RESTAURANTS, BARS, SHOPPING, DAY TRIPS, NEIGHBOURHOODS AND MORE
Horses have been featured in Stanley Park for well over a century.
At first, miners and loggers used them for hauling and clearing trails. In fact, some of the park’s existing trails were cleared by logging companies. (Oxen were used, too). Not long after the park was dedicated in 1889, a gentler use for horses began.
A century later, the clip-clop of horses still echoes in the park. Some of these gentle giants stand 2.4 m tall, have feet the size of frying pans, and consume 27 kg of food and 100 L of water a day.
Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Tours has been transporting people around the park in these colourful trams since the early 1980s. The trams today are designed with the comfort of the horses in mind, using a freestanding tongue and aluminum frame.
find astonishing, including signal lights and hydraulic brakes.
But one thing hasn’t changed, these are still ‘organically powered’ vehicles, running on hay and oats: a fun, environmentally friendly way to see the jewel of Vancouver.
One Hour Narrated Tour
CAPTURE TIMELESS MEMORIES
ceo and group publisher Ryan Benn
group vp , publishing and operations Nina Wagner
editorial
vice president , content Anicka Quin
editors - in - chief Stacey McLachlan ( Vancouver ), Darcy Matheson (BC Business), Anicka Quin (Western Living)
managing editor Dani Wright (on leave)
assistant editor Kerri Donaldson (Vancouver, Western Living)
wine and spirits editor Neal McLennan
contributing editors Frances Bula, Melissa Edwards, Alyssa Hirose, Matt O’Grady
art directors Stesha Ho ( Vancouver ), Edwin Pabellon ( BCBusiness )
advisory council
Angus An, Maenam; Patrick Barron, Telus; TC Carling, North Shore Winter Club; Victoria Emslie, Nicola Wealth; Peter Jackman, Terminal City Club; Carol Lee, Vancouver Chinatown Foundation; Carol Liao, UBC Peter Allard School of Law; Matt McClenaghan, Edgar Developments; Jennifer Murtagh, Maturn; Gary Pooni, Pooni Group; Jen Riley, Bosa Properties; Ken Tsui, Telus Originals; Greg Zayadi, Rennie Group
sales representation
vice president , sales Anna Lee
senior media specialists Brianne Harper, Mira Hershcovitch, Sheri Stubel
program lead and sales coordinator Victoria Nwaeze mail sales@canadawide.com
u . s . sales specialist Hayes Media Sales tel 602-432-4868 email lesley@hayesmediasales.com
production / administration
group vp , education and administration Jane Griffiths
group director of operations Devin Steinberg director of circulation Tracy McRitchie
manager , hr and administration Fiona Cochrane executive assistant and producer, events Hannah Dewar events and office manager Tessa Bilida
production manager Kim McLane
production associate Natasha Jayawarde,na production support technician Ina Bowerbank customer service Kelly Kalirai
finance
group vp , finance Conroy Ing, CPA, CMA vp of finance Sonia Roxburgh, CPA, CGA accounting Terri Mason, Eileen Gajowski
address Suite 130, 4321 Still Creek Drive, Burnaby, B.C. V5C 6S7 tel 604-299-7311 fax 604-299-9188 web vanmag.com email sales@canadawide.com
Contents
DRINK
BRUNCH LIKE A LOCAL
Find your best-bet bennies and waffles at these hot spots.
BEAN TOWN
The cutest cafés for sourcing your morning caffeine fix.
SANDOS IN THE CITY
Between two pieces of bread, you can find something truly special.
GOLD-MEDAL GOURMET
These winning rooms are regulars on Vanmag’s annual Restaurant Awards list.
10 MUST-TRY DISHES
The memorable meals and unmissable dishes our editors can’t stop thinking about.
EAT LIKE A CHEF
We asked Vancouver’s top chefs and restaurateurs to share where they love to grab a bite after work.
RAISING THE BAR
These bars and cocktail-forward restos are the best in town.
THE STYLE FILES
Where do the city’s most fashion-forward folks love to shop?
STUFF THAT SUITCASE
Local souvenirs that are way more exciting than a beaver T-shirt.
DESTINATION: DESIGN
Your guide to the best design neighbourhoods in the city.
SECOND-HAND NEWS
Vintage shopping is booming in Vancouver: here’s where to go treasure hunting.
Illustrator Edward Fu-Chen Juan included icons like Science World, the Lions Gate Bridge, Canada Place and The Birds sculpture by artist Myfanwy MacLeod.
THE ULTIMATE VANCOUVER TO-DO LIST
Twenty-five experiences that go beyond the Grouse Grind.
GET OUTSIDE
Your guide to biking, hiking, golfing, climbing and beyond.
JUST BREATHE
Serenity is just a spa treatment away: these are your best bets.
BEST DAY EVER
Vancouver creatives share their itineraries for the perfect day.
Explore Vancouver’s most notable neighbourhoods to the fullest.
DAY TRIPPIN’
Ready to get out of town? These local getaways are the ideal escape.
BOTTLE SERVICE
Toast your time in Vancouver with a glass of world-class B.C. wine. IT’S
Home Away from Home
I consider myself a fairly welltravelled person (I’ve hit at least a few different continents in my time), but every time I step off the plane back in Vancouver, I’m so, so happy to be home.
Sorry, Tokyo; désolé, Paris. I’m not exaggerating when I say that I think this is the best city in the world. I know it’s corny, and I know that no city is perfect. But between the beaches and fresh ocean air and leafy boulevards and charming local boutiques and world-class restaurants... what more could you possibly ask for?
It’s a perspective that comes in handy as editor-in-chief of Vancouver magazine. In each issue, we dedicate ourselves to spreading the word about what makes this such a fun place to live: enthusing over the best new places to eat, cool new social clubs to join, fascinating arts and culture events to explore and outdoorsy adventures to embark on. As experts on all things Vancouver, we often find ourselves doling out recommendations between editions of the mag, too, and not just for locals. Every sisterin-law who comes to town, every friend on a layover, every old college roommate crashing for the weekend gets a personalized itinerary from the Vanmag crew. And after compiling a list of the best design shops on Main Street or Gastown lunch suggestions for the 10th time over one summer, we started to think: maybe other visitors to our fair city would be interested in this intel, too.
So here’s our welcome gift to you: a curated, carefully considered guide to the place we love most in the world. Of course you’re going to hit the seawall, Science World and the suspension bridge while you’re here, but the Vanmag CityGuide is curated to showcase even more of the city, beyond those familiar spots. The pages here are packed with all of our favourite coffee shops, shopping spots, neighbourhood crawls, wine bars, day trips, chef-approved restaurants, hidden hikes, fashion tips, insider itineraries and much, much more. We hope it will all help you get to know and love this place as much as we do—so that the next time you step off the plane at YVR, you’ll feel right at home, even if you’re just around for the weekend.
STACEY MCLACHLAN
editor - in - chief smclachlan @ canadawide
. com | @ stacey mclachlan
j FOR A BEACH PICNIC TACOFINO
You don’t need a lot to make an afternoon at Kits Beach great, but I highly recommend grabbing some fish tacos from Tacofino on your way down to the seashore. I can’t prove it, but they just taste better when you’re looking at the ocean.
j FOR BOOKS UPSTART AND CROW
I’ll take any excuse to get down to Granville Island, and shopping for my next read at this cozy indie bookshop seems like a pretty good one. The shelves are sorted by genres that defy the Dewey decimal system: “Strong female leads,” for instance, or “popcorn reads.”
j FOR LAUGHS LITTLE MOUNTAIN GALLERY
The best venue for alternative comedy in town. With two simultaneously operating stages, any night of the week you’ll find experimental sketch shows, Juno-winning standup comedians or hilarious high-concept improv performances. If you happen to see Weird Owl Karaoke on the schedule, go.
(PORTRAIT)
The Lay of the Land
Knowing what ‘hood leads you where is the first step to eating and shopping your way through town like a local—so here’s your bird’seye view to get you started.
illustration by edward fu-chen juan
A JOEY state of mind
Happy Hour every day, starting at $5
Make a stop at the award-winning St. Lawrence (page 30) for a Quebecois-inspired meal you’ll never forget.
The best way to get to know a new city? One bite at a time. Luckily, you‘ve landed in a place that‘s packed with world-class restaurants, unforgettable meals and hundreds of delicious things to sip and snack on. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and beyond, we’ve got you covered.
EAT&DRINK
ESSENTIAL EATS, ACCLAIMED RESTAURANTS, BUZZY BARS & MORE
BRUNCH LIKE A LOCAL
1 LIVIA
1399 Commercial Dr.
Brunch Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Though the Commercial Drive hub is the ideal spot to grab a perfectly laminated custard and seasonal fruit-topped danish to-go, we’re partial to cozying up on the patio with one of their signature brunch dishes (and a tastes-like-summer bellini made with housemade peach puree). Top of the list is the totally shareable Classico, which comes with ultra-light whipped ricotta, poached eggs, house-marinated and pickled veggies and your choice of a baguette or sourdough toast. But is it really a choice once you know the sourdough is toasted in butter?
2 HOMER ST. CAFE AND BAR
898 Homer St.
Brunch Hours: Saturday, Sunday and Holidays, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
This downtown staple might be known for its epic rotisserie chicken, but you should not sleep on its brunch offerings. Yes, you can order the best Cobb salad in the city, but its take on the Hawaiian classic loco moco (with Spam, garlic fried rice, a fried egg and luxurious chicken gravy) is the ultimate hangover helper. Looking for something lighter? The smoked salmon atop potato pancakes with dilly crème fraîche and a soft egg feels oh-so-West Coast.
3 GREENHORN CAFE
994 Nicola St.
Brunch Hours: Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Greenhorn Cafe is the brunch restaurant for West End locals. The creative selection of housemade biscuit benedicts ranges from roasted mushroom (with herbed ricotta in addition to hollandaise) to smoked ham hock (with confit onion and blue cheese). But the best-kept secret is the open-faced vegan tuna salad on sourdough: she’s topped with pickled onions and capers, and she’s light enough
by DANI WRIGHT
that you can totally manage to walk the seawall after you’ve settled up.
4 MERCATO DI LUIGI
580 E 12th Ave. or 213 E Georgia St.
Brunch Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mercato di Luigi may be small, but it is mighty. The Italian grocerycum-brunch resto serves up one of the top breakfast sandwiches in the city, with scrambled eggs, prosciutto cotto, caciocavallo cheese, arugula and pesto mayo, all on a cornetto—but we’re here for the daily pasta. The hand-cut linguine carbonara with a soft egg feels the most brunch-adjacent, but you can’t miss with any of the inventive specials either (like, say, a smoked burrata situation).
5 THE BIRDS AND THE BEETS
55 Powell St.
Brunch Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Gastown’s counter service brunch go-to is known for its incredible coffees and delicious-anytime sandwiches (we’re partial to the tofu banh mi), but when craving brunch, we order the ricotta and jam toast every single time. A cloud of ricotta marries with a generous dollop of made-in-house seasonal preserves and becomes a saltysweet addictive treat. Hot tip: on a sunny day, you cannot beat pairing it with an Arnold Palmer slush.
6 ZARAK BY AFGHAN KITCHEN
2102 Main St.
Brunch Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Mount Pleasant’s Zarak bridges the flavours of Afghani and West Coast cuisine with its brunch fare. Take its chicken and waffle, where the star ingredient is marinated overnight with chutney and cumin, and is served upon a house-made waffle and topped with cardamom maple syrup, mango chutney and
buttermilk aioli. Or the cumin fried rice that’s bursting with oyster mushrooms, leeks and herbs and is topped with a fried egg, chili oil and earthy sesame aioli.
7 RILEY’S
200 Burrard St.
Brunch Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
No Vancouver brunch list is complete without a spot for fresh shucked oysters and Riley’s knocks it out of the park with its selection of East and West Coast bivalves. The space feels celebratory, too, so it’s worth indulging in items like the crab omelette with dill hollandaise and salmon roe, or the lobster benedict, where the shellfish comes served as a light-
as-air croquette and is topped with avocado cream.
8 BOTANIST
1038 Canada Pl.
Brunch Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Weekend brunch at Botanist feels
no less like an event than its impeccable dinner service. You’re presented with two- or three-course options and each dish showcases the best of local and seasonal produce. If it’s on the menu, take the burrata salad, which comes with smoked beets, radishes, white balsamic and a briny olive crumb. Or the fermented chili torched salmon, which elevates the beloved B.C. fish with mojo de ajo (a Mexican garlic and olive oil sauce). When at Botanist, go for the third course: our 2025 Pastry Chef of the Year Kate Siegel wows with sweet finishes like caramelized croissant bread pudding with pumpkin seed crumble and kabocha squash ice cream.
(THE BIRDS AND
BEETS) LAWRENCE LEE; (RILEY’S) HEATHER MERENDA
Bean Town
In a city fuelled by caffeine, do as the locals do by sidling up to the bar of these java hubs for your coffee-matcha-tea fix (with a baked treat too, obviously). While you’re waiting, tap the just-as-cool baristas for their neighbourhood tips. by
KATIE NANTON
1 Mishmish
3485 Fraser St.
The name means “apricot” in Arabic and this bakery-slash-café, open since summer 2024, serves up Middle Eastern-inspired treats and specialty drinks that you won’t find anywhere else. Take a seat in Mishmish’s light, airy Fraserhood space with hanging greenery overhead to sip a nutty, foamy sesame-vanilla halva latte crafted with beans from local micro-roaster Modus. The house-baked snacks are downright transportive and include warm ka’ak bagels—eat them filled or as a sandwich, or tear-anddip into one of the many spreads on offer, like harissa hot honey and labneh (strained yogurt)—and osmalieh with crunchy layers of kataifi pastry, a milky filling and floral syrup to finish. mishmish.ca
2 Revolver
325 Cambie St.
Two words: coffee flight. Gastown’s most-loved urban coffee shop is not only the place to pause after a long day exploring—preferably on a stool by the front window’s wooden bar—it’s also the place to supercharge your battery with a four-shot-total coffee tasting flight (two macchiatos, two espressos). This shoebox-sized café serves up both traditional and ultra-experimental coffee (espresso tonic, anyone?) from world-class roasters across North America, Europe and Japan. Taste something you love? They sell most of their coffees online to ship to your doorstep. Keep an
eye out for locally produced merch as well, such as hand-stitched leather keychains stamped with a Revolver “R” in collaboration with local company Oscar and Wells. revolvercoffee.ca
3 To Live For
1508 Nanaimo St.
The ever-changing selection of merch might tip you off to the fact that To Live For is a plant-based eatery—we love the “animals in my heart, plants in my tummy” totes—but everyone, vegan or not, should pay a visit to this café. Owner, founder and animal rights activist Erin Ireland has created a haven of unique pastries, custom cakes and city favourites like her banana bread and coconut peanut butter power balls, which can also be found in cafés around town. Two items sell out especially fast: the croissant breakfast sandwiches, made with vegan egg and dairyfree cheese, and ever-changing “cube croissant” flavours—yes, they are cubes of croissant pastry filled with pastry cream and they are as delicious as they sound. All espresso-based drinks are served with plant-based soy, almond or oat milk (at no extra cost, of course) and the café is kid-friendly with a toddler play area, complete with books and tiny chairs, and a playground two blocks away to run off the sugar rush. tolivefor.ca
4 Nemesis
555 Great Northern Way
Though Nemesis also has a location in Gastown (and others in North Van and Surrey), you can’t miss this café’s architecturally stunning GNW location beside Emily Carr University of Art and Design: it looks like a huge, red-tiled flower and is even more striking once you step inside. The beans are roasted in-house and they only buy from farmers they know and have developed relationships with (you’ll see the names on the to-go packets). Order up a full brunch here, like Turkish eggs or blueberry French toast, or select one of the mind-numbingly good pastries from their Dope Bakehouse program, such as the tiramisu croissant with mascarpone chiboust, espresso chantilly whip and cocoa. Nemesis also does cool collabs, like with Olympic gold medal breakdancer Phil Wizard (a Vanmag Power 50
winner!) for a Golden Boy red bean kouign-amann, among other delights. nemesis.coffee
5 Cowdog
3720 Oak St. & 1927 W 4th Ave.
Small but mighty Cowdog opened last summer with a rare outlook: its owners, Ryan Dean Dexton and Joe Lee, believe it is their responsibility to pay staff right, so they have a no-tipping policy and offer a living wage. We think it translates into a positive energy throughout their spaces. To order? Go for a strawberry matcha, cardamom bun or seasonal delight like the matcha-hojicha affogato with locally made Rain or Shine roasted strawberry ice cream. They also offer a by-reservation-only five-course “fika” tasting menu (a Swedish-style “coffee and cake break”) designed to share the intricacies of tea, coffee and pastry. It’s all in the name of slowing down with friends—what Cowdog is all about. cowdog.coffee
sandos in THE city >>>
Which sandwich is which? We bite into the best betweenbread eats in Vancouver.
