Things to do in Vancouver this Family Day long weekend
Crowds came out to celebrate Fan Expo Vancouver from Feb. 15 to 17, 2020. (Vincent Chou photo)
The Family Day long weekend brings with it a pop culture convention, the start of a 10-day comedy festival, and a variety of free events around Metro Vancouver. Here are some options to check out.
Fan Expo Vancouver
"Everyone's a fan of something," the organizers of Fan Expo Vancouver say on their website, where they invite fans of comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, gaming and cosplay to find their "fandom family."
Thousands are expected to descend on the Vancouver Convention Centre's west building for three days of meet-ups, panels, celebrity signings and more.
Multi-day and VIP tickets for the event that bills itself as "the ultimate fandom weekend" are sold out, but single-day tickets for Saturday, Sunday and Monday were still available as of Thursday afternoon.
Just for Laughs
This weekend also marks the start of Just for Laughs Vancouver 2024, which calls itself "Western Canada's biggest comedy festival." The 10-day event begins Thursday night and continues through Feb. 24.
Multiple shows are scheduled daily over that span, with a variety of performance styles, including stand-up, podcasts, improv, and sketch comedy.
Tickets are sold on a show-by-show basis. The full list of events can be found on the Just for Laughs Vancouver website.
Chor Leoni sings sea shanties
Head to St. Andrews-Wesley United Church downtown on Friday or Saturday for "a concert of shanties and rollicking songs of the sea."
That's the description Chor Leoni gives to its upcoming performance in collaboration with Montreal-based ensemble La Nef and Shantyman Seán Dagher, dubbed "The Return Voyage."
Performances are scheduled for Friday night, Saturday afternoon and Saturday evening, and each one will be followed by a "talk-back" with Dagher. Tickets can be purchased on the Chor Leoni website.
Open House at Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Vancouver Civic Theatres is hosting a free Family Day open house at Queen Elizabeth Theatre on Saturday.
Organizers are inviting the public to stop by between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to explore "creation stations" involving a variety of artistic mediums and materials. Guests are also encouraged to take a tour of the facility's Visual Arts Space and enjoy a complimentary hot cocoa.
While the event is free, tickets can be booked online.
Lion Dances in Burnaby Heights
While Family Day is the main observance this weekend, Lunar New Year festivities continue around Metro Vancouver, including in Burnaby Heights, where the local business association is hosting lion dances from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Lion dancers will perform traditional blessings at participating businesses along Hastings Street during that time, and there will be giveaways for lucky visitors.
Invictus Games community events
The Invictus Games won't be in Vancouver and Whistler until a year from now, but Prince Harry has been in the province this week to drum up support for the event.
Two further "community celebrations" are planned in Vancouver this weekend to mark one year until the games.
On Friday, the Vancouver Curling Club will host one-hour lessons at Hillcrest Community Centre from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Then, on Family Day itself, the Seaforth Armory will host Unconquered Sports Day, a free opportunity to try out some of the adaptive sports that will be featured in the games next year. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and tickets can be reserved online.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian family stuck in Lebanon anxiously awaits flight options amid Israeli strikes
A Canadian man who is trapped in Lebanon with his family says they are anxiously waiting for seats on a flight out of the country, as a barrage of Israeli airstrikes continues.
Suspect in shooting of Toronto cop was out on bail
A 21-year-old man who was charged with attempted murder in the shooting of a Toronto police officer this week was out on bail at the time of the alleged offence, court documents obtained by CTV News Toronto show.
Scientists looked at images from space to see how fast Antarctica is turning green. Here's what they found
Parts of icy Antarctica are turning green with plant life at an alarming rate as the region is gripped by extreme heat events, according to new research, sparking concerns about the changing landscape on this vast continent.
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING 2 dead after fire rips through historic building in Old Montreal
At least two people are dead and others are injured after a fire ripped through a century-old building near Montreal's City Hall, sources told Noovo Info.
Yazidi woman captured by ISIS rescued in Gaza after more than a decade in captivity
A 21-year-old Yazidi woman has been rescued from Gaza where she had been held captive by Hamas for years after being trafficked by ISIS.
A 6-year-old girl was kidnapped in Arkansas in 1995. Almost 30 years later, a suspect was identified
Nearly 30 years after a six-year-old girl disappeared in Western Arkansas, authorities have identified a suspect in her abduction through DNA evidence.
Dolphins 'smile' at each other when they play and to avoid misunderstanding, study finds
For humans, flashing a smile is an easy way to avoid misunderstanding. And, according to a new study, bottlenose dolphins may use a similar tactic while playing with each other.
Pit bulls in B.C. pet mauling tested positive for meth, cocaine, says city
Three pit bulls involved in a deadly attack on another dog last month in Kamloops, B.C., tested positive for methamphetamine and cocaine, and the city is going to court to have them put down.
Tax rebate: Canadians with low to modest incomes to receive payment on Friday
Canadians who are eligible for a GST/HST tax credit can expect their final payment of the year on Friday.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Vancouver Island
-
Leaders spread out around the province as week 2 of campaigning in B.C. continues
Politicians are continuing to promote their promises across British Columbia as the provincial election campaign nears its midway point.
