New ‘Kids’ on the Blog

Happy Wednesday everyone! 

We all know Wednesday is our favourite day because it means meeting the new kid on the blog! Let me introduce you.

Fiona is from Germany and just finished her High School with a focus on economics. She’s doing a work-city placement which means she’ll be working most likely in the service industry here in Vancouver. She already gained some experience in that area before and looks forward to extending her knowledge. Fiona is thinking about going into hotel business one day, but really everything could change during her time here as well. She likes to take things one step at time and is even open to extending her stay if she enjoys it here. Currently the plan is to go back home after 6 months, but who knows, Vancouver has its charm and she wouldn’t be the first one to stay. 😉 

She chose Canada because she’s heard many great things about it, especially regarding to the landscapes and the people. Her family already traveled throughout Canada and has friends around Vancouver. Her first impression confirmed what she’s heard, people are very friendly and helpful here. She noticed how everyone is respectful especially when it comes to taking transit, people queue up to enter the bus or train and don’t push each other aside. She’s also noticed a lot of big cars, like pickup trucks and she enjoys the tall buildings downtown. 

On her bucket list are exploring as many places as possible. She has a planner that includes many great travel tips that she’d like to follow. One big thing would be the Rocky Mountains, but she also would like to try a lot of things she’s nervous tried before, like hiking or skiing. She’s definitely in the right place for that! 

Vancouver has amazing options in summer and winter to explore local mountains and enjoy all sorts of activities. 

In her free time Fiona loves to dance and go for a run. She’s been in a dance academy since she was 3 years old and may explore some dance studios around here as well. You may also find her running along the seawall, and if we’re being honest there’s not many places that are greater for nice run with amazing views. 

Maybe we should start an INTERNeX running club, who’s down? 

☀️ Sun, Sights & Festivities: Weekend Highlights! ✨

The weekend is just around the corner, and we discovered some fun things in and around Vancouver. Because today is out last day, we won’t be here for a group event so for this weekend, it’s up to you to explore another side of Vancouver. 🇨🇦🌿
This weekend is packed with exciting community events, watersports, vibrant night markets, and live entertainment all across Metro Vancouver. Whether you’re up for music festivals, illuminated water lanterns, or spectacular fireworks, there’s plenty to explore! 🌊🎆
🌟 Other Ideas for the Weekend
If you’re looking for some fantastic weekend activities, here is what’s happening across the city:
The Salmon Sessions Music Festival 🎸🐟
📍 Location: Semiahmoo Fish & Game Club
1284 184 St, Surrey, BC V3Z 9R9
📅 Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
✨ What to Expect:

• 🎵 Live Music & Fundraiser: An outdoor summer music festival and fundraiser supporting the Little Campbell Salmon Hatchery.
• 🍻 Beverage Garden & Food: Enjoy live bands, food vendors, and cold drinks in a relaxed outdoor atmosphere.
• 🌿 Community Vibes: A fun, family-friendly summer gathering in Surrey.
  🎟️ Admission: Tickets available via Penmar Community Arts Society.

New Westminster’s Summer Music & Fireworks Festival 🎆🎶
📍 Location: New Westminster, BC (along the Fraser River Boardwalk / Quay)
📅 Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
✨ What to Expect:

• 🎇 Grand Fireworks Show: A breathtaking fireworks display lighting up the night sky over the river.
• 🎶 Live Entertainment & Performances: Music and stage acts happening throughout the evening.
• 🛍️ Market Vendors & Food Trucks: Explore local artisan booths, tasty bites, and family-friendly activities.
• 🌟 Formerly known as the Farewell to Summer Fireworks Festival, hosted by the Hyack Festival Association.
  🎟️ Admission: Free community event

Vancouver Dragon Boat Festival (One-Day Regatta) 🐉🚣‍♂️
📍 Location: False Creek, Vancouver, BC
📅 Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
✨ What to Expect:

• 🏁 Exciting Dragon Boat Races: Fast-paced team racing across the waters of False Creek.
• 🏙️ Waterfront Atmosphere: Beautiful scenic views along the False Creek seawall and skyline.
• 🥁 Culture & Energy: A unique one-day summer regatta full of community spirit and cheers.
  🎟️ Admission: Free to watch along the seawall.

