Author Archives: Brian Smith

The grill is calling, will you answer?

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It’s that time of year, where if you walk around your neighborhood, you can catch a waft of something that peaks that park of your brain, it starts to take over that primal urge. You try to think of anything else, but it has hold of your olfactory system and its not letting go, in fact it’s getting your mouth and stomach involved and your already out voted like you’re on the island.

That’s right BBQ season is here again! Fine meals being prepared on a piping hot BBQ or smoker with a sauce that punches it up to the stratosphere of delectable delights.

How about instead of just walking around aimlessly you follow Brian’s advice, and you make your way to Port Moody Ribfest. It’s a three-day festival featuring award-winning BBQ, live music, and local craft beer at Rocky Point Park. Indulge in some of the best mouth-watering ribs, enticing pulled pork, and heavenly BBQ chicken from seven top ribbers from across Canada. Fantastic craft beers from Port Moody’s Brewery Row are available on tap.

Hosted by the Rotary Club of Port Moody, this annual event raises funds for local and international community initiatives. Admission is by donation. RibFest is family-friendly with a family fun zone, that’s a favourite community event that draws hungry people from the Tri-Cities and beyond to Rocky Point Park. Since it started in 2015, RIBFEST has been the largest annual community event in Port Moody. An estimated 50,000 visitors attend the festival over the three days with 35-40% of those people coming from outside of Port Moody.

One of the festival’s biggest highlights is the Colossal 50/50 Draw, with an eye-popping jackpot that can reach up to $240,000. Half of the proceeds go to the winner, while the other half supports food security programs, including Share Food Bank and the Starfish meal program.

It takes a lot of people and resources to make RIBFEST happen. Rotary Club of Port Moody partners with several key sponsors each year, as well as working with the three other Rotary clubs in the Tri-Cities. In addition, a small army of 700 volunteers are needed and the result is the Club’s biggest annual fundraising event! If the idea of volunteering is right up your alley I have great news for you, are you sitting?  Volunteering at RIBFEST is a two-way street they will be fed throughout the day and will receive some great perks like a volunteer Ribfest shirt!

RibFest is on the Evergreen line and is just a few steps away from Moody Centre Station.

Either as guest to eat, or a volunteer, mark your calendar today with July 18-20, 2025, Rib Fest!

 

Brian Smith

bsmith288@my.bcit.ca

Nature’s invitation.

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Have you ever just stopped and taken a moment for yourself to just be inspired on how awesome this planet is? To look around you and witness the charm of the Northern Lights as it tells the same tales it told our ancestors as they sat around the fire as the waves of the lights danced and swayed to a cosmic beat, witnessed the wild explosive action of a bear taking a salmon swimming upstream to get nice and fat before a long hibernation in our beautiful Canadian wilderness. The migration of millions of animals as they make their journey for new pastures, and the dangers that lay around every bend, and just below the surface.

Most of us can only dream of seeing far off lands that have piqued curiosity for generations, but you can transform yourself into the adventurous explorer you always wanted to be on the journey to discover so many hidden gems just out of reach for most, but you aren’t most are you?

Inspired by the book, SPECTACLE: Rare and Astonishing Photographs, the exhibition features stunning images captured by some of the world’s finest photographers. Moreover, each photograph invites us to marvel at our miraculous planet and inspires a deeper commitment to protect its wonders for future generations to also witness with their eyes.

This exquisite exhibition features extraordinary moments, from breathtaking natural formations of all scales to intimate glimpses of the human experience as you delve into the essence of the human spirit as Spectacle explores life through the lenses of Chaos, Surprise, Beauty, and Awe. Each of these fascinating spectacles shock us in their diversity, their complexity, bringing us the miraculous beauty of our planet.

Prepare yourself to be immersed fully by an array of fascinating wonders and unusual phenomena and amusing curiosities as you are invited to witness certain sights that are as beautiful as they are unforgettable.

From a majestic supercell to the secrets of a deep blue ice cave to the world’s largest library. With more than 60 photographs in 4 remarkable scenes. Revealing the beauty of our planet for you to enjoy without the need to call a travel agent or get all that expensive survival gear what an amazing opportunity happening until May 19, 2025, at Science World in Vancouver, BC.

Please note that additional tickets are required for this limited engagement.

