Issuu

Vancouver’s favourite punk band WAIT//LESS dishes on the local music scene over drinks at Meo, the semi-secret Chinatown bar tucked below its award-winning sibling, Kissa Tanto ANDY WHITE PHOTO

You’re covered in post-concert sweat, the finale from your new favourite band still buzzing in your ears. This morning you scored a vintage gem thrifting on The Drive. Tomorrow it’s brunch at that spot your pickleball buddy swears by, then straight up to Mount Seymour.

But tonight’s not over yet: Drinks and snacks await in a bar that feels like you’re in on a juicy secret.

Who’s calling Vancouver “No Fun City”?

Not us. Not ever.

Since 2008, we’ve been digging past the clichés to uncover the city’s hidden corners. If you’ve just landed or you’ve felt a little lost, let this be your compass.

Catch an indie band. Detour into the tiniest free cinema you’ve ever seen. Pull up a stool at a new wine bar — maybe the stranger beside you becomes the friend you’ll join at a gallery opening or late-night film at the Rio.

Welcome to your Ultimate Guide to Vancouver. The rest is yours to discover.

This is just the beginning. Get out there and explore. We’ll meet you back here in the spring...with more secrets to share.

Central City Ad

Inspired Cannabis

Ifyou’reexploring downtown Vancouver, don’tmissthe only cannabisgallery of its kind in Canada—Inspired Cannabis’sHouse of Brands on Robson Street.This isn’t your average shop.Spanning2,400 sq ft,it’s part galler y, part interactiveexperience, part boutique cannabis storeoffering the best localBud in the city—including astandout B.C.-grown collection worth exploring.Wanderthrough art-galler ystyle installations showcasing Canada’s top brands.Taste free non-infusedsamples,

fyou’reexploring downtown Vancouver, don’tmissthe only cannabisgallery of its kind in Canada—Inspired Cannabis’sHouse of Brands on Robson Street.This isn’t your average shop.Spanning2,400 sq ft,it’s part galler y, part interactiveexperience, part boutique cannabis storeoffering the best localBud in the city—including astandout B.C.-grown collection worth exploring.Wanderthrough art-galler ystyle installations showcasing Canada’s top brands.Taste free non-infusedsamples,

chat with budtenders who doubleasstrain sommeliers,and divedeep into product education.Learn about different strains, dosages,and consumption methods—all before making apurchase.Thisimmersive, interactive experiencemakes cannabis approachable whether you’re curiousora connoisseur.It’snot justshopping—it’s a chancetoexplorethe futureofcannabisin an inspiring,educational setting.Stop by todayand see what makesHouseofBrands amust-visit. ❚

Address: 1032 Robson St,Vancouver

Phone: 604428 5112

Address: 1032 Robson St,Vancouver

Website: inspiredcannabis.ca

Phone: 604428 5112

Website: inspiredcannabis.ca

PPortside Interiors

Portside Interiors,nestled in Vancouver ’s

ortside Interiors,nestled in Vancouver ’s Mount Pleasant,offersmorethan just furniture—it ’s athoughtfully curated destination forelevatedinteriors and ever yday living.Fromsculptural sofasand sleek dining sets to Europeanglassware, premium linens and timelesstableware, ever ypieceischosentoadd beauty, comfortand function to thehome.Rooted in Canadianand Swedish design,Portside reﬂectsabalanceofWestCoast ease and

Mount Pleasant,offersmorethan just furniture—it ’s athoughtfully curated destination forelevatedinteriors and ever yday living.Fromsculptural sofasand sleek dining sets to Europeanglassware, premium linens and timelesstableware, ever ypieceischosentoadd beauty, comfortand function to thehome.Rooted in Canadianand Swedish design,Portside reﬂectsabalanceofWestCoast ease and

Scandinavian clarity— cleanlines,natural textures andcraftsmanship builttolast.

Address: 120E Broadway,Vancouver

Thein-storeexperienceisrelaxed and inviting. Ser vice is intentional,attentive and always tailored—neverrushed. It ’s a spacewhere design feelsapproachable and personal. Whether you’re redesigning an entirespace or just searchingfor that one perfectpiece,Portsidekeeps the focus whereitbelongs: on you, your home and a design journey thatfeels just right. ❚

Phone: 604876 0111

Website: portsideinteriors.com

Scandinavian clarity— cleanlines,natural textures andcraftsmanship builttolast.

Address: 120E Broadway,Vancouver

Phone: 604876 0111

Website: portsideinteriors.com

EDITOR

Lindsay William-Ross

EDITORIAL STAFF

Brendan Kergin, Elana Shepert, Daniel Wagner

CONTRIBUTORS

Brad Heppner, Stephen Smysnuik, Allie Turner

PHOTGRAPHY

Andy White, Brad Heppner, Living Room Creative, Megan Magdalena, Taralyn Sanderson

SALES DIRECTORS

Michelle Bhatti, Manny Kang

SALES

Wali Adel, Tammy Berry, David Chiew, Alison Clay, Brenda Coulbourn, Nayeli Garcia, Jasmine Goode, Arlene Grant, Eli Laycock, Nathalie Longo, Collin Neal, Randy Sangha, Sanjay Sharma, Daniel Tryanichev

GENERAL MANAGER

Matt Blair

Ableside BIA

Makeaday of it andexplorethe charmof Ambleside andDundarave; twoseasidevillages packed with personality, just minutes apart.

