Author Archives: Shane Taylor

Kenny vs. Spenny Live Brings Chaos (and Nostalgia) to Vancouver

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Kenny Hotz and Spencer Rice, the notorious duo behind Kenny vs. Spenny, brought their signature style of chaos and comedy to Vancouver for a live show in 2025 and fans could not get enough. They were known for such outrageous television stunts as “Who Can Stay Awake the Longest?” or “Who Can Eat the Most Meat? “, the live tour gave viewers a chance to see the pandemonium up close in real time.

Kenny Vs Spenny – Showcase

For fans, it was a flashback. For newcomers, it was a first meeting with one of Canada’s most notorious comedy duos that will be etched in their memories forever. The Vancouver show sold out in record time, packing the theatre with fans sporting retro t-shirts and debating which of the rival participants Kenny or Spenny would make a bigger fool than the other in the course of the chaos of the evening. The format of the show spectacularly blended storytelling and interactive in which audience members could participate in heckling. Nothing was off limits, and the absurdity had audiences laughing, covering, and cheering non-stop. One of the thrills of the night was watching Kenny’s improv antics meet their match in Spenny’s straight-shooting reasoning and deep hatred of toilet humor.

Kenny Vs Spenny – 2006

Kenny’s schemes against Spenny’s efforts at fairness provided a steady stream of guffaws. On their show outrages contests to outlandish endurance challenges, each stunt was a reminder to the audience that Kenny vs. Spenny was never just a game it was a masterclass in absurdity for comedy. The energy wasn’t confined to the tv show they brought it with them to the stage live. The audience played a massive role in creating the experience. Shouting the name of Kenny or Spenny, wincing at every embarrassing moment, the audience became a part of the show itself.

2002 – Kenny Vs Spenny

An evening of nostalgia for the older audience, the live show brought to mind nights glued to the TV set laughing at the ridiculous stunts. For younger viewers, it was a history of Canadian comedy in a crash course format, illustrating how the series broke boundaries and redefined what could be done with a reality-comedy show. What made the Vancouver performance all the more special was its grasp of Canadian humor. Most comedians and online personalities today draw inspiration from Kenny and Spenny, and seeing them perform live underscored how unapologetic, absurd, and unique Canadian comedy can be.

The brashness of the duo to be outrageous, self-deprecating, and openly funny proved that Canadian comedy is doing well, fearless, and still reinventing itself. By the end of night, it was clear that Kenny vs. Spenny is more than a relic of pre-2000s television. Their live show reminded people that the appeal of the show the cringe, the competition, the surrealness can be equally engaging outside of the screens. Vancouver experienced comedy at its most riotous and retro, and people left with aching cheeks from laughter, stories to share, and a newfound respect for one of Canada’s most infamous twosomes.

Paddle, Pedal, and Play: BC’s Quirkiest Sports You Have to Try

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British Columbia is a lot more than mountains, ocean, and coffee shops it’s also a playground for adventure seekers who prefer being an adrenaline-rush athlete. From yoga on paddleboards to bike polo, the province is full of sports that buck the competition norm and enable participants to make the most of BC’s stunning outdoors.

Paddleboard yoga is among the quickest-growing fads, particularly in Vancouver and Victoria. On calm False Creek or Elk Lake waters, instructors guide students through balance poses while floating on the surface. It’s deceptively challenging maintaining an upright position on a buoyant board demands core strength, focus, and sense of humor (as slipping in is inevitable at least once!). The locals and fans have taken to it, mixing exercise, relaxation, and socializing on the water.

2014 – Fiona Hughes

For those who prefer cycling to horseback, bike polo has found a niche in Vancouver, Kelowna, and Victoria. On old tennis courts or local recreation fields, bike polo is ferocious, chaotic, and ridiculous sport. Players use fixed-gear bikes and hit a small ball into goals with mallets, usually battling past each other in a mix of strategy and chaos. The local league is growing, and Vancouver’s “Spoke & Strike” team is leading the charge and gaining followers who appreciate the mix of flash and action.