Right here, right bao
Netflix and grill
The katsu’s out of the bag
This sub goes deep
Hello, good bison
ALYSSA HIROSE
photography by CLINTON HUSSEY
1 Breaking Banh
Let’s start things off with a kickass deal. Truth is, it can be tricky to find a solid lunch for under $20 anywhere in this city, but a DD Mau banh mi comes through: at $15, the two-hands-required saté beef banh mi is actually one of the priciest on the menu. That’s because it’s piled with top sirloin that’s been sautéed in lemongrass chili oil. That beef combined with all the standard banh mi fixings (pickled veggies, jalapeño, cucumber, housemade mayo, cilantro) creates a delightfully fresh, hunger-crushing sando. Design-wise, you get a bit of everything with every bite (and with this many ingredients, that’s no small feat). Mind the liberally sliced jalapeño—it really brings the heat. 145 E Pender St., ddmau.ca
2 Perfect Pear
During our photoshoot, Finch’s Teahouse owner Sheryl Matthew told us that nearly all of her sandwich artists are also artist artists. It’s an inarguable point, because every baguette masterpiece that comes out of this café is proof. The pear sandwich ($14.75) is stuffed with elegantly folded prosciutto, thoughtfully fanned pear slices, a handful of crushed roasted walnuts and—the controversial kicker—blue brie. Blue-cheese haters, prepare to be converted: the creamy, indulgent brie balances this sammy out beautifully. Balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil and fresh cracked pepper are the final touches. It’s a work of art that plays with taste, texture and colour—even blue. 501 E Georgia St., finchteahouse.com
3 HEY YA
Yes, buried underneath Say Hey ’s insanely generous tower of toppings, there is bread somewhere. Don’t worry: just make sure you ask for a fork, so you can go to town on all the delicious bits that’ll inevitably topple out when you’re chowing down. The Doofer super hero hoagie ($16) is a spicy monster of a sub: think roast turkey, bacon, red onion, aged white cheddar, crispy fried onions, chili mayo and shredded iceberg lettuce—plus delicate curls of microplaned parmesan. (“Doofer” doesn’t sound bougie, but this sandwich does it all.) It’s stuffed... much like you’ll be when you dare to challenge it. Even if you’re defeated, it’s still a win-win. 156 E Pender St., sayheycafe.square.site
4 Truck Yeah
There’s competition for the hot dog vendors posted up where Granville meets Georgia—the Tokyo Katsu-Sand food truck is serving up street food on another level. Their gyu-katsu sandwich ($17.50) is rare in every sense: the katsu-style sandwich isn’t common in Vancouver, and this particular beef cutlet is breaded and deep-fried just enough to preserve its vibrant red centre. Besides that expertly cooked cutlet, there’s not much else in this sando (sweet gyu-katsu sauce and wasabi mayo are the only other components between the toasted white bread), but there’s beauty in simplicity: it’s a meaty, minimalist treat. Granville St. and W Georgia St., tokyokatsusand.ca
5 Playing Chicken
Nothing wrong with the OG Nashville chicken sando at DownLow Chicken Shack , but if you really want to bring the heat, reach for the Commercial Drive chicken shack’s Jerk sandwich instead ($19.15). The deep spice of the jerk-dusted fried chicken is further emphasized by a slather of jerk-infused mayo, while pickled onions, shredduce slaw and tomato lighten up each bite. Like with all of DownLow’s sandos, the pillowy potato bun can barely contain the portion of chicken that’s served—here, there’s no cheeping out (get it?). 905 Commercial Dr., dlchickenshack.ca
6 Master of Bun
The team behind Kitsilano’s hottest counter-service restaurants seems to be scientifically engineering the world’s most adorable sandwich. That’s thanks to ultra-soft, handmade steamed buns stamped with the charming logo of a bao-on-the-go (likely running to avoid death by teeth—but let’s not get dark about this). And it’s not just cute: the wagyu bao ($20) at Petite Bao is thoughtfully crafted, too. Sweet confit tomato and decadent caramelized onions level up this sando, and shiso and scallions bring an Asian twist. And, of course, there’s the delicious wagyu patty, bacon and cheese—okay, you could call this one a burger, but it’s too good to leave out of this sandwich extravaganza. 2825 W Broadway, petitebao.ca
7 Awesome Sauce
This isn’t the first time we’re celebrating this Coal Harbour gem: Syrian-Lebanese eatery Yasma took home bronze in the Best Middle Eastern category of Vanmag ’s Restaurant Awards earlier this year. If you’re wondering what to get for lunch at this award-winning restaurant, this is it. The tawouk sandwich ($24) comes with a side of fries (which, truthfully, deserve their own award) and is stuffed with bite-sized pieces of grilled chicken, pickled turnips, Lebanese coleslaw and a slice of tomato. Yasma has nailed the ingredient proportions here: sweet, sour and savoury meet in perfect harmony. The housemade garlic spread is the icing on the cake— or, er, the sauce on the sandwich. (Dear Yasma: may we suggest bottling it so we can put it on everything?) 550 Denman St., yasma.ca
8 Big Fry
Don’t overthink it. Mr. Bannock ’s bison burger ($19) is simple, but not basic: this Indigenous food truck is serving no-fuss tradition on delicious fry bread. The sandwich pulls more than its weight thanks to hearty ingredients—the aforementioned bannock, an expertly cooked Two Rivers bison patty (preparing bison isn’t for amateurs, but chef Paul Natrall proves his skill by delivering a seriously juicy bite), plus American cheese, tomato and sriracha mayo. And did we forget to mention the thick slice of grilled red onion? (Psst... there’s also a version with blueberry aioli, depending on the season—hit up the food truck to see what’s cooking.) Various locations, @mrbannockfood
9 Meatball Mania
A list of must-try sandwiches without a meatball sub? No grazie. Of course, Commercial Drive is where you’re headed for such a meal, and La Grotta del Formaggio —the Italian deli that’s made its home in the neighbourhood since Fortunato Bruzzese opened it in 1977—is the spot. Their meatball sub (from $11) is crafted with housemade meatballs (featuring free-range Two Rivers beef), grandmother-approved tomato sauce, melty mozzarella and a solid sprinkle of parmesan cheese. The Portuguese bun it’s tucked into is sturdy, but let’s face it: you’re going to make (and be) a hot mess. Isn’t that part of the fun? 1791 Commercial Dr., lagrottadelformaggio.com
Savour the flavours of season
World-class cuisine rooted in the bounty of B.C.—from farm to ocean to forest. Bold, seasonal dishes. Award-winning wine list. Inspired cocktails.
MICHELIN Guide Recommended
Fresh. Local. Exceptional.
FOR CONTEMPORARY CUISINE
1809 W 1st Ave. | annalena.ca
The Michelin-starred AnnaLena reigns supreme in the West Coast contemporary culinary scene: chef Mike Robbins and team offer a menu that dazzles with notable dishes like mussels in smoked tomato jus with fresh dill and torn bread. The ambiance perfectly mirrors Robbins’s precision and cool style, described as “smartly sophisticated with touches of street art.” After winning Restaurant of the Year for multiple years, Robbins and team prove they can keep the bar they’ve set sky high.
BY THE EDITORS
GOLD-MEDAL GOURMET
There are hundreds of incredible restaurants to choose from here in this city, but with Vancouver’s annual restaurant awards (36 years and counting!), we’re proud to crown the best of the best of the best.
FOR AN ELEGANT NIGHT OUT
3593 Main St. | publishedonmain.com
The appearance of an “upscale” restaurant has changed significantly in the past years. But while white tablecloths and crisply dressed staff may have fallen out of fashion, there’s no doubt that these winning restaurants are still offering world-class meals and service. Published on Main, a critical darling each year in our Upscale Restaurant category, serves up plates that our judges described as “flawless, from start to finish.” Every dish, from the smoked and candied sablefish to the merguez-wrapped lamb saddle, is crafted with painstaking precision by chef Gus Stieffenhofer-Brandson and team and served up like a work of art—a feast for the eyes.
FOR MIDDLE EASTERN MAGIC
DELARA
2272 W 4th Ave. | delararestaurant.ca
Delara’s “breath of fresh air” in Kits is a staple on the finalist list for Best Middle Eastern Restaurant thanks to chef-owner Bardia Ilbeiggi’s modern take on Persian food. Go for the crispy saffron tahdeeg with spoon-tender grilled beef ghalieh: it’s stewed in a rich sauce of caramelized onions, herbs and tamarind. But save room for the “revelatory” chocolate halva cake, as one Restaurant Awards judge recently described it: “The sesame caramel lives in my dreams.”
FOR ELEVATED CHINESE
DYNASTY
108–777 W Broadway | dynasty-restaurant.ca
Dynasty has been a fixture of the Restaurant Awards’ Best Chinese categories for years. Dishes are expertly executed with quality ingredients and finesse—one judge recently called Dynasty “the top choice for impressing guests.” Both dim sum and dinner dishes are executed flawlessly here: during the day, tuck into squid-ink pork and shrimp dumplings, fermented spareribs and deep-fried squid tentacles; come dinner, multi-course feasts centring on Peking duck and king crab wow.
FOR SENSATIONAL STEAK ELISA
1109 Hamilton St. | elisasteak.com
Elisa is a beacon of meaty accomplishment that’s a cut above the rest. “Every dish here is excellent; it would be hard to order incorrectly,” said one Restaurant Awards judge in 2024, emphasizing not just the mastery over meats but also the artistry in every accompaniment. From the benchmark dry-aged ribeye to the complimentary fresh bread, our 2025 Restaurant of the Year has transformed dining into a high-steaks event.
FOR SENSATIONAL SUSHI
KISHIMOTO
2054 Commercial Dr. | kishimotorestaurant.com
There’s an abundance of cheap-and-cheerful sushi spots on the Drive, but perpetual gold winner Kishimoto is where you go when you want stunning Japanese dishes in a comfortable, neighbourhood-y environment. Chef Akira Kishimoto embraces local ingredients through an uncompromising Japanese lens: you’ll find plates of seasonal tempuras, perfectly grilled succulent B.C. sablefish collar and binchotan charcoal-grilled mushrooms served beautifully but without pretension.
FOR TOP-NOTCH THAI
MAENAM
1938 W 4th Ave. | maenam.ca
Chef Angus An—our 2025 Chef of the Year—has created a mini-empire of restaurants throughout the Lower Mainland (Longtail Kitchen, Fat Mao Noodles, Sen Pad Thai) but his original, Maenam, never suffers for it. Maenam dazzles year after year with bold dishes like sablefish curry with makrut lime and salty dried shrimp, or a gorgeous “snack” of miang-stuffed mussel wrapped in a betel leaf and topped with peanut and toasted coconut.
FOR THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
HAWKSWORTH & NIGHTINGALE
801 W Georgia St.; 1017 W Hastings St. | hawknightingale.com
There are some nights (anniversaries! proposals!) for which a dinner at a casual neighbourhood joint just won’t do. These are the moments that are meant to be remembered for the event itself, sure, but let’s face it—we’re also looking for outstanding service, luxurious plates and an impressive beverage program. The rooms at Hawksworth—yes, there are three distinct spaces—speak for themselves with their impeccable elegance. And chef David Hawksworth’s diverse yet distinctly West Coast cuisine only elevates it further. Whether you’re splitting a local Bradner Farms ribeye or indulging in the four-course tasting menu (adding the beef tallow nugget potatoes is an absolute must), the dining experience is always one to remember. And if you’re on the hunt for high-end cuisine in a more casual setting, Chef’s other room, the contemporary-cool Nightingale, is just a few blocks away in Coal Harbour, specializing in wood-fired pizzas, sharable crudos, expertly roasted veggies and crowd-pleasing classics like 100-layer lasagna and striploin.
FOR THE FINEST FRENCH
ST. LAWRENCE
269 Powell St. | stlawrencerestaurant.com
Chef J-C Poirier’s ode to his home province regularly takes the top position in the incredibly competitive Best French category at the Restaurant Awards. At St. Lawrence, Quebecois classics are showcased with a very modern flair (for example, a perfectly executed tarte tatin featuring local endive with a rutabaga reduction, or a consommé made of roasted potato skins).
MORE ALL-STAR SPOTS
j ITALIAN MAGARI BY OCA
1260 Commercial Dr.
Lines form hours before opening every afternoon to get in for a plate of some of the bestconstructed pasta in Western Canada. magari-o.ca
j SEAFOOD BOULEVARD
845 Burrard St.
Chef Roger Ma’s virtuosity shines in dishes such as the seared scallops with red curry and roast lingcod with chorizo-stuffed peppers. boulevardvancouver.ca
j VIETNAMESE CRAB HOT LAU
2141 Kingsway
A daring East Van spot that’s reaching icon status for its crispy crab spring rolls. crabhotlau.ca
j KOREAN ZOOMAK
52 Alexander St.
The spicy-sweet KFC, indulgent Korean pancake and fresh and fun lettuce wraps consistently delight. zoomakyvr.com
j LATIN-AMERICAN SUYO
3475 Main St.
The arroz con pato featuring tender duck breast and confit leg atop a bed of vibrant cilantro-beer rice is iconic. suyo.ca
10Must-Try Dishes 10Must-Try Dishes
ESSENTIALEATSFROMAROUND
THE CI T Y.
FEELING CRABBY
ELIO VOLPE, 540 W 17TH AVE.
There are plenty of pastas to fall in love with on the menu at Cambie Village hot spot Elio Volpe, but the calabreselli alla vodka with crab ($31) is the true heartthrob of the lot. Obviously, the Banda Volpi group has their fresh pasta game dialled in at this point, but the addition of the spicy, creamy, peppery vodka sauce and heaps of fresh crab meat (with a generous dusting of pangrattato, naturally) takes the dish to lickthe-plate-clean heights. eliovolpe.com
SEEING GREEN
MEO, 265 E PENDER ST.
As a general rule of thumb, we avoid green oysters ... but we’ll make an enthusiastic exception at Meo. In the Chinatown cocktail bar, the briny bivalves are served up by the half-dozen in vibrant pools of herb-celery emulsion ($30); fresh pico de gallo on top adds additional zing as you slurp from each shell. It’s a taste of both the ocean and the garden—one that has us seeing green. meochinatown.com
SPICE UP YOUR LIFE
STREET HAWKER, 3088 MAIN ST.
STACKS ON STACKS
HUNNYBEE BRUNCHEONETTE, 789 GORE AVE.
One of the best things about brunch is the ability to order dessert that’s masquerading as regular old breakfast fare. Hunnybee Bruncheonette ’s sweet ricotta pancakes ($16) are not only the fluffiest, butteriest and possibly most generously portioned in the city, they also come topped with maple syrup, butter, cultured cream and a key ingredient: a dollop of intensely fruity jam. hunnybee.ca
LAYER UP
SUYO, 2475 MAIN ST.
By Dani Wright, Stacey McLachlan, Kerri Donaldson and Anicka Quin
Street Hawker has only been around since the spring of 2023, but the counter-service burger joint has already made its mark on Main Street: the indulgent menu puts an Asian spin on the grill. The kimchi burger ($15.45) is a beast constructed from a pair of Two Rivers beef patties, American cheese, bacon and everyone’s favourite fermented Korean veggies. streethawker.ca
Suyo’s Max Curzon-Price won this magazine’s 2024 Bartender of the Year award, but with the Mineral cocktail ($29) he proves he might have missed his calling as a magician. The earthy, aromatic whisky-and-tequila drink features two layers of flavoured ice that mimic the layers of the earth; as they melt, your cocktail transforms. Abracadabra! suyo.ca
EASY AS PIE
DON’T ARGUE PIZZA, 1321 COMMERCIAL DR.
“Best pizza in the city” is an oft-debated topic among Vanmag editors. But there’s one thing we can all happily agree on: Don’t Argue Pizza’s vodka pepperoni pie ($30) is the city’s current do-not-miss ’za. The creamy sauce is the ideal counterpart to the charred ’roni cups, the cheese is just pull-worthy enough and basil and honey add a sweetness to the pie that has us singing “that’s amore.” dontargue pizza.com
6 7 8 9
USE YOUR NOODLE
ANH AND CHI, 3388 MAIN ST.
There’s comfort food, then there’s recipes from grandma—or, in this case, from Anh and Chi founders Vincent and Amélie Nguyễn’s grandma. Giant chunks of crab soufflé and hefty slices of tomato make up the bulk of the bún riêu cua ($28, also known as Grandma’s crab tomato noodle soup), but it’s also packed with fried tofu and vermicelli noodles... after all, Grandma wouldn’t let you go hungry. anhandchi.com
BUBBLING UP
EGGETTE HOUSE, 1194 ROBSON ST.
The sweet scent of decadent, crisping batter has us following our noses like cartoon characters on Robson Street to Eggette. They always lead us to a Portuguese egg tart bubble waffle ($8.50): the outside is hot and golden, and the inside creamy. If you break your waffle open (we know, it’s sacrilege to not just inhale it all at once) you can even see the trademark pasteis de nata blackened top. eggettehouse.ca
VACATION VIBES
PLEASE BEVERAGE CO., 222 W 5TH AVE.
The best cocktails are all things to all people: sweet but not too sweet; boozy, but not so highproof it knocks you off your barstool. Please Beverage Co.’s Mango Pandan Coconut cocktail ($5) strikes the balance—a heavenly, vodka-based carbonated concoction of mango, coconut, lime and pandan—adds one more impossible expectation to the list: it should taste like your dream vacation. pleasebevco.ca
TACO 'BOUT IT
On Mondays and Tuesdays Chinatown’s Hunnybee Bruncheonette (see page 33) transforms into a haven for Mexican food fanatics: Taqueria Chicatana. A spinning trompo is layered with achiote-marinated pork and pineapple, and when it’s shaved off, topped with onions, cilantro and avocado salsa and served on a warm corn tortilla, it becomes the best al pastor taco ($6) this side of, well, Southern California. @taqueriachicatana
EATERS GOTTA EAT j
Want to know where Vancouver chefs eat? All you gotta do is ask. The city’s culinary insiders are always happy to share their after-shift go-tos, under-the-radar noodle joints and the dishes they can’t live without.
by KATIE NANTON
Bar Haifa
TANNIS LING
Founder, Kissa Tanto, Bao Bei and Meo
Style and substance— that’s what you get at every restaurant touched by the hand of Tannis Ling. It’s omnipresent at Meo, Chinatown’s lavishly cool new step-back-intime cocktail bar; same with Michelin-starred Kissa Tanto upstairs and modern Chinese mainstay Bao Bei nearby. With this trifecta of culinary jewels in her back pocket, does Ling actually eat anywhere else? You bet.
410 W Georgia St. The savoury-sweet labneh brûlée starter with harissa and feta is Ling’s mustorder at this Middle Eastern spot. Smash the brûléed sugar covering, slather the dip on warm pita and you’re good to go. “I also love the sunchoke karaage, and they have a great smelt dish,” she says. “Not enough people eat smelt these days! In Chinese cuisine, we eat little crispy-crunchy fish with peanuts as a snack. At Haifa, they deep-fry the smelt and serve it with toum, a Lebanese garlic sauce.” haifabarandfood.com
Lucky Taco
1685 Yew St. and 8547 River District Crossing “I love their quesa birria,” she says of Lucky’s taco with braised lamb shoulder, pickled jalapeño, cilantro and a little rich consommé. “They have a delicious margarita called a Mezcal Inferno with verdita, which is a mix of pineapple, cilantro and lime juice. It’s herbaceous and tropical, then smoky with the mezcal.” luckytaco.ca
Bún Chả Cá Hoang Yen
5155 Victoria Dr. This beloved Vietnamese spot is a family-fave
destination for its famous bún chả cá fish cake soup in aromatic dill broth. “I also have a trick,” Ling divulges. “They recently started offering the soup with crab broth—so you can switch out the fish broth with crab broth. It’s really thick, filling and so delicious.” Noted. bunchacahoangyen.com
The Keefer Bar
135 Keefer St.
“I usually drink wine, but if I’m drinking cocktails, I find myself at The Keefer because they’ve kept their program really up to date,” she says. “Recently I had a delicious bitter melon cocktail there. I’ve had a bit of an obsession with bitter melon juice. It sounds disgusting, but it’s actually dessert-like with a caramelized sugar profile. It’s a little hard to work with, so being able to make a cocktail out of that takes real talent.”
thekeeferbar.com
Cadeaux Bakery
172 Powell St.
“Normally I don’t like cake, but my friend who runs Cadeaux makes the best in the city. It’s the only cake I eat,” says Ling. Her picks: carrot cake with cream cheese icing, and Black Forest cake with chantilly cream and tangy sour
(SAY HEY CAFE AND DELI) CLINTON HUSSEY
The Fish Man
Say Hey Cafe and Deli
cherry compote. “Usually I don’t even like chocolate and fruit, but it’s not too sweet and very moist.” cadeauxbakery.com
Sushi Hil
3330 Main St.
Mount Pleasant’s Sushi Hil omakase menu is fast becoming a fave around town. “The foie gras chawanmushi stood out to me... I usually find foie gras too rich, but they use just a tiny bit and it gently flavours the rest of the egg custard. It was absolutely delicious.” sushihil.com
Bar Tartare
54 Alexander St. Everybody’s loving Juice Bar’s new iteration, Bar Tartare, with its stellar wine list and laid-back vibe— Ling included: “With the menu always changing, it’s never boring. I also love the atmosphere, how casual it is. Lindsay [Otto], who runs it, is great. And they always offer different wine options to try before you settle on one.” bartartareyvr.ca
The Fish Man
1170–8391 Alexandra Rd., Richmond At this Richmond resto, it’s all about the stir-fried conch. “I don’t think it’s on the menu but it’s on their
fresh sheet all the time. It’s done in a classic Cantonese way with green onion, a little bit of soy and shaoxing—so simple, so good.” fishmanrestaurant.com
Alvin Garden
4850 Imperial St., Burnaby
Ling heads to Burnaby for their tea-smoked duck and a side of spicy cauliflower. “They’re quite famous for the cauliflower, which comes in a big wooden barrel,” she says. “It’s delicious with mostly Hunan flavours, garlic and a lot of pickled chilis.” 604-437-0828
Kam Wai Dim Sum
249 E Pender St. Steps away from Kissa Tanto and Meo in Chinatown is Kam Wai, a local fixture that has been open for over 30 years. “They do great, affordable dim sum and the staff eat there almost every day. I always go in
PHIL SCARFONE
Culinary director, Banda Volpi
Trust one of the epicurean brains behind Savio Volpe, Caffè La Tana, Pepino’s Spaghetti House and Elio Volpe to have great taste when it comes to dining out. We asked Banda Volpi culinary director Phil Scarfone to divulge his fave plates and grocery scores around Vancouver, and got completely ravenous in the process.
upscale Sushi Hil on Main Street. “I get the roll set: chopped scallop roll, spicy tuna roll and dynamite roll. Pretty basic stuff, but it gets me that sushi fix,” he says. temakisushi.ca
for the congee,” she says. kamwaidimsum.ca
Say Hey Cafe and Deli
156 E Pender St.
“Best sandwiches in the city, hands down,” says Ling. She orders the Doofer, packed with spicy roast turkey, aged white cheddar, bacon, shredduce (shredded lettuce, obvs), finely shaved red onion, smoky chili mayo, crispy fried onions and parmesan. @sayheycafe
Bench Bakehouse
1641 Commercial Dr.
“The baking is top-notch and the bread is some of the best in the city—I was there this morning. The loaf I bought was still warm,” she says. On the weekends, Ling gets the marble rye, on the weekdays a country loaf; sometimes she grabs their frozen puff pastry to make savoury pies at home. thebenchbakehouse.com
Fat Mao Noodles
217 E Georgia St. Most Sundays, Scarfone and his wife, Courtney, end their weekend at Fat Mao, chef Angus An’s cozy Thai soup noodle house in Chinatown. His regular order? Hot and sour pork noodles. “It’s rich, spicy and acidic with lots of textures and three different kinds of pork. When you get to the very bottom it’s just all the minced pork and peanuts that have been soaking in the broth— extremely delicious.” fatmaonoodles.com
Temaki Sushi
2156 W Broadway
The unassuming blue awning-ed Temaki on Broadway gets Scarfone’s vote for the city’s “most underrated sushi program”—a lasting legacy of its founding chef, Hilary Nguy, who has since opened
La Grotta del Formaggio 1791 Commercial Dr. When he’s working from Pepino’s on the Drive, Scarfone’s go-to lunchtime panini is from La Grotta. “I go—more often than I should—for the half-focaccia with mortadella and capicola, plus all the vegetables, hold the red onions. They are the most delicious sandwiches,” he says. “You have to hide in the office and eat it by yourself because it just gets everywhere.” lagrotta delformaggio.com
Sula Indian Restaurant 4172 Main St. Sula’s Main Street location is Scarfone’s top choice for Indian— despite occasionally arranging to meet friends there for lunch only to realize they both went to different locations (Sula has rooms on Davie and the Drive, too). “It’s the best in town, and the menu is really diverse— so much more than just butter chicken and aloo gobi,” he says. “I love the tandoori chicken... but really, anything from their tandoor oven is great.” sulaindian restaurant.com
Martin Vargas, chef and partner at Granville Island’s Alimentaria Mexicana, naturally gravitates toward tastes he grew up with in Tijuana, Mexico: the dried chilis in a salsa, the hibiscus syrup in a mixed drink. When dining out, he’s also drawn to independently owned restaurants showcasing their culture in unique ways. As he says, “The more spotlight we put on small businesses, especially now with all the challenges the industry has, the better it is for everyone.”
