The Vancouver Group Chat: What your friends are talking about this week (April 28)

Welcome back to the Vancouver Group Chat, your go-to for all things newsworthy in the city. Not all of these topics will make the headlines, but they’re all making waves, and that’s what we’re here for. Last week, we discussed the viral pelican that captured the hearts and cameras of folks across the city, as well as a fun new listening bar to look forward to opening this spring.

This week, we’re revelling in FOMO after a grey whale was spotted at Kits Beach, and keeping our eye on a handful of returning summer events.

Ready to dive in? Here’s what’s worth hitting “send” in your group chats in Vancouver this week.

What’s new, Vancouver?

Simons is opening its first downtown store

You won’t have to make the trek to Park Royal for your next Simons fix once this exciting development is complete. Canada’s oldest private, family-owned retailer is heading to downtown Vancouver, marking an end to the old Nordstrom space sitting empty. It’s the end of an era, and the start of a new one—and somehow, it feels fitting.

It’ll be a while before you can shop the racks, with a projected completion date of Fall 2027.

A beloved patio series is back

A delicious Mount Pleasant tradition is officially back just as the weather starts heating up. Starting May 24, ¿CóMO? Taperia and the Paella Guys are bringing back their popular Paella Patio Series for the sixth year in a row. It’s the ultimate summer vibe: fresh paella, sunny skies, shareable tapas, and refreshing patio drinks. And it doesn’t hurt that the paella is made by the best paella chef outside of Spain.

There are eight scheduled patio events from May to September ($28+ per guest), all subject to capacity. So you’d better act quickly if you want to snag a spot!

A whale of a good time

Beach-goers downtown and in Kitsilano were treated to a grey whale sighting this past Sunday, and as someone who just missed the glorious moment at Kits Beach, we’ve got some major FOMO.

According to the BC Conservation and Data Centre, there are three populations of grey whales in B.C., and they use the waters here as a “migration corridor” between northern and southern breeding grounds. Apparently, there’s been a significant recent decline in grey whales, which makes this sighting even more special!

The remarkable whale even made it all the way to False Creek on Monday, according to this Reddit post.

Another Reddit user affectionately refers to “Patch,” a returning whale that was in and out of English Bay last year.

Bella Ramsey spotted

Beloved The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey was spotted wandering downtown Vancouver, with what looks like a pastry bag in hand. Same, Bella, same.

Season 3 production of the hit HBO series kicked off in Metro Vancouver in early March, though it has the title alias, “Calm Current,” on CreativeBC.

Filming will continue across the city and beyond through the end of November, so if you haven’t yet seen any of the cast out and about, not to worry. There’s plenty of time to run into Pedro or Bella doing honorary Vancouverite things.

Your sign to do something random

It’s time to unleash your inner creative or indulge a new curiosity. Or, just close your eyes and pick an event below at random; whatever you need to do to put yourself out there this week!

• Check out an improvised epic fantasy at this annual epic comedy show at the Rio on Wednesday, April 29.
• Learn how to edit videos at the VPL on Thursday, April 30.
• Catch an evening screening of The Housemaid (starring Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney) on Friday, May 1.
• Check out an Achillean Night (speed-dating style meetup) at Slice of Life Gallery on Thursday, April 30.
• Attend a beading workshop at the VPL in honour of Red Dress Day (the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People) on Friday, May 1.
• Make a glass mushroom with Blast from the Glass Studio on Saturday, May 2.

Stay tuned for more city updates next week, Vancouver.

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