This week might not be the most exciting in terms of events, but that leaves more time to explore some new dining options, catch a game, and unwind before the weekend hits. And we don’t know about you, but we could really use a couple of evenings to recharge, refocus, and indulge in some good food while we’re at it. Without further ado, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this week (January 9-13).

Vancouver Giants

 

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The Vancouver Giants are facing off against the Chiefs at the Arena Bowl at the Langley Events Centre this Friday. And for just $20, you can watch the game unfold in person!

When: Friday, January 13th
Where: 7888 200 Street Langley
Cost: $20

Weekly specials at Lunch Bar by Kafka’s 

Warm up with a bowl of stew or a hot sandwich at Lunch Bar, Kafka Gastown’s newest venture. And to sweeten the pot, the new Lunch Bar is serving up weekly stew specials for $13.50 – one vegan and one meat. And what’s more, both are served with a slice of fresh-baked focaccia.

Where: 151 West Hastings Street

See what’s on at the Vancouver Art Gallery

The Vancouver Art Gallery has a ton of limited exhibitions to check out this month, ranging from Vancouver-specific artists to a major exhibition from Yoko Ono. Head down on a rainy Tuesday night and take advantage of admission by donation for the best bang for your buck.

When: Open throughout January
Where: 750 Hornby Stree

Cross-Country Skiing at Cypress

While snowshoeing is a toss-up for the best place to go, cross-country skiing has a clear-cut winner in Metro Vancouver. Cypress Mountain boasts some of the best, and most popular, cross-country trails in all of Canada. Head out during the day for a fun expedition, or, enjoy the 7.5km of lit trails at night.

When: Open throughout January
Where: 6000 Cypress Bowl Road, West Vancouver
Cost: $25+

Rent a couple of e-bikes

 

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Folks who want to hop on a Mobi and go on a joyride can do so with an emission-free electric bike that’s not only energy and time-efficient, but money-efficient as well.  Whether you bike through Stanley Park or go across the Lions Gate Bridge, Mobi has you covered. The 24 Hour Pass gives you access to e-bikes for 25¢/min for the first 30 minutes and 35¢/min thereafter.

Just make sure to pick a clearer day sans rain!

Hang out at a lobby bar

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: It never hurts to dress up and grab a couple of rounds at a fancy hotel bar. If the vibes are right and you feel like whisking your honey away to a cozy spot, who says you need a special occasion as your reason? Check out a new spot in the city and indulge in a few winter-themed cocktails, while you’re at it.

Where: See our picks above

See an improv show

From Date Night improv to monthly standup sessions, House Team showcases, and more – there’s always something exciting going on at The Improv Centre on Granville Island. And why not start off the year with a couple of laughs and libations with your loved ones?

Where: 1515 Anderson Street

Grab some pasta 

When a surge of cold and rainy weather hits, it never hurts to indulge in a plate of delicious, authentic pasta from your fave neighbourhood spot. And if you don’t quite have a go-to yet, any of these picks would make a great lunch or dinner stop this week!

Where: See our picks above

Check out a hidden neighbourhood cafe

And if you’d rather visit your local neighbourhood cafe or coffee shop, we’ve got plenty of picks there, too. Whether you want a nice space to unwind with a latte, or bunker down for some serious work/studying, we guarantee that the city has a spot for everyone. Lately, we’ve been vibing at J.J. Bean spots around the city – their muffins are some of the best in town!

Where: See our picks above

Go on a winter stroll 

Just because it has stopped snowing doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a beautiful winter stroll. Just be sure to wear the proper shoes and rain gear in case it gets a little drizzly! From mountain climbs to inner-city parks, here are some great options for a relaxing walk.

Where: See our picks above

And that’s a wrap on the week, folks! We hope it’s a great one.