Slo Coffee
4160 Fraser St.
A self-proclaimed heavy coffee drinker
(”I can have five a day”), Vargas loves the minimal, wabi-sabi interi ors and coffee program at Slo. “Since we launched El Cafecito [a café attached to Alimentaria] last year, I’ve committed to learning more about beans and the coffee-making process,” he says. “Slo really showcases something special with their signature coffees. The last time I was there I had an incredible hibiscus espresso tonic: it had ice, two shots of espresso, hibiscus syrup and was topped off with a really good tonic water. It was bubbly, fresh, vibrant.” slocoffee.ca
Chilitos
Kingsgate Mall. “The chef, Alvaro [Montes de Oca], used to work at Grapes and Soda and Ubuntu. The egg omelette with truffle sauce is the best thing ever. He’s really good at showcasing a variety of Mexican breakfasts you don’t see that often using local ingredients.”
@carp_sushi
Ask for Luigi
305 Alexander St.
2516 Prince Edward St.
“The best brunch in the city,” says Vargas of this Mexican pop-up that takes over tiny Carp Sushi a few times a month, across from
“It’s always consistent; their handmade pastas and kale salad are amazing—if they have the tagliolini carbonara, I’ll order it,” he says. “Same with anything with rabbit or braised beef. Just an impeccable food and wine list, and the service is attentive.”
askforluigi.com
Chancho
2096 Commercial Dr.
“Great vibe, great Mexican food,” says Vargas of this counter-service spot on the Drive. “I get the campechano—half pork shoulder, half pork belly—which has a nice fattiness and bite to it. If I’m really hungry I’ll order a half-pound with a Pacifico... plus, their bar manager has a great mezcal selection and the heirloom corn tortillas are always consistent.” chancho.ca
Lin Chinese Cuisine
1537 W Broadway
This gem in Vargas’s neighbourhood is the local draw for xiao long bao (soup buns), green onion pancakes and crispy chow mein. “They make it spicy, you know, they aren’t afraid of cooking the real way and not diluting their seasoning. I love getting take-out
from there on a Sunday, when you just don’t want to go out,” Vargas says. linchinese.ca
Gary’s 1485 W 12th Ave.
“It’s a beautiful place; every single part of their execution is perfect,” Vargas says of Gary’s. “Great for a special occasion dinner. They have a tasting menu, so it changes all the time. I love that it’s in the South Granville neighbourhood, which sometimes feels like it is lacking places.” garysrestaurant.ca
Juicy Joe’s 2211 Granville St. Vargas says this place has the best smashburger in the city: “I’ve probably eaten here more than 50 times.” This ghost kitchen takes over Paul’s Omelettery after 5 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday. “It’s very simple,
Ask for Luigi
Chancho
Zarak by Afghan Kitchen
Slo Coffee
Gary’s
it’s kind of magic,” he says. “I almost always order the Juicy Original [with cheese and onions].” Rumour has it that JJ’s will be expanding soon to a brick-and-mortar on West 4th, so stay tuned. juicyjoes.ca
Taqueria Chicatana
789 Gore Ave.
This occasional pop-up out of Chinatown’s Hunnybee only does al pastor tacos, Mexico City’s most popular taco, and it’s pure nostalgia for Vargas: “Al pastor is spit-roasted pork marinated in achiote, orange, salt, pepper. It’s very comforting, and when I go there are always lots of Mexicans. They also have a veggie option with celeriac. I’d love them to be open every day!”
@taqueriachicatana
Western Lake Chinese Seafood Restaurant
4989 Victoria Dr. “The best king crab dinner I’ve had while living in Canada,” he says. “It’s legit—garlicky, soy sauce-y, delicious. When you order the full dinner they do a dried scallop and chive soup, noodles, fried rice—six or seven dishes total, all with the crab. It’s a great experience that represents that culture in such a unique way. A good one to go to with a group.” westernlake.ca
Zarak by Afghan Kitchen
2102 Main St.
Growing up with an Iranian relative, Vargas had a lot of Persian cuisine at family gatherings; Zarak’s Afghan food serves up nostalgic flavours for him. “I love the eggplant skillet, the lamb shank is really bold and their rice is enhanced with almonds, raisins, spices, clove and cinnamon,” he says. “The Mantu dumplings [with cumin-spiced beef] are also insane. ” zarakvancouver.com
ROBBIE KANE Owner, Cafe Medina
If you love food and sweet carbs, you’ve undoubtedly experienced Cafe Medina‘s legendary Liège waffles, studded with pearl sugar. (It’s really no surprise that Medina won our 2025 Readers’ Choice Award for Best Brunch.) Husband, father and Medina owner Robbie Kane is the man behind it all; he’s also a partner in the highly craveable Middle Eastern spot Superbaba, and he certainly knows how to eat his way around this city.
Au Comptoir
2278 W 4th Ave.
Some go for a sweet brunch, and some for savoury—what about a man who specializes in running a brunch spot for a living?“ I don’t get out for brunch often, but when I do I go to Au Comptoir for their burger. The raclette, the caramelized onions, the fresh bun… it’s so good. Sadly I get it with salad, not fries. But I steal a couple from my son.” aucomptoir.ca
Bar Bravo
4194 Fraser St.
This seafood-forward cocktail and wine bar in his Fraser St. neighbourhood (Vanmag ‘s Best New Restaurant winner for 2024) is another pullup-to-the-bar place for Kane. “Great vibes, super fresh and consistent, the cocktail program is really
nice. Jon [Merrill, owner] makes everybody feel special.” Oysters and the Tofino king salmon with maple ginger dressing, cucumber and avocado are his two must-orders here. bravovancouver.com
Adelitas
5178 Victoria Dr.
Tucked away in a nondescript row of small businesses on Victoria, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Adelitas is worth a try.
“It’s a hole in the wall, cheap and cheerful. We get the awesome nachos and my son loves the taquitos.” @adelitas restaurant.van
Blue Water Cafe
1095 Hamilton St.
“If we want to splurge, my wife and I sit at the sushi bar here. Blue Water is also kind of the room where I got my start; I worked at Century Grill in 1996, so it’s interesting for me to sit in that room. At the sushi bar, whatever we see them making we’re like ‘we want one of those.’ Those are true artists behind that bar.” bluewatercafe.ca
Bao Bei
163 Keefer St. “I have a soft spot for Bao Bei. I worked with Tannis
[Ling] years ago. I take my kids for dad-daughter or dad-son meals here. Unfortunately, the fried chicken is off the menu—I’ve had words with them about it—but we get the shao bing [sesame flatbread with Te Mana lamb], sticky rice cakes and baos. With a glass of muscadet.” bao-bei.ca
L’Atelier Patisserie
599 E Broadway
Lest we forget a pastry place, Kane calls out L’Atelier’s bakery case as one of the best. “The pain au chocolat is my go-to. What can I say? I’m a simple guy.” latelier patisserie.com
Cómo Taperia
201 E 7th Ave.
Kane holds an Italian passport, once lived in Spain and plans to one day live in Europe again—all’s to say, he loves the vibe that Cómo gives. “When my wife and I are on our bicycles we’ll stop in for a vermouth and some papas bravas. Also, Shaun [Layton, co-owner] has the best travel recommendations for, like, every city in the world.” comotaperia.com
Sawasdee Thai
4250 Main St.
“I’m a huge fan of Thai food—my family and I spent a month in Thailand this year—and since the ’90s, I’ve been going to Sawasdee.” The Crying Tiger beef, kang panang chicken and the spring rolls keep him coming back again and again (and again). sawasdeethai restaurant.com
Harvest Community Foods
243 Union St. The #17 ramen with squash, miso broth, yuzu radish and sesame is his rainy-weather comfort food. “And their cookie! As far as I’m concerned, it is the best chocolate chip cookie in the city. Like super big, salty, messy. I’ll bring them for my staff sometimes… I’ll go in and just spend $50 on cookies.” Worth noting, the cookies are only available a few days of the week, so make sure to call ahead. harvestunion.ca
Bao Bei
Harvest Community Foods
Bar Bravo
There’s a Vancouver bar for any situation: here’s a guide to help you pick a spot that suits your sipping circumstances.
by ALYSSA HIROSE
RAISING THE BAR
For a spontaneous drink with your crystal-collecting college roommate
There’s an antidote for being in a bit of a restaurant rut: Arcana Spirit Lounge, a dark, tarot-inspired hideaway that embraces all things wild and witchy. Arcana amateurs will often walk right by this downtown bar because it’s not labelled as such—yes, you’ll want to enter through the door marked with the neon “Pet Psychic” sign. Inside there’s occult imagery aplenty (think skulls, vampires, Ouija boards and more) and drinks like the Devil (a fruit-forward take on an espresso martini) and the Fool (a playful mojito made with pandan syrup and peppermint extract).
238 Abbot St., arcanabar.com 1 2 3
Sip on this
Take a chance and order the Wheel of Fortune ($20). The first spin decides your spirit (there’s whisky, rum, vodka and tequila) and the second your style (tart, sparkling, tropical, robust or bitter).
For a rowdy reunion with your rec league buddies
It’s a crowd-pleasing “barcade” with some of the city’s favourite burgers: The American is a classic for a group night out. The Main Street bar is packed with arcade games, including eight themed pinball machines (with old hits like Godzilla and newer sensations like Stranger Things). The joyfully indulgent bar menu courtesy of next door’s Downlow Burgers features the “BFM 9000,” a burger that uses two cheeseburgers as buns (okay, there are normal smash burgers too). And one can never underestimate the seduction of an old-fashioned photobooth—pile the team in there for a great memory, guaranteed, no matter how many beers you have.
926 Main St., theamerican.bar
Sip on this
You can’t go wrong with a Strange Fellows Talisman pale ale ($7.50), and you most definitely can go wrong with an American Rev pitcher ($45) concocted, in part, with Long Island iced tea and Red Bull.
For making a first impression on your opinionated in-lawsto-be
Oh, this little spot? It’s no big deal, just one of Vancouver’s 10 Michelin-starred restaurants. Published on Main’s award-winning food, drinks and staff are sure to knock the socks off even the most discerning diners. Get a reso early because both tables and bar seating can fill up weeks in advance. Complex, inventive cocktails live here: umami-powered martinis, herbaceous sours and peachy cosmos are served nightly. If (when) the drinks go over well, we suggest getting the bee pollen milk buns and chickenfried maitake mushrooms... or really anything on the food menu—it all slaps.
3593 Main St., publishedonmain.com
Sip on this
Vancouver magazine’s Bartender of the Year alum Dylan Riches’s Lost in Translation ($24) is a luxurious mix of soybean suntory, sake, koji, cherry blossom and pocari foam.
For a third date that rockets you out of the friendzone
It’s possible there’s no sexier spot in the city than Meo. We dare you to resist the rosy pink seduction of this ’70s-inspired Chinatown bar—the heavy curtains, the velvety banquettes, the glowing jukebox— it feels like a secret, sultry space, but it’s buzzy enough that the room is always lively and fun. A few standouts on the cocktail list embrace veggies, an often-unsung hero in the world of mixology: take the espresso carrotini, a signature cocktail that uses yam cola and a whisky-based drink with miso and pumpkin.
265 E Pender St., meochinatown.com
961 Denman St., jungleroom.ca 4 5 6 7
Sip on this
Those in the know go B-AN-A-N-A-S for the matcha highball ($18), a groovy green concoction of gin, matcha, banana milk, lime and tonka bean soda.
For an elegant prenoon drink with your fanciest aunt
It’s 11:30 a.m. on a weekday and you’re looking to impress. This calls for Botanist , a restaurant tucked inside the Fairmont Pacific Rim and bursting with gorgeous greenery. In fact, even if you have a cheeky third cocktail, it’s practically impossible not to appear glamorous in this airy, modern space. Cocktails are poured with precision and levity. (One glance at the menu will tell you that—a drink made with foie-gras-fat-washed bourbon and pear, for example, is described as “a duck goes for a wander in Central Park.”) If you’re feeling nibbly, order up pan-seared squid with chorizo or burrata di Puglia with beets and meringue to share.
1038 Canada Pl., botanistrestaurant.com
Sip on this
Heavy showers call for a splurge: the Raincouver ($40) mixes vodka, cherry blossoms, yuzu and pine and comes topped with a whimsical edible raincloud.
For a shockingly affordable rooftop happy hour
We love a casual curbside patio, of course, but sometimes you want to yap over cocktails without cars whizzing by a mere few feet from one’s face—and that’s just one reason why Parker Rooftop is, well, tops. This ninth-floor restaurant has an expansive outdoor space with pretty views and no engine exhaust to be found, plus it offers a daily happy hour with small plates (think truffle fries and sushi cones) for $12, $6 beer and wine and cocktails starting at $10. The indoor dining space is gorgeous, too, with sumptuous, jewel-toned furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows: this is how to ball out on a budget.
1379 Howe St., parkerrooftop.com
For a cocktail-fuelled catch-up with an old friend
There’s no better place to weave a wild tale of intrigue and betrayal (a.k.a. your one-sided office beef with your new co-worker) than the Jungle Room . This lush cocktail bar blends the natural beauty of plants with moody, architectural lighting—look out for the glowing, origami-esque birds elegantly perched up above. The kitchen serves up a fusion of Indonesian and Japanese cuisine (with some French technique thrown in) and the bar pours colourful, unique drinks like the Honey Don’t, a bright-green cocktail made with gin, pisco, Thai green tea and honeydew cordial.
Sip on this
The Golden Hour ($12 at happy hour—can you believe that?) is a fresh and fruity blend of Grey Goose, Soho, passionfruit and lime. Order it at actual golden hour for the best photo opportunities.
Sip on this
The brilliant blue Training Season ($18) is striking to the eye and to the taste buds: blue spirulina-infused tequila, chiaro, white peppercorns, jasmine and lime come together in this vivid drink.
CANADA’S PREMIER
HAND ROLL BAR
A Fresh Take on Vancouver’s Sushi Scene
Vancouver’s sushi scene is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself. Among the many options, few restaurants capture its spirit as perfectly as Hello Nori. This modern hand roll bar seamlessly blends traditional Japanese techniques with a fresh West Coast twist. With four locations across the city, Hello Nori is reshaping the way Vancouverites experience sushi.
What truly sets Hello Nori apart is its ability to integrate sustainability, design, and an exceptional dining experience into one elevated offering. Each Hello Nori location showcases sleek interiors, featuring minimalist Japanese design and a striking ceiling feature, where form and function come together in the most elegant way. But it’s not just about the aesthetics.
Hello Nori’s commitment to sustainability runs deep, with partnerships with Ocean Wise, a focus on responsibly sourced seafood, and collaborations with local and Japanese producers. Every visit is a mindful, mouthwatering experience.
The dining experience at Hello Nori is intentionally immersive. Guests sit at a bar where chefs prepare each hand roll fresh to order. In addition to the premium hand rolls, the menu features expertly charcoal-flamed aburi oshi and a carefully curated selection of Japanese sakes and whiskies. This thoughtful approach transforms casual Japanese dining into something truly meaningful and memorable, an experience as meticulously crafted as the space it’s served in.
Photography by Jono Lawley
WEST COAST
01 ROBSON STREET
Located on one of the city's most iconic streets, Hello Nori Robson serves as the brand's flagship location and is a vibrant reflection of downtown Vancouver's dynamic energy.
02 BRENTWOOD
Nestled within The Amazing Brentwood Mall, Hello Nori Brentwood offers a refreshing escape for both shoppers and locals in Burnaby.
03 RICHMOND CENTRE
In the heart of Richmond, Richmond Centre is home to one of Hello Nori’s most popular locations, situated amidst the area’s bustling shopping and dining scene.
04 PARK ROYAL (signature)
Hello Nori’s Signature location in West Vancouver at Park Royal offers an elevated dining experience, featuring an expanded charcoal-flamed grilled menu and an exclusive collection of rare Japanese whiskies.
With 5 new openings in Vancouver and Toronto since 2024, Hello Nori’s growth in Canada continues with more Hello Nori's on the way!
Photography by Jono Lawley
Photography by Mark Yuen
Turn the page for fashion wisdom and insider shopping reccos from some of the city’s most stylish movers and shakers.
Whether you’re ready to go all-out on a shopping spree or are content to just browse Vancouver’s best boutiques, we’ve got plenty of hot spots to hit on your next shop hop— and plenty of local labels you’re sure to fall in love with along the way.
SHOP
Vancouverites have a reputation for prioritizing athleisure comfort above all—but as any fashion-loving local will tell you, this is a city with plenty more than yoga pants to offer. We asked five Vancouver tastemakers to share their favourite sources for going beyond the Gore-Tex to help inspire your own style-hunting while you’re in town.
AS TOLD TO Stacey McLachlan and Rebekah Ho
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Evaan Kheraj
THE STYLE FILES
1
Malania Dela
Cruz
Vice-president, Nine Point Agency
Has living in Vancouver impacted your personal style? While I appreciate dressing for the elements, this fashion identity has actually inspired me to rebel against the city’s signature athleisure look. I love getting dressed up, experimenting with style and adding a touch of glam, even in times when the moment doesn’t require it.
Favourite local brands?
