Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
FestivalsofsomekindtakeplaceinVancouverjustabouteverymonthoftheyear.Wheth-
er it's a celebration of local or international culture, the arts, sporting events, or just a
wackylongtime tradition, there'salwaysareasontopartyinVancouver.Manyofthemost
popularfestivalsareheldduringsummer,thepeakvisitorseason,buttherestoftheyearis
the main season for performances by the city's dance, theater, and music companies, and
not-to-be-missed events such as the Christmas Carol Ship Parade. For details and exact
dates of the events listed here, call the numbers or visit the websites given, or visit any
local tourist information center.
Tickets for most major events can be booked through Ticketmaster
( www.ticketmaster.ca ) .
Spring
Having originated as a fundraiser for the Vancouver Playhouse in 1979, the Vancouver
International Wine Festival (various downtown venues, 604/872-6623,
www.vanwinefest.ca , mid-April) has grown to be one of North America's largest wine
shows, bringing together representatives from more than 175 wineries and 14 countries.
While the trade and wine connoisseurs are catered to, casual wine buffs enjoy a variety
of events, including access to the Tasting Room, where hundreds of wines from around
the world can be sampled for a $70 cover charge. Other public events include a variety
of nighttime gatherings, such as Bacchanalia, a gala dinner hosted by the Fairmont Hotel
Vancouver.
HOLIDAYS
Vancouver celebrates 10 statutory holidays, most of which coincide across the na-
tion. Many businesses are closed on these dates, but you can always find some res-
taurants and pubs open, as well as stores selling basic necessities.
The officially recognized holidays are the following:
New Year's Day, January 1
Good Friday, March or April
Victoria Day, closest Monday to May 24
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