February 10, 2026: Is Canada cool again?

Hey there. I hope your Tuesday is going well. 

I’m not much of a sports viewer, but every couple of years the Olympics happens and I find myself getting invested in things I’ve never previously watched. The flying squirrel suits of the ski jumping; the whipping snow of parallel slalom; the perfect right-angled pose of speed skating. And, of course, hockey. 

Let’s go, Canada—but especially, let’s go Goldeneyes. 

— V.
Senior editor

— FEATURE — 

'Is Canada, like, hot again?': On the country's pop culture moment

Heated Rivalry was the biggest show on TV. The unlikely pairing of Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry has made both the pop-star and the former PM relevant again. And Justin Bieber managed to finally prove he’s more than just a child star crash-out. Simrin Purhar dives into the current state of CanCon, and whether we’re cool again. 

This week’s Straight Insider perks 🎟️

We’ve got free tickets (first come, first served) to a stacked lineup of live shows at The Hollywood Theatre—from metal and punk to burlesque, drag, and cult-classic film screenings.

What’s up for grabs:

• Blades of Glory (Feb 10)

• Band & Burlesque (Feb 15)

• Slap Shot (Feb 16)

• Chariots of Fire (Feb 17)

• Not a Wicked Drag Show (Feb 19)

• Dr. Ozi (Feb 21)

If you’re an Insider, jump on it—once tickets are gone, they’re gone.

SPONSORED BY THE BC BIKE SHOW

Come to BC’s ultimate cycling event!

The BC Bike Show promises to be an incredible day out for cyclists! Explore the latest bikes and special offers from some of the best cycling brands and retailers, try before you buy - ride our outdoor demo track, enjoy the action by the High Velocity Stunt Team. Get tickets! Use promo code Straight26 for $2 off.

— LIVING —

Your very Vancouver February horoscopes

The age of Aquarius has well and truly dawned. It’s time to find out what opportunities the month has for you, according to our resident not-an-astrologer Rachel Burns.

• Half-marathon and festival SeaWheeze returns

• BIG BANG is an adventurous music festival for young audiences, featuring free and ticketed events, hands-on activities, pop-up performances, and joyful musical discoveries for families.*

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY FAMILY SERVICES OF GREATER VANCOUVER

Brighter tomorrows are around the corner

Everyone needs a helping hand sometimes, and when they do, Family Services of Greater Vancouver is there. As one client said, “thank you for the short learning period, which will benefit me for a lifetime.” Through counselling, education, mediation, and more, FSGV is building brighter tomorrows with local families.

— ARTS —

House of Folk takes Canadians back to the coffeehouse

A new play premiering this week at the Firehall digs into the coffeehouse scene that incubated Canada’s folk music boom. “It’s almost a memory play in a way—what would it have been like?” reflects House of Folk playwright Tracey Power. “If it’s a palace that is now rubble, how do you put the pieces back together so that we can put the memories back?”

• T’əl: The Wild Man of the Woods finds beauty in a centuries-old tale

• Cupid’s busy, and so is The Improv Centre! Laughs, love, and improv fill February with special shows – including the return of I Saw You!*

• Matriarchs Uprising: February 16-21. A celebration of contemporary dance by Indigenous women from Canada and Australia, offering live performances, artist-lead conversations, masterclasses, and film series.*

*sponsored listing

— FOOD & DRINK —

Selene Aegean Bistro comes into its own

Much as the light tumbling from Selene Aegean Bistro’s windows warms a rainy Vancouver street, the food inside warms the heart. “The Aegean has so many influences,” co-owner Yianni Kerasiotis tells us. “We wanted to explore that.”

• Hibiki brings Japanese listening-bar culture downtown

• New from Mateína: A zero sugar, organic yerba mate that delivers clean energy — no crash, no weird ingredients. Just plant-powered fuel that works.*

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY BLACK ROCK OCEANFRONT RESORT

Escape to the Edge at Black Rock Oceanfront Resort

Perched above the Pacific Ocean in Ucluelet, Black Rock Oceanfront Resort is your front-row seat to the wild West Coast. From storm watching and oceanfront dining to spa moments and coastal adventures, this is West Coast living at its most unforgettable.

— ICYMI —

• 30 Vancouver events to catch this February

• And 30 Vancouver concerts happening this month

• Alouette Bistro is all about French comfort

• An honest review of Starbucks’ winter drink menu

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK —

BOOKS: Philip Holden’s short story collection Heaven Has Eyes has its Canadian book launch. (February 10 @ Coach House)

THEATRE: Beneath Our Feet puts relationships at a remote conservation base under the microscope. (February 10-15 @ Studio 58)

FILM: The Lunar New Year Splash puts Asian cinema in focus. (February 10-16 @ Vancouver International Film Centre)

FILM: Experimental filmmaker Robert Beavers is in town for the first-ever Vancouver showings of his films. (February 11-12 @ The Cinematheque)

THEATRE: Dark comedy Batshit kicks off the Cultch’s Warrior Festival. (February 11-15 @ Historic Theatre)

VISUAL ARTS: Brandy Mars and Alli van Guen hold a joint figure exhibition, Connection. (February 11 to March 8 @ Silk Purse Arts Centre)

LIVING: Get the information low-down on all things sensual at After Dark: The Science of Love and Sex. (February 12 @ Science World)

Want to know what else is happening in Vancouver? Check out our events listings.

That’s it!

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