Vancouver’s Water Lantern Festival 🏮✨
📍 Location: Town Centre Park / Lafarge Lake, Coquitlam, BC
📅 Date: August 22–23, 2026
✨ What to Expect:

• 🕯️ Floating Water Lanterns: A magical evening of reflection and connection as thousands of glowing lanterns drift across the water.
• 🍔 Food Trucks & Music: Enjoy great local food vendors and relaxing ambient music before the launch.
• 🎨 Design Your Own Lantern: Receive your lantern kit to write personal messages, hopes, and memories.
• 🌿 Eco-Friendly Cleanup: All lanterns are fully retrieved and recycled by staff after the event.
  🎟️ Admission: Tickets available online.

Richmond Night Market 🍜✨
📍 Location: Richmond Night Market, Richmond, BC
📅 When: Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays during the summer
🕒 Opening Hours:

• Friday & Saturday: 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM
• Sunday: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
  ✨ What to Expect:
• 🌏 A huge selection of international street food and unique snacks
• 🍜 Try different dishes from all around the world
• 🛍️ Browse local and international vendors selling clothes, accessories, souvenirs, and more
• 🎶 Enjoy live entertainment and a lively night-market atmosphere
• 🎮 Games, activities, and fun attractions throughout the market
• 📸 Plenty of colourful and unique spots for photos
• 🎢 For those looking for some extra excitement, there’s also a SkyRush Zipline experience
  🎟️ Admission: General admission is available at the entrance.

🐠 Exploring the Deep: A Day at the Vancouver Aquarium!

Another weekend goes by and it was filled with great experiences, big Aquariums and beautiful animals

On Saturday, August 15, we headed into the heart of Stanley Park to visit the Vancouver Aquarium (845 Avison Way) at 12:30 pm. 🌊🦦 The weather was perfect for a stroll through the Stanley park before diving into the marine world. From the moment we stepped inside, the atmosphere was lively and full of excitement.

We had the chance to watch the playful sea otters, marvel at the glowing jellyfish exhibits, and walk through the lush Amazon Gallery filled with tropical birds and exotic wildlife. 🦜✨ One of the biggest highlights was watching the seal feeding, followed by an energetic and impressive sea lion show. 🦭👏 To top it all off, we watched an immersive 4D documentary about the life of seals, which brought the underwater world right to our senses with wind, mist, and incredible visuals. 🎬🫧

This trip marked the final official weekend activity hosted by our current PR team, as this upcoming week is officially our last one here. 📸✨ A huge thank you from both of us, Harry & Emilia – we had so much fun organizing these trips and an absolutely unforgettable time with everyone who joined us for our weekend adventures. Thank you for all the laughs, great energy, and shared memories! 💙🍁

Another weekend full of unforgettable moments has come to an end, and we are cherishing every last bit of our final week in Vancouver! ✨🫶

🐠 Discovering Vancouver’s Underwater World! 🌊✨

Another weekend is just around the corner, and we’re looking forward to spending some time together as a group and exploring another side of Vancouver. 🇨🇦🌿

This weekend, we’re planning to visit the Vancouver Aquarium together! 🐠🦭🐙 We’ll spend the day discovering the different marine animals, learning more about the underwater world, and checking out the aquarium’s various exhibits. It’s a great activity to enjoy as a group and a perfect option if the weather isn’t playing along. 🌊🔎

🌟 Other Ideas for the Weekend

If you’re looking for some alternative activities, Vancouver has plenty to offer this weekend:

T100 Triathlon Vancouver 🏊‍♀️🚴‍♂️🏃‍♀️

📍 Location: Locarno Beach / Jericho Sailing Centre
1300 Discovery St, Vancouver, BC V6R 4L9

📅 Date: August 15–16, 2026

✨ What to Expect:

• 🌊 Olympic Triathlon: 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike & 10 km run
• 🏃 Sprint Triathlon: 750 m swim, 20 km bike & 5 km run
• 💪 100 km T100: 2 km swim, 80 km bike & 18 km run
• 🌲 The courses take athletes through Jericho Beach Park, along Spanish Banks and towards UBC
• 🏔️ Expect beautiful views of the ocean, mountains and Vancouver skyline
• 🎪 There will also be an event expo and festival atmosphere around the race area

🕐 Race Times:

• Saturday, August 15: Olympic – 6:30 AM | Sprint – 7:30 AM | Pro Women – 11:05 AM
• Sunday, August 16: 100 km T100 – 6:30 AM

https://t100triathlon.com/vancouver/participate/

Richmond Night Market 🍜✨

📍 Location: Richmond Night Market, Richmond, BC

📅 When: Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays during the summer

🕖 Opening Hours:

• Friday & Saturday: 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM
• Sunday: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

✨ What to Expect:

• 🌎 A huge selection of international street food and unique snacks
• 🍜 Try different dishes from all around the world
• 🛍️ Browse local and international vendors selling clothes, accessories, souvenirs and more
• 🎶 Enjoy live entertainment and a lively night-market atmosphere
• 🎮 Games, activities and fun attractions throughout the market
• 📸 Plenty of colourful and unique spots for photos
• 🎢 For those looking for some extra excitement, there’s also a SkyRush Zipline experience

🎟️ Admission: General admission is available at the entrance.

https://www.richmondnightmarket.com/

New Kids on the Blog 🍁

Insa, 19

Insa is 19 years old and comes from Holzminden, near Hanover in Germany. She is staying in Canada for two months and is doing a practicum at an animal rescue, where she will help care for cats. Before coming to Canada, she finished her Abitur. She chose Canada because she wanted to go to an English-speaking country that is further away from home. Her first impression of Vancouver was that the city is very big and has many different cultures. After her time in Canada, she plans to work. While she is here, she wants to be spontaneous and experience as much as possible. In her free time, Insa likes swimming, painting and crocheting. A fun fact about her is that she does not like chocolate.

Maja, 18

Maja is 18 years old and comes from Germany. She is volunteering at a wildlife sanctuary in Canada and will stay here for ten weeks. In the future, she wants to study psychology. She chose Canada because she really likes the nature here. Her first impression of Vancouver was very positive, especially because she thinks the people and even the drivers are very friendly. One thing that is definitely on her bucket list is seeing orcas and going whale watching. In her free time, Maja enjoys listening to music and podcasts. A fun fact about her is that she only drinks her coffee without milk.

Gabriel, 25

Gabriel is 25 years old and comes from Bavaria in Germany. He is volunteering at a wildlife sanctuary and will be in Canada for eight weeks. At home, he is studying to become a teacher for maths and English. He chose Canada because he wanted to visit the west coast. After his stay, he wants to continue travelling and later finish his studies. While he is in Vancouver, he mainly wants to explore the city and see what it has to offer. One of his hobbies is dancing. A fun fact about Gabriel is that he is currently creating and inventing his own board game.

Emma, 18

Emma is 18 years old and comes from Hamburg, Germany. After completing her Abitur, the German university entrance qualification, she decided to come to Canada to gain new experiences, enjoy the incredible nature, and improve her English.

In Vancouver, Emma is doing a practicum at an organization that rescues and cares for cats. Her first impression

of the city was amazing: she loves the huge houses, the beautiful water, and the mountains surrounding Vancouver.

After her time in Canada, Emma might travel to Thailand before starting university, most likely in the field of Journalism.

In her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball and doing sports in general.

And her fun fact? She is terrified of birds! So Vancouver’s pigeons might be her biggest challenge yet!

Hanna, 22

Age: 22 years old

From: Dortmund, Germany

Hanna is 22 years old and comes from Dortmund. She is studying primary school education and is currently doing a practicum at a preschool in Canada. Before starting university, she did a Federal Voluntary Service (BFD) and then started studying in Dortmund.

She chose Canada because she likes the nature and was interested in the experience of living abroad. Her first impression of Vancouver was very positive. She thinks the people are very friendly.

While she is in Canada, she would like to visit Grouse Mountain, go skiing and try whale watching. In her free time, she enjoys being in nature, running and playing badminton.

A fun fact about Hanna is that she comes from a big family and has five siblings. 🌿

Sina, 23

Age: 23 years old

From: Dortmund, Germany

Sina is 23 years old and also comes from Dortmund. She is studying primary school education and is spending six weeks in Canada for a practicum. Before coming to Canada, she finished her bachelor’s degree.

She chose Canada because she had already been to Vancouver before. After her time in Canada, she will continue with the final year of her studies.

There are still a few things on her bucket list. She would like to take a seaplane flight, visit Banff and see orcas. One of her biggest hobbies is travelling.

A fun fact about Sina is that this is not her first time in Canada – she has been here before. ✈️🌎