So, do yourself a favour and head out before it’s too late to enjoy events that will leave you breathless!

 

Brian Smith

bsmith288@my.bcit.ca

Working 9-5 just try to make a living.

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If you don’t know Doc Brown but still want to experience another era. Minus the whole-time travel conundrum where now you start to disappear from a picture, but why was it all slow like? Never mind, well I am going to give you a little gem that I hope you enjoy if you are free between April 25 to May 11, 2025, and you’re going to be near the Massey Theatre in New Westminster, and if not, once you keep reading, I know you’ll make sure you’re in the area.

Royal City Musical Theatre (RCMT) is proud to present Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 The Musical. This production transforms the beloved 1980 film into a live stage spectacle that blends comedy, empowerment, and toe-tapping tunes.

It celebrates a truly timeless story of three hard working women Violet, Judy, and Doralee who take a stand to reclaim dignity and reshape their workplace resonates as strongly today as it did in the late ‘70s, offering both humor and a poignant commentary on female empowerment.

The original film, released in 1980, is a classic American comedy directed by Colin Higgins. Starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton, it tells the story of three secretaries who, fed up with workplace sexism and exploitation, unite to turn the tables on their despotic boss, Franklin Hart Jr., played by Dabney Coleman. The film’s success was bolstered by its memorable title track written and performed by Parton which topped the Billboard 100 charts on February 21, 1981, and earned critical acclaim.

Notably, Parton famously used her acrylic fingernails to mimic the sound of a typewriter, adding a unique percussive quality to the song that helped make it an enduring anthem of female resilience which to this day adds that special little touch. I literally stop writing this story just to play her song.

The musical adaptation features original music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and a book by Patricia Resnick, who also co-wrote the screenplay of the original movie.

Mom’s take your daughter, dad’s what a great opportunity to bond with your daughter and have a fun filled night of laughing and bonding and maybe just learning a little something about how to be a little better. Or a bunch or rowdy ladies looking to have a great night on the town and laugh at the women who takes the man down a peg or two.

If you happen to read this and live nowhere near New West, well sit on the couch and put the movie on, you’ll be glad you did.

 

Brian Smith

bsmith288@my.bcit.ca

Caretaker of the land.

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Bigfoot the name says it all. You just read those words and now your mind’s eye is imagining what the creature looks like, maybe you even got an odour that flashed into your head. How it would act is depending on your pervious experiences in media and pop culture.

What if you can look at the legendary Sasquatch through the eyes of our first nations culture and folklore of the Sts’ailes and other Coast Salish people. The creature is more than a mysterious, elusive figure lurking in the woods. The Sasquatch is viewed as a guardian and caretaker of the land, a spiritual being with a dual presence that bridges the human realm and the spirit world.

Nestled in the heart of British Columbia, the Harrison River Valley is a region of breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and a vibrant mix of outdoor adventures giving you the invitation to explore lush green mountains, mighty rivers, and pristine Canadian lakes. It is beckoning out for you to explore and become a part of the community, if only for a day but I think you will want to stay longer once you experience the beauty of those mountain and how your dreams get lost in the endless possibilities.

The Fraser Valley’s rich agricultural lands are also a sight to behold. Local farms not only provide fresh produce but also host events like the popular Circle Farm Tour, where visitors can learn about sustainable farming practices and taste the region’s bounty.

The new visitor centre in Harrison Hot Springs now includes the Sasquatch Museum, a fascinating space for those that love local culture. Where visitors can learn about local Indigenous culture and folklore. The museum features exhibits on the legendary Sasquatch—referred to by the Sts’ailes Nation as “Sa:sq’ets,” or “hairy man”. Along with displays of Indigenous artifacts, wildlife, and even a recreated Sts’ailes Longhouse.

The Sasquatch Museum, though modest in size, offers an engaging glimpse into the rich heritage of the Coast Salish peoples and their deep connection with the land. With wheelchair accessibility and braille signage, it’s an inclusive cultural stop that enriches any visit to the area.

Come for the Bigfoot adventure, stay for the local Indigenous culture that will help you connect further with our First Nations People and make our country stronger. So, plan a day this summer to get lost inside what makes Canada great, our natural beauty and history we continue to pass on.

Brian Smith

bsmith288@my.bcit.ca

Set sail for an adventure in history, unless you be a land lover?

