West Vancouver is an educational playground
Educational opportunities from cooking to arts, golf or fitness are all available in West Vancouver
If you would like a little learnin’ thrown in with fun and making new friends, you don’t need to shop ‘til you drop to have a great time in West Vancouver. In fact, if you’re game for a staycation, read on because the variety of affordable activities in my own backyard astounded me when I sought them out for this article.
Many activities are geared to those 55-plus years old but, as Sabina Kasprzak, marketing co-ordinator for the District of West Vancouver, told me, “West Vancouver’s community centres offer a wide range of programs for all ages.”
She said that from drop-ins to fee programs, you’ll find something for everyone. Although some programs are for members, for a membership fee of $36, it’s hard to find better value for your dollar.
Copies of West Vancouver’s Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer Leisure Guides are available at the Aquatic Centre, other recreational facilities and the Capilano River RV Park. Details as to fees, registrations and drop-in programs also can be found at www.westvanvouverrec.ca.
So beyond the weather-dependent biking and hiking, sea kayaking, walking the seawall and golf and tennis lessons, here are a few of the lesser-known options:
- Community and Aquatic centres: In addition to public swim and adult sport drop-ins, you can enjoy more formal aqua fitness and yoga classes;
- Ice Arena: drop-in skaters are welcome;
- Seniors’ Activity Centre: you can get a hole-in-one on the Pitch and Putt course or practise your yoga;
- Farther west along Marine Drive, the Gleneagles Community Centre offers drop-in badminton, beginner and intermediate bridge, pickleball, volleyball and basketball;
- What’s pickleball you ask? It’s a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis, table tennis and badminton–and if that sounds more like rib-aching laughter than sport, that’s OK too.
Once you’re fit and ready for action, you could investigate the abundance of West Vancouver art galleries. Check websites or call for special events or workshops:
The Silk Purse Art Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m. beginning November 3, 2015.
Where: 1570 Argyle Street
Website: www.silkpurse.ca
Phone: 604-925-7292
Email: [email protected]
The hours at the Ferry Building Gallery vary according to the events.
Where: 1414 Argyle Street
Website: www.ferrybuilding.com
Phone: 604-925-7290
The First Nations’ Khot-La-Cha Art Gallery and Gift Shop is open Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 270 Whonoak Road, North Vancouver
Website: www.khotlacha.com
Phone: 604-987-3339
Email: [email protected]
If you’re game to travel 30 minutes farther afield and because “retirement isn’t about calling it quits,” you can enjoy formal presentations included in the Elder College sessions offered by Capilano University in North Vancouver. Introduction to North Shore Geology; Crime & Punishment; Cinema Salon or Human Physiology are but a few of the current courses.
Where: 2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver
Hours: Vary with course
Website: www.csee.capilanou.ca
Phone: 604-984-4901
Email: [email protected]
Lastly, if you are eager to learn new recipes and ways of cooking, a trip across the Lions Gate Bridge will eventually lead you to the Quince Handcrafted Cuisine studio. This is a “boutique food shop, cooking studio and café.” In the culinary classes, you can learn knife skills and recipes for soup stocks, sauces, meats and more.
Where: 1780 West 3rd Avenue, Vancouver at Burrard Street
Hours: Monday to Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Sundays and holidays
Website: www.quince.ca
Phone: 604-731-4645
Email: [email protected]
Although some parking may be metered, street and/or parking lots are available at all locations for your tag-a-long vehicles or RVs.
In summary, RVers who decide on a “stay-at-home” vacation in West Vancouver can join the growing numbers who believe in a “lifetime of learning” and year-round find a wealth of interesting things to do.
