Photo courtesy of: Duncan Harris

It’s that time of the year – Halloween, my fellow earthlings. One tradition we do during Halloween, no matter where we come from, is to watch good ol’ horror movies. That’s exactly why I’ve prepared this list of movies that I highly recommend you watch this Halloween season.

As an Asian, I know there is a stereotype that Asians make a mean... weird... sometimes, nasty horror movies. But let me be the one to tell you that they are indeed really scary, which is why I’ve included some of them in this list. However, most of the movies that I will recommend are English movies because, well, it’s a good way to learn the language (although foreign movies with subtitles also help you with spelling)! So let’s get this list started:

(In no particular order of scariness)

1. Insidious (Chapters 1 and 2)
Scariness: 9/10  

I just watched this recently and man, I regret putting this one off. This is a story of a kid who has the ability to astral project and unfortunately, he got trapped in the further. I do not want to spoil anything and so all I can tell is this made me scream and scared of my own shoulder.

2. El orfanato (The Orphanage)
Scariness: 7/10

This is a Spanish horror film by the Guillermo del Toro, the same producer of Pans Labyrinth (I also recommend this movie). You know those movies with a sad ending that makes you hate the movie? Well, this one is different. I guess I already hinted that this movie will have a sad ending, but like I said, this one is extraordinary. This is a story of a family who moves into an orphanage house and turns it into their home. One day their son goes missing and a mystery of the mother’s past plays into this accident. After I watched this movie, I literally felt sad for at least a solid 2 hours. That’s why I recommend this! Not that I want you guys to feel sad. Maybe I want you guys to feel sad so you will know how it feels like to lose a son.

3. Shutter
Scariness: 9/10

So this one is a Thai movie. And if you ask me which one of the Asian countries makes the meanest scary movie, I’d say Thailand for sure. This movie is so scary the US decided to make an American version (so you can watch that one too), though I really recommend the original because of all the elements. Anyways, this one is a story about a couple who become hunted when ghosts started showing up in the photos they take.

4. Phone
Scariness: 6/10

This one is a Korean movie and I think they go second after Thailand when it comes to scariness of horror movies. Phone is a movie about, and I quote wiki, “a complex and disturbing love story that involves possession and ghosts.” Sorry, I don’t even know how to summarise this for you. Even Wikipedia says it’s “complex”. I’ll tell you one thing though, moments near the ending you’ll be like “whaaaaaaat??”

5. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Scariness: 5/10

I’ve only seen the 2003 version and not the 1974 one. This is a slasher movie and if you’re not into that, you can still watch this. Because, well, this is far from being gore. In my scale anyways. This is a really sad and just...sad movie to watch. Couple of friends got massacred. I guess people like me watch it for the adrenaline! But hey, there’s a few screams in this movie.

6. Silent Hill
Scariness: 7/10

I watched this one when I was a kid and so it was pretty scary for me. Till now though, I would not watch it by myself. This movie is based on a video game, but I’m telling you this one is really scary. A woman brings her daughter in a town called Silent Hill in hopes of curing her daughter’s illness. After an accident, she awakens only to find out that her daughter is missing and the rest is ghost story for you to watch. Yeah, that right. I’m not telling you anything. I dare you to watch this and roam the hospital hallways. Alone.

7. The Conjuring
Scariness: Unsure

I’m a little unsure how to rate this one because everybody says this is one hell of a scary movie, so scary that people would have to talk to priests or would need a bible on their bedside table after watching the movie. I’m not saying that it’s not scary. It is, because I really remember myself not being able to go to the bathroom alone. Hehehe. Anyways, you can watch this one alone (if you have the guts) but it won’t linger like others have proclaimed. Right, back to the summary. This one is about a family who are terrorized by ghosts in their house so paranormal investigators come to help them. Oh, and Annabelle is a doll form this movie who is getting her own movie this October! I think this will be a good one because it’s a real doll. Dun.dun.dun.


A list with seven movies is a little odd (pun intended). However, I ran out of good scary movies to list (please don’t judge my definition of “good”). I just don’t want to list some scary movies here that do not have a good plot. And a lot of the scary movies I know are either psychological thrillers or super duper gore ones. You can also notice that The Grudge and The Ring are not on the list. That is because I do not wish, even on those people that I dislike, to get traumatized. Yes, the grudge and the ring are really scary for me that I wasn’t able to sleep silently after watching it. I even know people who won’t really watch it because of how scary it is.