Startyour morningwith coffee andastroll along thescenic Seawalk,takinginocean views and mountain backdrops. Browse boutique shops andlocal markets offeringeverythingf rom fashion to home goodstoartisan foods.Stopfor lunch at acozycaféorenjoyﬁsh andchips by the beach. Spendthe afternoon exploringpublic art, includingvibrant murals, or relaxinginone of the manywaterf ront parks. In Dundarave, stroll the

garden boardwalk,visit avintage phonebooth, or grab atreat from oneofthe bakeries. Don’t forget to stop by theHollyburn area,just up thehill from theSeawalk,for even more greatrestaurants and another bakery to discover. Finish your daywith dinner at alocal bistroand catch thesunset from thepier

Amblesideand Dundaraveare made forslowing down andenjoyingthe village vibe.

shopthevillages.ca |@adbiawv

For over half a centur y, the Stittgen name has been known for unique pieces designed to be worn, cherished, and passed down Ever y detail is intentional, from the proportions and ﬁnish of the precious metal to the brilliance of the stones, resulting in jewelr y as individual as the person who wears it Stittgen isn’t just where you buy jewelr y, it ’s where your future heirlooms are born ❚

Address: 1457 Bellevue Ave, West Vancouver Phone: 604 925 8333 Website: stittgen.com

Pheonix, Jones & Co, Stittgen

Phoenix on Bellevue is West Vancouver’s go-to Joseph Ribkoff boutique and a true style sanctuary in the hear t of Ambleside. This chic, locally owned shop is known for its curated selection of women’s fashion that blends modern ﬂair with timeless sophistication Step inside and you’ll ﬁnd more than just beautiful clothing you’ll be welcomed into a warm, inviting space where personalized service and expert styling come naturally

At Jones & Company Bespoke Picture Framers, they work hard to ensure ever y project they take on surpasses their client’s expectations They use the ﬁnest quality mouldings, materials and framing techniques to ensure you get the very best that bespoke framing has to offer. Visit them in West Vancouver to see how they can help you preser ve life’s most meaningful moments and cherished treasures for years to come ❚

Address: 1445 Bellevue Ave, West Vancouver Phone: 604 281 2450 Website: jonescustomframing.com

Whether you’re elevating your everyday look or seeking that one standout piece, Phoenix offers fashion that feels as good as it looks.

With a focus on quality, comfort, and conﬁdence, Phoenix on Bellevue is where your wardrobe gets its spark and where every woman can ﬁnd her signature style.

Wesgroup Profile

With over60years of experience, Wesgroup isalong-established real estate developerknownfor shaping walkable,connected neighbourhoods across Greater Vancouver. Their masterplannedcommunities thoughtfully integratehomes,shops,ofﬁcesand green spaces to support convenient, communityfocusedliving.Wesgroup’s portfolio includes River District in Vancouver, Brewer yDistrictinNew Westminster andthe upcoming Civic District in Surrey Central.Eachisdesigned to grow with thepeople who live and work there. Now

in Port Moody, Wesgroup introduces the Inlet District.Now selling in Port Moody, Wesgroup introduces theInlet District. Its ﬁrst phase,1MarketSquare, features a 27-storey towerwith 299homes ranging from studios to three bedrooms.Amenities include arooftop lounge, communal spaces and The Well—a 27,000-sq.ft hub with apool, sauna, sports court, gym, yoga studio,games room,cinema and co -working areas. Wesgroup builds communities designedtothrive—booka visittoday! ❚

Address: 2541 Clarke St,PortMoody

Phone: 604937 0146

Website: inletdistrict.ca

EAST VAN’S TINY CINEMA

BIG-SCREEN MOMENTS IN THE SMALLEST OF SPACES

Vancouver might have the smallest movie theatre in the world. The term “theatre” may be grand to describe the East Van Vodville Cinema. It’s a tiny model movie theatre hiding out on the side of an East Vancouver building, screening film scenes for free with the push of a button.

The unique project was created by Janet Mader and David Bynoe.

“It makes so much sense as an object that it’s hard to believe it’s the only one, but it’s the only one we know of,” Mader tells us.

On the side of the Vancouver Hack Space at 1601 Venables St., sits a tiny theatre facade, with detailed features, blinking lights, and a sign that reads East Van Vodville Cinema.

But it’s more than a facade.

It’s a full cinema, sitting where a window used to be. And if you step up, press the button, and look through one of the tiny windows you can watch

notable scenes from famous movies like The Great Dictator, Casablanca, or Canadian Bacon.

It’s not just a wee screen, but a full theatre, with tiny seats, a balcony, curtains, and a few other patrons (like Waldorf and Statler).

A functional marquee out front announces what’s playing and occasionally a theme, like “Good Neighbours.”

The inspiration for the tiny cinema came from two places: The Pantages Theatre and the Vancouver Hack Space.

Mader and Bynoe are both practical special effects technicians on film sets around Vancouver. Essentially, they make practical special effects work.

They’re also involved with the Vancouver Hack Space, a not-for-profit that acts as a workshop and community centre for people who like making things, from little light-up badges to homemade drones and more.

WORDS: BRENDAN KERGIN // IMAGES: ANDY WHITE // MODEL: MEG JACKSON

“If you’re working on a project that’s outside your comfort zone, you’re in a community where you can ask for advice,” says Mader. “It’s just generally a great, supportive environment to work in.”

There’s a tradition, Mader says, of creating little pieces of art in random places to “bring joy to whoever finds it.” During a series of little pieces inspired by that idea, Bynoe made a musical chicken dance fridge creation that included a video screen. That idea morphed into making a tiny movie theatre.

