What’s going on in the DTES

Besides protests? Well I’m glad you asked. Building Opportunities with Business, the local BIAs, and many businesses and organizations have been working together to promote tourism in Vancouver’s historic inner-city and combat some of the negative stereotypes and even the urban blight that threatened to engulf Vancouver’s urban heritage.

Last weekend was the Chinatown New Year’s Parade and the first Vancouver Artwalk, both were big successes. Chinatown led by S.U.C.C.E.S.S. are inviting tourists daily learn more about Chinese culture.

Located at the Choi Hall at S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Social Service Centre (28 West Pender Street) will be open to the public as an exhibition site of Vancouver Chinatown’s services and upcoming events. We envision that through this partnership, we will create a positive image of Chinatown in the minds of the Vancouver 2010 visitors. Between February 15 (Monday) to February 20, 2010 (Saturday), six days in total, table space has been courteously reserved, free of charge, for your organization to promote your programs and services. S.U.C.C.E.S.S. will be staffing the site, 9am-5pm, during this period of time. Among the tables and booths, a variety of demonstrations are planned: performances by S.U.C.C.E.S.S. membership groups, Wii Olympic games and
fun facts of Chinatown, and more…

Vancouver’s DTES is home to more artists and galleries than anywhere else in Canada. From Jeffery Boone to W2′s Perel Gallery there is always exhibits of up-and-coming local artists and even the odd world renown figure such as Herzog.

Walking tours are very popular in the historic inner-city. A Wok Around Chinatown, Sins of the City, there is a variety to suit various interests. The Police Museum is running the Sins of the City walking tour twice daily during the Olympics at 11AM and 2PM. The museum itself is open everyday and located at 240 East Cordova.

Another option would be to take a guided tour by Pedicab, Dragon Rickshaw Adventures is operating daily during the Olympics.

Vancouver is home to some of the world’s best Chinese food, staff favourites in Chinatown include Bao Bei, Foo’s Ho Ho’s, and the Jade Dynasty. The rest of the inner-city contains some great eateries as well as night time destinations. The Irish Heather was recently featured on NBC and right next door the Blarney Stone is having live music every night and giving away official Team Canada hockey jerseys every time the Canadian Men’s team plays.

If Irish or Chinese food is not what your looking for their is Mexican, French, Japanese… just stroll up or down Water Street or check Gastown.org for more information.