I’ve been fortunate enough to work with and be exposed to many local and Canadian designers over the years. Some of my current favourites include Adhere To, a low-impact, high-design outerwear brand by my dear friend, Alexandra Dean. I also love A Bronze Age for their local fashion production and sweet designs. And I always give a shout out to Brunette the Label , by Miriam Alden, who has been empowering women with her collections since 2014. For jewellery, Kara Yoo, Punch Jewelry and Oddities and Melodie Borosevich are great.
Latest big style score?
I recently bought a Sonya Lee Half Maya handbag at One of a Few. It has become a staple in my everyday wardrobe.
Where will we find you shopping?
I’ve been shopping at One of a Few for contemporary women’s designs since Michelle Rizzardo opened the store 20 years ago. She has impeccable buying skills and I can always find unique pieces that no one else has. Siista is a newer women’s fashion boutique started by a former intern of mine, Alejandra Rivera. I adore her collections of fun, trend-driven women’s fashion and her selection of jewellery by Canadian designers like Jenny Bird , Biko and Pilgrim Nouvelle Nouvelle is another boutique I’ve been shopping at since they opened—I’ve purchased some of my favourite
independent designer pieces here over the years.
Any favourite spots to treasure hunt for vintage pieces?
A Story of Things, a seasonal pop-up vintage shop, is one of my favourites. I also really like Collective Will , started by Randa Salloum, in Gastown. I also like perusing Mintage, Turnabout , The Only, Community Vintage and F as in Frank . We are lucky to have a plethora of vintage and thrift stores in Vancouver. I’ve bought some true vintage pieces here that I could have never found elsewhere.
2 Liz Bell
Modelling agency director, Lizbell Agency
How would you describe your style?
I’m forever a child of the ’60s and ’70s: a hippie with a rock-and-roll edge.
What’s your daily uniform?
Black basics from Simons [in West Vancouver]. I love their men’s V-neck cotton T-shirts. Oak and Fort has some lovely simple pieces that work with everything and are reasonably priced: I love their aesthetic and their branding is on point.
Local jewellers you love?
I love Pyrrha—like my chunky silver ring. My go-to earrings are from a truly incredible local designer, Tania Gleave
What’s a favourite piece you’ve sourced in Vancouver recently?
I’m in love with my Catherine Regehr feathered cape. It goes with anything: it can dress up a denim jacket and boots, or it can be worn over an evening gown for a special occasion.
You’re on a shopping spree: where do you go?
Simons is definitely my first stop for anything special, and they have great sales too. I’ve bought some timeless, key pieces for my
2
1
Malania is wearing a Rat and Boa dress from Once Twice dress rental; vintage pleather motorcycle jacket; Pilgrim jewellery from Siista; Alexander McQueen boots from Holt Renfrew.
Liz is wearing a Catherine Regehr cape; husband’s denim jacket; Pyrrha ring; bracelets made by husband (left wrist) and ex-husband (right).
3
Aleem is wearing an Eduardo Ramos suit.
4
Lydia is wearing a vintage velvet coat from Community Thrift and Vintage; vintage tie from Value Village; J. Crew shirt; skirt from Nettle’s Tale; Sheertex tights; boots from Front and Company.
5
Justin is wearing a thrifted jacket from Wardrobe on Main; button-up from Plenty; Duer jeans.
wardrobe at Boboli , and I’ve found some really beautiful secondhand pieces at Turnabout . Gravitypope is one of those stores that you think is only shoes, and then you walk in the door and they have a beautifully curated boutique as well.
3 Aleem Kassam
Co-founder and interior designer, Kalu Interiors
How would you describe your style?
I would describe my sense of style as fluid, inspirational and always evolving.
Beloved Vancouver brands?
I love local fashion designers such as Eduardo Ramos, Singh Styles, Laurence and Chico, Cape de Coeur, Jason Siu , Jason Matlo and Claudia Schulz for hats and accessories, to name a few. I also really enjoy some of the larger local brands, like Oak and Fort , Fluevog and One of a Few. Though, of course, I admire many international brands and creatives; I always say there’s nothing more beautiful than bringing both worlds together, mixing and matching high and low.
Best thing you’ve bought in Vancouver recently?
It would have to be from local designer Eduardo Ramos: an epic hand-embroidered trench from the Ephemera FW24 collection. It’s double-faced Italian wool with lace, and is adorned with thousands of little sequins. It’s a piece that will certainly take me through the rest of my life. Strangers stop me on the street every time I wear it, but it’s definitely not for the faint of heart.
Where do you love to shop?
Second-hand luxury shop
Mine and Yours is a great source for luxury goods and items, in a sustainable way:
upcycling at its finest. Neighbour is another favourite: they’ve got women’s, men’s and accessories, and they always draw my interest in the way they curate their designers and selections, offering items you might not normally find in the mainstream boutique scene of Vancouver.
Any hidden-gem boutiques to shout out?
The Leisure Center flies under the radar. Both local and international designers find a place in this sprawling space, and there are extensive vintage and consignment pieces... it’s a little fashion mecca tucked away in Yaletown with something for everyone, I believe. (They also have great sales, but, shhh, you didn't hear it from me!)
What made-in-Vancouver clothing item makes the best souvenir?
A waterproof cape from Cape de Coeur. The technical fabric and construction are out of this world. I simply love my own piece and it represents Vancouver so well: practical but elevated.
Practicality! It’s wet here, walking is normal and it’s a city where people like being outside. My clothes have to have a level of comfort and practicality for these activities.
Do you have any favourite Vancouver fashion brands?
For clothing, I love Nettle’s Tale, Fyoocher and Nena Hansen . For jewellery,
accessories or makeup, it’s Zaleska , Skwálwen Botanicals , Better Basics and Kunye.
What’s the most exciting recent addition to your wardrobe?
I have many! This winter I found a holy grail item: a leopard-collar velvet coat. I found it at Community Thrift and Vintage and it fit me perfectly. Felt like destiny.
Where do you love to source new pieces?
The Only Vintage on Davie and on Commercial Drive has the best prices and selection of vintage. Nettle’s Tale carries sizes 4X to XS—very fun and cool! Community Thrift and Vintage has a great selection of secondhand and vintage; so does F as In Frank in Gastown, which has lots of fun 1990s pieces. Woo to See You has great accessories and clothes.
What would you wear for grabbing a coffee with a friend?
Soft pants, big vintage collared shirt, fun jacket, good boots.
How about date night?
A suit with a bra and no shirt or a very tight and short skirt with a high-neck sheer top and a long jacket that’s almost the length of the skirt.
5 Justin Walls
Content creator, @justwalls
How would you describe your style?
I would describe my personal style as “elevated casual-ish.” I like to dress well enough to go out to dinner, but not business casual.
How do you think living in Vancouver has influenced your style?
Since moving to Vancouver from Toronto, my personal style has become a bit more
functional as opposed to just casual and trendy. With the culture here focusing on nature and the outdoors, I’ve found myself going for more walks and being outside in the rain, so I’ve been more mindful about incorporating clothes that offer more practical and functional options.
What local brands make that cut?
My favourite brand would for sure be Duer Performance —their pants are stylish, functional and by far the most comfortable I’ve worn. Lululemon has become a bit more trendy and not so athleisure-focused these days, and I do like that Kit and Ace has high-performance, high-end pieces as well; I’ve found really nice, stylish bomber jackets and staple pieces at both of those stores. Herschel has us covered with raincoats and waterproof bags.
What finishing touches do you reach for when you’re getting ready?
I love Leah Alexandra jewellery. I have a few necklaces that I often layer from her; there’s a wide range of pieces that are unisex, plus they have really cute rings. I also really love local brand Salty Face for self-tanning. I’ve been using this product for years and stand by it. You can buy it at Formula Fig .
Where do you like to shop?
Plenty is one of my favourites because it has such a wide variety of products. I also love that it features other Canadian brands. Herschel ’s Gastown location is their flagship. I love how the store has done art installations and activations with different collabs that they’ve featured in the past. I also really like 8th and Main —I always find something—and I like thrifting at Wardrobe on Main . I found my jacket for this shoot there, and it has a huge selection and is always moderately priced.
STUFF THAT SUITCASE
Let’s be real— nobody wants another fridge magnet or “I Hiked the Grouse Grind” T-shirt. Skip ’em entirely and capture the spirit of the real Vancity with local designs, snacks and sips from cool Vancouver companies.
by KATIE NANTON
BETA5 POLYGON BARS
Working double-duty as topographical works of art and sweet treats, this chocolatier’s iconic Polygon bars (from $11) are cast in custom moulds to model the North Shore mountains and come in inventive flavours like Dessert Nerd with white chocolate, freeze-dried strawberries, rainbow Nerds and pop rocks. Snag a few of Beta5’s wildly popular cream puffs to snack on while you’re sightseeing. beta5chocolates.com
HOUSE OF FUNK ROASTING CO. COFFEE
FOR DINNER SPRUCE TIP DELICACIES
ARTBEDO PRINTS
Mikayla Hong immortalizes eye-catching buildings, neighbourhoods and traditions in the city she calls home with her stylistic collection of Vancouverinspired art prints (from $15). From the classics, like eating dim sum or the iconic Sylvia Hotel, to the cult-cool, like Duffin’s Donuts and Bon’s Off Broadway, there’s something for everyone in her art arsenal (including tea towels and tote bags, if prints aren’t your thing). artbedo.com
STANDING SPRUCE APOTHECARY SGAAHLAN SOAP BARS
Brimming with calming, moisturizing and antiinflammatory properties, these Sgaahlan West Coast Forest Bars ($16), made from 100-percent Indigenous-owned standing spruce, are deeply rooted in the West Coast. The name translates to “yellow cedar” in Haida, and each is blended with cedar leaves and invigorating essential oils of fir, spruce and cedar. standingspruce.com
Funky flavour profiles and far-out packaging are the name of the game at this roastery, which only works with traceable beans from farms that align with their sustainability views. Creatively named coffees (from $22.50) abound here—What Was Going Through My Head or Mellow Caramelo, anyone?—and you best not leave without a couple of cans of effervescent Sparkling House Cold Brew to sip around town. houseoffunkbrewing.com
Using zesty, electric-green Sitka spruce tips in their pickled spruce tips ($16) and spruce tip jelly ($12.50), this family-run business forages everything on Vancouver Island and has made it their mission to make wild food more accessible. Don’t like dabbling in spruce? They also do a mean jar of marinated chanterelle mushrooms. forestfordinner.ca
KATE METTEN OYSTER SHELL CERAMICS
Inspired by British potter Bernard Leach and the works of Bauhaus, Metten’s ceramics are the ultimate keepsakes, melding functional design with a sense of place: she actually uses sand, shells and local clay from Vancouver and its surroundings in her one-of-a-kind creations. This oyster shell Deianeira ($350), for instance, gets its unique glaze texture from crushed oyster shells found on Hornby Island. katemetten.com
NATIVE NORTHWEST STACKING ANIMAL BEAD MAZE
Kiddos aged one and up will love playing with this stacking animal bead maze ($18), complete with a mama bear wooden detail by Haida artist Shoshannah Greenebeads. In addition to kids, this is a great place to stock up for the whole family—all of the artwork featured on Native Northwest’s products (games, clothing, books and more) is done by Indigenous artists. nativenorthwest.ca
Three generations of women from one family are behind contemporary lifestyle brand A Bronze Age, which meticulously handcrafts playfully chic purses and clothing in feminine silhouettes. Opt for the scrunchie-inspired Halo bag ($160) in Root to remind yourself of B.C.’s forests; it’s designed by founder Renee Power and made-to-order by her aunts here in town. abronzeage.com
HYPE1 CHOCOLATE SNEAKERS
Hype Chocolate merges sneaker and snack culture to create cooler-than-cool creations and merch. We love the Hype 1 ($15), a mini version of the classic Jordan 1 sneaker handcrafted in solid Belgian chocolate, as well as the Cinnamon Toast Crunch bar and the Dubai Pistachio Knafeh bar, which went viral last year. hypechocolate.com
WIRTH HATS IN THERAPY HAT
Style yourself with one of Wirth’s bestsellers, like the In Therapy hat or a cozy-cool fleece hat in Glacier (both $60), and you’ll be giving to a beautiful cause— win-win. At its heart, this company is a social venture that champions radical self-worth, donating $10 from the sale of each hat to fund therapy for those who can’t afford it. wirthhats.com
BOCCI 14P PORTABLE LIGHT
This illuminating launch is a play on the 14, an iconic cast-glass pendant light designed by Omer Arbel in 2005. The 14p ($425) catapults that form into a new realm of usability, making it portable and rechargeable with three ambi ent lighting levels for a sultry candle-lit aura. bocci.com
KID SISTER SUPER EGO FACE OIL
AND MINI SKINCARE
BUNDLE
This small-biz line of vegan skincare products is all about ease. It’s known for its nutrient-rich (and carry-on friendly) Super Ego face oil ($67), which multitasks by moisturizing and toning, but we also love the Mini Bundle ($40), which packs a gua sha face massage tool alongside the oil to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation. kidsisterskincare.com
THE WOODS CASCADIAN GIN
Made with herbaceous green pine foraged from the North Shore, this vibrant Cascadian gin ($48) from The Woods distillery is a super-fresh sip blend perfectly suited to your G&T. The company uses vacuum distillation to preserve natural botanical flavours in all its products and sells other spirited blends like barrel-aged amaro and arancello blood orange liqueur. thewoodsspiritco.com
NORTHERN BARS
The Nanaimo bar, a mix of rich chocolate-buttercream and coconut popularized in the eponymous city on Vancouver Island, is one of B.C.’s most famed confections. Northern bars (from $12) kick the typical cellophane-wrapped café version up a few notches with perfectly bite-sized squares in a giftable box depicting landmarks from around Vancouver. They’re also available in four very-Canadian flavours: classic, smokey maple, saskatoon berry-lemon and apple-cinnamon. northernbars.ca
pays for one pound of plastic to be removed fridayharbourco.com
OLD FASHIONED STANDARDS BUTTON DOWN
Nothing beats the craftsmanship of Cassandra Bailey’s garments, which she personally designs, cuts and sews to last a lifetime in her Vancouver workshop. Snag a slick fit like the baseball-inspired Home Run button down in a multi-stripe bull denim ($285), or browse her other beautiful pieces in high-quality materials like Melton wool, selvedge denim and 100-percent up-cycled Australian Outback cloth. oldfashionedstandards.com
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FAITHFULLY YOURS Is there a better spot in Gastown for the perfect housewarming gift than Old Faithful? Here, even a humble pair of scissors or bottle brush becomes an object of desire.
DESTINATION: DESIGN
Pick a neighbourhood, any neighbourhood, and you’ll find a plethora of delightful design shops— whether you’re looking for the perfect souvenir, or just some home decor inspiration.
By Kerri Donaldson, Alyssa Hirose, Stacey McLachlan and Anicka Quin
GASTOWN GASTOWN
The streetlamps and cobblestones may give Gastown a yesteryear vibe (despite the fact that, ahem, these old-world aesthetic additions are actually from the ’70s), but the design shopping here is fresh, modern and downright playful, with plenty of international inspiration to be found.
1
SÖMN HOME
28 Water St.
Stocked with bedding, bath and sleepwear, Sömn is a haven for linen lovers. The m.o. here is luxe fabrics—uber-soft washed linens are a specialty— paired with a stripped-down modern design sense that lets the fibres sing. somnhome.com
2
OLD FAITHFUL SHOP
320 W Cordova St.
Warm and inviting, Old Faithful hosts an assortment of minimalist lighting and Scandinavian accessories from Denmark-based Skagerak, Ferm Living and more. Look for coffee table books, thoughtfully designed home goods and an extensive Japanese craft collection—including Hard Strong glassware. oldfaithful shop.com
3
OUT AND ABOUT
321 W Cordova St.
The shop may specialize in Japanese fashion, but you’ll find plenty of conversation-starting decor pieces here, too. Case in point: satisfyingly stackable mugs in
cheery hues, arresting artworks, sumptuous herringbone twill face towels and quirky dog-shaped vases. outnabout boutique.com
4
INFORM INTERIORS
50 Water St.
It’s impossible to miss Inform: the family-owned design shop takes up practically the whole block. A walk through the sweeping, multi-level showroom is like a visit to a design museum—discover global
brands like Herman Miller and Vitra alongside local heroes A-N-D lighting and Christian Woo. (A thoughtful selection of books and accessories make it a topnotch gift-sourcing spot, too.) informinteriors.com
5
NEIGHBOUR OBJECTS
51 Powell St.
Sister store to Neighbour and Neighbour Women, Neighbour Objects carries the same quiet luxury into the home goods sphere. There are a few pieces of furniture here, but beyond the big bits, you’ll find everything you need to make a house a home, from coffee-geek-approved
Moccamaster brewers to sculptural Nathalee Paolinelli candleholders to confettipatterned Fredericks and Mae chopping boards. shopneighbour.com
6
RESOURCE FURNITURE
124 W Hastings St.
Step into the Resource showroom prepared for a magic show. The niche furniture design store specializes in modern, multifunctional and transforming furniture— bookshelves turn into queen-sized beds and compact desks expand into 12-seater dining tables. Condo dwellers, take note. resourcefurniture.com
Sömn Home
Inform Interiors
Neighbour Objects
ARMOURY DISTRICT ARMOURY DISTRICT
Here’s fuel for a humble brag: just a few years back, Architectural Digest named the Armoury District one of the top 12 design districts in the world (hey NYC, jealous much?). Named after the Seaforth Armoury at 1st and Burrard, it’s home to Arthur Erickson’s masterful Waterfall Building and several top furniture and decor stores, as well as many local architect and design offices.
1
LIVINGSPACE
1706 W 1st Ave.
The building that houses Livingspace’s 30,000-square-foot showroom is a destination in and of itself, namely to experience the architectural marvel that is the concrete-and glass staircase that clings to its exterior. Designed by Bocci’s Omer Arbel, the space is flooded with light even on the greyest days—and serves as a proper entry to experience the showroom’s luxe European
design brands (like Molteni&C, Paola Lenti, Poltrona Frau and Minotti). livingspace.com
EAST INDIA CARPETS
1606 W 2nd Ave.
The Armoury owes its curated, design-forward nature to East India Carpets’ Ravi Sidhoo, who personally recruited many of the tenants to the ’hood. EIC itself has been going strong as a family business since 1948:
its current collections run from classic Persian designs to the strikingly modern (like Matteo Cibic’s stunning Wunderkammer collection, which celebrates the Pink City of Jaipur). eastindiacarpets.com
FULLHOUSE MODERN
1545 W 4th Ave.
Coveting the perfect mid-century sideboard? Fullhouse brings together a thoughtful blend of vintage MCM furniture with new contemporary pieces from design-forward brands like Menu, Loll Designs and Toronto-based Gus Modern. fullhousemodern.com
1805 Fir St. and 1636 W 2nd Ave.
The perfect accessory awaits in this light-filled shop. Provide’s curated collection of unique, high-end textiles, ceramics, lighting and furniture pieces are gathered from leading brands and artisans around the world—including Teixidors, Seth Christou, Guaxs and dozens more alongside celebrated local makers like Brent Comber and Quake Studio. Around the corner from the original store, Provide Design Gallery
Livingspace
Design Gallery
offers full-scale furniture, lighting, textiles, rugs and art collections in a space inspired by artful venues in Paris and Milan. providehome.com
OBAKKI
1638 W 3rd Ave.
Treana Peake’s welcoming salon almost defies description: is it a store, a museum or a charity? It’s all three, as the founder and her team seek to raise the lives of makers from around the world, each exquisite and authentic design done in part nership with the artisan—truly making it one of the most unique spots in the country. obakki.com
ANN SACKS
1616 W 2nd Ave.
south granville South GRANVILLE
One-stop shop might be a cliché, but the delightfully walkable SoGra design district is about as holistic as it gets: Scandi-cool decor meets stylish kitchen accessories meets trendy modern furniture meets eclectic, covet-worthy textiles in this home-focused ’hood.