When deciding on how to design the theatre, they came upon Vancouver’s own Pantages Theatre. Built in 1907 at 152 E Hastings St, it lasted for more than a century and hosted countless films and more.

It inspired much of the Vodville theatre’s interior and some of its facade.

“We took a bit more artistic licence with the outside facade,” says Mader. “I’m acutely aware of the difference.”

They designed the model theatre on a computer, printed many pieces on a 3D printer, and had to hand-finish pieces.

“Everything that you see on that was custom built by us except the video screen and the button,” Mader explains.

It took the pair a year to put it together, but they were able to soft launch the project last June with a grand opening that November.

As far as they can tell, they built something unique; Mader says they found the Peephole Cinema in San Francisco, where people can look through a tiny hole to see a loop of films, but nothing like their full theatre. ❱❱

“IF THERE’S A BIG TAKEAWAY FROM THE VODVILLE, I THINK IT’S IN THE IMPORTANCE OF LOOKING AROUND FOR WAYS TO CONNECT IN YOUR COMMUNITY.”

“It’s so precious to have your artwork this well-received by the community,” says Mader.

The response to the little cinema has been “overwhelmingly positive.”

“We have so many people who say such kind things about it,” she adds.

One kind of audience they didn’t anticipate being excited was children, but kids have been bolting over to it when they see it.

“It’s been funny; I wasn’t expecting the kids to be into the stuff we show,” she says, noting children stay and watch the full clips one by one.

While most of what shows up on the tiny screen are well-known films, Mader says they’re open to much more.

“It’s such a blank slate from a curator’s perspective that we’re open to seeing what we can put on it,” she says.

That includes getting local independent filmmakers up on the tiny marquee.

Mader says the little theatre has shown how important community is.

“If there’s a big takeaway from the Vodville, I think it’s in the importance of looking around for ways to connect in your community.”

She adds that the little cinema became a way to give back to the community (both at the hack space and to Vancouver in general) that allowed them to create the art in the first place. ❚

JANET MADER

vibrantnightlife

Story is Vancouver’snewestpremier upscalenightclub andevent centre,located at 1240 ThurlowSt.,onthe corner of Davieand Thurlowinthe heartofDavie Village.Led by seasoned industry professionals androotedincommunity,Story blends vibrantnightlife withexceptional events—eachnight aunique narrative whereguestsare the stars, andevery detail createsunforgettable moments. ❚

Address: 1240 ThurlowSt, Vancouver Email: contact@storyyvr.com Website: instagram.com/storyyvr

For 30 years, Sfinaki Taverna has been a beloved fixture in The Heights, serving treasured family recipes with signature Greek warmth Just minutes from Vancouver, it has become a go -to gathering place for friends, families, and neighbours alike. Here’s to three decades of being part of the Sfinaki family Watch for their new location next door Yiammas! ❚

Address: 4071 Hastings St, Burnaby Phone: 604 299 3400 Website: sfinaki.ca

Story, Sfinaki, The Only

SFINAKI GREEK TAVERNA

Pyrrha

Whatifyour jeweller ytold astor y— not justofpersonal meaning,but of where and howitwas made? Pyrrha handcraftsmeaningful talismansintheir six-storey certiﬁed zero -carbon studio— locateddirectly behindtheirVancouver

hatifyour jeweller ytold astor y— not justofpersonal meaning,but of where and howitwas made? Pyrrha handcraftsmeaningful talismansintheir six-storey certiﬁed zero -carbon studio— locateddirectly behindtheirVancouver

flagship in abeautifully restored 100-yearold heritage house. From starttofinish, ever ypieceismade in-houseusing 100% recycled metals and low-impact production methods.A certified BCorp and memberofthe Responsible Jeweller y

Council,Pyrrhaisalso Butterﬂy Mark certiﬁedbyPositive Luxur y, a1%for the Planet partner and arecognized living wage employer—making themone of the world’s mostsustainable jeweller ybrands

Visit the ﬂagship storetoexplorethe full collection,including exclusiveone-of-akind pieces.Whetheryou’redrawn to a speciﬁcsymbol or choosing agiftwith intention,Pyrrhainvites youtowearyour values—beautifully and consciously. ❚

Address: 2040 Columbia St,Vancouver

Phone: 604343 4747

Website: pyrrha.com

Vancouver Wears It Well

Pictured: Vintage 1970’s mermaid hem gown, Revelstoke Hospital

Auxiliary Thrift Store.

Leather twist heel sandals, Ettore Shoes

THESE CREATIVES ARE REDEFINING VANCOUVER’S STYLE THROUGH SLOW FASHION, RECLAMATION, AND FEARLESS SELF-EXPRESSION.

WORDS: ALLIE TURNER

CREATIVE DIRECTION: AMANDA MAY DALY

PHOTOGRAPHY: TARALYN SANDERSON

MODEL: REBECCA WATT

Vancouver Wears It Well

In a city framed by mountains and ocean, fashion walks a uniquely expressive yet practical line. Vancouver, known for its athleticism and outdoorsy residents, is also home to a quietly radical fashion community, one that fuses slow fashion with cultural reclamation, storytelling, and a thrifted flair. Here, artists, stylists, designers, and creatives aren’t just dressing themselves—they’re dressing a city with an identity often misunderstood by outsiders.

“It’s absolutely thrilling to be here,” says Amanda May Daly, an Ojibwe stylist who got her start as a fashion assistant in 90s Grunge era Toronto before moving to Vancouver to be a part of the Y2K film scene. At the time, Daly met her friend and muse Jeffrey McNeil Seymour who introduced her to Indigenous design through fashion

shows at an underground club called The Lotus. “Jeff taught me how to Indigenize the wardrobe,” she recalls. “He introduced me to the concept of Decolonial Futures. He called us First Nation Sensations. That always made me giggle.”

