Author Archives: Natalia Cury Manduchi da Silva

Hollywood North: 4 Productions That Used Vancouver as Their Set

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When talking about a magical place, Vancouver can certainly be one of them. The city isn’t Hollywood, but it’s impressive how it plays the same role as the studios there. Vancouver becomes New York, becomes a zombie apocalypse, becomes a dystopia without much effort. That’s why hundreds of movies and series that you watch at home are filmed here, and you didn’t even know about most of them. Well then, stop here now and discover 4 movies and series that were filmed in Vancouver.

  1. The Adam Project

A relatively new movie, it seems like it was released yesterday, but it was in 2022. It’s a Netflix original movie and stars Ryan Reynolds, who, in case you didn’t know, is Canadian, born in Vancouver. The movie has a futuristic aesthetic, with a clean city full of nature. Places like the Convention Centre West, Jack Poole Plaza, and the Blarney Stone Bar were used as locations to film the movie.

  1. Deadpool

Many people probably already know this one, but there’s always someone a little lost who doesn’t know that the Deadpool movies were filmed in Vancouver. And once again, our Canadian is here, Ryan Reynolds strikes again. We can understand that he loves filming in his hometown. I don’t judge, I think I would do the same. The Georgia Viaduct is where one of the most iconic Deadpool scenes takes place, full of explosions, cars flying everywhere, lots of fighting, and all of this in our city.

  1. Riverdale

This series doesn’t have much of a big city feel, but even so, it was filmed almost entirely in Vancouver. Or rather, in the outskirts of Vancouver, cities like Maple Ridge and Mission. There it’s easier to have more forests, fog, houses without that modern look, in other words, the perfect filming location for a suspense and mystery series.

  1. The Good Doctor

The series about a young autistic doctor who works at a hospital called San Jose St. Bonaventure takes place in San Jose, California, but incredibly, the series isn’t filmed in California, but in Surrey. In this show, it’s easy to understand how Vancouver can change in the blink of an eye, appearing one way one day and being something completely different the next.

In the end, Vancouver is versatile, and it’s the setting for many of our favorite stories. And if you pay close attention, even when playing the role of another city, you can find the essence of Vancouver, like a pedestrian traffic light that’s impossible not to recognize, or a street you walk every day to go to work.

It’s truly magical to live in Vancouver.

Where Vancouver Turns Into a Sitcom

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With this time of year and the cold weather finally arriving to stay, it’s necessary to find ways to have energy and smile, which can sometimes be difficult with the lack of sun here. But that’s precisely why Vancouver is already prepared so that everyone can get through the winter without any problems. Every year, several shows appear to help us live life with a little more lightness, even if it’s just for that one hour of the performance.

(ptdh/Pixabay)

And one of these shows is ‘Tis the Sitcom, which takes place at The Improv Centre on Granville Island, which is already more than a positive point, because there’s no nicer place to stroll than on Granville Island. And if you dare to have an ice cream in this cold, that’s where I found the best cookie ice cream; it’s worth trying.

The show started on November 20th, but you still have plenty of time to go, until December 30th, and they’re even including some sessions with special performances, like on December 18th, 21st, 23rd, and 24th. Who’s curious to know what’s special about them?

‘Tis the Sitcom is that comfort show for those who grew up watching shows like Friends, How I Met Your Mother, The Office, and so on. You get the idea, right? So if you like that, this is the ideal place for you, and you already know exactly what to expect when you enter the theater. Because if watching these series is already hilarious, imagine having that chance live and with lots of improvisation. In other words, each night is a completely new and different experience.

Ah, but what’s the story behind it then? Imagine you and your friends in the big city trying to survive Christmas, then there are the struggles because of the snow, problems finding the perfect gift, end-of-year disagreements. Whether you like it or not, it’s easy to relate to the theme of the play, which makes everything more fun, you feel like you’re participating along with the actors.

The Improv Centre is a well-known place for its improv plays and that’s why it’s the place for ‘Tis the Sitcom. Take your mom, your dad, your siblings, friends, whoever you want, this is the outing for everyone, without exception. It will be the most fun 90 minutes of your day.

If you love sitcoms, this is your place and your turn to participate in one.

