Georgia Straight
Posts
February 18 2025 edition: Behind the scenes with sea otters

February 18 2025 edition: Behind the scenes with sea otters

Plus: How one Gastown restaurant is ensuring its legacy

February 18, 2025

Hey there. How was your long weekend?

Vancouver’s snow is all gone, but it remains wintry in much of the country—like out east, where the snowstorms stranded one of our team in Quebec City. Most dramatically, in the blizzard, a plane flipped over at Pearson Airport in Toronto.

Spooky stuff—but air travel is, on average, extremely safe. Imagine if every car accident had the same level of media coverage as plane crashes. We’d never drive anywhere again. Stay safe, wherever you are and however you may be travelling.

— V.
Associate Editor

— FEATURE —

Behind the scenes at Vancouver Aquarium’s sea otter encounter

Sea otters aren’t just adorable. They’re also a fascinating species. From their ultra-warm fur coats and strong bite to their important role in the ocean ecosystem, the marine mammals have a unique mix of characteristics that make them so beloved. Marine mammal trainer Tessa took us on a behind-the-scenes tour of the aquarium’s fluffiest residents to learn more.

— ARTS —

The Breakouts 2025: Dancer Lisa Mario Gelley and filmmaker Jerome Yoo

What do Lisa Mariko Gelley and Jerome Yoo have in common? They’re both award-winners, telling stories through movement and movies. They’re just the latest in our Breakout 2025 winners.

Comedian Ashley Gavin does way more than just viral crowdwork
Matriarchs Uprising festival spreads its wings
V-day may be behind us, but there's still plenty to love at The Improv Centre! See hilarious improvised comedy shows like Theatresports, Single Not Single, The Georgia Straight's I Saw You and more.*
CelticFest Vancouver is back with comedy, cooking demos, music, performance and a Family Day. Enjoy What’s the Craic variety show, the musical trio, Socks in the Frying Pan, Irish folk-rock band Hermitage Green, and more.*
Arts Umbrella Dance Company returns to the Vancouver Playhouse this spring for Midseason – two exhilarating performances of world-class repertoire and brand-new works created for AUDC.*
*sponsored listing

Get Back on the Road

A driving prohibition is more than just losing your licence—it disrupts your freedom and routine. If you’re facing a DUI, Immediate Roadside Prohibition, Notice of Intent to Prohibit, or Driving While Prohibited charge, a powerful legal defence is essential to restoring your ability to drive.

Acumen Law Corporation has successfully defended thousands of clients in driving prohibition cases, bringing a deep understanding of the law and a commitment to each individual’s case. Their experienced team is ready to stand by you and work toward the best possible outcome.

For a free consultation, call Acumen Law at 604-685-8889 or visit their website for more information.

— MUSIC —

Photos: Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats rock Rogers Arena

It was a long road to get here, but the roots star has officially hit the big time with his first-ever arena tour.

Paul Simon announces intimate Orpheum shows
On Our Radar: Houseguest channels nostalgia in dreamy “resort towns”
Grab something plaid & say bonjour to Festival du Bois, March 7-9. Mackin Pk, Coquitlam. Yves Lambert et Le Grand Orchestre are coming! Join us!*
Fun happens on 2 wheels at the BC Bike Show! March 1 & 2 at the VCC, it's an incredible day out for cyclists of all ages.*

*sponsored listing

Feel the rhythm. See the passion. Live the moment at VIDF 2025.

Celebrate 25 years of boundary-breaking dance at VIDF 2025! March 5–15 (OFFSITE: March 2–22). Featuring 25 performances by 14 artists/companies, 100+ collaborators, and themes like women-led projects, street dance, and live music. Join us for workshops, installations, and late-night events. Tickets here.

— FOOD —

Skewers' magic endures in new hands

Niko Manoussakis had one dream when he opened Skewers Souvlaki Pita Bar: “I wanted to do something simple but do it exceptionally well.” So when it came time to choose a successor, he picked the person who worked the grill best.

Dumpling Tasting Soirée returns to Richmond this March
Valentine’s Day might be over, but these five red wines are romantic all winter long
Enjoy the world-renowned flavour of AeroPress, a velvety-smooth coffee without the grit or bitterness found in other methods. Loved globally, with 55K+ 5-star reviews.*

*sponsored listing

Discover KPU Up Close

Explore KPU's five campuses in person with an individual or group tour and experience firsthand what it’s like to be part of this vibrant community. See our state-of-the-art facilities, meet friendly instructors, and get a glimpse of student life. Book your tour today and discover what KPU has to offer!

— ICYMI —

Prince Harry was spotted with BC’s own prince of pop, Michael Bublé
Downton Abbey will bloom at VanDusen this summer
IndigE-girl Comedy brings “big auntie energy”
No Reservations: Elem transcends culinary boundaries
Do-nut leave us: Mello shutters its Arbutus store

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK —

FILM: Award-winning documentary Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story has a free screening. (February 18 @ Vancouver Public Library Central Branch)

COMEDY: 100 Humans host Sammy Obeid returns to East Van. (February 18 @ Rio Theatre)

FILM: The VIFF Centre continues its African Cinema Now series with ghost story Atlantics. (February 19 to 23 @ VIFF Centre)

VISUAL ARTS: Freedom Salon highlights works from diaspora and displaced Ukrainian artists. (February 19 to March 3 @ Gallery George)

MUSIC: Prolific songsmith May Erlewine strums your heartstrings. (February 19 @ Fox Cabaret)

COMEDY: Comedy World hosts a stand-up show fundraising for LA fire victims. (February 20 @ China Cloud)

THEATRE: Pump Boys and Dinettes turns a gas station diner into a top-tapping musical comedy. (February 20 to March 8 @ Deep Cove Shaw Theatre, North Vancouver)

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

That’s it!

You made it all the way to the bottom, and we love you for it! Readers like you are what keep us going. If you want to support free arts and culture journalism, send this newsletter to a friend.