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So much of human civilization has been shaped by our knowledge gained over generations of the seas. From the first people to get in a “boat” and traveled over an open body of water praying to their gods for safe voyage to avoid the sea monsters to your aunt who does a cruise every year and doesn’t miss out on limbo, very different experiences between the eras.

Nestled in Vanier Park between Kitsilano Beach and the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, the Vancouver Maritime Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the maritime and boating history of the Pacific Northwest and the Arctic. Perfect for a rainy day, the museum offers engaging exhibits and interactive displays that bring Vancouver’s rich maritime heritage to life.

One of the museum’s star attractions is the historic St. Roch. The first vessel to navigate the Northwest Passage and circumnavigate North America. Housed entirely indoors, visitors can board the St. Roch, explore its decks, and even venture into the galley, experiencing life aboard this legendary ship firsthand. For maritime enthusiasts, guided tours of the engine room provide an in-depth look at the ship’s fascinating past.

The museum also boasts an impressive collection of model ships—meticulously crafted replicas of historical vessels that once sailed the waters of British Columbia. Each display is a work of art, capturing the intricate details of maritime design and shipbuilding, a nod to the region’s proud nautical traditions. Alongside these displays, interactive exhibits and hands on activities make the museum an ideal spot for children and families alike.

The museum’s location also places it within easy reach of other prominent cultural institutions. A short walk will take you to the Museum of Vancouver and the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, providing ample opportunities to explore diverse interests. From local history to space exploration enjoy the cultural and natural tapestry of this part of Vancouver as the surrounding area adds another layer of appeal.

Vanier Park itself is a scenic waterfront location that offers sweeping views of Vancouver, making it a great spot for a leisurely stroll. Heritage Harbour invites visitors to admire a collection of vintage boats and maritime artifacts, enriching the nautical theme of the area.

Whether you’re a maritime history buff, looking for that next adventure, a family looking for an educational outing, or simply seeking a memorable experience the Vancouver Maritime Museum and its surroundings promise a day of discovery, inspiration, and fun.

Visit the museum’s official website for full details.

 

Brian Smith

bsmith288@my.bcit.ca

Your adventure awaits, if you dare.

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In my dreams its always the same event played out. The ground is so far away, and my grip is starting to go weak, the wind is blowing so hard I can’t hear a thing, my left hand gives and now I’m holding on by only my right hand then I just accept it and let go, and then I drop like Hans Gruber in Die Hard. The sudden free fall catches me and my adrenaline levels spike, this is it. Ground here I come. But then a sudden jerk as my parachute deploys and I take control.

This was a dream since childhood watching a documentary about the Canadian Airborne and was a reason for joining the Army Primary Reserves in high school The Royal Westminster Regiment a military unit with a long and proud legacy in Canada’s history. Unfortunately, an injury stamped out my privilege of earning the Canadian Jump Wing’s.

Which leads me to Campbell River Skydive Centre located 1759 Airport Drive, Campbell River, BC

Just Southwest of the city of Campbell River and centrally located on Vancouver Island. Started by Bob Verret a military veteran of 34 years much of it as a Search and Rescue Technician. Sky diving a key skill set needed to get to injured people in the Canadian wilderness and save lives. Well after retirement Bob turned it into a passion for getting more people involved in the sport.

Campbell River is partnered with Operation Pegasus Jump an event that began in July 2022 for veterans, by veterans, spreading awareness and offering help to those that have experienced PTSD and other mental health issues from high demand occupations.

This partnership allows the love of sky diving to bridge the divide between civilians and the Veteran/military. For people of all backgrounds to bond over their various trauma to understand we are not alone when we reach out to a wider group of people who are also hurt and the strengths of each other to built each other up.

So ask yourself if you feel like an adventure and want to leave anything in your past behind to forge ahead a new and more powerful you who has conquered a fear and did something that isn’t them because today you take that new step forward and off a planes ramp to discover what limits you are happy to throw away and I think you’ll be pleasantly surprized.

Brian Smith

bsmith288@my.bcit.ca

Beware what haunts in the dark.

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Sometimes a good scare is exactly what you are craving. That chill up the spine kind of tingle that catches that part of the brain just right. Not in a movie kind of safe way, no you want something more real like learning what happened in your own backyard and depending on the location perhaps someone’s front yard.