5 Moments That Defined the Vancouver Warriors

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If I asked you to name a predominant sport in Vancouver, what would you say? Maybe hockey? It really is what dominates the city, but there are others that are gradually conquering its piece of the pie and making people fall in love with the dynamics. Lacrosse is a very old sport, but it never had the recognition it deserved, and here in Vancouver we have the Vancouver Warriors, the team that from November to April rocks and transforms Rogers Arena into a frenzy. And now here you will find 5 remarkable moments in the history of the Vancouver Warriors to get you even more into the mood for this start of the season:

  1. The beginning of the Warriors

Until 2017 the team was actually called Vancouver Stealth and played in Langley, the change came in 2018, when the team was bought by the Aquilini family, who, for those who don’t know, also own the Vancouver Canucks. The team was having some difficulty filling the Langley Events Centre and needed a change of scenery, a chance for new beginnings, so with the purchase of the team, they started playing downtown at Rogers Arena. They gave the brand a new look and changed their name, becoming the well-known Vancouver Warriors.

  1. Mitch Jones

A player who made a big impact on the team’s history was Mitch Jones, who joined the Vancouver Warriors in 2019. He played for the team like no one else, during his time, he scored many goals, assists, and his presence changed the rhythm of those around him. That’s why he stayed with the team for 2029, 2020, 2022, and 2023. Even though he no longer plays for the Warriors, he became a landmark, a very important player in the team’s history.

  1. Calgary

Whatever the sport, a rival will always be a rival. And in lacrosse it’s no different, and this point couldn’t be left out; beating Calgary is always a memorable moment. Unfortunately, we don’t have many wins against them, but the good thing is that this victory we have becomes even more important. On December 28, 2024, the Warriors won 14-10 against the Calgary Roughnecks.

  1. Logan Schuss

Logan is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, to have played for the Warriors. He is a player with a high-level offense and was drafted number 1 in 2013 by the NLL, so fans have always admired his presence on the team; he has always been very significant to everyone. In 2019, before renewing his contract, he already had around 430 points in just 98 games, which gives him around 170 goals plus 260 assists. In 2023, he signed with the Calgary Roughnecks, and today he lives in the history of the Vancouver Warriors.

  1. Playoffs

The team has only had 2 appearances in the lacrosse playoffs. The first time was back in 2017, when the team was still known as Vancouver Stealth and they were eliminated in the division semifinals. The second time is recent and history. In 2025, the team went to the playoffs with one of the best seasons ever and it was the first time already having the name Warriors and playing at Rogers Arena. The team was eliminated in the quarterfinals by the Buffalo Bandits, but this moment showed the willpower of the players and how large the fan base is.

Lacrosse may not be as big as hockey, but it has everything to be and every day it shows more of that. The Vancouver Warriors are building a legacy at Rogers Arena, and these five special moments for the team and fans are just the beginning of a huge list of achievements.

The Moment Vancouver Has Waited For Since 1979

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Are you ready for a historic moment for Vancouver? We are living through one of those moments where the whole city vibrates and cheers for the same reason. Soccer is a sport that can unite people, and in moments like these, it transforms an entire night.

Last Saturday, the Whitecaps played against San Diego FC in the Western Conference Cup final and showed that they have strength, courage, and deserve first place. The team won 3-1, and it was an impressive game. Even though they weren’t playing at home, the Whitecaps’ supporters came out strong, and those at Snapdragon Stadium could feel the electrifying energy.

And now, in addition to winning a championship, which is already incredible, the team has also achieved something that no one would have imagined a few years ago: reaching the MLS Cup final.

The interesting thing about this final is that it will be against Inter Miami, also known as the team Lionel Messi plays for. And for those who don’t remember, in April 2025, the Concacaf Champions Cup final took place, where Inter Miami and the Whitecaps faced off, with the first leg in Miami and the second leg here in Vancouver, at BC Place. It turns out that something no one imagined happened: the Whitecaps won even with Messi on the field playing for Inter, and they became champions.

So, this MLS Cup final has all the makings of being historic.

Inter Miami has its star player, but we have one too. Thomas Müller is a legend in the world of soccer, not only for Vancouver, but for the whole world and especially for the German team, which, for example, beat Argentina in the 2014 World Cup.