KING LIVING
3097 Granville St.
You may not realize how much you can covet a backsplash until you browse Ann Sacks’s tile collection. The Portland-based company chose this spot for their first entree into Canada a few years ago, and lucky us: wandering the collections here feels akin to immersing yourself in a grown-up candy shop. annsacks.com
Modular options make furniture from King Living the perfect condo hack—take, for example, the Jasper sofa, a down-under favourite (the brand is based in Australia) that incorporates storage, hidden shelving and an ultra-cozy place to hunker down on a rainy day. kingliving.ca
STRUCTUBE
2401 Granville St.
Watch your back, Ikea. Quebecbased Structube has made a solid name for itself in the accessibly priced furniture game. Cheerful hues like sunny yellow, rose and teal prove that a small budget doesn’t have to mean boring. structube.com
INDIGO
2505 Granville St.
This big Canadian brand has moved far beyond books: in addition to awesome stories from sure can pick ’em), find kitchen appliances, whimsical mugs, cool textiles and functional catch-all trays here. indigo.ca
BY
K
2717 Granville St.
Nail the “where-did-you-getthat” vibe with the singular Details by Mr. K. Here, you’ll find pedal-loomed pillows, hand-blown glass treasures and other colourful, unique home
Obakki
Structube
Details by Mr.K
goods to give your living space that extra-curated wow factor. detailsbymrk.com
5
EQ3
2536 Granville St.
If we could copy-and-paste
EQ3’s gorgeous South Granville showroom into our own homes, we would. The minimalist brand’s in-house line is designed at its Winnipeg HQ (oh, Canada!) and international collections include picks from Marimekko and Herman Miller. eq3.com
classics. An extensive outdoor furniture collection makes this pervasive brand perfect for patio-season shopping. potterybarn.ca
6 7
POTTERY BARN
2600 Granville St.
This store feels like stepping into your cool, well-to-do aunt’s house: the traditional, rustic-leaning wares in Pottery Barn will always be
WEST ELM
2947 Granville St.
West Elm is home to both beautiful modern furniture and kickass housewarming gifts (we’re obsessed with the funky vases and plant pots available here), and many of the products are designed in-house at their Brooklyn studio. westelm.ca
8
FABLE HOME
2871 Granville St.
What started as an online-only dishware company is now a full-fledged home decor destination. Find beautiful Portuguese-made ceramic plates, bowls and mugs in matte pastels or speckled white alongside ultra-durable glassware and feels-just-right premium cutlery. The brand has also recently branched out beyond the dinner table, with frames, rugs and lighting on offer now. fable.com
9
MING WO
2707 Granville St.
The first Ming Wo opened in Chinatown in 1917—and while the original location has now closed, outposts like the one in SoGra keep this excellent kitchenware store alive and well. Don’t mistake a long history for being dated: adorable Swedish dishcloths, the latest silicone baking tech and more modern kitchen essentials live here. mingwo.com
Fable
Pottery Barn West Elm
SecondHand News
Where to score Vancouver’s best vintage.
by ALYSSA HIROSE
Shopping secondhand is not for the weak. Anyone who has experienced “browser’s shoulder” will tell you that rooting through tightly packed racks of clothing of questionable origin should be an Olympic-level sport. But it’s all worth it when you find that one perfect piece, and Vancouverites are more than willing to embrace the treasure hunt. No wonder, then, that vintage clothing stores are opening all over the city.
1 The Only
For the Overall-Obsessed 1283 Davie St.
The West End location of The Only opened in late 2023, and the colour-coded vintage haven has already become a staple of the neighbourhood. The store’s regular Instagram spotlight on fashionable customers shows how Vancouverites are embracing the company’s secondhand style. The Only offers many of the classic streetwear, so-uglythey’re-cute Hawaiian shirts
and vintage footwear found at other stores on this list, but it’s also a go-to for overalls and coveralls—it’s the spot to visit for utilitarian-chic looks (whether you’re actually planning on getting any carpentry projects done or not). theonlyvintage.com
2
Cherry VintagePick
For the Streetwear Style Icon 2754 W Broadway Cherry Pick also came on the scene in late 2023, finding a home in the former Pulpfiction Kits location (RIP). Streetwear is Cherry Pick’s specialty: find loose-fitting denim, graphic tees, cozy sweatshirts and letterman jackets here. The brand also recently opened a location in Victoria—check it out on your next Island weekend getaway. shopcherry.ca
3 Lili and Vince
For the Grandmillennial 3175 W Broadway “Grandmillennial” is a term generally used in interior design (folks in their 30s embracing the furniture and home decor of older generations), but the trend has found its way into the fashion world, too.
It’s a little cottagecore, a little kitschy and full of texture—and if that’s your jam, get to Lili and Vince, STAT. Bold patterns, floor-length dresses and knit and crocheted goods make up the bulk of this store (and there are plenty of cool ceramics, too). @liliandvince
4 Revival
For the Fashionable Vacationer 2408 Main St. Revival embraces a flowy, coastal vibe: think bright, va-
cation-ready dresses, big floral prints and comfy classics designed for taking in the sun. The Main Street store opened earlier this year, and partners with other local businesses (like Bad Academy and A Simple Homebody) to foster a sense of community. mainrevival.com
5
Hunter and Hare
For the Chic Minimalist 227 Union St. & 4366 Main St. Earthy neutrals and delicate prints make up the majority of clothing here: it’s a great place to go for versatile pieces that are guaranteed to pair with the wardrobe staples you already have. hunterandhare.com
VINTAGESHOP
LIKE PRO
A quartet of tips for making the most of your next treasure hunt.
Always Check the Tags
Fast fashion can find its way to thrift and consignment stores, and your cute “vintage” trousers might just be hot garbage. Look up brands, and check that fibre content: cotton, wool, linen and silk are green flags.
Use a Measuring Tape
Sizes on tags won’t be consistent across brands. Bring a measuring tape so you can get a sense of how something fits you even if change rooms aren’t available. Many vintage shops will have a measuring tape on hand if you forget—just ask.
Go Early and Often Shop early: slow mornings on the sales floor allow staff more time to put new items out. Most places get new product daily or weekly, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t find anything you like: there’s always next time.
Don’t Forget the Accessories
There’s more in store than clothing; the insiders we interviewed never skip the racks holding bags, belts, scarves, ties and jewellery. You’ll find very high-quality goods tucked in the depths of an accessory bin.
Chatterbox Falls
Louisa inlet
Even the biggest food lover needs something to keep them busy between meals—and between Vancouver’s hiking trails, galleries, dance parties, drag shows, comedy nights, galleries and beautiful beaches, you’ll find plenty to do here to work that appetite back up.
PLAY
Hit the golf course, the tennis court and the bike trail on the same day: Vancouver’s got it all (as our “Get Outside” section starting on page 69 proves).
PHOTO BY TANYA GOEHRING; CLOTHING AND GEAR COURTESY OF MEC; GRAVEL BIKE COURTESY OF WEST POINT CYCLES;
The Ultimate Vancouver To-Do List
From dance parties to rowdy wrestling shows, here are 25 ways to find a good time in Vancouver, any day of the week. by
STACEY MCLACHLAN
1. FILL YOUR CUP
Creative Mornings feeds more than just your mind with its lowbarrier, always-inspiring breakfast lecture series: there’s free coffee and snacks, too. Speakers at the monthly event range from mural artists to dance-company creative directors, but the community here provides just as much creative inspo. creativemornings.com
2. POP SOME BOTTLES
Vin Van’s sporadic pop-up wine bars and laid-back Ellis Building wine-and-disco nights always feature fun, curated bottles and cocktails, a cool-kid crowd and a great vinyl soundtrack. Sip your new fave funky French orange wine and rub elbows with the friendliest wine nerds in town. vinvan.ca
3. SLIDE INTO CREATIVE COMMUNITY
Put a few creative types on stage to talk about what inspires them, and you might find it challenging to rein them back in. But the folks behind PechaKucha have the concept of a rapid-paced, tight little dose of creative inspiration down to an
art. Each presenter gets a chance to show 20 images for 20 seconds each, speaking to what’s on screen before it automatically transitions to the next, which makes for an energizing night for everyone. pechakuchavancouver.com
4. HIT THE TRAILS
Make sure to mark down your parking spot somewhere before you enter the sprawling Pacific Spirit Park . It’s easy to take one too many twists and turns along trails that
crisscross under towering firs... but even if your forest bathing experience takes a little longer than planned, the fresh, earthy air will keep plenty of pep in your step. vancouvertrails.com
5. LIGHT IT UP
Whatever your religious persuasion, Fever’s candlelit concerts at Christ Church Cathedral are an otherworldly experience—even when (or especially when?) the music program is a tribute to Coldplay, Queen or video games—experienced in the city’s most unique (or at least most-stained-glass-heavy) venue. feverup.com
6. HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME
Head on up to the UBC campus and the Beaty Biodiversity Museum, where a staggering collection of preserved specimens—over two million!—awaits to either delight or gross you right out. (This is a great place for young kids or the budding biologist in your life.) The crown jewel of the space, of course, is the massive blue whale skeleton that hangs in the modernist museum’s glass atrium—an awe-inspiring sight at any age. beatymuseum .ubc.ca
7. GO TREASURE HUNTING
The Vancouver Flea Market has been running since 1983, and the 40,000-square-foot warehouse (a.k.a.“The Big Red Barn”) is continuously packed with vintage curios and big-ticket antiques alike. You could spend your whole weekend exploring this treasure trove and still not truly see it all— good thing it’s a weekly affair, then. vancouverfleamarket.com
Beaty Biodiversity Museum
Pacific Spirit Park
Fever’s Candlelight Concerts
8. BOO AT BEEFCAKES
Boom Pro Wrestling enthusiasts faithfully gather at the Commercial Drive Legion on the last Saturday of every month to watch their favourite wrestlers (like bad-boy lifeguard Brady Malibu or former U.S. president Abraham Lincoln) hurl their bodies around the room—and to laugh, sip cheap beer, cheer on the underdogs and heckle the villains, all while sporting the merch of their chosen beefy hero. Many even drag along their grandparents and kids to soak up the excitement. It’s a real melee of energy and comradery... and a place to belong, whether you’re wearing spandex or not. boomprowrestling.com
9. DRAG YOURSELF TO THE BIRDHOUSE
What kind of fun will you find at The Birdhouse? It’s more a question of what you won’t find. From draglesque and drag brunches to karaoke and dance parties, most events focus on drag and gender performance; deejays and live music round out the lineup. “Queers have all kinds of fun, silly and creative ideas for events,” says co-founder Ryn Broz. “We try to offer a variety of programming, so as to not pigeonhole ourselves into one genre.” @birdhouseartspace
10. MAKE YOUR MARK AT THE MARKET
Even if you’re not in the market for produce, Vancouver Farmers Markets offer plenty to snack on: whether you’re in Riley Park, False Creek, Kitsilano or Trout Lake, discover live music, artisanal wares and some top-notch people-watching May through October (or year-round if you’re game to bundle up for the Winter Markets). eatlocal.org
11. DANCE IT OUT
Self-billed as Vancouver’s best dance party for early risers, Home by Midnight eschews the usual “let’s go dancing!” hiccups that scare off the 30-plus set—the threat of “doors open at 10,” for
one—in favour of a dance floor full of comfortable footwear and a strict 8 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. schedule. homebymidnight.ca
12. RIDDLE ME THIS
While you can find pub trivia in any ’hood, on any night, it’s worth seeking out those hosted by IQ 2000. There’s a fine art to crafting Qs that are both challenging and accessible, and the prolific trivia host knows just how to hit that balance—find him at places like Bomber Brewing and test your mettle. iq2000trivia.com
13. ROCK AND ROLL
Rolla Skate Club rocks out regularly at the PNE’s Rollerland,
so get laced up and roll out to one of their Glam-O-Rama roller discos or soul-themed skates. Unsteady on your feet? Classes for adults and youth will get you wheel-y confident. rollaskateclub.com
14. DISCOVER DANCE
If your knowledge of ballet begins and ends with The Nutcracker, book yourself a seat at Ballet BC ’s next show and prepare to have your mind blown. This is a pure
contemporary exploration of the genre—visceral, powerful, innovative shows that are truly on pointe. balletbc.com
15. GO TO THE GALLERY
The events calendar at Commercial Drive’s Slice of Life gallery is enough to fill up your schedule for a month on its own: speed dating, a mini-mart, life drawing classes and more await. (Plus the usual art gallery fare, like opening night receptions and talks from up-and-coming visual artists.) slicevancouver.ca
16. SET SAIL FOR FUN
Hop on the SeaBus and set sail for the Lonsdale Quay Shipyards. The public plaza hosts fun year-round— free outdoor concerts, movies in the summer, night markets in the fall, public firepits in the winter—all backed with a twinkling view of downtown Van. The stunning Polygon Gallery (and its excellent gift shop!) is worth a visit while you’re over there, too. cnv.org
Ballet BC
The Shipyards
SeaBus
Slice of Life
17. LAUGH OUT LOUD
After shuttering its original location three years ago, cult-fave comedy club Little Mountain Gallery is back in Gastown. Catch big-shot comics (like Juno winner Ivan Decker) alongside Canada’s next big comedy stars; experimental sketch and improv shows from the city’s best fill the rest of the calendar. littlemountaingallery.ca
18. FIND A FRONT-ROW SEAT
Guilt and Company remains the city’s go-to local music venue: the intimate cabaret is one of the rare spots to catch local talent any day of the week. The lineup is delightfully eclectic—psychedelic reggae one day, modern country the next—but it’s always the perfect soundtrack for enjoying a cocktail. guiltandcompany.com
19. TAKE YOURSELF OUT TO THE BALL GAME
Though the minor-league Vancouver Canadians also play at night, a Nooner at the Nat (Nat Bailey Stadium) is an enduring Vancouver tradition. Whenever you go, be warned that the sushi races, threefoot hot dogs and base-dancing might steal more of your attention than the actual game. milb.com
20. FEEL THE BEAT
Dance fitness might be Formation’s main move, but this Mount Pleasant studio is about more than breaking a sweat. Connection cards and table games prompt conversation in the common areas
and partnerships with nearby businesses (like sunset classes on Pavilion Cowork’s rooftop) bring the neighbourhood together. theformationstudio.com
21. SALUTE THE SILVER SCREEN
Cinema nerds unite at the delightful, 153-seat Cinematheque, where screenings celebrate international film all year long and true cinephiles can lose themselves in the extensive Film Reference Library. The Film Club family matinee series is ideal for budding movie lovers (and for rainy afternoons). thecinematheque.ca
22. CELEBRATE SUNDAY FUNDAY
The Sunday Service is Vancou-
ver’s longest-running weekly improv show for a reason—there’s no better way to counteract the Sunday Scaries than by cry-laughing at the on-stage antics from your cozy balcony seat in the Fox Cabaret. thesundayservice.ca
23. GO HOLLYWOOD
Yes, the Hollywood Theatre is an events venue. But it’s also a (beautiful) retort to anyone who’s ever dared to call this city a bore. On any given night of the week, you’ll find fans lined up down the block to see their favourite artist, or stepping through the art deco entryway to make new friends on the dance floor. Despite its glamorous historic facade, it’s a space that delivers an authentic, decidedly punk-rock vibe. No matter what’s on the agenda, the Hollywood is committed to smashing Vancouver’s “no
fun city” rep night after night after night. hollywoodtheatre.ca
24. CRUISE THE GREENWAY
The Arbutus Greenway may only be nine kilometres tip to tail, but we find that you can easily stretch a bike ride into a wholeday affair if you plan it right... like starting at Beaucoup Bakery for a disastrously messy croissant and americano, then using the caffeine and carbs to power yourself south up and over the poppy-and-buttercup-lined path. It’s the sort of ride—a mix of get-the-heart-rateup slopes and thrilling downhill stretches—that’ll have you regularly turning to your bike mates to shout “Isn’t this the best?!” over the whiz of tires and clicking of gears. vancouver.ca
25. FILL YOUR BELLY
Ostensibly, the Richmond Night Market is a shopping experience (the number of quirky phone cases you’ll find here is downright staggering) but the real draw is the Instagram-bait snacks. Come hungry: crème brûlée crêpes, mile-high cup noodles and butter beer await, April through October. richmondnightmarket.com
SUSHI RACE AT NOONER AT THE NAT
HOLLYWOOD THEATRE
RICHMOND NIGHT MARKET
GET OUTSIDE
As any Vancouverite knows, summer is a limited, special time—the days are long but our sunny-day to-do list is always longer. So how do you make the most of every bike ride, forest hike or tennis date? You ask the experts. That’s why we grilled our outdoorsiest friends to get all the insider’s tips we could cram into our metaphorical all-weather hiking backpack. BY THE EDITORS
PHOTO BY TANYA GOEHRING; CLOTHING AND GEAR COURTESY OF MEC; GRAVEL BIKE COURTESY OF WEST POINT CYCLES; HAIR AND MAKEUP BY KATIE ELWOOD; MODELLING BY RONALD DARIO AND KERRI DONALDSON OF TREAT SHOW COMEDY
THE BIG RIDE
There are people who cycle to get around, and then there are Bike People, for whom biking is about the journey, not the destination. These are the folks who plan their weekends in kilometres and always have a pannier packed and ready to go—and they’re also the experts* we turn to for the best routes when we’re ready for a little twowheeled adventure.
*Special thanks to bike-thusiasts Amanda Fentiman, Kody Huard, Jeff Leeder and Kim Sicoli
THE SEYMOUR DAM
Bike buds say: “The absolute jewel of Vancouver riding.”
Ideal if: You’re dreaming of a pedal-powered forest jaunt.
Distance: 20 kilometres there and back.
If you’ve got a car and you don’t want to cycle over the Ironworkers Bridge, start this beautiful ride right from the parking lot of the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve. (Braver souls with stronger calves can bike themselves to the starting line, of course.)
Either way, Conservation Road is worth the trek: it’s paved and closed off to vehicles, so you’re just gliding along a tranquil path of punchy hills and smooth descents. (One
of our biking correspondents described it as “hilly but not too hilly.”) The route winds through towering trees, over trickling creeks and past quaint picnic areas, so please: pack snacks. It’s easy to do an out-and-back ride here, but if you want to turn things into a loop once you get to the Seymour Dam at the end, you can take the gravel road down the other side of the river (see page 72 for more on this gravel ride!)—watch out for vehicles, though, and make sure your bike is up to the challenge.
HELMET-HAIR HIGH
Take a spin on the (clockwise from top) Richmond West Dyke, E&N Rail Trail or Seymour Dam.
VANCOUVER TO STEVESTON
Bike buds say: “The perfect weekend ride.”
Ideal if: You’re looking for a long Sunday morning jaunt that ends with fish and chips.
Distance: About 40 kilometres there and back.
Hop on the Arbutus Greenway at 10th Avenue to avoid the construction and pedal south: you’re pointing yourself toward the thrilling Canada Line Bikeway Bridge, which runs underneath the Skytrain over the Fraser River (ooh la la!). Hop on at West Kent Avenue and Ash Street to get yourself over to North Richmond. There’s an admittedly not-great chunk of the ride here as you manoeuver yourself to the Richmond West Dyke Trail, but once you’re on it, you’ve got four breezy, traffic-free kilometres of river views. At McCallan Road, take the smooth, straight 6K stretch of the railway bike path to Steveston. Snag a bite to eat and kick it at Garry Point Park before hopping back on the saddle for the journey home.
VANCOUVER TO PARKSVILLE
Bike buds say: “A moderate introduction to a multi-day ride.”
Ideal if: You’re looking for something to brag to your most athletic friends about and love any excuse to take the ferry.
Distance: 230-plus kilometres from Stanley Park and back.