2025 – Squamish Adventure inn

BC is also home to slackline competitions, in which competitors walk and perform tricks on thin webbing stretched between trees. It’s part parkour, part circus artistry, part yoga, and the annual Squamish Slackfest is now a bucket-list experience for thrill-seekers. To see competitors bound, flip, and balance high above the ground, dozens of feet in the air, is both fascinating and terrifying the kind of adrenaline-fueled spectacle that has fans mesmerized by the action. Even traditional sports get a hip twist here. Ultimate frisbee beach leagues, rock climbing indoor competitions, and stand-up paddleboard winter races reflect BC athletes’ penchant for experimentation. It’s not about winning it’s about fun, community, and creating stories that you can’t otherwise find.

The beauty of BC’s offbeat sports scene is accessibility. Whether you’re a casual adventurer or a competitive athlete, there’s a way to dive in. Beginners can rent gear, join local leagues, or attend public classes. And for spectators, the sheer spectacle of watching humans attempt seemingly impossible feats in breathtaking landscapes is enough to keep anyone entertained. If you’re looking for a way to combine fitness, adventure, and a little bit of chaos, BC’s quirky sports have it all. From floating yoga mats to pedal-powered polo, the province reminds us that sports don’t have to be conventional to be exciting. Sometimes, the weirder, the better.

Are the Blue Jays Actually Canada’s Team?

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Each April, Canadians nationwide prepare for another Toronto Blue Jays season but an increasing number of fans, particularly in the West, are beginning to wonder: are the Jays truly Canada’s team? The Blue Jays have sported the maple leaf with pride for decades, from the Joe Carter era in 1993 to the bat-flip antics of José Bautista. But in 2025, as fandom is more regionalized than ever before, the Jays’ grip on national identity might not be the same.

2025 – Nathan Denette

In British Columbia, allegiances are torn in every direction. Most BC baseball fans have come to the Seattle Mariners, whose proximity and accessibility make them the rational home team. T-Mobile Park is a quick drive from Vancouver, and on any given weekend summer afternoon, it’s filled with Canadians wearing both blue and teal. The “Canadian Invasion” games, as they are popularly referred to by Mariners fans, are a tradition thousands of fans making the pilgrimage over the border for a weekend of sunshine and baseball.

2025 – Lindsey Wasson

Meanwhile, Toronto’s minor-league affiliate, the Vancouver Canadians, offer local fans a real home team to support. Their Nat Bailey Stadium games are always sold out, a nostalgia-hued, inexpensive experience that keeps baseball integral to the community. For all but the most die-hard fans, the Canadians are a better representation of BC baseball than any Toronto team a thousand kilometers distant. That is not to say the Jays lost their spark. Toronto’s recent postseason pushes have reignited national pride, and with stars Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette at the helm. But the question remains, does the rest of Canada consider the Blue Jays our team, or Toronto’s?

2022 – Bob Kronbauer

The appeal of baseball is its local nature. The East can adopt Toronto, but the West discovered its new heroes in closer proximity. Between Canadians’ own style of zest and the Mariners’ cross-border affinity, BC fans have forged their own baseball identity. So perhaps the answer isn’t if the Blue Jays are Canada’s team. Perhaps it is that there is more than one team in Canada to love and BC baseball culture is robust enough to thrive independently.

Courtside Comeback: The Rise of Basketball Culture in Vancouver

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Basketball in Vancouver has been on a path from heartbreak to resurgence. When the Vancouver Grizzlies fled town in 2001, fans were left with nothing. But in the past decade, the sport has returned with a vengeance, due in large part to a new wave of players, fans, and makers who’ve crafted a basketball culture that’s distinctly Vancouver.

2020 – The Athletic

It starts at the grassroots level. Local courts like Trout Lake, Queen Elizabeth Park, and Surrey’s Bear Creek are packed all summer. Streetball leagues like The Crown League and Vancouver Streetball Classic showcase elite local talent and bring hoopers together from across the Lower Mainland. Social media has helped take the games to the next level with highlight reels, mixtapes, and local YouTube channels covering the scene. On the professional side of things, the Vancouver Bandits of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) have been the biggest success story. Since relocating to Langley, the Bandits have turned home games into a party live music, community engagement, and fast-paced basketball. Local players like Nick Ward and Alex Campbell have made the team an actual draw, showing Vancouver basketball has audience and identity.