This championship is very important for the Whitecaps and their fans because 1979 was the last time Vancouver brought home a North American title. The Whitecaps won the NASL Soccer Bowl against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. And since then, the team hasn’t been able to bring another title of this magnitude to Vancouver, but 2025 is proving to be a different year, and with all the willpower the team has, this victory will come.

 

It won’t be easy, Inter Miami will be playing at home and is the favorite in the championship, but Vancouver is ready for this confrontation and to make history in the team’s timeline.

The game will take place this Saturday, December 6th, and if the Whitecaps win, in addition to lifting the trophy, they will also finally bring the feeling of pride and celebration that we have been waiting for since 1979.

Lights, Dance, and Magic: Ballet of Lights

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There are things that happen in Vancouver that you have no idea about, and when you discover them, you’re shocked that you hadn’t found out before.

The other day, a friend who is a professional ballerina told me that she was going to participate in a new end-of-year project and that she was very excited to start her rehearsals. She showed me what the project was about, and I was speechless at what I was missing, that maybe if she had never told me, I would never have known.

The name of the project is Ballet of Lights, which features a dance performance where all the dancers shine because of their costumes. It seems magical!

It really goes far beyond just dance; it’s a sensory experience. Imagine with me, the whole stage dark and totally glowing costumes that light up, go out, and change color. It’s like watching classical ballet but with a special touch, a modern touch, and innovative visual effects.

This year the show brings the timeless story of Sleeping Beauty with a dramatic soundtrack and indescribable fantasies. The fun part about the lights is that you can feel how they change according to the mood, emotions, and story of the show.

(Jabore/Pixabay)

It’s incredible to see how art is constantly improving and mixing a little bit of everything. In the show you find culture, technology, and emotion. Sometimes when people think of ballet, they associate it with something boring, still, or even tiring, but in Ballet of Lights, you realize that it has none of that. The dances, the costumes, the lighting, the dancers’ interpretation make you feel like you’re inside the story.

It will take place at the Michael J Fox Theatre on December 19th and 20th, 2025. The show lasts about 60 minutes, which gives you plenty of time to admire all the beauty of the show.

This is the kind of event that needs to be on your to-go list. Vancouver is already a city that shines brightly, and with this show, nothing compares.

When Vancouver Meets Brazil

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Vancouver is such a captivating city, full of opportunities, that in recent years it has become a focal point for many nationalities seeking a better life. Today, Canada in general is a completely multicultural country; you can meet people from all over the world in just one place.

Today I wanted to show you a little bit about how my culture, that of the Brazilian people, is part of, at least a little, the Canadian culture. The first thing is that it doesn’t matter if you are Canadian or not, I can be sure that at least once in your life you have met a Brazilian, you are friends with a Brazilian, or if you have never met one, you will not die without meeting one. We are everywhere, and I know we have our flaws, but one thing I can say with certainty is that we’d like to be friends with you. We are great listeners and we love meeting new people.

Brazilian culture is one of the fastest growing here, and we love Vancouver. Here, we know that the culture is diverse, welcoming, and open to receiving us. So yes, you will find Brazilians everywhere.

I know, we are noisy, we laugh loudly, we hug with emotion and we will treat you like our best friend from the first day I see you, but I swear it’s just our special way of occupying spaces, bringing spontaneity, conversation, music. And honestly, I think that’s why so many Canadians connect so easily with Brazilians, it’s like that phrase “opposites attract”.

And in the same way that Brazilians are gradually introducing themselves to Canadian life and culture, Canadians are also gradually introducing themselves to Brazilian culture. Nowadays, in downtown Vancouver you will find bars with specific days just for Brazilian parties, restaurants with typical dishes or drinks, like the Cactus Cafe Club restaurant with the famous “De Nada Limonada”. Besides, I, a Brazilian, go to Brazilian events and often find more people of other nationalities than Brazilians themselves.

Finally, for Canadian culture, having a Brazilian nearby means hearing completely unimaginable music, learning expressions that make no sense in English, being invited to the next friends’ get-together even if you met them 10 minutes ago, and discovering Brazilian cuisine.

(leandroconexao/Pixabay)

And for Brazilians, Vancouver is the place where we found warmth, fun, and the perfect place to live. The cultures intertwine, and I love knowing that today I have a little bit of both.