To this day, Daly says her style is still very much influenced by grunge and queer rave and club culture. However, since moving back to Vancouver after attending a renowned design college in London, Daly admits there is a sprinkling of functionality to her wardrobe, too. “I still love wearing enormous jeans and oversized tailoring, statement pieces, I layer a lot,” she explains, adding that well-cut raingear and good boots in fall and winter have their place too.

There is an explosion of creative talent in Vancouver coming from schools like Blanche MacDonald, The

Cut Fashion Academy, and even youth programs like OpenStudio Academy. Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week has made the city a mecca for Indigenous design, an impact Daly says “will resonate for generations,” and yet there is little representation or credit given on a national or global scale. But perhaps this is because the quiet, radical movement is best understood through the voices of those embedded within it—the makers, stylists, photographers, and artists whose work is as much about place as it is about presentation.

Here are conversations with five such creatives, offering a portrait of Vancouver’s indie fashion scene. What emerges is intimate, expressive, and deeply rooted in the land it calls home. ❱❱

Pictured: Mesh bra and skirt, Jude Canada.

MEET THE CREATIVES

Taralyn Sanderson’s relationship with style is fluid and currently all about comfort. The Cree-Métis photographer from Treaty 4 came to the lens through modelling, learning the craft from the other side before picking up her first camera in 2016. “After having my daughter, I put my passion on hold,” she reflects, “but when she started kindergarten, I found that I had enough time to make this my career—and I love it here!”

Sanderson describes her current style as “streetwear with a feminine touch,” shaped by the need for comfort and the desire for increased boldness as she moved through postpartum life. For her, fashion is a kind of reclamation: “Each stage I got more free, and open to trying different styles, colours, and fabrics.”

Colour and texture are signatures of makeup artist Chelsea Behnsen, a proud member of the Oneida Nation. “I almost always wear colourful dresses and big ol’ beaded earrings,” she says. Now in her thirties, she describes her style as finally untethered from expectation: “Having more confidence and not being bothered by others’ opinions and judgment has been incredibly freeing.”

“HAVING MORE CONFIDENCE AND NOT BEING BOTHERED BY OTHERS’ OPINIONS AND JUDGMENT HAS BEEN INCREDIBLY FREEING.”

Heather Jude, Fashion Designer and Founder of Jude Canada, has always been drawn to fashion because it combines all her passions. “Fabric is just a less messy version of paint,” she describes. “I love how a design can start in one place and by the end of the process transform into something even more beautiful than you’d have expected.”

Jude also loves how clothing can take on a new life when worn; she calls fashion a form of communication in moments where you may still be finding your footing in a room. Her designs are influenced by her favourite artists like

Desgat, her time as an Irish dancer, the unseen labour of performance and the nature surrounding Vancouver.

She cites the mountains at Golden Ears and the horizon at Vedder parks as inspirations for her most recent collection. “There’s something incredibly grounding about realizing how small we are in the face of nature,” she reflects.

“Fashion, no matter how bold or theatrical, still needs to be thoughtful.”

Hair artist Kerrigan Bowey, who moved from a chicken farm in rural Saskatchewan to the creative crucible of Vancouver, calls her style “eclectic leaning towards the y’all-ternative persuasion.”

She finds sartorial confidence in the city’s urban pockets. “Mount Pleasant pulls a lot of inspiration for me,” she says. “Growing up on the poorer side, I love a good deal. The thrift stores around this city have my heart.”

Daly is inclined to agree, specifically calling out a linen blend drop shouldered blazer from Isabel Marant’s Etoile collection that she picked up in Mount Pleasant with big pockets for her “phone and seashells.”

“The community sales in this city are just amazing, just like the people,” Daly adds.

CHELSEA BEHNSEN

Vancouver Wears it Well

VANCOUVER’S FASHION SCENE IS QUIETLY RADICAL

The whole creative crew, who collaborated on this editorial fashion shoot in təmtəmíxwtən/Belcarra Regional Park, consider Commercial Drive, Mount Pleasant, and Main Street as pillars of local style, not for their flash, but for their eclectic secondhand racks and community-rooted stores.

“IT FEELS AS THOUGH PEOPLE WANT TO WEAR THEIR VALUES BUT STILL STAND OUT. IT’S SLOW FASHION WITH EMOTIONAL DEPTH AND I’M HERE FOR IT!”

CHELSEA BEHNSEN

“It feels like we’re in a quietly radical moment right now,” Sanderson observes. “More folks are choosing sustainability and expressive minimalism over loud trends. It feels as though people want to wear their values but still stand out. It’s slow fashion with emotional depth and I’m here for it!”

Jude, too, sees the city’s fashion identity as individualistic rather than trend-driven. “I think when I started in fashion I thought I needed to re-evaluate my aesthetic,” she says. “But I realized you just need to find your community. Then work feels less like work and more like playing dress-up with your best friends.”

Bowey, who specializes in runway and indie fashion shoot hair, has seen a surge in vintage inspiration among designers. “In a city as diverse as ours I see incredible diversity within the confines of something as broad as the term ‘vintage,’” she clarifies. “Independent artists are pulling from classic eras with bold twists. It’s so exciting to see them develop at such close proximity.” ❱❱

Pictured: Satin slip dress, Oak + Fort. Nucella lamellosa shell pendants and vintage gold chains by Amanda May Daly.