And so that’s it my fellow earthlings. Go ahead and at least watch one from this list! Make you sure you watch it at night and get some home buttery popcorn ;)

- Anonymeh


“A casual stroll through the lunatic asylum shows that faith does not prove anything.”
― Friedrich Nietzsche  

Photo source: monnibo

Vancouver Book Fair
October 4-5, 2014
UBC Robson Square
www.vancouverbookfair.com
PumpkinFest 2014
October 5, 2014
2121 Marine Drive, West Vancouver
http://westvanpumpkinfest.ca

PNE Fright Nights
October 10, 2014 - November 1, 2014
PNE Playland
www.frightnights.ca

Festival of Chocolate
October 15 - November 10, 2014
Various locations
www.festivalofchocolate.ca

TEDx Vancouver
October 18, 2014
Queen Elizabeth Theatre
www.tedxvancouver.com

Haunted Vancouver Trolley Tour
Tuesdays to Saturdays from October 18, 2014 to October 31, 2014
Canada Place
www.vancouvertrolley.com/tours/seasonal/haunted-Halloween

Vancouver Halloween Parade
October 19, 2014
Davie to Granville to Smithe to Howe
www.vanhalloween.com

Vancouver Writers Fest
October 21-26, 2014
Granville Island
www.writersfest.bc.ca
 

Photo courtesy of: Scooter Lowrimore

Playland
Still open Friday to Sunday until September 21, 2014

2014 Vancouver Fringe Festival
September 4-14, 2014

Youth Volunteer Recruitment Day at South Vancouver Neighbourhood House
September 4, 2014

Arts in the Park (Richmond) 2014
September 7, 2014

The Long, Long Table: A Community Affair
September 9, 2014

The Color Run Vancouver
September 13, 2014

Wesbrook Village Festival 2014
September 20, 2014

The Amazing Y: Cross-City Scavenger Hunt
September 20, 2014

RiverFest 2014
September 21-27, 2014

MetamorFest 2014
September 27, 2014

The Art Of Leadership Conference
September 30, 2014

Photo by: Raul Pacheco-Vega

Evolution of Gaming
August 1-10, 2014

Pinoy Fiesta 2014
August 10, 2014

Vancouver Queer Film Festival
August 14-24, 2014

The Fair at the PNE
August 16 to September 1, 2014

Discovering Thailand 2014
August 17, 22, 23, and 24, 2014

 OneLove Festival 2014
August 21, 2014

Vancouverite: A Comedy Show
August 22, 2014

ANIREVO (Anime Revolution) 2014
August 22-24, 2014

Columbia StrEAT Food Truck Festival
August 23, 2014

Ambleside Live
August 23, 2013

Pet-A-Palooza (West Coast's Largest Pet Festival)
August 24, 2014

Vancouver Latin Film Festival
August 28 to September 7, 2014

TaiwanFest
August 30 to September 1, 2014

Vancouver is a beautiful city. It is beautiful in autumn, in winter, and in spring. But in the summertime, Vancouver's beauty shines as bright as the summer sun. Since summer is the only time of the year that Vancouverites get more sunny days than rainy ones, it is the time to go out and enjoy the city's beauty. The following is a list of fun things to do to make the most out of your summer in Vancouver.

Watch the Celebration of Light

Image source: Jon Rawlinson

The Celebration of Light is the world's biggest offshore fireworks festival. Every summer, hundreds of thousands of spectators flock to English Bay to watch world-class pyro-musical performances put on by different countries across the globe. The first show was on July 26. If you were not able to make it last Saturday, don't worry - there will also be shows on July 30th and August 2nd!

Grouse Grind

Image source: Mike Kamermans

The Grouse Grind is a popular hiking trail located at the base of the Grouse Mountain Resort ski area. With a distance of 2.9 kilometres and a steep terrain that can go as low as 17 degrees, this trail is known for being challenging to hike.  It is usually open from spring to fall, but it is best done during the summer, when the weather allows you to fully enjoy the hike and view at the top.

Picnic or Camp by the Lake

Summer is the only time of the year that Vancouverites get to experience more sunny days than rainy ones, so this is the perfect time to go outside and enjoy the sun with the people you love. Take advantage of it by having a picnic with your friends or camping with your family. Greater Vancouver Area is home to a lot of breathtaking lakes which are ideal spots for picnicking, camping, and other fun outdoor activities. If you are not sure which lake to visit, this list might help!