Your weekend getaway starts with some sweat. Get yourself across the Lions Gate Bridge and take Marine Drive (“slower traffic, better views”) up to the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal. Enjoy the natural beauty of the ferry ride—and the sweet savings you get by not bringing a car—and then pop on to the E&N Rail Trail, which runs the length of Nanaimo and is a beautiful, breezy cyclist-safe road. At Lantzville, exit the trail and be wary: this is a less-than-pleasant 6K stretch on the Island Highway shoulder. But then you’ll take the Northwest Bay Road through some rural ’hoods, take a quick jaunt on East Island Highway and arrive at your destination: beautiful, beachy Parksville. Set up for the night at the B&B of your choosing and rest up, because you’ll do it all in reverse tomorrow.
MORE DAY TRIPS FOR ASPIRING GEARHEADS
BOWEN ISLAND
Bike to the ferry, bike around the island, bike back, stop for coffee at Bowen’s Tell Your Friends at some point along the way.
A triple-threat ride: up to the peaks of Grouse, Seymour and Cypress in one sweaty go.
k k k
SURREY TO BELLINGHAM
Cross the border into the U.S. and follow a network of farm roads past idyllic cornfields and cows toward Bellingham’s breweries.
TRIPLE CROWN
OR, IF THOSE RIDES ARE TOO EASY...
GET INTO GRAVEL
The surge in popularity of so-called gravel rides—literally, bike rides on gravel roads instead of traditional trails or pavement—is perhaps surprising. (Wait, you want to make the ride harder?) But paired with a gravel bike—sturdy and geared for tough hills thanks to new tech from bike manufacturers—a gravel road gets cyclists into wilderness that you just can’t access via traditional roads or trails. And as gravel ride evangelist Phil Alma notes, “B.C. is really blessed to have so many of them—literally tens of thousands of trails exist throughout the province. Just look at a map and say, ‘I want to go there.’”
FISHERMAN’S TRAIL
The Why Great for beginners
The Where Seymour Lake to Rice Lake
Fisherman’s Trail is an easily accessible ride from transit if you’re without a vehicle—the bus will get you almost to the trailhead at Rice Lake. It’s a north-south route that has the benefit of being a net uphill if you start from Rice Lake, and net downhill back from Seymour Lake— but you can cheat that a bit by warming up on the nearby paved Lower Seymour Conservation route to Seymour Lake, and then heading into the trail back to Rice Lake from there. You’ll also notice how different the trail feels to that manicured paved path—it will seem like you’re miles from the city in a remote little forest. And if you want a detour— take a gravel spur over to a very warm little lake known as both Lost Lake and Rolf Lake for a quick dip before you’re on the trail again.
SEA TO SKY TRAIL
The Why Test your tech skills
The Where North of Whistler
This is part of the Trans Canada Trail that runs parallel to Highway 99 up to Whistler, but parts of it are on highway, too. If you want to avoid the asphalt, pick up the Valley Trail in Whistler Village near the Audain Museum’s fourth parking lot. You’ll be on the east side of the highway and should expect a fair bit of up and down—be prepared to hop off and push your bike up a few hills. But it’s a wonderfully remote, very well-maintained trail. You’ll pass rivers and waterfalls—and also hit a few hairpin turns too, so it’s not a trail for first-timers. Remember that the trail runs in both directions, so keep your wits about you if you’re coming around a blind corner.
ROCKY ROADS
The right bike can take you anywhere: (clockwise from top) down the Sea to Sky Trail, to Pitt Marsh or up Fisherman’s Trail.
PITT MARSH
The Why Bonding with birds
The Where East of Pitt River
Take the Lougheed until you cross the Pitt River Bridge, and then park somewhere around the Old Dewdney Trunk Road exit. The trail is on the east side of the Pitt River and it’s another part of the Trans Canada Trail—a wonderful series of gravel rides that head north all the way to Pitt Marsh. You’ll see Pitt Lake and the mountains of Golden Ears Provincial Park (and it’s also an excellent spot for birding). Ride to the peak of the marsh and then southeast into more trails, where you’ll pass through tall grass and won’t spot a soul... save for a few ducks.
TAKE A DIP
In the U.K., swimming in natural bodies of water is known as “wild swimming,” and that’s a beautiful, feral vibe we recommend chasing this summer. Vancouver has no shortage of great outdoor pools (if we could vote for Kits Pool for mayor, we would), but there’s something special about a swimming hole. Most swimming hole lovers are tight-lipped about their favourite spots, but we got one outdoorsy insider to spill the beans after a glass of wine.
CYPRESS FALLS IN WEST VANCOUVER is the winner on a hot summer day (and it's quieter than Lynn Canyon and Capilano). Drive to the end of Woodgreen Place and follow the dirt road to a parking lot. From there, follow Cypress Creek for 40 minutes or so until you reach the dreamy, crystalline pools awaiting at the base of the waterfall.
THREE MORE SWIMMING HOLES THAT MAKE A SPLASH
It probably goes without saying, but these spots are unmonitored and are maintained by nature—swim at your own risk!
GRANNY’S COVE IN CAPILANO CANYON
It’s an ice-cold dip in this secluded pool, but if you dare to cross the Suspension Bridge while you’re here, the adrenaline might keep you warm enough. Please climb down the hill by the second parking lot for a civilized (and safe!) descent.
WHYTE LAKE
Hike two kilometres into Whyte Lake Park in West Vancouver to find the picturesque body of water that gives the area its name. Though it’s seen better days, the dock makes for an ideal spot for a post-walk or pre-dip beer.
MYSTERY LAKE
Where does a swimming hole end and a lake begin? We don’t really care, as long as we can splash around in this crystal-clear body of water on Mount Seymour. (The rocky “islands” at its centre make for an ideal touchstone for swimmers.)
35% Seawall
7% Pacific Spirit
7% Arbutus Greenway
7% UBC Endowment Lands
7% Central Valley Greenway
15% Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve
22% Inside Stanley Park
TAKE A SWING
“We’re spoiled for choice with our municipal courses,” says Haley Hnatiw. She should know: she started life on the links as a Kelowna kid, played varsity for UBC, pals around with golf pros and now runs a Scottish golf tour company called East Sands Golf Co. with her husband, Nick. Some call her obsessed—we call her for expert-level intel.
What’s the best course for a total beginner to tackle?
Langara is a great intro if it’s your first time on a course—it’s short and it’s right on the Skytrain line, making it very accessible if you don’t own a car.
What’s your favourite local course?
For the views alone, Capilano is hard to beat. It’s nestled into the British Properties in West Van and offers views of the Lions Gate Bridge, Stanley Park, downtown Vancouver, even Mount Baker. As far as public courses go, Fraserview is a big, majestic parkland course in East Van. It’s arguably one of the best layouts in the city, public and private combined.
What’s the most underrated course in the Lower Mainland?
Might be a hot take, but I would choose to play Squamish Valley Golf Club over just about anything in Whistler. The views are just as good, and the course is extremely fun—plus it’s half as far from the city (and about half the price).
What’s the biggest surprise about the golf scene in Vancouver?
THE GOLF GOODS
A trio of local brands driving hard into the competitive golf market.
1 Vancouver-based Haywood is giving Titleist a run for its money with high-tech titanium goods, like its slick, low-spin, lightweight driver head ($399). haywoodgolf.com
2 Not ready to invest in waterproof golf shoes? Vessi makes an affordable, locally designed alternative... and the Stormburst low tops ($160) look great with a pair of classic plaid golf pants. vessi.com
3 When you’ve really caught the golf bug and are ready to start personalizing your gear (“It’s a thing,” shrugs Hnatiw), Golf (from $80) are a cult favourite. rawhidegolf.com
Our pitch and putt courses are sneaky good! The Queen E Park course was designed by the same golf course architect who built courses like Shaughnessy and Marine Drive. 1 2
3
25% Squamish
25% Whistler
14% Alta Lake
12% Bowen Island
12% Davis Bay Beach (Sechelt)
12% Steveston Village
HOW TO ROCK OUT
If you’re intimidated by rock climbing... don’t be, says Amanda Kao, founder of the Bad Climbers Club. “Join groups and go out with people who know what they’re doing,” she advises. “The climbing gym is a great place to meet people.”
Kao’s own club is one great starting point, but there are plenty of beginner-friendly, inclusive groups around town—from the Gen Z-run Balancing Act to Van Queer Climbers and the South Asian Climbers Coalition. And once you’ve learned the ropes (har har har), Kao recommends Sully’s Hangout near Lynn Loop in North Vancouver: “It’s a cool spot—temperature and popularity-wise—with easy-going, accessible climbing.”
HANG IN THERE
OUTSIDER INSIDERS ALSO RECOMMEND...
CHEK CANYON RECREATION SITE (SQUAMISH)
Secret sources say: “It’s a bit of a Disneyland for climbers. There are free tent pads and spots, or you can sleep in your car on the lot. It’s at the end of a forest service road so it’s a fun drive and a dead end—there are only climbers there. People chat with each other, there are dogs and kids. There are many different areas and routes so there’s a bit of something for everybody.”
PET WALL IN MURRIN PARK (SQUAMISH)
Secret sources say: “It’s a very imposing cliff with very famous routes. After you climb you can jump in the water at the lake! But get there early to get a parking spot.”
CYPRESS FALLS PARK (WEST VANCOUVER)
Secret sources say: “This is great for bouldering! You don’t need a rope, harness and all the gear— you’re set with your climbing shoes and a mat.”
DON’T TELL ANYONE ABOUT THIS ROOFTOP TENNIS COURT
There is no shortage of great tennis courts in Vancouver. Besides the private clubs (we see you, Jericho!) there are a whopping 174 public courts available across the city, meaning there’s always going to be a spot out there somewhere for you to smack a ball around. Some feature ocean views; others are a little, uh, grittier; but none are quite as special as the hidden tennis courts on top of a parking garage at 600 Moberly Road. Five courts are surrounded by a very tall fence, so there’s no risk of overshooting into traffic below, but the thrill of swinging your racquet around above it all can’t be contained.
Sully’s Hangout is the place to put your climbing-gym skills to the test.
YOU’VE CONQUERED THE CHIEF...
NOW WHAT?
If you’re not in the mood to climb the Squamish’s Stawamus Chief trail while looking at the backsides of the 100 other people in front of you who decided to rise and grind on a Sunday morning, it’s time to consider some alternative weekend hikes. And there’s no better person to ask than Stephen Hui, author of Best Hikes and Nature Walks with Kids in and Around Southwestern British Columbia, who has an encyclopedic knowledge of all the region’s best hiking routes. Whether you’re a fair-weather forest-walker or a hardcore hike afficionado, Hui’s got your next great hike covered.
FIND A NEW GRIND
Whistler’s Blackcomb Burn boasts more elevation gain than any other lift-serviced ascent trail in southwestern B.C. Make sure to dress for sweat-cess, because Whistler Blackcomb engineered the Burn to provide a virtually continuous uphill climb. Along the way, you’ll enter an alpine snow forest with cedar trees that are hundreds of years old. Take time to savour the valley views and colourful wildflowers from the snowless ski runs. Before downloading on the Blackcomb Gondola, celebrate with a pint at the Rendezvous Lodge.
(WHISTLER’S BLACKCOMB BURN) TOURISM WHISTLER/JUSTA JESKOVA; (THREE BEARS) STEPHEN HUI
THE HILLS ARE ALIVE Get out to (clockwise from top left) the
Bears.
TIP
PURSUE SOME FLOWER POWER
While the turquoise waters of Lindeman Lake are the big attraction for hikers in Sx̱ótsaqel/Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park, nearby Flora Pass is just as worthwhile a destination. Starting from the same busy trailhead, you’ll climb to meadows bursting with bright flora. In open terrain, earn sweeping views of Chilliwack Lake. From your ridge crest destination, peer down at gleaming Flora Lake and enjoy the peace and quiet, far from the hustle and bustle of Lindeman.
HAPPIER TRAILS
Looking for a hiking buddy? Wanderung is an email-based Vancouver social network that connects folks for group hikes and cycling trips. wanderung.ca
PLAN AN ISLAND GETAWAY
An island day trip can feel as invigorating as a week away. The ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Bowen Island (Nex̱wlélex̱wm) takes only 20 minutes. Foot passengers can scale the island’s tallest peak and be back in Vancouver for dinner. From the ferry dock, a pleasant stroll in Crippen Regional Park leads to the foot of Mount Gardner. Navigate the web of forest trails to surmount the north summit. Bask in the big Salish Sea views from the helipads up top. Back at Snug Cove, reward yourself with ice cream before boarding your return ferry.
TAKE THE KIDS OUT
You may not see Goldilocks in the Chilliwack Community Forest, but you’ll find Three Bears. Like a river on a floodplain, this delightful path meanders through lovely woods, offering a relaxed grade and plenty of opportunities for snack breaks. Interpretive panels will engage inquisitive young minds. The forest lies in Stó:lō territory, and a few of the trails have names in the Halq’eméylem language.
READERS’ CHOICE: FAVOURITE PICNIC SPOT
50% Whatever Park Is Closest to Your House
21% Jericho Beach
14% Queen Elizabeth Park Rose Garden
14% Spanish Banks
1% Other
“Walking along the beach from Kits to Granville Island”
“Kayaking”
“Walking when the tide is out with my dog (always) and a friend (sometimes)”
“Swimming”
“Beach picnics with out-of-town friends” “Forest bathing”
“Biking to a park with friends and a six-pack”
Blackcomb Burn, Flora Pass, the Bowen Island Ferry or Three
“7 a.m. roller blade around Stanley Park and then a swim at Third Beach”
WHICH BEACH SHOULD I GET A SUNBURN AT TODAY?
Torn between our bounty of beautiful beaches? Let our flow chart make the decision for you.
Do you have access to a bathing suit?
Are you willing to journey to the West End?
Do you need to be within 15 feet of a Cactus Club at all times? Does the rhythm of a drum circle move your heart and spirit?
Do you want to find out if you’re immune to swimmer’s itch?
If you don’t have a big log to set your towel in front of, do you feel unmoored?
Do you like your beach days with a side of cute pups?
Do you want to play Spikeball with my Australian boyfriend?
Do you insist that the volleyball scene in Top Gun was the peak of cinema?
YOU DISAGREE? I’LL FIGHT
A TENTS SITUATION
Surrey resident and irrepressible camper Shannon Gibbs has been running her blog, Camp That Site, for a decade now, and has filled it with hundreds of recommendations from her journeys into the woods—at first with her two kids and a tent-trailer in tow, now parking in luxury with her husband and a 25-foot RV. (Full disclosure: she’s also the aunt of Vanmag’s editor-in-chief.) With competition for provincial park sites at an all-time high—demand is up 200 percent from 2014—there’s no better person to ask for wisdom about snagging a hot spot to pitch your tent in peace.
FORGET THE WEEKENDS
If you’ve got any flexibility about your dates, Monday to Friday camping is your best bet. “Weekends are almost impossible to book,” says Gibbs. “If you want a weekend, you really have to plan to arrive on a weekday.”
EMBRACE THE PATH LESS TAKEN
Provincial campgrounds are the deluxe accommodation option— easily accessible, staffed with caretakers—and highly competitive to book. “Recreational Sites,” meanwhile, are also provincially managed, but are a little more rugged (and a
lot less busy). They’re typically first come, first serve, and sometimes even free. Often, though, they’re off the beaten path, so you might need a hardy vehicle (or even a boat!) to get there.
HOP A FERRY
“The hidden gems are all on the Island,” says Gibbs. The cost of taking a ferry over can be prohibitive for car or RV campers, so if you’re willing to take the hit, Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast offer a smorgasbord of spectacular sites (Bella Pacifica Campground in Tofino, for one).
INTO THE WOODS
Pitch a tent at Golden Ears Provincial Park, Port Hardy’s Cluxewe Resort (top) or the beachside Bella Pacifica Campground in Tofino (right).
PURSUE PRIVATE PARKS
Even if you’re a capitalism-hating Marxist, you have to admit: sometimes, the free market delivers. Private campgrounds are there to fill in the gaps when provincial parks let you down—like the oceanfront Cluxewe Resort and Campground outside of Port Hardy. “You can usually book private sites a year out, and often get first right of refusal to keep your week, year after year,” adds Gibbs.
KEEP IT LOCAL
Maybe it feels like less of an adventure to camp in the Lower Mainland, but when Osoyoos is all booked up, Langley’s Edgewater Bar Campground—operated by Metro Vancouver—is there for you with a sparkling (though unfortunately un-swimmable) riverside spot.
PADDLE TO THE METAL
Stikine’s portable packrafts take up minimal space in your front hall closet when folded closed, and expand to carry you gracefully over the open waters. (The smallest is only 2.7 kilograms, so you won’t work up too much of a sweat before you get your paddle on.) From $800, stikinepack rafts.com
SHARING IS CARING
While a resourceful individual probably could make do in the woods without much, Naked and Afraid-style, for a memorable long weekend, most of us find that the right gear is what turns a camping trip from tolerable to when-can-we-do-this-again fun. And yet, hauling all the necessary stuff for #camplife can be an obstacle for camping-curious visitors. Luckily, a slew of community resources and businesses are out there, eager to lend a helping hand (and tarps—don’t forget the tarps).
PACKLIST Camping essentials are delivered right to your door and picked up when your big adventure is over. Select products à la carte (a two-person tent is $30) or grab a pre-set package, like the $105 Backpacking Essentials kit, which includes a compact cooking system, a lightweight sleeping pad, trekking poles and a big ol’ backpack to carry it all. packlist.ca
RENT A TENT Customize your perfect package (maybe you know you’re going to get into a fight with your partner if you have to share a tent) or grab one of the standard sets: the $40-a-day Small Tent package includes self-inflating mats, folding chairs, a lantern and a propane stove, along with pots and more essentials. rent-a-tent-canada.com
SPORTS JUNKIES Need to travel light? Sports Junkies’ hiking kits (from $65 a night) have everything you need to venture into the wilderness by foot. Car camping kits (from $80 a night) include a more robust set of supplies, including a cooler, chairs and a two-burner stove. sportsjunkies.com
BUY NOTHING GROUPS Facebook may be a bit quiet these days, but the Buy Nothing groups are still alive and well over there. Find a neighbourhood chapter and see what previously loved pup tent or needs-a-new-home stove you might be able to adopt. buynothingproject.org
Alice Lake Runners Up: Montague Harbour on Galiano; Golden Ears; “The Fairmont Pacific Rim”
BREATHE just
Between economic uncertainty and the climate emergency, there are plenty of good reasons for us all to feel a titch stressed right now. Luckily, Vancouver is a city where there are equally as many ways to chill back out. by KERRI DONALDSON, ALYSSA HIROSE, STACEY MCLACHLAN AND ANICKA QUIN
The Oil Change
SENSE AT THE ROSEWOOD HOTEL GEORGIA
801 W GEORGIA ST.
If you could start every day with warm oil drizzled down your spine—as it does when you take a Sensory Journey (from $705) at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia’s Sense spa—well, every day would almost certainly be excellent. The “journey” is a half-day session at the spa that covers Sense’s most popular treatments—from massage to facial to mani/pedi—with a recharge of a spa lunch at your midpoint (a mod Cobb salad loaded with healthy chunks of lobster, perfect avocado, eggs... and a blissful moment to dive into a rom-com novel, a warmed pillow resting on your once-tense shoulders). And what a journey it is. Once your therapist moves from the full-body massage to a double-cleansing facial, her fingers dancing like raindrops across your face, you’ll wonder why all massages and facials don’t come as a duo treatment by default. (Particularly when she revisits that knot behind your scapula as the enzymatic exfoliant does its tingling good work on your face.) By the time you’re tilted back in a zero-gravity chair for your soakless pedi three hours later, you’ll be as zen as a woman who started her day with warm oil poured down her spine—and ready to float down Georgia Street on your way back home. rosewoodhotels.com
1.