When asked which local brands or designers excite them most, these creatives offer a vibrant catalogue of indie brilliance:

JUDE CANADA:

“[Jude’s] pieces are so carefully put together with incredible detail, truly a work of art–whimsical and dreamlike,” says Sanderson.

EVALEC79:

Indigenous designer Evelyn Alec, designer of EvAlec79, is a permanent fixture in Daly’s styling arsenal.

“Her graphic tees are one of my style staples. I usually crop them and cut off the sleeve but I also have her designs custom embroidered onto jackets and a collection of her Buffalo nickel necklaces.”

SECTION THIRTY-FIVE (JUSTIN JACOB LOUIS):

“Justin Jacob Louis of Section ThirtyFive has the vision, he’s really going to move the needle for contemporary Indigenous design with his upcoming eponymous collection. That’s the quote,” says Daly.

BAHAR KIANPOUR:

“The way she does men’s fashion needs to be studied. I am in love with her incorporation of beading, lace, mixed fabric and cut outs. She makes me excited for the future of men’s fashion and for red-carpet-walking men,” says Bowey.

ALICIA’S DESIGNS:

“One of her custom bags was my first big girl purchase,” endorses Behnsen.

JADA CREATIONS AND COPPER CANOE:

Behnsen recommends them for big auntie earrings.

INDI CITY:

Indigenous-designed earrings that are “cool girl” staples, according to Daly.

AND FOR THOSE LOOKING TO SHOP LIKE A LOCAL:

Forastera Vintage, Mine and Yours, Wildlife Thrift, Burcu’s Angels, Rewind Resale, and Mintage Mall all earn repeat praise.

Gravity Pope Tailored Goods is Daly’s pick for high-low designer edits with Canadian flair.

Indigenous markets are a must, says Sanderson: “You’re supporting families of all kinds.”

What do these style gurus envision for the city’s fashion future? What’s next in this place of shifting textures and intentions?

“We’re going to see more local storytelling, more individuality, and a deeper blend of fashion with function,” Jude says.

Sanderson and Behnsen both hope the move toward Canadian slow fashion becomes permanent. “I think with all of the buzz and news coming out about how bad fast fashion is, we’ll see a lot more one of a kind, locally and handmade pieces being appreciated–risks taken with what we wear and how we wear it,” explains Sanderson.

Bowey pulls no punches: “People are tired of athleisure—sorry, someone had to say it.” She’s excited to see how the city stretches into new

silhouettes and bigger statements.

But it’s Daly who offers the most sweeping vision: one where fashion, media, and place intersect. “Social media has shifted the landscape for those of us in smaller markets,” she says. “With my portfolio work, (which includes dressing a nominee for the Academy Awards red carpet) I try to get out on the lands as much as I can because I want folks to see what this place called Vancouver… has to reveal to us. I want to encourage people to consider land-based perspectives that challenge ingrained ideas about luxury, value, and wealth.”

In that vision, Vancouver isn’t just a city that wears fashion well, it’s a city that teaches us how to wear our stories better. ❚

All interviews have been condensed and edited for clarity.

LOOKING FORWARD

Pictured: Sequin dress, Pieces Denmark. Nucella lamellosa and miigis shell pendants, vintage gold chain by Amanda May Daly.

#keepgoodcompany, eh

Founded in Kitsilano in 2012, Good Company has grown to five Metro Vancouver locations—Main Street, Granville, Kitsilano, Northwoods and Steveston. From sold-out DJs and drag br unches to game nights and big-screen sports, they deliver delicious Canadiana pub food classics, tons of beers on tap, cold cocktails and a no -pretense vibe: good people, good music, good times. #keepgoodcompany, eh ❚

Locations: Granville | Kitsilano | Main Street | Northwoods | Steveston Website: goodcobars.com

Just minutes from downtown Vancouver, across the Burrard Inlet, lies a place where mountains rise from the shoreline and sunlight sparkles through towering evergreens On Vancouver’s North Shore, adventure is always nearby, from breathtaking views atop Grouse Mountain, thrilling treetop walks at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park or kayaking and biking along scenic forested routes

KKingTapsLonsdaleQuayisa NorthShore hotspotwithunbeatable waterfront vibes. With dailyStacked HappyHourdeals (drinksfrom $5),half-pricewineTuesdays, legendary pizzas, shareplatesand largeformatcocktails,what’snot to love?Plus, enjoytwo levels of all-season patios,17screensfor ever ysport,local art, weekendbrunch, takeoutand deliver y. It ’s always game on at King Taps ❚

ingTapsLonsdaleQuayisa NorthShore hotspotwithunbeatable waterfront vibes. With dailyStacked HappyHourdeals (drinksfrom $5),half-pricewineTuesdays, legendary pizzas, shareplatesand largeformatcocktails,what’snot to love?Plus, enjoytwo levels of all-season patios,17screensfor ever ysport,local art, weekendbrunch, takeoutand deliver y. It ’s always game on at King Taps ❚

Address: #141 -123 CarrieCates Court, NorthVancouver Phone: 604670 8600 Website: kingtaps.com/locations/lonsdale-quay

Good Co, King Taps, North Shore Tourism

explore vancouver’s north shore

Prefer a slower pace? Explore local shops, unwind over fresh West Coast cuisine, enjoy a coffee at waterfront parks, or visit local art galleries and museums Rooted in the traditional territories of the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, this is a place where culture and nature are intertwined. This is your sign to explore Vancouver’s North Shore. Visit vancouversnorthshore. com for hidden gems and insider tips. ❚

