Top 5 Things to do Today

Your weekend is almost over! If you haven't been out already, here's five things to do to make sure your leisure days aren't wasted.

1. 5th Annual Grouse Mountain Seek The Peak Relay

   This grueling 16 km race, raising funds for Rethink Breast Cancer, starts on the beach at Ambleside Park in West Vancouver, makes its way through North Vancouver, then heads up the legendary Grouse Grind. While we don't suggest signing up unless you've trained, you could do worse than going and cheering the runners on, as the race their way to the top of Vancouver for an excellent cause. For more information, including how to donate, visit here.
   

2. Vancouver Comicon

   Join local comic book and graphic novel enthusiasts for an afternoon of camraderie, with special guest exhibitors and speakers, including Camilla d'Errico (Nightmares and Fairytales), Rusty Beach (Outnumbered), Jordyn Bochon (Radar Friends), Kelly Everaert (Jungle Tales, Eyes of the Zombie), and Robin Thompson (Champions of Hell, Hemp Island). We've never heard of any of these people, but we've been to Comicons, and at the very least, they make for excellent people-watching. Tickets are $3 at the door (children under 14 free). The Comicon takes place at Heritage Hall (3102 Main) from 11 am – 5pm.

3. Women, Wildflowers, And Willows Garden Tour

   Provided it's not pouring (fingers crossed), might we suggest you take a walk with women's history expert Jolene Cumming, and learn about local historical women of not and their connections to Stanley Park's plant life. Tickets are $5-$10, with the two-hour tour beginning at the Stanley Park Dining Pavillion More information and a map to the Pavillion can be found at at www.stanleyparkecology.ca/

4. Sake & Savouries

   For goodness sake, (sorry), don't miss this fundraiser for the Powell Street Festival Society, which allows patrons to sample five varieties of sake and food pairings, served up at Hapa Izakaya in Kitsilano (1516 Yew). Tickets are $45-$50, advance only. Visit http://www.hapaizakaya.com/ to snap up last minute tix.

5. Mountain Equipement Co-op Paddlefest

   Sporting goods authority and all 'round Vancouver staple Mountain Equipment Co-op hosts a family-oriented event with workshops open to anyone who wants to take up kayaking, canoeing, or further their paddling skills. The event starts at 9:30 am at Ambleside Park in West Vancouver (map) information at www.mec.ca/paddlefest/