2024 – Vancouver Bandits

Meanwhile, UBC Thunderbirds and SFU Red Leafs continue to churn out elite university players, sending players across Canada and even to the pros. The introduction of youth programs like Drive Basketball and AthElite has created a full pathway for BC players to reach basketball careers without needing to move out of province. But what’s really defining Vancouver’s basketball culture is the atmosphere of creativity and self-expression that’s surrounding it. Sneaker culture, local clothing brands, and influencer-run events like open gyms and charity runs have turned basketball into a lifestyle, more than a sport. And then there’s the perpetual question is there ever a chance that the NBA might return? With Vancouver’s population growth, booming tech scene, and love of basketball, fans continue to hold out hope. When the Raptors come to Rogers Arena, the building is sold out and the “We the West” chants echo throughout the stands.

Vancouver basketball is not trying to relive the Grizzlies era it’s building something new. A community, culture, and creativity led scene. And if the city’s recent trajectory is any sign, Vancouver may well be one of Canada’s basketball capitals once again.

Back to Its Roots: The Lacrosse Revival in British Columbia

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Prior to the arrival of hockey on the ice, lacrosse was the national sport of the country and in BC, it’s re-growing rapidly again. From Victoria to Langley, across the province, lacrosse is enjoying a full-blown resurgence at every level. The sport that once monopolized local fields is getting a new lease, and a whole new generation of players and spectators are finding out why lacrosse remains such an electrifying aspect of BC culture.

One of the biggest drivers of this resurgence is the Vancouver Warriors, BC’s National Lacrosse League team. With a home base in Rogers Arena, the Warriors have created a passionate fan base due to their highly intense gameplay and engaging fan experience. Their 2025 season has seen higher attendance as well as social media buzz. At the grassroots level, the BC Junior A Lacrosse League (BCJALL) continues to foster stars of the future who hope to play in the pros. The Coquitlam Adanacs, who are long known for their dominance and used to running matters on the floor, remain a force to be reckoned with, while teams like the Victoria Shamrocks and New Westminster Salmonbellies continue to keep old-time rivalries alive. The 2025 season hard-fought playoff battles that reminded the fans why lacrosse has always been about pride, passion and community.

It’s not just the established teams bragging about themselves Indigenous groups throughout BC are leading the charge in reclaiming the rich cultural heritage of lacrosse. Lacrosse, also known as the “Creator’s Game,” has been a part of Indigenous communities for centuries. First Nations programs are now using the sport to get young people back into culture and history, blending competition and tradition in powerful ways. Media exposure and cross-sport appeal have also been driving lacrosse’s popularity. As the sport’s image as the “fastest game on two feet” is winning over new converts. Social media YouTube highlight reels of wacky goals, giant saves and ambiance are carrying the game’s appeal far beyond the Lower Mainland.

As BC’s lacrosse scene continues to evolve, the vibe is a blend of nostalgia and discovery. For those generations that came before, it’s the sport they grew up watching get played on hot summer nights. For others, it’s a new, high-octane replacement for traditional sports. Either way, one thing is certain: lacrosse is back and this time around it is here to stay.

The Best Sports Bars in Vancouver to Catch the Game

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Vancouver’s sports culture runs deep and when game day hits, the city’s bars transform into arenas of their own. Whether you’re repping the Canucks, cheering for the Lions under the roof of BC Place, or staying loyal to your favorite NFL, NBA, or Premier League team, Vancouver has no shortage of spots where the food, energy, and crowd make every matchup unforgettable.

2016 – Hamed Amiri

The Pint Public House on Abbot St. House is a fans’ institution. It boasts more than 80 screens, a daily happy hour special, and a raucous yet welcoming crowd, and it’s set up for fans who quite literally live and breathe the game. During Canucks games, it’s almost like a mini Rogers Arena jersey-wearing crowds, chants following every goal, and high-fives passed around between total strangers. The menu isn’t just pub fare even their signature wings and huge pint mugs are tradition.