Address: Vancouver’s North Shore Tourism Association is a collaboration between the City of North Vancouver, District of North Vancouver and District of West Vancouver

Email: inquiries@vancouversnorthshore.com Website: vancouversnorthshore.com

miami-inspired hotspot

DiscoverThe Flamingo Room,Vancouver ’s hottestMiami-inspired spot on Commercial Drive. Burstingwith energy,livemusic,DJ nights and themedparties,it’sthe perfectspotto celebrate. Cozied up beside Havana Vancouver, paythem avisit and enjoyfun drinks, latenight snacks all with alively atmosphere.Comeexperiencethe funand make memorablemoments at TheFlamingoRoom. ❚

Address: 1214 CommercialDr, Vancouver Phone: 604253 9119 Website: flamingoroomvan.com

Step into Havana Vancouverand be transported to thevibrantheart of Cuba.Inspired by Old Havana’s rich culture, this lively hotspot buzzes with warmth andenergy. Whether indulging in fresh, locally-sourced Latin-inspired dishes or sippingtropicalcocktails,Havana’syearroundpatio offers the perfect settingfor making memorable moments, romantic date nights,weekend brunches and happy hours with friends. ❚

Address: 1212 Commercial Dr,Vancouver Phone: 604253 9119 Website: havanavancouver.com

Flamingo Room

urbanwinery

4 Profiles

Inthe heartofVancouver,justastone’s throw from Gastown, liesthe city’sonly urban winer y—aplacewhererusticcharm meets urban cool Since2011, it ’s been morethan just an event venue; it ’s wheremoments aremade, glasses clinked and memories etched. Here,every sip feels likeacelebration andevery visit is astory waiting to be told ❚

Address: 55 DunlevyAve,Vancouver

Phone: 604699 1989 Website: vancouverurbanwinery.com

Belgard Kitchen is the kind of placeyou visitonceand suddenly ever yfamilydinner,cocktailhour and weekendbrunchgetsbooked there. With moodyindustrialcharm, localB.C.wine on tapand globallyinspired plates,itnails the food andsets themoodfor even better convos Oh,and it ’s tuckedinsidearestored 1920swarehouse. Yeah .it ’s avibe. ❚

Address: 55 DunlevyAve,Vancouver,B.C.

Phone: 604699 1989 Website: belgardkitchen.com

cool vibe

EAT. DRINK. DISAPPEAR.

ALLEY BARS, BASEMENT HIDEOUTS, AND MOODY ROOMS

For a moment, you’ll wonder if your Uber driver made a critical error. “Is this the right place?” you’ll ask yourself as you turn down the alley and scan the row of unmarked buildings before you.

That delicate balance of uncertainty and excitement is just part of the thrill of slipping into a place that feels like

a terrific secret, but the payoff comes when you experience an evening of fantastic food and drink.

These rare spots–the ones that hurt to gatekeep as much as it does to share it–are few and far between, but each manages to deliver on that unmistakable feeling you’re in on something really special. ❱❱

WORDS: LINDSAY WILLIAM-ROSS

Eat. Drink. Disappear.

Meo (Pictured above)

265 E Pender St meochinatown.com

Styled after a 1970s “love motel,” everything about Chinatown’s sexy Meo feels like a wink and a smile. Sink into pink velvet seats in a room where the lighting is low and the vibes are high.

Chill under the sparkling disco ball as you sip wildly creative cocktails with ingredients like carrot, taro, or sundried tomatoes and enjoy a food menu of fun Asian-Euro share plates. Expect the unexpected on the food menu, with dishes like a scallop crudo with passionfruit and corn, Caesar saladinspired croquettes, or seafood paella with Valencian noodles.

Meo is making itself snug beneath the award-winning Kissa Tanto, and feels like a truly chic escape.

Arcana

238 Abbott St arcanabar.com

If you’re wandering Gastown and spot what looks like a pet psychic’s office, don’t be fooled—inside is Arcana, a cocktail bar with a vintage spiritualism twist. Think tarot readings, a glowing Ouija board, and drinks named after tarot cards that come with little surprises, like a psychic hotline number.

The food’s a notch above typical bar fare, with French and Eastern European-inspired small plates that lean into comfort and creativity.

This is where the occult and clever food and drink collide in a wickedly fun way, for a night that’s anything but ordinary.

Is That French

45 Blood Alley Square isthatfrench.com

Tucked into Gastown’s moody Blood Alley, Is That French is a 51-seat wine bar where the real magic happens at the chef’s counter.

With a front-row seat to the action, diners can watch Chef Kovic Prevost and his team craft elegant small plates that champion Pacific Northwest ingredients with a French touch.

The wine program leans lowintervention, with by-the-glass options ideal for pairing and discovery. The menu changes seasonally, but you can always count on freshly-shucked oysters and their gotta-have-it Basque Cheesecake for dessert.

Ama (Pictured above)

3980 Fraser St amarawbar.ca

Tucked above Fraser Street’s bustling Greek spot Nammos, Ama (from the same owners) is a moody, Japanese-style speakeasy that delivers an immersive experience from the moment you step through its unmarked door.

With a sleek, minimalist design and a central cocktail and raw bar, it’s the perfect backdrop for intimate evenings fuelled by creative drinks and elegant bites.

The menu features refined share plates— like uni pasta, sushi rolls, or roasted bone marrow—and cocktails infused with Japanese spirits and ingredients.

Lala (Pictured on page 27)

3305 Cambie St juneoncambie.com

Downstairs from modern bistro June on Cambie, Lala’s is a basement bar with a setup that feels like you’re hanging out in your cool friend’s record-filled living room.