-
1 dead, 2 rescued after floatplane crash in B.C.
One person is dead after a floatplane carrying three people crashed Wednesday evening in a remote inlet on British Columbia's central coast.
-
Here's the latest Vancouver restaurant to earn a Michelin star
A five-seat sushi counter located inside another restaurant is the latest Vancouver eatery to receive a Michelin star.
Kelowna
-
Several 'aggressors' arrested after B.C. teen swarmed, B.C. RCMP say
Three young suspects have been arrested in connection with a swarming attack on a teenager in B.C.'s Okanagan last week – and authorities have asked the public to stop circulating disturbing videos of the incident.
-
'It's ridiculous': Kelowna father furious after violent attack on his 13-year-old daughter
A father in Kelowna is furious after his 13-year-old daughter was brutally beaten on Gyro Beach. He is calling for criminal charges in the devastating attack, which was caught on video by multiple bystanders.
-
Officer's fatal shooting of Kamloops suspect was 'necessary and reasonable' use of force, IIO finds
The officer who shot and killed a forcible confinement suspect in Kamloops two years ago was justified in doing so, according to the Independent Investigations Office of B.C.
Edmonton
-
'It's not fair to Edmontonians': Mayor wants province to pay up
Edmonton mayor, Amarjeet Sohi, discusses his Fair Compensation Project with Alberta Primetime host Michael Higgins.
-
Edmonton hot tub repairman facing 46 charges after fraud investigation
An Edmonton hot tub repairman who was the subject of a previous CTV News Edmonton report has been charged with fraud.
-
WEATHER
WEATHER Josh Classen's forecast: Windy with a chance of showers, then a warm up
There'll be a few more leaves knocked off trees today and tomorrow as a low-pressure system makes it's way east across the province.
Calgary
-
Martha Hart speaks out against Netflix 'McMahon' documentary series, blames WWE for Owen Hart's death
Martha Hart, the widow of wrestler Owen Hart, is speaking out after the release of Netflix's 'Mr. McMahon' documentary series, which she says inaccurately portrays her husband's death as an accident.
-
2 Calgarians charged following seizure of stolen vehicles
Authorities say two Calgarians were arrested and charged in "a complex scheme" involving stolen vehicles.
-
Calgary vigil honours missing and murdered Indigenous people
An annual ceremony is bringing together the families and friends of missing and murdered Indigenous people in hopes of raising awareness about the issue.
Lethbridge
-
WestJet makes changes at Lethbridge Airport
WestJet has changed its operations at the Lethbridge Airport, and it means there's now only a single daily flight from Lethbridge to Calgary, down from three flights a day, as offered previously.
-
Lethbridge animal rescue on verge of shutting down
Archie's Exotic Pet Rescue has been open about six years and, like many other animal rescues, it has seen a surge in surrenders.
-
Friday deadline for residents to apply to sit on Lethbridge boards, committees and commissions
It’s almost deadline day for Lethbridge residents interested in becoming members of one of the city’s boards, commissions and committees (BCCs).
Winnipeg
-
Tories calling for review of case of Jordyn Reimer
The Opposition Tories introduced a motion to get the justice system to take another look at the case of Jordyn Reimer.
-
'Very special to be home': Chantal Kreviazuk to play anniversary concert in Winnipeg
Chantal Kreviazuk is set to return to Winnipeg to mark a major milestone in her illustrious musical career.
-
Preparing for Winnipeg's food waste drop-off locations
With food waste drop-off stations to soon open in Winnipeg, residents can now begin to prepare their food scraps.
Regina
-
'Can I have some gas money?' Sask. RCMP say gold jewelry scams remain prevalent around province
RCMP say fraudsters are continuing to ask for gas money before selling fake gold jewelry to people around Saskatchewan.
-
Sask. Party leader promises tax credit rise on first homes, permanent return of renovation credit
Saskatchewan Party Leader Scott Moe says if re-elected, his government would introduce a Saskatchewan Home Renovation Tax Credit aimed at making renovations more affordable.
-
Waste flare gas from oil drilling sites to help power Saskatchewan's electricity grid
As pressure grows on the oil and gas sector to reduce its emissions, one Calgary-based company is banking on the potential to convert waste gas from oil wells into valuable electricity for nearby communities.
Saskatoon
-
Sask. village appeals to province after spike in crime and vandalism
The mayor of Loon Lake is appealing to both provincial and federal government leaders for assistance in dealing with rising crime in the village, which has seen an increase in vandalism, theft, and property damage.
-
Waste flare gas from oil drilling sites to help power Saskatchewan's electricity grid
As pressure grows on the oil and gas sector to reduce its emissions, one Calgary-based company is banking on the potential to convert waste gas from oil wells into valuable electricity for nearby communities.
-
Saskatchewan's largest hospital hits crisis point as overstuffed ER runs out of stretchers and oxygen
Staff at Saskatoon's Royal University Hospital are calling for systemic changes just two days after its emergency room was more than three times above its capacity.
Toronto
-
Suspect in shooting of Toronto cop was out on bail
A 21-year-old man who was charged with attempted murder in the shooting of a Toronto police officer this week was out on bail at the time of the alleged offence, court documents obtained by CTV News Toronto show.