Beyond Skates: The World of Para Ice Hockey

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When you think of Vancouver, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Maybe landscapes, hiking, Tim Hortons, cold weather. All of those make perfect sense, but one thing people will definitely always think of is hockey, right? This city loves the sport, and even though I’m not from here, I feel like everyone was born with skates on their feet, because it’s so difficult, but everyone makes it look so easy.

Even though it’s such a beloved and widely practiced sport, there are things that go unnoticed, like Para Ice Hockey. Have you ever heard of it?

I really had no idea this sport existed until I went with a close friend to watch a practice session. She lives in a family home where one of the children has no mobility from the waist down. The girl is passionate about hockey, and one day she invited me to watch the practice. I didn’t quite know what to expect, and I left completely transformed.

Para Ice Hockey is literally the game of hockey as we know it, but adapted for athletes with physical disabilities. What’s really cool is that anyone can join, including people without disabilities, so if you have a sibling, friend, or partner who wants to go, you can do more than just stay there with them; you can also participate. The sport is for everyone, from children to adults, experienced players, beginners, and so on.

In this modality, no one uses skates; it’s as if you sit in a sled adapted for the game, while with two sticks in each hand, you push your body. The stick serves both to assist in locomotion and to kick the puck.

Just thinking about it, it doesn’t seem like it, but it’s still a fast and intense game like an actual hockey game.

SportAbility offers Para Ice Hockey in British Columbia, and they have several athletes who go there both just for fun and to train. The organization has athletes who compete at all levels: national, regional, and even international. And besides Para Ice Hockey, they also offer training for Boccia, Power Soccer, and CP/Para Soccer.

Just watching a training session, you already understand. It’s much more than the sport; it’s the feeling of being able to play something you admire so much. Being there that day changed my view of hockey and only made me more passionate about the strength of Canadian culture in relation to the sport.

The Power of Karaoke

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I don’t know if you’ll agree with me, but sometimes Vancouver can be a lonely city. People are always busy studying, working hard, and never have time for anything, so when you realize it, you’re… alone.

But there’s one thing I feel makes Vancouver come together, and it doesn’t have a specific place, time, or day. You just need a microphone, a television, and good company: Karaoke.

Here in Vancouver, I discovered the power of karaoke. It really brings people together and makes complete strangers have fun together.

(KAIRONVOSS/Pixabay)

As I said, it can be too lonely here sometimes. My friends and I are always busy, but when we find a moment to spend together, we love going to karaoke. I’ll be honest, karaoke was never my favorite thing. Before moving here, I had gone to karaoke maybe twice.

When I say karaoke, I’m not talking about the kind where you rent a room and sing with your friends. Okay, I know that private room thing is cool too, but I’m talking about the kind in bars, where it’s open for anyone to grab the microphone and sing in front of everyone.

The first time I went, I had a lot of fun seeing all those people having the courage to go there and sing. I sang along, it was really cool, but I refused to go up on that stage, I would never do that to myself.

The second time, that atmosphere excited me so much, everyone there, without even knowing each other, was cheering for each other, the whole bar was singing and vibing to the music, so I gave myself a chance to try.

Vancouver, when it comes to coming together, never disappoints. When I went on stage, me and 2 other friends sang “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield. For those 3 minutes, I felt like I was on the stage of my own concert, making people vibrate. It was such a freedom feeling, I truly think that sometimes the singing is the least important detail; the connection that is created there wouldn’t be created in any other way.

5 Creative Things to Do in Vancouver This Winter

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When the cold arrives, Vancouver completely changes from what it is during the summer. The streets become emptier, the coffee shops more crowded, and staying home under the covers becomes our favorite activity.

After all, nobody wants to leave the house, and all I can think about is: “what am I going to do outside if I’m just going to freeze?”

That’s why I’ve brought you 5 things to do in Vancouver during the winter that will spark your creative side and will surely be a lot of fun for you and your friends.

(zapCulture/Pixabay)

  1. Ollie & Co. – Make your own candle

If you’re like me and LOVE lighting a candle while you’re at home to change the mood, this is the perfect place for you. Ollie & Co. is a candle-making workshop. It’s a 2-hour experience where you can explore all the different scents and put them together to make your own candle. They have over 30 scents, so go with an open mind because it’s hard to choose. After choosing your scents, it’s time for creativity; you can customize the entire candle and your own label.