Lala’s definitely gives chic after-party vibes, thanks to the French-Japanese inspired high-wattage cocktails and DJs spinning vinyl. For eats, they don’t do the full June menu, but you’ll find some snack-worthy plates to share or their decadent signature burger to keep to yourself.

It’s walk-in friendly, open nightly, and made for people who know how to make a night last.

Bleach

611 Gore Ave bleachstudios.xyz

Bleach Listening Room isn’t your average dinner spot—it’s what happens when a crew of creative friends turns a Chinatown design studio into a soulful, late-night hang.

The evolving menu draws from family recipes—shrimp laksa, dumplings, kofta meatballs—paired with a thoughtful wine list and a space that gives equal love to music, design, and food.

Built slowly and intentionally, Bleach feels more like a home than a restaurant (if your home had great lighting and better playlists). Tucked on a quiet stretch of Gore Ave, it’s the kind of place you stumble into and instantly want to bring your friends back to. ❚

Fireupthe grill,pour thewineand bring alittle restaurant magichome. Since 2007, TwoRivers SpecialtyMeats has been the tr ustedsourcebehind many of B.C.’s favourite restaurant dishes: melt-inyour-mouth dr y-aged steaks,handcrafted sausages and charcuterieboardsworth gathering around.Theybridgelocal farms andyour plate,combining traditional butchery with modern techniques to

highlight thebestofB.C.and Alberta ranching.Everything is sustainably raised, traceableand expertly prepared.In2017, theyopenedThe Shop,aneighbourhood butcher yfor home cookscraving chefqualitycuts without thereser vation.Step inside forartisan butchers,classic seambutcher y, andcuts youwon’t ﬁnd at the supermarket.Nextdinner party? Sorted. ❚

Address: 180Donaghy Ave, NorthVancouver

Phone: 604990 5288

Website: tworiversmeats.com

Two Rivers Meats Shark Club

More than just a sports bar, Shark Club is where Vancouver gathers—for the game, show, music, and ever ything in between Located downtown just steps from Rogers Arena, BC Place, and the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, it ’s a longtime favourite voted Vancouver ’s Best Sports Bar multiple years in a row. With 72 TVs, two 12ft x 7ft HD screens, seating for 400,

and two private rooms, it ’s built for good times And the vibe goes beyond sports Living by the motto “For All Fankind”, Shark Club hosts reality TV nights, live music, and ser ves a menu that delivers elevated bar classics and delicious cocktails, wine and taps. Whether you’re here to cheer, chill, or catch up, Shark Club brings the energy Vancouver keeps coming back for. ❚ sports bar

Address: 180 W Georgia St, Vancouver

Phone: 604 687 4275

Website: sharkclub.com

Thai Away

PPad Thai piledhigh, curr ybowls packed with unforgettable ﬂavour,and crispy rolls best kept foryourself—at Thai Away Home,diners discoverthe taste of atrue Vancouver original.Since openingin 1995, the popular Cambie Villagespothas built its reputationongenerousportions and vibrant,ﬂavourfulThai dishes, establishingitasa localfavourite for nearly three decades

ad Thai piledhigh, curr ybowls packed with unforgettable ﬂavour,and crispy rolls best kept foryourself—at Thai Away Home,diners discoverthe taste of atrue Vancouver original.Since openingin 1995, the popular Cambie Villagespothas built its reputationongenerousportions and vibrant,ﬂavourfulThai dishes, establishingitasa localfavourite for nearly three decades

Thatsamededication to qualityisnow foundacrossall their locations,from GranvilletoHastings-Sunrise,with anew spot opening soon near Kits Beach. With consistently friendlyand fastser vice, it ’s the perfect choicefor adine-inmealor takeout feast, delivering the tastethat Vancouverhas lovedfor decades. At Thai Away Home,asimple promise holdstrue: come hungr y, leavehappy ❚

Locations: Multiple locationsinVancouver

Phone: 604873 8424

Website: thaiaway.com

EMPTY STREETS. PAINTED LIGHT. REALITY REIMAGINED.

When the world stopped in 2020, the energy of Vancouver shifted. The crowds were gone. The usual hum of traffic, chatter, and street music fell silent.

Andy White

For Andy White, a self-represented artist and photographer, that silence wasn’t just eerie—it was an invitation.

“THERE WAS THIS EMPTINESS I’D NEVER SEEN BEFORE. IT FELT LIKE THE CITY WAS HOLDING ITS BREATH.”

Photographer

“There was this emptiness I’d never seen before. It felt like the city was holding its breath,” says White.

Anybody Out There

With his camera in hand, White began walking the streets, capturing scenes that felt both familiar and foreign. At first, it was about documenting absence—the stillness of a city on pause. But as he experimented, the work began to shift. Shadows became sculptural. Buildings took on new personalities. The city was no longer just itself—it was something imagined, cinematic, almost dreamlike.

That shift became the foundation for 604blue, a photographic series that

transforms Vancouver into a place where reality and imagination blur.

“I’m fascinated by the tension between opposing forces—presence and absence, day and night, past and future,” White explains. “These images live in those spaces in between.”