PHOTO BY EVA GRACE PHOTOGRAPHY; STYLING
The Five-Star Forest Bath
FAIRMONT SPA AT FAIRMONT PACIFIC RIM
1038 CANADA PL.
Nowhere but the Fairmont Spa would mud and salt feel like such luxurious balms. In the Fairmont Pacific Rim’s awardwinning fifth-floor spa, the Canadian Wilderness Retreat treatment (from $319) leans hard into the West Coast’s natural wonders. An invigorating hemp-and-sea-salt scrub is applied with fresh seaweed before your full-body massage with cedar- and orange-infused Canadian Wilderness oil; the experience wraps up with a grounding foot mask of glacial clay and an ooh-that-tingles scalp massage. You’ll be invited to choose your soundtrack from a curated music menu, but ocean sounds are the way to go for this particular treatment: in the dark room, the scent of the rainforest and the crashing of waves is downright transportive. Don’t forget your swimsuit: the intimate jacuzzi and mineral baths on the terrace, available two hours pre- or post-treatment, are worth the price of
admission alone. (Saunas and steam rooms are available, too.) There’s no wrong time of day to pop in, of course, but an evening treatment here, with those terrace pools lit up and the city lights twinkling below, feels at once cozy and luxurious... particularly when followed up with an old fashioned at the Lobby Lounge downstairs. fairmontpacificrim.com
DOWNTOWN DETOX
Settling in for an afternoon at the Willow Stream’s pools—an oasis amid Coal Harbour towers—is an escape, even without a full-on treatment.
The Zero-Gravity Peace Pod
HÄLSA FLOAT SPA 2028 W 4TH AVE.
Prior to actually trying it out, you might assume that floating naked in a zero-gravity pod full of Epsom saltwater is a living nightmare. But the genesis pods (80 minutes, $75) at Hälsa float spa aren’t scary at all: you have full
3.
control over the lights, music and, most importantly, the pod door (which opens very easily). Each pod is in its own private, spacious room, complete with shower for scrubbing off post-float. In fact, you might spend the first 10 or so minutes not in fear, but in boredom—how are you supposed to entertain yourself for 80 minutes suspended in saltwater? But then, before you know it, a gentle voice is telling you that time is up. What seemed like something that would be a stressful experience turns out to be so peaceful that it’s common to fall asleep—and have one of the best naps you’ve ever experienced. halsa.ca
The Sublime Soak
CHI, THE SPA AT SHANGRI-LA
1128 W GEORGIA ST.
If you’re a self-identified “bath person,” take heed: Chi, The Spa, tucked away on the fifth floor of Vancouver’s luxury Shangri-La hotel, is a soak-lover’s paradise. In the temple-like private suite, a roomy infinity bath awaits if you book a Queen of Hearts “journey” ($450), filled to the brim with relaxing Lola Apothecary rose milk, the ideal medium for melting your cares away (while giving big Cleopatra vibes). But this is no ordinary tub: optional colour-changing lighting helps put you in a 30-minute meditative trance. This dreamy state carries through into your massage (signalled by a hand bell, because time does not exist in this space), which incorporates warm rose quartz crystals, soothing oils and hot towels to dissolve away any remaining stress. Then, turn your attention to your breathwork as you step into your eucalyptus steam shower, followed by a tea service (choose from a variety of organic teas, from herbal to black) that awaits to transition you out of your blissful haze and back to relaxed reality.
4.
SOAK IT UP
Chi, The Spa at Shangri-La has an extensive menu of “journeys,” each of which (rightfully) incorporates an indulgent, ritualistic bath.
If your obsession with water-based activities is still not sated, soak a little longer in the spa’s terrace pool or hot tub—you’ll need a swimsuit for this one, though. shangri-la.com
The Magic Moment
MIRAJ
HAMMAM 1495 W 6TH AVE.
It would be easy to take the magic that is Miraj Hammam for granted: they’ve been quietly brightening up their little corner of south Granville for over 20 years now. And on a rainy Tuesday, there’s nothing better than stepping inside this little jewelbox. The hammam—a steamfilled room, lined with Jerusalem gold marble, that’s inspired by traditional Middle Eastern hammams—is yours and yours alone when you arrive. After your soak in the steam, a spa attendant exfoliates you from stem to stern with black Moroccan soap in mesmerizing movements toward your heart, a combo of both massage and skin-stimulating exfoliation known as gommage. And do gild the lily with a posttreatment massage ($235, massage with hammam and gommage) in a room lined with arched clerestory windows—you’ll practically melt into the velvet pillows of the lounge room afterward as you sip traditional tea and snack on biscuits. True bliss. mirajhammam.com
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HOT & COLD
What’s hot right now in the spa world?
Getting ice-cold. An impressive number of circuit spas that offer sauna-and-cold-plunge experiences, Scandinavian style, have popped up around the city in recent years. Here’s where to get in on this steamy trend.
→ GATHERWELL
125 W Broadway
Gatherwell hosts super-social community sessions, but if you’re not feeling chatty, breathwork is highly encouraged. gatherwell.ca
→ TALITY
107 E 3rd Ave .
The popular North Van secret spa is now in Mount Pleasant. And while they’re not so secret anymore, they’re still offering all-you-can-drink kombucha. talitywellness.ca
→ KOLM KONTRAST
101–525 W 5th Ave.
The newest sauna spot in town features a 50-person sauna and essential-oil infused snowballs thrown right on the heater. kolmkontrast.com
→ CIRCLE WELLNESS
1297 Johnston St.
Shipping containers have been converted into sumptuous personal spas on Granville Island. circlewellnessspas.com
→ THE FINNISH SAUNA Mobile
The mobile sauna comes to you and your buds at the beach. Ocean dip, anyone? thefinnishsauna.ca
→ THE NORDIC SPA AT THE FAIRMONT PACIFIC RIM
1038 Canada Pl.
A cozy wooden sauna pod and cold tubs sit beside the already lovely pool and jacuzzi at the Pac Rim. fairmontpacificrim.com
→ THE GOOD SAUNA
1216 Franklin St.
This pop-up sauna and plunge-tub experience (complete with fire pit!) is currently on the patio at Container Brewing. thegoodsauna.com
BEST DAY EVER
When you touch down in a city with so many options for fun things to do and delicious things to eat (see: every other page in this guide), it can be a little overwhelming—where to begin? To help you organize the possibilities, we tapped three local creatives and asked them to share their own itineraries for the perfect Vancouver day. Copy their schedules or customize ’em to your heart’s content—your day is whatever you want it to be.
SEAWALL JAUNTS & TIMEPIECE GEEKERY
with Carson Ting Artist and illustrator; principal, Chairman Ting Art and Design Studio
7:00 a.m. Jog it out on the seawall. “Enter through the causeway by the rowing club, and follow the path past the lighthouse, Siwash Rock and endless ocean views. It’s a 10-kilometre stretch of pure magic—the perfect distance to wake up the mind.” 450 Stanley Park Dr., vancouver.ca
8:00 a.m. Grab a cortado at Greenhorn Cafe. “I get mine with soy, always paired with one of their awesome peanut butter cookies. They’re perfect for dunking.” 994 Nicola St., greenhorncafe.com
8:30 a.m. Breakfast seaside at the Sylvia Hotel. “I usually go for the Jogger’s Breakfast with sunny-side eggs. It comes with crispy potatoes and rye toast, plus unlimited coffee. Sitting there, watching English Bay, never gets old.” 1154 Gilford St., sylviahotel.com
10:00 a.m. Get back to the beach. “Even after a full seawall run, I love a post-breakfast stroll along English Bay with my wife and kids. Skipping rocks, digging in the sand—it’s our thing. Simple, timeless fun.” Gilford St. and Beach Ave., vancouver.ca
11:00 a.m. Nerd out on luxury watches.
“Alberni Street is a paradise for horology nerds, so I like to do the rounds: Rolex, Tudor, Panerai. Jaeger-LeCoultre is a must-visit, mainly to geek out with Charlie, a walking encyclopedia of watch history. They have an Atmos clock on display—an engineering marvel
that runs indefinitely, powered by slight temperature changes. Google it; it’s wild.” Alberni St., rolex.com; tudor watch.com; panerai .com; jaegerlecoultre .com
12:00 p.m.
Order a bento at a secret rooftop resto.
“Eat Bar and Patio Haraheri is a hidden gem, tucked away on the rooftop of RBC and Honolulu Coffee. The vegan bento box is great. Take off your shoes, settle into a window seat and soak in the natural light flooding through the floor-to-ceiling windows. In the summer, the outdoor seating is a dream.” 101–888 Nelson St., haraheri.ca
1:00 p.m. Take in some art at the VAG. “I’ll stroll down Robson and stop by the Vancouver Art Gallery for a dose of inspiration.” 750 Hornby St., vanartgallery.bc.ca
2:00 p.m. Snack on a s’mores bar at Mister. “I make a beeline for Mister on Robson and Bute for a s’mores ice cream bar. They torch the marshmallow right in front of you.” 1193 Robson St., made bymister.com
4:00 p.m. Cheer on the ’Caps. “If there’s a Whitecaps game happening, I grab my jersey, round up the family and head to BC Place. Nothing beats the energy of a last-minute match and cheering like maniacs.” 777 Pacific Blvd. , whitecapsfc.com
8:00 p.m. Break out the chopsticks at Kirin. “The vibe is casual, but the food is topnotch, and we’ve been coming here for 12 years so we know everyone. Both our kids’ 100day celebration dinners were held at Kirin. It’s our special place.” 1172 Alberni St., kirinrestaurants.com
SEAWALL
VANCOUVER ART GALLERY
ENGLISH BAY
FROM THE PARK TO THE DANCE FLOOR
with Devours
Musician, also known as Jeff Cancade; new album Sports Car Era out now
10:00 a.m. After hitting snooze, head to Barney’s. “Barney’s on Main is an underrated spot for brunch. The BELTCH and Big Basic are both classic orders.” 2526 Main St., barneys onmain.com
11:00 a.m. Go treasure hunting. “I love vintage shops Rag Machine and Mintage Mall.” 2425 Main St., @theragmachine; 245 E Broadway, mintagevintage.com
1:00 p.m. Bike down to Granville Island. “I cycle everywhere, and I love Granville Island. I like to go the market there with a friend, grab a bagel from Siegel’s or a sandwich, and then stroll around or sit on the grass.” 1689 Johnston St., granvilleisland.com
2:00 p.m. Pick your favourite park. “I love a walk around China Creek Park or visiting New Brighton Park. On a perfect day, I would spend part of it making music and then swim at Kits Beach before sitting in Dude Chilling Park with friends.” Various locations, vancouver.ca
6:00 p.m. Carbo load for a night out. “The Burrow on Commercial has outrageously good baked burritos. And Papa’s Gourmet on Main will make you feel like you’ve died and gone to lasagna heaven. Pasta at Savio Volpe is the dream.” 2781 Commercial Dr., theburrow restaurant.com; 3030 Main St., papasgour met.com; 615 Kingsway, saviovolpe.com
8:00 p.m. Hit the town. “There is so much to do in Vancouver. Green Auto and Red Gate are amazing DIY music venues in East Van—I have spent a lot of time at both. The Pumpjack is my favourite gay bar, and Fox Cabaret has my favourite 2000s dance party events.” 1822 Pandora St., @greenautomusic; 1965 Main St., redgate.tv; 1167 Davie St., pumpjackpub.com; 2321 Main St., foxcabaret.com
8:00 a.m. Get your sweat on. “My perfect day starts with a workout followed by a sauna. I train at Yard Athletics with a personal trainer and do a lot of heavy lifting, which I love. If I have time for a class, I love a spin at Ride or going to Barry’s.” 307 W Pender St., yardathletics.ca
9:00 a.m. Brunch like you’re in France. “I love brunch at Au Comptoir. It feels like a quick trip to Paris. I’m obsessed with their omelette with frites and they make a great mimosa.”
2278 W 4th Ave., aucomp toir.ca
10:00 a.m.
Hit up Holts for a fashion refresh. “I love Holt Renfrew since it really is kind of a one-stop shop with everything you could need. It can sometimes be overwhelming shopping there, so when I feel that way I call on my friend (and personal shopper) Michelle Addison to help me narrow it down. It is such a treat to see her in one of the private shopping suites.” 737 Dunsmuir St., holtrenfrew.com
12:00 p.m. Splash around with the kids. “On a sunny summer day, I love taking the girls to Vancouver Lawn Tennis Club for a swim in the outdoor pool. It’s one of my favourite activities.” 1630 W 15th Ave., vanlawn.com
1:00 p.m. Make time for tea time. “My kids also love going for afternoon tea at the Secret Garden, which is a fun mother-daughter activity.” 2138 W 40th Ave., secret gardentea.com
2:00 p.m. Squeeze in some self-care. “I would love to get a facial at Formula Fig, or a massage treatment at Hälsa.” 2050 W 4th Ave., formulafig. com; 2028 W 4th Ave., halsa.ca
3:00 p.m. Continue the shopping spree. “I love shopping in Kits. A lot of my favourite spots are here—Hill’s Dry Goods, Melanie Auld (fun fact: we also designed this store!), Rebecca Bree for amazing pieces and Figure Lecture for home goods.” West 4th Ave., hillsdrygoods.com; mel anieauld.com; rebeccabree .com; figurelecture.com
5:00 p.m. Grab a cone and stroll the sand. “An ice cream from Rain or Shine and a beach walk down at Kits Beach after shopping would be icing on the cake of a perfect day.” W 4th Ave., rainorshineice cream.com
6:00 p.m. Seek out a seafood feast. “Oddfish is my favourite. It’s got amazing seafood and veggie-forward dishes.” 1889 W 1st Ave., oddfishrestaurant.com
8:00 p.m. Get the popcorn ready. “Fifth Avenue Theatre is the best kid-free escape. I love movies, and they serve wine here. Perfection.” 2110 Burrard St., cineplex.com
GRANVILLE ISLAND MARKET
SECRET GARDEN
IT’S ALL GOOD IN THE ’HOODS
Spotlighting five of the city’s most spectacular neighbourhoods: use this as your checklist for the ultimate Vancouver visit.
by ALYSSA HIROSE
GASTOWN AND CHINATOWN
It’s hard to say exactly where Gastown ends and Chinatown begins (in fact, arguing about the borders between neighbourhoods is one activity that will make you sound like a true Vancouverite) and these two neighbourhoods, while distinct, have a lot in common. Here, you’ll find a fascinating history of diverse cultures and a community of people dedicated to preserving the city’s memories and building a better future. There are museums and art galleries aplenty, tons of quick-service spots for delicious Asian bites and, in the centre of it all, the oldest Chinese Garden on this side of the world.
VISIT A CULTURAL CENTRE
Vancouver’s Chinatown has existed since the 1880s, and that rich past is documented all over the neighbourhood. To learn more about the history of Chinese Canadians in the city, explore the Chinese Canadian Museum (51 E Pender St., chinese
canadianmuseum.ca) or the Chinatown Storytelling Centre (168 E Pender St., chinatownstorytelling centre.org). Both feature incredible exhibitions that shed light on both the past and future—and don’t skip the Storytelling Centre’s Foo Hung Curios gift shop.
Gastown
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
TOUR AN URBAN GARDEN
For a slice of idyllic nature in the middle of the city, step through the beautiful gates of the Dr. Sun YatSen Classical Chinese Garden (578 Carrall St., vancouverchinese garden.com). The garden offers tours as well as events like tai chi
demonstrations, tea festivals and poetry readings. If your peaceful garden walk works up an appetite, grab a brioche doughnut from Mello (223 E Pender St., mello vancouver.com) or a steamed pork bun from New Town Bakery (148 E Pender St., newtownbakery.ca).
EXPLORE INDIGENOUS ART AND DESIGN
A trio of hot spots for Indigenous art? We’re glad you asked. First, there’s Skwachàys Lodge (29 W Pender St., skwachays.com), a boutique hotel and artists’ lodge that has a gallery full of Indigenous creations. Nearby Decolonial Clothing (269 E Georgia St., decolonialclothing.com) is a streetwear brand known for comfy clothes and powerful messages. And for jewellery and sculptures, look to Silver Gallery (312 Water St., silvertalks.com).
FIGHT THE RAINY-DAY BLUES
OK, it rains here. A lot. But Gastown and Chinatown offer plenty of indoor (and mostly indoor) activities. Eager eaters can take the “Gastronomic Gastown” tour from Vancouver Foodie Tours (foodietours.ca), and those who want to get in the kitchen themselves can take a cooking class at Dirty Apron Cooking School (540 Beatty St., dirtyapron.com). Slip in to your obligatory Lululemon and do the downward dog with actual dogs at Pups Yoga (180 E Pender St., pupsyogavancouver.com), or hunker down at Greta Bar (50 W Cordova St., gretabar.com) for arcade games and nachos.
THE WEST
END
Take a stroll just a bit west from the skyscraper-ed downtown core of Vancouver and you’ll find the West End: a vibrant, welcoming neighbourhood with beautiful architecture—both modern and historic—at every turn. Davie Village is a hot spot for 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly nightlife, Alberni Street a high-end shopping destination and Robson a bustling strip of restaurants, retailers and the odd karaoke bar. Plus, this ’hood is surrounded by nature on three sides: there’s English Bay to the south, Stanley Park to the west and Coal Harbour to the north. West Enders love to live here and won’t shut up about it, but who can blame them?
TAKE IN STANLEY PARK
It’s simply not possible to visit Vancouver without spending time in and around Stanley Park—sorry, we don’t make the rules. You can walk or run the 10-kilometre seawall loop, or take in the ocean and towering evergreens at a faster pace by renting a bike from Spokes (1798 W Georgia St.,
Chinese Canadian Museum
Skwachàys Lodge
Foo Hung Curios
Mello
New Town Bakery Chinatown
spokesbicyclerentals.com) or an e-bike from Bikes and Blades (718 Denman St., mybikesandblades .com). Talaysay Tours (talaysay .com) offers Indigenous-centred walking tours focused on totems, ethnobotany and more.
SNACK WITH STATUES
Yue Minjun’s A-maze-ing Laughter (1800 Morton Ave.) has been a photo-ready local landmark since 2009—the year before Instagram was founded, actually, so these bronze sculptures were posing for selfies ahead of their time. Grab some takeout from either Mediterranean Grill (1152 Denman St., mediterraneangrill.ca) or Beeryani (1184 Denman St., beeryanidenman .com) to enjoy among the hysterical figures, or go sweeter with gelato from Bella Gelateria (1752 Davie St., bellagelateria.com) or D’oro Gelato e Caffè (1094 Denman St., dorogc.com).
GET SUSHI AND SOUVENIR SHOP
Since you can’t take a smoked dynamite roll from Tom Sushi (1175
Davie St., tomsushi.ca) home with you, wander up or down Davie Street post-lunch to browse the shops. Find funky secondhand clothes at The Only (1283 Davie St., theonlyvintage.com), a library of hot sauces at Lucifer’s House of Heat (1682 Davie St., lucifershouseofheat .com) and top-rated wines from B.C. and beyond over at Marquis Wine Cellars (1034 Davie St., marquis-wines.com).
DIY AN ARCHITECTURE TOUR
The West End is home to lots of
beautiful heritage homes—create your own walking tour and imagine what it would be like to live in a mansion. The Roedde House Museum (1415 Barclay St., roedde house.org) is a restored home that belonged to Vancouver’s first bookbinder (brag alert!) and is open to the public. There’s also the dreamy 1890s-era Barclay Manor (1447 Barclay St.),
the rumoured-to-be-haunted Gabriola Mansion (1523 Davie St.) and the round-turreted Rand House (995 Bute St.).
English Bay
Talaysay Tours
Stanley Park Seawall
A-maze-ing Laughter
Roedde House Museum
COMMERCIAL DRIVE
When a neighbourhood is named after a single street—or, in this case, a drive—you know it’s got to be iconic. Wall Street, Broadway and Fifth Avenue come to mind (yeah, all the famous street-based ’hoods we can think of are in New York; we blame the pervasive American media). Well, Commercial Drive is just as beloved, just as extraordinary and a lot more down-to-earth than those other wellknown roads. On the Drive, find quirky bookstores, thought-provoking theatre, a busy bar scene and many, many places to get a hot panini. It’s a Little Italy with a lot of personality.
