Most of  have heard of Cirque du Soleil. But what about the smaller – yet equally astonishing – Cirque Sublime? The Toronto-based acrobatic troupe relies not only on athletic prowess to pull off breathtaking performances, but also incorporates vibrant costumes and makeup, visually stunning sets and a heart-pounding score. Shows feature fire, dance and death-defying acrobats for an experience that stimulates the mind as well as the senses. The end result: one of those rare performances that leaves audience members gasping, “Did you see that!?”

Vernon, February 7. Ticket info: 416-935-0037

DUNCAN  February 6, 2010 – Bigleaf Maple Syrup Festival

DUNCAN The B.C. Forest Discovery Centre's now-annual tribute to Canada’s iconic sweet stuff: the Bigleaf Maple Syrup Festival. Courtesy Gary Backlund

Time to slap on the beaver hat and break out the red-and-white attire – for the B.C. Forest Discovery Centre’s  now-annual tribute to Canada’s iconic sweet stuff: the Bigleaf Maple Syrup Festival. The curious can master the art of tapping, sit in on cooking demonstrations and compete for the Best Maple Syrup prize in a contest judged by Vancouver Island celebrity chefs. Highlights: live music and a scenic trundle aboard the B.C. Forest Museum train. (Admission includes train rides and food samples.)

Info and tickets purchases: 250-715-1113

VICTORIA  February 13-14, 2010 – Victoria Tea Festival

Henry Fielding had it right when he declared: “Love and scandal are the best sweeteners of tea.” For socializing over a cup of steaming brew is a tradition revered the world over; there’s something universally soothing about cradling a warm mug and indulging in a hearty chat. And every year, B.C.’s Victoria Tea Festival pays homage to the mighty tea leaf by inviting enthusiasts to sample exotic flavours from around the world, with representatives from tea houses, bakeries, chocolate shops and restaurants on hand to answer questions about pairings and provide sips and nibbles. Bonus: a crash course in Chinese tea ceremonies (courtesy of Victoria’s Silk Road), a silent auction and reflective readings by author Earlene Grey.

Weekend passes: $20 in advance, $25 at the door. 250-370-4888

Further reading: An Educated Sip; Silk Road Reverie

VANCOUVER Gearing up for Canada's third Olympic Games, with 600-plus free and ticketed performances and exhibitions. Photo courtesy VANOC-COVAN

VANCOUVER  February 12-18, 2010 – Winter Olympic Games

The anticipation has reached fever pitch, now that the countdown to Vancouver 2010 is on the home stretch – with Canada gearing up to host its third Olympic Games. After the opening ceremonies (February 12, 6 p.m. at Vancouver’s B.C. Place), more than 5,000 athletes from nations around the world will go on to represent their home countries in 15 winter sporting events – cheered on by lucky fans who have managed to snag seats. However, even those without event tickets can take part in the festivities: Vancouver, Whistler and Richmond are presenting 600-plus free and ticketed performances and exhibitions, and cities across the province are getting into the spirit with their own community-oriented entertainment. Bonus: the Vancouver Art Gallery is offering free admission for the duration of the Games.

Detailed list of entertainment options and venues: Cultural Olympiad 2010 Program Guide, at community centres and cultural venues throughout Vancouver.

Tickets, transportation, accommodation and athlete info: 1-800-842-5387

GRANVILLE ISLAND, VANCOUVER  February 19-27, 2010: Winterruption Festival

VANCOUVER Granville Island’s annual Winterruption Festival celebrates the city's vibrant arts culture – including kids' workshops on musical instrument-making. Photo courtesy Granville Island

Granville Island’s annual Winterruption Festival celebrates the city’s vibrant arts culture with free musical and theatre spectacles, brewery jigs, workshops, jugglers, stilt-walkers and kids’ events (including sessions on crafting musical instruments) – fuelled by  savoury wares and foodie seminars. Bonus: free Theatresports matinees.

604-666-5784.

INTERNATIONAL PICK: NEW YORK CITY  February 26-28: New York Times Travel Show

The New York Times hosts the mother of all travel shows, and in the process provides would-be jetsetters with hundreds of ways to answer the question, “Where should I go next?” The main attraction: 500 exhibitors highlight the world’s top destinations, cruises and hotels/resorts, with experts answering questions and offering insider travel advice. Plus: travel seminars held by industry heavyweights, including guidebook gurus Arthur and Pauline Frommer and Patricia Schultz, author of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. Not to be missed: international stage performances and culinary presentations focus on foods and flavours from around the globe. And bring the kids along: instructors will be on hand to teach scuba diving and rock-climbing skills, while animal-lovers can sit in on the Busch Gardens’ live show.

Tickets and info: 1-800-322-9332

Lead photo courtesy VANOC-COVAN