2024 – TRIPADVISOR

A block or two down the street, Red Card Sports Bar + Eatery offers a more upscale but classic vibe. The Italian-inspired menu with wood-fired pizza and imported brews distinguishes it from the majority of sports bars. On evenings when there’s major game play, from the Stanley Cup final to the FIFA World Cup, energy builds up around their massive HD projector. It’s a location where ecstatic spectators yell in ten different languages, but all for the love of the game.

Shark Club Bar and Grill

For soccer and football fans, Shark Club Sports Bar & Grill near BC Place is the beating heart of downtown sports activity. After and before Whitecaps or Lions games, the club is packed shoulder to shoulder with supporters in team attire, savoring “Game Day Nachos” and soaking up the thrill of live action. The Shark Club is not a bar per se it’s an extension of BC Place itself and then there’s Browns on Granville. Another local hangout where the vibe is low-key but no less intense. The crowd here skews younger, a mix of no-frills sports enthusiasts and die-hard partisans who get in line early to reserve a screen. With an overwhelming array of craft beers and solid game-day specials, it’s the spot for conversation as well as the scoreboard.

2023 – Maggi Mei

The Lamplighter Pub in Gastown is an honourable mention for the combination of Vancouver history and sporting fervour. It’s one of the city’s oldest bars, but also one of its most lively on game days. In between the brick walls, old-time knick-knacks, and the howls that erupt when the Canucks score, the Lamplighter gives folks a reminder that sport in Vancouver is as much about community as it is about competition.

Vancouver crowd doesn’t stop coming out. Blue Jays caps, Seahawks jerseys, and vintage Grizzlies hoodies fill the room proof that passion never stays at home. In a city built on camaraderie, these taverns are not just sports bars. They’re where the bonds are formed, the rivalries remain friendly, and every victory is that little bit sweeter when grasped with a chilled pint in hand.

The Best Hiking Trails in BC You Need to Explore

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British Columbia is a hiker’s heaven, with mountains of dizzying height, green forests, and gorgeous coastal scenery. Offering everything from easy day hikes to demanding multi day excursions, these trails are a testament to the natural splendor which makes BC a world-class playground for the outdoor enthusiast. For outdoor enthusiasts who love to venture into the great wild, BC boasts some of the greatest hiking trails in all of Canada. With its diverse landscape, the province has it all from a casual afternoon walk for the beginner enthusiast to a challenging climb through rugged terrain.

2023 – canada.ca

One of the most popular hikes is North Vancouver’s Grouse Grind. Nicknamed “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster,” the 2.9-kilometer hike is a tough, steep one, climbing 853 metres up the side of Grouse Mountain. Locals and visitors alike enjoy it because it provides a fast, high-intensity workout and panoramic city views of Vancouver at the summit. For those looking to extend the experience, they can continue on to the Grouse Mountain trails, where alpine meadows, wildlife, and lookouts are waiting.

2020 – North Shore News

For a coastal excursion, Stawamus Chief in Squamish cannot be overlooked. This iconic granite cliff boasts three main summits, each offering unique views of the Howe Sound fjord below. The moderately difficult hike includes steep switchbacks and rocky sections, but the stunning views of mountains, ocean, and forest are well worth every stride. Rock climbers visit as well, giving the area a sunny, adventurous atmosphere.

2017 – Emily Wright

Whistler’s Garibaldi Lake offers a longer but extremely worthwhile hike. The trek takes hikers through alpine forest, across creeks, and to a blue lake ringed by snow topped mountains. Camping near Garibaldi Lake is the favored option for overnight stays, offering a chance for travelers to experience a little of BC’s wild under the stars.

2018 – @joffrelakes

For a more secluded, less crowded hike, the Joffre Lakes Provincial Park trail offers three beautiful glacial lakes, each with crystal clear turquoise-colored water. The 11-kilometre return trail is moderately difficult and offers incredible photo opportunities, making the trail a nature lover’s and photographer’s delight.