EXPLORE GLOBAL GROCERIES
Commercial Drive is a foodie hot spot, restaurant-wise, but don’t sleep on the little grocery stores dotted across this lively strip. Check out La Grotta del Formaggio (1791 Commercial Dr., lagrottadelformaggio.com) for Italian meats, cheeses and sauces or Mi Tierra Latina (1034 Commercial Dr., mitierralatina.ca) for Latin American eats including Toscana sausage, chipotle peppers and marzipan sweets. Mediterranean Specialty Foods (1824 Commer-
cial Dr., msfoods.ca) is stocked with tahini, halloumi, tinned fish and more, and the slightly-outof-the-way Fujiya (912 Clark Dr., fujiya.ca) is a glorious Japanese grocer fit for your your miso, noodle and Pocky needs.
GET A HOT TICKET
If you’re in a date night rut, Commercial’s got you: there’s theatre, movies, music and more on the Drive. For mind-boggling indie plays, study the always-captivating schedule at The Cultch
Commercial Drive
The Flamingo Room
John Hendry Park/Trout Lake
Livia
(1895 Venables St. and 639 Commercial Dr., thecultch.com). For an intimate, Miami-inspired bar with live bands and DJs—and $6 cover—seek out The Flamingo Room (1214 Commercial Dr., flamingoroomvan.com). And the cult fave Rio Theatre (1660 E Broadway, riotheatre.ca) is a cinephile’s hub for film of all kinds, from small festival runs to blockbuster hits.
DO A PASTRY-FUELLED PARK WALK
There’s certainly no shortage of spots to get fresh baked goods in this neighbourhood: try a blueberry danish from Livia (1399 Commercial Dr., liviasweets.com), espresso chocolate chunk cookies from Oh Sweet Day (1706 E 1st Ave., ohsweetday.com) or a notably raisin-less cinnamon bun from Grounds for Coffee (2088 Commercial Dr., groundsfor coffee.ca). Then, trek south for a walk around John Hendry Park better known to locals as Trout Lake—to take in some nature and pet other people’s dogs.
STICK YOUR NOSE IN A BOOK
Good things come in small bookstores. Go analogue at one of the Drive’s havens for bookworms (and learn something new you can share so that not every conversation starts with a video you saw on social media). The volunteer-run Spartacus Books (1983 Commercial Dr., spartacusbooks.net) is full of radical reads, and much-loved Pulpfiction (1744 Commercial Dr., pulpfictionbooksvancouver.com) has both new releases and out-ofprint rarities. Find page-turners at Canterbury Tales (2010 Commercial Dr., canterburytales.ca) and People’s Co-Op Books (1391 Commercial Dr., peoplescoop bookstore.com), too.
KITSILANO
Kitsilano is often the poster child of Vancouver. The classic Kits quadruple-threat view (beach meets city meets forest meets mountains) is on many a postcard, T-shirt and Instagram feed, and this friendly ’hood is chock-a-block with buzzy restaurants, cute shops and endless opportunities to take in the seaside next door. Residents will admit that many Kits stereot ypes—wearing athleisure for any occasion, flirting with a plant-based diet, participating in an ocean cold plunge at least once—are absolutely true. There are plenty of rainy-day to-dos here, but Kits really comes to life in warmer weather: people flock to nearby parks and beaches if even a whisper of sunshine dances across their character home or low-rise condo.
HIT THE BEACH
Visiting Kits Beach is a no-brainer; bring your own blanket and lie out on the sand or grass while you watch slackliners and spikeballers show off their very niche skills. This beach is within walking distance of lots of award-winning eats—get a mochi
doughnut to-go from Their There (2042 W 4th Ave., theirthere.ca) or indulge in a full Thai feast at Maenam (1938 W 4th Ave., maenam.ca) post-sunset. A bit further west, Jericho Beach is sandier and surfier; take paddleboarding lessons from Windsure Adventure Watersports (1300 Discovery St., windsure.com) or a kayak tour from Jericho Beach Kayak (1300 Discovery St., jerichobeachkayak.com) for the full coastal experience.
SWEAT IT OUT
It doesn’t get more classic Kits than studio workouts, and many of them offer first-timers a free class. There’s Lagree West (2625 W 4th Ave., lagreewest.com) and Core Community (1926 W 4th Ave., corecommunity.ca) for
reformer pilates, the Cycle Collective (2020 Arbutus St., the cyclecollective.com) for stationary biking, Turf (2041 W 4th Ave., ourturf.com) for HIIT workouts and smoothie bowls... fitness classes are always a (heavy) stone’s throw away.
GET A HISTORY LESSON
Steps away from the shore are both the Vancouver Maritime Museum (1905 Ogden Ave., vanmaritime.com) and the Museum of Vancouver (1100 Chestnut St., museumofvancouver.ca). In the former, find artifacts, exhibits
and stories relating to local waterways—you can even walk the decks of the RCMP vessel St. Roch, the first ship to ever cross the Northwest Passage from west to east. The Museum of Vancouver is all about civic history and also hosts regular hands-on events
(think upcycled leather tutorials and Salish weaving workshops) so you can DIY some coveted treasures yourself.
SHOP THE BLOCK
Window browsers and compulsive buyers alike adore the walkable retail scene here. Shop Makers (1929 W 4th Ave., shopmakers.ca) features wares from local independent artisans, Old Faithful Shop (1985 W 4th Ave., oldfaithfulshop .com) is a Japandi design enthusiast’s dream, Kidsbooks (2557 W Broadway, kidsbooks.ca) is a colourful, welcoming wonder for young readers and Arc’teryx (2201 W 4th Ave., arcteryx.com) has the high-quality staple outerwear you’ll need when it does eventually rain (sorry).
CHILL AT A SPA
Schedule in some you-time with a treatment at one (or a few) of Kitsilano’s unique spas. Formula Fig (2050 W 4th Ave., formulafig .com) is a serene green treat—the high-tech facials here will make you a total skincare nerd. The nearby Hälsa Float Spa (2028 W 4th Ave., halsa.ca, see page 82) offers private zero-gravity Epsom salt float pods that bring de-stressing to an entirely new, gloriously futuristic level.
MOUNT PLEASANT
If the legendary Dude Chilling Park is any indication of Mount Pleasant’s funky, laidback nature—and it is—this neighbourhood is easily in the running for one of Vancouver’s coolest. It’s an area full of eclectic vintage stores, vibey breweries and a whole lot of denim. Mount Pleasanters have an “I can bike there” mentality and are always game for a cheeky happy hour or to help you rationalize an out-there consignment purchase. It’s time to embrace your inner Type B. Go with the flow. Maybe impulse-commit to some kind of ironic tattoo. It’s all chill.
GO BREWERY HOPPING
It’s like running a marathon, except you’re walking and stopping for pints and you actually spend most of the time sitting. Oh, and you don’t have to go far... the following breweries are all less than 10-ish minutes apart on foot. Here’s the game plan: get a 33 Acres of Sunshine French blanche from 33 Acres (15 W 8th Ave., 33acresbrewing .com), a Lions Gate lager from Steamworks (2275 Main St., steamworks.com), a Quibbler
Kits Beach
Maenam Museum of Vancouver
Their There
Old Faithful Shop
fruit beer from Brassneck Brewery (2148 Main St., brassneck.ca) and a Kingpin Juicy hazy pale ale from Main Street Brewing (261 E 7th Ave., mainstreetbeer.ca).
GET DESIGN INSPO
Bring some Vancouver design influence to your own space with the real-life Pinterest board that is Mount Pleasant’s home stores. Parliament Interiors (2703 Main St., parliamentinteriors.com) is located in a heritage building, but its furniture focus leans modern—find
neutral, natural, goes-witheverything furnishings here. There’s Japanese tableware, teaware, ceramic art and more at Murata (15 E Broadway, murata.ca). Vancouver Special (3612 Main St., vanspecial .com) is a bit further south, but worth the walk: revered global brands like Alessi meet local artisans like Tafui here.
GET YOUR CABARET ON
Think downtown has the only nightlife in the city? Think again. The Fox Cabaret (2321 Main St.,
foxcabaret.com) is a vibey venue for everything from live music to comedy to burlesque to throwback dance parties to horror-themed variety shows. A few blocks east, there’s the Biltmore Cabaret (2755 Prince Edward St., biltmore cabaret.com), an underground entertainment hub with equally diverse offerings—disco parties, DJs, stand-up and more.
PLAY DRESS-UP
Hardcore thrifters know that secondhand shopping is all about
the thrill of the hunt, and this neighbourhood offers racks upon racks of treasures to sift through as you live out the afternoon of your romcom montage dreams. Find cowboy chic leather duds at Mintage (245 E Broadway, mintagevintage.com), a full Canadian tuxedo at The Rag Machine (2425 Main St., @therag machine), office-ready designer blazers at Gather the Shop (109 E Broadway, gathertheshop.com) and red-carpet-worthy luxury resale at Turnabout (2929 Main St., turnabout.com).
Main Street Brewing
Parliament Interiors
Mount Pleasant
The Fox Cabaret Vancouver Special
33 Acres
GO PADDLEBOARDING IN SQUAMISH
There’s something deeply satisfying about skimming over the water while gazing up at those serene Squamish views. With Norm Hann Expeditions’ Intro to Stroke class, you’ll buckle into your life vest and find a meditative groove on the Mamquam Blind Channel as you paddle past glorious marbled cliffs and a lush forest landscape. landwithoutlimits.com
Grab coffee and doughnuts from the oh-so cozy Fox and Oak (1396 Main St.); salmon burgers come with a great view of an eagle nesting ground at Watershed Grill (41101 Government Rd.); Taka Ramen and Sushi (38065 Cleveland Ave.) is a dreamy minimalist space with ramen, sushi, donburi and more.
Book Mountain (B1107–38145 2 Ave.) is the town’s newest bookshop: “some old, some new, some used, all good”; the Squamish Farmers Market runs every Saturday, April through October (37996 Cleveland Ave.); you won’t find a prettier modern boutique than Grateful Gift Shop (38027 2nd Ave.).
Drive to Squamish from downtown Vancouver in just under an hour.
DAY TRIPPIN’
If you need a quick break from Vancouver’s fun and games, you’re in luck: a short car ride, ferry jaunt or seaplane trip can deliver you to a whole new world to explore. by KERRI DONALDSON, ALYSSA HIROSE & STACEY MCLACHLAN
SOAK IT UP AT HARRISON HOT SPRINGS
The natural hot springs here have been drawing visitors for thousands of years—even early coastal and interior Salish people would make the trek for the water’s rejuvenating properties. It’s certainly a quicker trip today than it would’ve been back then, and mercifully temperature-controlled mineral pools can be accessed comfortably through the historic Harrison Hot Springs Resort or the Public Mineral Hot Pool, where you can splash the day away. harrisonhotsprings.ca
Muddy Waters Cafe (328 Esplanade Ave.) is a local fave for hearty sandwiches and housemade baked goods; Black Forest Steak and Schnitzel House (180 Esplanade Ave.) serves up rustic ’70s decor and authentic
German schnitzel; Morgan’s Bistro (C–160 Esplanade Ave.) brings the farm-to-table experience to Harrison.
Bike the 26-kilometre Agassiz-Harrison Circle Farm Tour (tourism harrison.com/circle-farm-tour) to hit up lavender farms, pick berries and source farm-fresh cheese; bounce your way around Harrison Lake’s
inflatable water park (100 Esplanade Ave.); take a quick hike down the 4-kilometre Whippoorwill Point Trail to discover the hidden Sandy Cove Beach (find the trailhead outside the Harrison Hot Springs Resort).
From downtown Vancouver, Harrison Hot Springs is approximately a 90-minute drive.
GET FARM FRESH IN GIBSONS
Though plenty of breweries exist in Vancouver, none are quite like Gibsons’ Persephone Brewing. The craft beer haven also operates a full farm, so you can grab your pint of Golden Goddess Ale (get a smash burger while you’re at it, go on!) and ramble down the dirt path of the sprawling property to sip and snack next to the chicken coop. persephonebrewing.com
The Gumboot Cafe (1053 Roberts Creek Rd.) is a hippie haven in the best way; besides the delicious raw oysters and housemade sauces at Smitty’s (643 School Rd.), order the crab cakes and chili lime prawns; next door, Lunita’s (645 School Rd.) serves up authentic Mexican.
Sunshine Coasters are crazy about disc golf, and if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em at Shirley Macey Park (930 Chamberlin Rd.); Gibsons Public Market (473 Gower Point Rd.) is the place to source local pantry goods and farm-fresh produce; Good Fridays Gibsons
DO A CULTURE CRAWL IN WHISTLER
If you ski or snowboard: great! You know exactly how to make the most of our own little alpine getaway. But if throwing yourself down a mountain isn’t your idea of a good time, there’s plenty of culture to be found here, too. Catch a guided tour at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre through the historical regalia and artifacts that reflect the rich heritage of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations. The hand drum welcome song is the soundtrack to exploring stunning hand-carved canoes, totems (one recently completed by Lil’wat master carver Jonathan Joe) and historical garb, each accompanied by thoughtful storytelling. Down the road is the Audain Art Museum: the building itself is an architectural work of art, and it houses nearly 200 works by B.C. artists in its permanent collection here (Emily Carr, Stan Douglas), along with a significant Northwest Coast First Nations mask collection and a showcase of many legendary and contemporary Indigenous artists. slcc.ca; audainartmuseum.com
Wild Blue (4005 Whistler Way) is run by a dream team of award-winning industry folks including exec chef Alex Chen, a former Vanmag Chef of the Year; Il Caminetto (4242 Village Stroll) offers pitch-perfect Italian; Flute and Fromage (102–4305 Village Stroll) is a go-to for all things cheese and charcuterie.
(416 Marine Dr.) is a general store and gift shop curated by someone with very good taste, so grab artisanal snacks and tons of trendy bodycare products here.
Catch a ride with BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay to the Langdale terminal.
Whistler’s Blackcomb Burn (4553 Blackcomb Way) boasts more elevation gain than any other lift-serviced ascent trail in southwestern B.C.; ride the glass-bottomed Peak 2 Peak gondola (4545 Blackcomb Way) over to Steep Grill for panoramic views and a crisp glass of pinot gris; fly like an eagle over Fitzsimmons Valley with Ziptrek Ecotours (4282 Mountain Sq.).
With good traffic, you can get to Whistler via the Sea to Sky Highway in about two hours. Bus service can get you there in about the same amount of time.
HIT THE SPA ON
GALIANO ISLAND
Galiano Inn could not be closer to the ferry terminal, which is great because your first order of business on a trip to Galiano is to get to the Inn’s Madrona del Mar spa. A massage out in the oceanfront cabana, all sea breezes and flowy white curtains, is island chill at its indulgent peak. galianoinn.com
Sturdies Bay Bakery (44 Madrona Dr.) is the spot for a coffee and a handheld breakfast (egg-salad croissanwich, anyone?); hit Crane and Robin (3451 Montague Rd.) for tacos, B.C. beer and surf-shack vibes right on the water; Pilgrimme (2806 Montague Rd.) is a hyper-local, hyper-whimsical gourmet restaurant in the woods, and the reason many come to Galiano in the first place.
Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park (550 Montague Park Rd.) features a stunningly beautifulwhite-shell beach that’s more than 3,000 years old; Cedar Grove Gallery (9720 Porlier Pass Rd.), with its delicate, Japanese-inspired ceramics, is just one of dozens of active artist studios you can pop in
to visit on the island; gab with the colourful locals over a pint at the Hummingbird Pub (47 Sturdies Bay Rd.)—the Pub Bus even does pick-ups and dropoffs during the summer so everyone can get home safe.
It’s a breezy 55-minute ferry ride from the Tsawwassen terminal.
HEAD UP THE SKYWALK
IN VICTORIA
The Malahat SkyWalk is 35 minutes from Victoria by car— thrill-seekers, take note, and height-phobics, beware. It’s perched in the West Coast forest, allowing views for miles around: on a clear day, walk up the spiral ramp to find sightlines to Mount Baker and the Saanich Peninsula (the top is 250 metres above sea level). The walkway from the visitor centre to the SkyWalk runs high above the ground, placing you among the arbutus treetops, but if that’s not thrilling enough, you’re welcome to kick back on a vertigo-inducing net at the top of the structure, or whip down the spiral slide back to the bottom in a few heart-pounding seconds. malahatskywalk.com
Marilena (1525 Douglas St.) won Vancouver magazine’s 2025 Best Victoria award; Fathom (463 Belleville St.) is seafood focused and multicultural; midcentury-inspired tiki bar Citrus and Cane (1900 Douglas St.) is the ideal venue for a nightcap.
Still Life (1315 Government St.) curates lifestyle goods and fashion essentials—think quirky ceramics and perfect mid-rise jeans; stalwart Paboom (1437 Store St.) packs shelves with Danica Heirloom pinch bowls, waxed wood cutting boards and a huge selection of Baggu; Regional Assembly of Text (116–560 Johnson St.) treats stationery with solemn respect.
If you’re going to make it a day trip, a Harbour Air flight from downtown is essential—you’ll be dropped off in downtown Victoria in under an hour. But if you’re making a full weekend out of it, BC Ferries is cheaper, with sailings departing from Tsawwassen several times a day.
BOTTLE SERVICE
Want to toast your time in Vancouver with something special? Raise a glass of these B.C. wines, recommended by Vanmag’s wine and spirits editor, Neal McLennan.
THE
RISING-STAR CHARD
1 Mill Road Chardonnay 2022 ($48)
1 Mill Road in Naramata is still a young winery, but its chardonnay is already at the pinnacle of the Okanagan region and can stand toe-to-toe with wines that cost double (or more) from Sonoma or Chablis. It’s restrained, elegant and age-worthy, and if a wine nerd sees you sipping it, they’ll give you props for serious discernment. And the kicker: it’s under $50 and there’s a small amount available at government liquor stores.
THE RAREFIED RIESLING
Synchromesh Storm Haven 2022 ($50)
Winemaker Alan Dickinson is one of the masters of B.C. riesling, and this very low-alcohol (8.2 percent) bottle shows his confidence in making an off-dry style (there’s quite a bit of residual sugar here). He’s right to be confident—the wine still has effortless balance thanks to a focused acidity.
THE CRISP CHENIN BLANC
Da Silva Chenin Blanc 2023 ($36)
That more B.C. wineries don’t make chenin is a puzzle—this take by Da Silva has great minerality, sharp citrus and crisp peach; some age will round out all the angles into a beautiful melange of charm and focus.
THE BROODING SYRAH
Culmina Le Chant du Cygne ($100)
It’s tough to beat scoring the very last of something, and this bottle represents blue-chip winemaker Culmina’s last foray with syrah (a grape that works wonderfully in B.C.’s climate but is very prone to frost damage). They’re going out with a bang: clove and pepper spice working with brooding dark fruit and some significant structure holding it all together and making it an excellent candidate for the cellar.
THE PINOT NOIR ALTERNATIVE
Blue Mountain Gamay Noir 2023 ($34)
When treated seriously, gamay offers plenty in common with pinot: pale red colour, light body, tart delivery, better with the tiniest chill. We have some serious gamay producers in B.C., like Orofino and Haywire, but opt for the gamay OG, Blue Mountain, which is a dense, spicy and complex take on the grape and can age like a fine grudge.
THE SUMMER SIPPER
Birch Block Endless Summer Rosé (can, $8)
Our natty producers have been headscratchingly slow to embrace single-serve sizes, so this can from low-interventionists Birch Block is a double treat with its portability and electric, crisp, zippy notes of just-ripe tiny little strawberries.