Go to the Beach 

Vancouver is blessed to have beaches that are just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of downtown.  If you find yourself a little bit too overwhelmed by the city life and want to de-stress, enjoying the sun by the beach will help! If you like playing sports, Vancouver beaches also have spaces for badminton, volleyball, Frisbee, and other sports! Check out the Vancouver Parkboard's website to know which beach best matches what you want to do!

Bike Around the Seawall

Image Source: Arvin Asadi

The Vancouver seawall is one of the most popular cycling spots in the city. The seawall is divided into two sections: a path for walkers and joggers, and another for cyclists. With a designated path for cyclists, you can safely cycle at your own pace while enjoying the waterfront view. Tag along some friends to bike with you - a good exercise, a good view, and a good company is always an excellent combination!

The Fair at the PNE

Image Source: Raul Pacheco-Vega

Every summer, The Fair at the PNE attracts hundreds of thousands of people. With musical performances by popular artists, entertaining exhibits, exciting rides, and a wide range of food options, you do not want to miss this fair!

Attend Free Outdoor Movie Events



Image source: Yaletown BIA

If your typical summer day consists of relaxation, being outside, and enjoying the summer breeze, you should definitely try watching movies outdoors! There are a lot of free outdoor movie events across the province - this Facebook page has useful information regarding the location, time, and dates of outdoor movie events in British Columbia. (Heads up: Dumb and Dumber is going to be shown next week at Stanley Park!)

Shop at Night Markets

Image Source: GoToVan

Want to go on a food trip? Summer night markets are the answer to your food cravings. Try the rotato at the Richmond Night Market, the steak burgers at the Surrey Night Market, and the wheel cakes at the International Night Market.

We only have a little over a month of summer left (I know, time flies so fast!), so make the most out of it!


Sean

Play for Sports eSports Tournament - Let the Games Begin!
July 23, 2014

Vancouver Celebration of Light 2014
July 26 & 30, 2014

ArtStarts Presents: Story Fabric with Ewa Sniatycka
July 27, 2014

Bard On The Beach Shakespeare Summer Festival
June 11, 2014 to September 20, 2014

Pop-Up Cirque du Soleil Performance - 30th Anniversary Celebration
June 16, 2014

Canada Women's National Soccer Team vs. Germany's Women National Soccer Team
June 18, 2014

Vancouver Canadians Fireworks Nights
June 18, 19, 28, 2014

Night at the Aquarium
June 19, 2014

Art for Change: An Act for Impact Workshop
June 21, 2014

Vancouver Whitecaps Game at BC Place
June 25, 2014

Talk Tankers Youth Event - A Conversation on the Kinder Morgan Pipeline Expansion
June 24, 2014

Vancouver International Busker Festival
June 29, 2014

.

Looking for fun things to do this month? Listed below are some fun happenings in Vancouver this May! Click the links to know more about the event:


The Edge Academy Auditions (Theatre Acting Auditions)
May 1, 2014 to June 1, 2014

International Summer Night Market
May 9, 2014 to September 14, 2014

Richmond Night Market
May 16, 2014 to October 13, 2014

GO Fest (Whistler's Great Outdoor Festival)
May 16-19, 2014

Victoria Day at Burnaby Museum
May 19, 2014

Backstreet Boys: In a World Like This Tour
May 20, 2014

Productivityist Mastermind Workshop
May 22, 2014

North Vancouver Night Market
May 23, 2014 to September 2, 2014

Vancouver Comic Arts Festival
May 24-25, 2014

Youth Nerd Poetry Slam (Featuring Duncan Shields)
May 26, 2014

City of Bhangra Festival
May 29, 2014 to June 7, 2014

It cannot be denied that social media has been changing the world in many ways. It has changed our way of communicating, way of learning, and view of the world. According to a recent research, the fastest growing social media platform in the world is Instagram. Because I always see people on transit, at school, and in malls scrolling through their Instagram feed, I have no trouble believing this.