2021 – Taryn Eyton

Finally, the Juan de Fuca Trail in Vancouver Island offers a multi day coastal hike. The 47-kilometer trail follows the island’s west coast and traverses rainforests, beaches, and cliffs along the Pacific Ocean. Hikers often get glimpses of seals, eagles, and other animals, adding an experience of nature immersion for the trail.

BC’s trails are more than just recreational paths they’re a gateway to the province’s diverse ecosystems, stunning views, and outdoors culture. From brief urban climbs to multi-day wilderness adventures, its trails are a testament to why British Columbia is a draw for adventure seekers.

15-Inning Thriller Sets the Stage for ALCS Showdown

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2025 – Steph Chambers

A record ALDS Game 5, the Seattle Mariners wore down the Detroit Tigers 3-2 in a 15-inning masterpiece the longest Tigers postseason game in franchise history. The victory not only ended the Mariners’ 24-year playoff series drought but also set the stage for a historic matchup against the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2025 ALCS. In a game that will be recalled for generations to come, the Seattle Mariners secured their spot in the 2025 American League Championship Series with a nail-biting 3-2 victory over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS. The five-hour, 15-inning epic became not only the longest winner-take-all postseason contest in MLB history but also was the longest postseason contest the Tigers have ever been a part of, demonstrating the grit and stamina from both teams.

The hero was Jorge Polanco, who hit a walk-off single in the bottom of the fifteenth inning to score J.P. Crawford. The game was hard-fought as both clubs repeatedly swung and missed with runners in scoring position, but the Mariners’ bullpen showed world-class depth, as Luis Castillo earned the win with one and one-third shutout innings of relief. The victory was a test of the team’s will and unity, with contributions from unexpected heroes like Leo Rivas, who evened the game with a birthday pinch-hit RBI single. The Mariners season has been one of grit. Having finished the regular season with 92 wins, the team relied on strong pitching depth and timely hitting down the stretch. Starters Luis Castillo and Logan Gilbert have been the workhorses in the rotation, with hitters like J.P. Crawford and Ty France delivering in clutch situations time and again. The ALDS victory over Detroit was a portrait of this season’s fight, highlighting that Seattle can hang with the American League’s best.

2025 – Screensho

Up next, the Mariners welcome in the Toronto Blue Jays, who took down the New York Yankees in four games and advanced to the ALCS. The offense of Toronto has been strong throughout the playoffs, with George Springer and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. pacing the way and rookie Jordan Walker providing timely hitting through the ALDS. There are concerns about the Blue Jays’ depth at the mound, most notably the health of Bo Bichette and the availability of a good fourth starter aside from veterans Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt. Mariners right-hander Bryce Miller, 27, will start Game 1 of the ALCS. He was selected to pitch after the heavy recent usage of Gilbert and Castillo. Toronto responds with the ace Kevin Gausman, who gave up a single run over five and two-thirds of an inning in his ALDS opener. Both teams will count on bullpen depth and shrewd pinch-hitting to get an advantage in a series predicted to be closely contested.

The Mariners building towards this big-pressure series, their journey from a historic ALDS victory to hosting the Blue Jays in the ALCS has captured the hearts of fans across North America. The determination, depth, and resilience of the team have set the stage for an electric showdown that can define Seattle’s postseason history for decades.

BC Fan Moments You Might Have Missed

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While every one in BC remembers the Canucks’ 2011 Stanley Cup playoff push or the 2010 Winter Olympics, BC has experienced a bunch of other fan moments that brought unforgettable electricity and passion. Some didn’t appear in national print, but to fans, they are ingrained in memory.

2025 – Abbotsford Canucks

The Abbotsford Canucks’ Calder Cup push in 2025 got the Fraser Valley and everyone talking. Fans packed the Abbotsford Centre for all of the playoff games, seeing players who are often NHL-bound prospects in the making. In the finals, a dramatic overtime victory in Game 5 sealed the championship, sending the arena into pandemonium. For so many in the fan base, this was a first exposure to a professional hockey title in BC outside the NHL, and the neighborhood celebrations showed the extent of how embedded hockey is in local culture

2023 – Whitecaps

Soccer fans may have skipped it at the national level, but the Whitecaps’ 2023 Canadian Championship win brought BC fans together in a massive celebration. After years of close calls in MLS and local leagues, the Whitecaps defeated Forge FC in a thriller of a final, claiming their first Canadian Championship since 2015. Fans packed BC Place, waving flags, singing songs, and partying deep into the night. It was a test of Vancouver’s increasing soccer culture and demonstrated that there is more affection for the sport than exists in the traditional fan base.