  1. Art From The Heart – Guided Painting at Bentall Centre

If you’ve always wanted to paint but never had the opportunity to know where and how to start, this is for you.

Inside the Bentall Centre, you’ll find Art From The Heart, which offers a guided painting class. And if you’re afraid you’re not good enough or don’t feel confident with a brush in your hand, don’t worry, this is a class for beginners and for everyone, so many people are also there learning. The good thing is that you don’t need to bring anything; they will provide everything you need. One important thing to remember is to wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty, in case of an accident. Each class lasts 2 hours, and at the end, you can take your new piece of art home to admire.

  1. Banana Art Lab – Make Your Own Rug

This one is for those who really like to use their creativity in a slightly different way. At Banana Art Lab, you can customize your own rug, that’s right, a rug! You choose your design and start tracing it onto a canvas and then choose all the thread colors you’re going to use. You get a safety demonstration and a tutorial on how to use the gun to make the rug. After that, you’re ready to start making it. There you can make other things besides rugs, like decorating your phone case or a mirror frame. It’s worth it!

  1. Spin Pottery – Handmade Ceramics

In this one you literally get your hands dirty. At Spin Pottery you make your own ceramic piece, but not only that, you can paint and decorate it however you want. You start with a session with one of the professionals teaching you how to do it, and throughout the process, any help you need, there will be someone to guide you. The cool thing is that sometimes you can go in with an idea that, when you’re there, something completely different starts to emerge in your hands. For this one, you might have to come back a second day to wait for your piece to dry and then paint it, but I swear it’s worth it.

  1. ArtBox – Personalized bags with patches

The perfect place to personalize your things is here. At ArtBox you can make bags, wallets, keychains, everything on your way. They have a huge variety of patches and you can choose the ones you like the most. Also, if you need some inspiration, they have some on display to help you with your creativity. You position everything the way you want, put them inside a machine, just wait 2 to 3 minutes and then it’s ready.

Vancouver in winter can be cold, rainy, and cloudy, but it’s also full of places you wouldn’t even imagine visiting. If you were looking for things to do, this is your cue to unleash your creativity and enjoy the day instead of staying home.

Finding Freedom in the Front Row

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I don’t know about you, but a problem I’ve always had in my life is that if I wanted to do something, go somewhere, or eat at a specific place, but I didn’t have company, I simply wouldn’t go. It’s the kind of situation where you think in your head, “Everyone is looking at me and seeing how lonely I am and how I don’t have friends,” while in reality, nobody is noticing your existence, and only you are thinking that.

It turns out that for a long time I was like that, and consequently, I missed many opportunities to do things and go places because I didn’t have company. When I moved to Vancouver, I needed to change that way of mine, and not because I was forced to, but because I wanted to. Living far from everything you know, where everything and everyone is new to you, puts you in a position to open yourself up to new experiences, and that’s what I did.

These days I go to the beach, to the park, I go out for lunch, I go shopping, literally everything alone, but what I love to do most, and this is something Vancouver taught me, is going to concerts alone.

(Mikewallimages/Pixabay)

 

I’m the kind of person who thinks spending money on concerts is one of the best ways to spend it, because it’s an experience you’ll never forget and there’s no better price to pay than experiences like these. And I confess that I’ve even missed out on concerts I would have loved to go to in Brazil just because nobody wanted to go with me.

In my first few months in Canada, I found out that the Jonas Brothers were coming to Vancouver and, being a fan of theirs since I was very young, I decided I was going to see them live. I started asking people if anyone would like to go with me and the answers were always “I don’t like them,” “I’m not going to spend money on that,” “I don’t have time.” For about 2 months I had already given up on going, also because I didn’t have company.

With less than a month to go before the show, I not only changed my mind and decided to go even though I was going alone, but I also decided it would be the best night of my life. I took all the money I had been saving and bought a ticket close to the stage.

On the day of the show, I arrived at the arena and there was no fear of being alone inside me, only immersive happiness. I went to my seat and quickly made friends with the girls around me, and in the end, it was all incredible. I enjoyed the entire show.

Today I say that this was definitely one of the best days of my life, the best show I’ve ever been to, and an experience I will never forget. Having company is great, but going alone is freedom; you feel everything in a different way and enjoy it the way you should.