Since social media is an effective source of information and it is popular especially among youth, I have decided to make a list of Instagram accounts that I think would be helpful to new youth immigrants in Vancouver. So if you are on Instagram and want to learn more about Vancouver, here are ten Vancouver-based Instagram accounts that are worth following:


1) Vancouver Aquarium (@vanaqua)
Vancouver Aquarium is the largest and most popular aquarium in Vancouver. Whoever handles their Instagram account is a genius because each post makes you love and care for aquatic animals -- regardless of whether you are an animal lover or not.


2) Vancouver Is Awesome (@viawesome)
Each day, this account features a photo taken by Vancouver residents and tourists. Browse through its posts and you'll immediately see the photos that make Vancouver awesome, which were taken by different people at different places during different times of the day!


3) Vancouver 4 Life (@Vancouver4Life)

Vancouver 4 Life posts photos of Vancouver events, stores, food, public places, and nature that are sure to make you fall in love with the city. The account perfectly captures the lifestyle of Vancouverites. 



4) Chris Bruntlett (@cbruntlett)
Chris's account shows Vancouver's beauty from different angles, under various weather conditions, and at different times of the day.




5) 604now (@604now)
Follow this account if you want to catch the latest updates on Vancouver news, events, and entertainment scene!



6) Vancouver Coffee (@vancoffee)
Love coffee? @vancoffee features different specialties of various local Vancouver coffee shops. Follow this account and discover your next favourite drink!



7) Vancouver Park Board (@vanparkboard)
If you want to do some recreational activities, or are looking for great hangout spots with your friends, follow @vanparkboard.




8) Vancouver Foodster (@vanfoodster)
@vanfoodster is handled by Richard Wolak, the founder of vancouverfoodster.com. If you are looking to find your next favourite food and/or Vancouver restaurant, this account is for you!





9) StreetCheek (@streetcheek)
Curious about the latest fashion trends and most popular fashion choices of Vancouverites? Don't fret, @streetcheek has you covered.





10) Dreamin' On Transit (@dreaminontransit)
If you are going to follow only one of the ten Instagram accounts that I have listed here, follow @dreaminontransit. This account takes photos of all the people taking a nap on Vancouver transit. You better make sure you look presentable when you sleep on transit!



Sean

Roundhouse Community Centre

Looking for fun things to do this month? Listed below are some of the biggest happenings in Vancouver this March! Click the links to know more about the event:



Baker's Market
March 2 and 9, 2014

Gateway Theatre Presents Drear and Izzy
March 5-15, 2014

Workout to Conquer Cancer
March 8, 2014

Vancouver's Celebration of International Women's Day at the Roundhouse Community Centre
March 8, 2014

Good Day Sunshine: An Afternoon of Groovy Folk, Pop, and Intercultural Music
March 9, 2014

Think Global, Link Local (Networking Breakfast)
March 14, 2014

LEAP (Learning Early About Playwriting) 2014 Festival
March 15-23, 2014

TED2014 Vancouver
March 17-21, 2014

The Art Of Marketing Vancouver
March 19, 2014

Youth Poetry Slam Finals featuring Britta B
March 21, 2014

Shane Koyczan at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts
March 26, 2014

Next Generation Digital Storytelling Conference
March 27, 2014

The Friends of Chamber Music: Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
March 25, 2014

China Talk and Dim Sum with John Atkin
March 30, 2014

Tim Shields

Robson Square Ice Skating Rink courtesy of Jason Pier

Looking for fun things to do this month? Listed below are some of the biggest happenings in Vancouver this February! Click the links to know more about the event:


Robson Square Public Skating
November 15, 2013 to February 28, 2014

Hot Chocolate Festival
January 18 to February 14, 2014

CBC Toque Sessions - Free Concerts in Vancouver
Thursdays and Fridays from January 23 to February 28, 2014
Roots and Branches - African Revolution
February 8, 2014

24 Hours of Winter at Grouse Mountain
February 8-9, 2014

BC Family Day at the Vancouver Art Gallery
February 10, 2014

After Hours at Vancouver Aquarium
February 12, 2014

YOUnique Free Youth Conference
February 15, 2014

Youth 4 Action Leadership Clinic: "Beyond the Bin - Strategies, Actions and Inspiration for Zero Waste Schools"
February 15, 2014

2014 Metro Vancouver Sustainability Youth Summit
February 19, 2014


Disclaimer: The events page is for informational purposes only. Unless otherwise stated, we are not affiliated with the hosts and organizers of the events listed on this page.