-
Toronto-area police prepare for Oct. 7 anniversary with command posts, increased officer presence
Police forces in the Toronto area have stepped up their presence in Jewish and Muslim communities as the one-year anniversary of the deadly Oct. 7 terror attack on Israel inches closer.
-
'I want to know why you did it': DoorDash driver appears to spit in Ontario man's drink
A DoorDash driver who was caught on camera appearing to spit into an Ontario man’s drink has been removed from the platform, the food delivery company has confirmed.
Montreal
-
DEVELOPINGDEVELOPING 2 dead after fire rips through historic building in Old Montreal
At least two people are dead and others are injured after a fire ripped through a century-old building near Montreal's City Hall, sources told Noovo Info.
-
Suspect arrested after Valleyfield college closed due to police operation
Classes and campus activities at CEGEP de Valleyfield were cancelled Friday morning as a result of a police operation.
-
'We won't be reopening tomorrow morning': Montreal metro stations may be closed for weeks
Public transport users who regularly use Fabre, d'Iberville and Saint-Michel stations on the Montreal metro's blue line will have to be patient, as the emergency closure of the three stations announced on Thursday evening could stretch out over 'a few days, or even a few weeks.'
Ottawa
-
Language watchdog tells Gatineau, Que. cafe to write Instagram posts in French
The owner of a Gatineau, Que. café says it's 'silly' that Quebec's language watchdog is telling the business to write its Instagram posts in French.
-
Here's how much waste Ottawa households generated ahead of the new 3-item garbage limit
There was a decrease in the amount of waste heading to the City of Ottawa's landfill in the two months leading up to the city's new three-item garbage limit.
-
Cyclist struck by a vehicle on Ottawa's West Hunt Club Road
A man is being treated for life-threatening injuries after being struck by a vehicle while cycling in Ottawa's south-west end.
Atlantic
-
DFO in Maritimes concerned about 'pattern' of violence, threats faced by officers
The federal Fisheries Department says it is concerned about a "pattern" of violence and threats toward its enforcement officers after two tense incidents off southwestern Nova Scotia last month.
-
Man charged for vandalism, theft at Fredericton library
A 31-year-old man is facing theft and break-in charges in connection to a vandalism incident at the Fredericton Public Library that caused tens of thousands of dollars of damages over the weekend.
-
Inmate charged with child pornography after device seized: N.B. RCMP
A 28-year-old Nova Scotia man is facing a child pornography charge following a New Brunswick RCMP investigation.
London
-
'Not a random incident': Police respond to stabbing at A.B. Lucas
According to police, officers responded to the 600 block of Tennent Avenue for a, "report of a possible stabbing" around 9 p.m. on Thursday.
-
Breaking
Breaking London man sentenced in Windsor harassment case
A London, Ont. man, who pleaded guilty earlier this year in a harassment case, has been sentenced to two months in jail for criminal harassment of a Windsor, Ont. family.
-
Truck wedged beneath CN train bridge shutters road south of Komoka
Middlesex OPP have shuttered a road between Mount Brydges and Komoka today - Amiens Drive is currently closed between Glendon Drive and Oriole Drive.
Kitchener
-
Impaired driver charged after car crashes in Kitchener home: WRPS
Waterloo Regional Police have laid charges after a car crashed into the side of a Kitchener home at 3:30 a.m.
-
'I want to know why you did it': DoorDash driver appears to spit in Ontario man's drink
A DoorDash driver who was caught on camera appearing to spit into an Ontario man’s drink has been removed from the platform, the food delivery company has confirmed.
-
Funding for hybrid shelter on Erbs Road could be extended by Region of Waterloo
The Region of Waterloo Is considering extending funding for the hybrid shelter on Erbs Road.
Northern Ontario
-
Motorcyclist suffers serious injuries in Highway 11 crash, police investigating
A motorcyclist is left with serious, life-altering injuries after a crash on Highway 11 in northern Ontario on Wednesday morning.
-
Two more teens charged with 'extensive damage' at Elliot Lake arena
Two more Elliot Lake teens have been charged in connection to the break-in at the local arena last week and are accused of causing more than $50,000 in damage.
-
Jury sent to deliberate verdict in Jacob Hoggard's sexual assault trial
The jury has been sent to deliberate its verdict in Jacob Hoggard's sexual assault trial Friday afternoon after lengthy instructions from the judge.
N.L.
-
Marathon goat: Animal runner wins hearts and a medal after crashing Newfoundland race
He may not have logged the fastest time or even gone the full distance, but residents of a Newfoundland town agree the goat who unexpectedly joined the local weekend half marathon was the event's undisputed champion.
-
Labrador residents say 'inhumane' food prices force families to go hungry
A mother in a community where the cost of living is one of the highest in the country says grocery prices are 'inhumane' and retailers are putting profits ahead of people’s basic human right to food.
-
Small English soccer team has huge year, thanks in part to Newfoundland and Labrador
A soccer game in England on Tuesday night drove a spike in online traffic across the Atlantic to a website launched by the Newfoundland and Labrador government.