Follow the lamplight of your guide into the shadowed, secret back alleys of Vancouver, a city of contradictions, where glittering modernity meets the grit and grime of its brutal past. Welcome to Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours, a journey deep into the mystery and macabre that defined this coastal city from its ragged harsh beginnings to the present day. This is not your typical sightseeing excursion; this is an adventure steeped in murder, revenge, and true grit, a dramatic retelling of Victorian Gastown’s most gruesome legends come to life with amazing guides to immerse you into the tale.

In the hauntedly dark streets of old Gastown, where cobblestones still echo with the footfalls of the lost souls, your expedition will lead you on a twisted journey that unearths the unsolved murder mystery of gold prospector John Bray. Shot three times in the head in 1898 and left to linger in agony for weeks, Bray’s death remains a chilling enigma. His story is but one thread in a tapestry of violence, corruption, and heartbreak that continues to haunt the city.

As you traverse these ancient pathways, the lamplight reveals the spectral outlines of a past that refuses to be forgotten. Listen closely, and you might hear whispers of those lost souls adding their piece to the tale. Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours dares to explore these shadowed corridors of history, revealing dark secrets that most visitors and even locals dare not seek. Each step is a plunge into the past to discover more about the history of Canada.

This is an adventure for those brave enough, who desire to see beyond the polished and clean surfaces of today’s Vancouver ready for a cover shoot and to uncover the raw, unsettling stories hidden in its beating heart but be careful of being to curious, you know what they said about the cat.

Join Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours and discover a city where history lives, breathes, and sometimes even whispers your name. Prepare to be shocked, enlightened, and forever changed by the unforgettable, unsanitized tales of Forbidden Vancouver.

Maybe you just enjoy that chill up your spine to do it more than once? Share your tales of the tour.

 

Brian Smith

bsmith288@my.bcit.ca

Nature is a beautiful canvas.

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When I was younger flowers and gardening was something that seemed so foreign to me that it was almost from some alien planet brought to you by a cheap b-movie director. It was an assault to my youth, old people just spending hours gardening, well now in my 40’s and I do my own gardening. I don’t remember what happen just suddenly flower’s herbs and what ever else peaked my fancy started ending up in my carts, and I too would spend hours tending to my plants. What happened to that hellion? Well knees, bad back, now a sneeze can take me out.

Which brings me to each spring, fields in Agassiz, BC erupt in vibrant colors that amaze you what nature as a medium and people with a passion can create. The Harrison Tulip Festival April 12-May 4th Draws tens of thousands of visitors to witness a breathtaking floral spectacle. Formerly known as the Chilliwack Tulip Festival, this event is now hosted on a 109-acre working farm by Onos Farms and Tulips of the Valley, the very pioneers who introduced BC’s first tulip experience back in 2006.

The story behind the festival is as heartwarming as the blooms are beautiful. What began as a small family passion project blossomed into a partnership with Onos Greenhouses Ltd., who grow over 15 million cut tulips annually. After the outdoor festival, many of the bulbs are used in their high-tech greenhouses to produce flowers for markets across western Canada and the northern U.S.

Now in its 19th year, the festival has found its permanent home back in Agassiz in the Fraser Valley, just under two hours from Vancouver. With the majestic Mount Cheam as a backdrop, this scenic spot offers a full sensory experience.

Visitors can stroll through over 12 million tulips in more than 100 varieties, alongside 16 kinds of double daffodils and five varieties of sweet-smelling hyacinths. A special highlight is the “Secret Garden,” a 4-acre oasis surrounded by flowering trees and shrubs, featuring 75+ tulip varieties and winding grass pathways.

But the festival is more than a feast for the eyes. The on-site Farm Shop sells fresh-cut and potted tulips, specialty Dutch treats like stroop waffles, novelty ice cream, and handmade goods. Two food trucks serve daily eats, and there’s plenty of free parking and handicap-accessible areas, though rubber boots are recommended on wet days.

Agassiz itself is a hidden gem worth exploring. Known for its lush farmland, and proximity to Harrison Hot Springs, the area is perfect for a spring getaway. So don’t wait like me to start enjoying flower gardens and the pleasure that a little bit of time unplugged from the phone just taking in what nature can offer the soul.

Visit harrisontulipfest.com for details.

 

Brian Smith

bsmith288@my.bcit.ca