2024 – Shelly Fey

Lacrosse enthusiasts witnessed a historic moment when the Coquitlam Adanacs secured the 2024 and 2025 Minto Cup, Canada’s top junior men’s lacrosse championship. The team’s victories were a testament to the depth of talent and passion for lacrosse in BC. Fans packed the arena, creating an electric atmosphere as the Adanacs clinched the titles, further solidifying BC’s reputation as one of lacrosses powerhouses.

2011 – Jason Payne

After 15 years without possessing a Grey Cup at BC Place, the Lions’ victory in 2011 created an immediate fan memory. Thousands of fans lined Vancouver streets celebrating with players, waving flags, and singing team tunes. It was about more than football it was a city celebration of BC pride, and the fans’ memory of uniting in that moment has lasted more than a decade. These fan experiences confirm that BC sports passion goes way beyond national headlines. BC fans are not spectators they’re participants, and these experiences confirm that the soul of BC sports resides in arenas, stadiums, and fields big and small.

BC’s Most Unexpected Sports Heroes

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When we say “sports heroes,” the first thing that comes to mind is NHL players, CFL quarterbacks, or Soccer heroes of Major League Soccer. However, in British Columbia, the true sports heroes aren’t always in the headlines—it’s those doing work in their communities, rising through grit, perseverance, and hard work. They are BC sports’ unsung heroes.

2025 – SFU Athletics

Already at just 18 years old, Raiya Matonovich is among Canada’s top middle-distance stars. In August 2025, she won gold in the 1,500-meter competition during the Canadian Championships in a 4:24.29 finish, barely fractions of a second in front of her closest challenger. She already produced the top national ranking in the U18 800-meter competition earlier in the season, demonstrating her tactical prowess and versatility. Raiya’s achievement has not only brought out her own strength, but also that of the Kamloops track and field community, inspiring thousands of young athletes to pursue their own visions.

2012 – Tom Jenkins the Guardian

Bo Hedges is a Canadian wheelchair basketball great and a living testament to the power of perseverance. A Fort St. John, British Columbia, native, Bo discovered wheelchair basketball in the mid-1990s and was quickly a force to be named. Over the course of his career, he has represented Canada at multiple Paralympic Games and is a floor and board captain with the British Columbia Wheelchair Basketball Society. Aside from medals, Bo’s legacy is promoting adaptive sports, guiding future generations of young athletes, and proving that determination and collaboration can conquer any obstacle.

2024 – Tigres Soccer Academy

Not a solitary individual, Tigres Vancouver Soccer Academy has been a BC youth soccer powerhouse. In association with one of Mexico’s most famous clubs, Tigres UANL, the academy ensures high-level competition, world-class coaching, and access for young players to achieve their full potential. It has assisted in the development of talented students who will someday play nationally or professionally, demonstrating how community-based organizations can develop the next sports heroes.

Vancouver Rise FC Academy, formerly Whitecaps FC Girls Elite, has been instrumental in nurturing young female soccer stars. The academy has produced players such as Bridget Mutipula and Jade Mitchell, who have represented Canada at the U17 level and professionally. These players prove how grassroots programs give young players the tools, the confidence, and the opportunities needed to succeed, proving that influence can come long before fame and media attention.

2025 – Vancouver Rise FC Academy

Their stories are important because they redefine the concept of what a hero is in sport. Their dedication, community spirit, and ability to motivate others prove that greatness isn’t measured in terms of national banners or high-dollar contracts it’s measured in terms of what you leave behind, the obstacles you overcome, and the passion you bring to the game.  Any individual, regardless of age, degree of celebrity, or level of resources, can be a meaningful contributor to sport. There are British Columbia heroes on the rosters of major leagues but heroes also in local gyms, tracks, and fields building sport one step at a time.