the weather holds. No experience needed, just curiosity and warm hands. DETAILS

FARMERS | Although the Summer Farmers Market season is now long over, that doesn’t mean you have to push through the months ahead without a weekly visit with local farmers and the delicious food they grow! The heartiest of local producers continue to bring their goods to the Winter Farmers Markets, keeping us well fed through the colder months, as a result. In Vancouver, there are two Winter Markets to choose from: Riley Park on Saturday or the Kitsilano on Sunday. So, rustle up some reusable tote bags, and fill them up with crunchy apples, hearty kale, and all manner of squash, as well as fresh bread, honey, dried fruits, and scores of other goodies. DETAILS.