Things To Do in Vancouver

The whoosh of baseballs against protective screens and leather mitts drifts through Extra Innings’ 11,000-square-foot facility even when rain is pouring down and baseball season seems far away. Athletes training for all levels of play can shut themselves in under the black meshing of eight multiuse batting and pitching tunnels, where they crush ball after ball to sharpen the minute movements of their swing. The tunnels, one of which is equipped with ProBatter ATEC7600 simulator, are all equipped with L screens and ping machines and are ideal for practicing sliders. A staff of current and former professional, college, and high-school athletes offers step-by-step instruction and on baseball- and softball-specific strength conditioning. In private lessons and group clinics, Extra Innings puts students of all ages on the path toward big-league skills such as hitting the curve and spitting sunflower seeds into the shape of a beautiful sunset.

The Lumberyard is an indoor mountain bike park outfitted with jump lines, pump tracks, skill sections, and technical trail riding for bikers of all skill levels. The space also rents out bikes, helmets, and protective pads and hosts skill-building clinics. Nestled within The Lumberyard Bike Park’s spacious surrounds, the cooks at Pub @ the Yard sate appetites with a mouthwatering menu of savory and sweet pub food. Patrons sidle up to rugged wooden tables and bars in the dining room, chowing down on burgers and pizzas as they hold up scoring signs to critique the technique of riders in the bike park below.

It would be hard to find someone in Vancouver who can imagine the city without Kiggins Theatre. Its iconic neon sign has stood outside 1011 Main Street since 1936, with bold white letters spelling out the name Kiggins. That moniker comes from original owner and former Vancouver mayor J.P. Kiggins, who first envisioned the art-deco theater and its grand auditorium. Today, the single-screen auditorium still flickers to life with a carefully chosen selection of independent, classic, and art-house films. Kiggins Theatre has also expanded to host trivia nights and screenings of popular TV shows, as well as serving as a venue for poetry readings and other performances.

Kiggins's future hasn't always been certain, however. Most recently, the theater's sustainability came into question when major distributors decided to stop releasing 35mm prints. But the theater and its loyal community rallied. Kiggins launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for a new digital projector and sound system. When the campaign closed on Aug 26, 2013, the theater had raised $92,830—more than enough to buy a ticket into the digital age and keep the large marquee filled for years to come.

Island Sailing offers sailing classes, club membership and sailboat rentals in Portland (the Mighty Columbia), Olympia (beautiful South Puget Sound, and Kirkland (scenic Lake Washington).

Willamette Sailing Club's docks stretch out into the Willamette River, where novice nautical voyagers gain their sea legs on a fleet of small sailboats. Classes of up to 30 spend two hours on the banks with a U.S. Sailing–certified coach as students learn how sails work, the necessary knots, and important terminology, such as "port," "starboard," and "boat." The coach will also cover how to rig and de-rig a boat, as delicate a procedure as rigging a casino game or school-board election. The club curates a fleet of Laser, Opti, and 420 sailboats for the use of its sailing classes.

Seven Seas' Discover Scuba class prepares curious scuba dabblers to meet the deep in a safe, kraken-free environment. Class begins with a DVD viewing at the dive shop, as well as an introduction to Seven Seas' expert diving staff. Then, undersea novices are whisked away to the facility's nearby pool for practice using underwater breathing devices and other scuba equipment. By the end of class, eager greenhorns' interests are piqued and prepared to begin their pursuit of open water certification, also available through Seven Seas. A $25 credit toward certification assists future divers in accomplishing their dreams of viewing an authentic tableau of dogfishes playing poker. Grab a Groupon and view the website's calendar to see which session best fits your schedule, then call to reserve your spot.

You don't play tennis outside, where it's cold. Today's side deal keeps the tennis-curious wrapped in an athletic-club blanket. For $40, you'll get three personalized, 30-minute tennis lessons at Portland Athletic Club (a $90 value). The club boasts five indoor courts, a staff of pro instructors, and flexible hours. Call ahead to schedule your appointment.