White says the project is as much about process as it is about place. “I try to let each image grow on its own. Sometimes I’ll have a plan, but often the best results happen when I just follow the light and see where it leads. You can’t force magic— you can only create space for it.” ❚

Left: @604blue (Instagram) Goes Around Comes Around Series 8, 2025

Page 32/33: @604blue (Instagram) Is There

Series 1, 2020

Right: @604blue (Instagram) Dancing with Fire Series 6, 2023

Integra Eyecare has earned its place as one of the city’s most tr usted clinics Named Vancouver ’s Best Optometr y Clinic and led by the 2025 Optometrist of the Year, it has become known for combining advanced technology with a human approach that feels rare today Patients come looking for answers about dr y eye, myopia, or complex vision needs, and leave with more than just a prescription;

they leave feeling understood What deﬁnes Integra is not only the precision of its diagnostics or the fact that it often launches new treatments, but the way its doctors take the time to listen, explain, and connect Each visit is built around the individual, where innovation is paired with compassion and expertise with warmth The result is care that feels both world class and deeply personal. ❚

Integra, Chaoyin

Address: 2415 Kingsway, Vancouver

Phone: 604 525 2042

Website: integraeyecare.com

If you’re looking for a Bilingual environment for your kids’ primary education, just South of Vancouver in Richmond, Chaoyin offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) from Kindergarten to Grade 7. As a B.C.-certified independent school, it promotes multilingual awareness and global citizenship, with Mandarin language and Chinese culture as key specialties.

The school delivers an English-medium, inquiry-based education that fosters academic excellence, creativity, and critical thinking. Chaoyin emphasizes risktaking, confidence, and whole-child development, helping students grow both intellectually and socially. With a strong foundation in IB values and a commitment to international-mindedness, the school is preparing students for future success. ❚

Address: 10111 Bird Rd, Richmond

Phone: 604 682 8112

Website: chaoyinschool.ca

Firehall’s 43rdseason is ElbowsUp and Made in Canada,with 99% of our presentations createdbyCanadianartists.Fromanew musical celebrating Canadian composers,toa newplayfromone of Canada’s favorite Indigenous playwrights, plus danceperformances, staged readings,and Christmas at the Firehall,there is alot to experience.❚ plusorite Indigenousplaywrights, plus danceperformances,

Address: 280E CordovaSt, Vancouver Phone: 604689 0926 Website: firehallartscentre.ca

High in the trees, harness clipped in, the forest ﬂoor feels far away At WildPlay, you can zip through the canopy, navigate aerial obstacle courses, leap into the air with a freefall jump or test your aim with axe throwing—all while surrounded by the rugged beauty of B.C.’s outdoors WildPlay’s motto, “play more, fear less,” comes to life

Looking fora funway to move,de-stress,orreigniteyourlove of dance? iDance VancouverinMount Pleasant offers adultclasses including Ballet, HipHop,Zumba,JazzFunk andBollywood.Whether you’re brand new or have yearsofexperience, theirclasses areaccessible,inclusive, andfullofgood vibes. Drop in foraslittleas$10, book easily through theirapp ❚

Address: 257E 7thAve,Vancouver Phone: 604558 4622 Website: idancevancouver.com

Firehall, iDance, Wildplay

in ever y challenge, whether you’re with friends, family or ﬂying solo Open to the public for bookings and walk-in visits from Feb. to Dec., WildPlay has locations in Maple Ridge, Nanaimo and Victoria and is the perfect outdoor adventure for all ages and comfort levels ❚

Locations: Maple Ridge | Victoria | Nanaimo Phone: 1 855 595 2251

Website: wildplay.com play more, fear less

“Mount Seymour is a lot of things. It’s a place of community, a place to break free from your day to day and clear your head. Also a place to learn, be creative, and push yourself. Always feeding off others, their talents, and energy while meeting great folks along the way.”

SNOWBOARDER TYSON KOSKELA (RIGHT)

OUNT SEYMOU VER US WORL

THE WORLD’S TOP SNOWBOARDERS ON WHY THEY KEEP COMING BACK TO VANCOUVER’S SMALLEST MOUNTAIN AS CAPTURED THROUGH THE LENS OF BRAD HEPPNER

Vancouver’s Mount Seymour isn’t trying to be anything it’s not. No highspeed six pack chairs, no bougie après, no multi-million-dollar grooming budget. Just a little hill tucked above a big city, often overlooked by locals in favour of the flashier neighbouring resorts — Grouse and Cypress — with their longer laps and newer lifts.

But here’s the thing: Seymour hits different. It’s a rider’s mountain. Side hits for days, sneaky pillow lines, bootpackaccess backcountry, and a community that’s as core as it gets. Are we still allowed to say “core”? The folks who ride Seymour would be able to tell you.

You won’t find tourists posing in branded onesies here — just real snowboarders lapping the same runs on repeat, and milking every inch of terrain from first chair to well into the night.

This is where style matters most. Where the park is right under the chairlift and creativity wins. Where legends keep showing up, not for the hype, but for the vibe.

And no one’s captured that better than Brad Heppner. A fixture in the Seymour scene for over 20 years, Heppner’s been behind the lens as the world’s best riders — locals and internationals — drop into this unassuming little hill and leave with some of their best footage. His photos are raw, honest, and dialled straight into the soul of snowboarding.

Not sold? We’ve paired Heppner’s images with words from the riders themselves — why they keep coming back, what Seymour means to them, and what makes this place more than just a mountain.

This is a love letter to Seymour. ❱❱

WORDS AND IMAGES: BRAD HEPPNER

“Bumping into local pro Devun Walsh in the lift line, Jeff and Brendan Keenan, others from infamous Skids, Wildcats, Party Snake film crews – I feel “this” is such an important and amazing opportunity for young riders, to be around snowboarders they admire. Get a chance to converse, ride with, and learn things from them –both on and off the snowboard. Not just what you see in videos or on the internet. Real human connection.

Mount Seymour has always been a place that brings all of these elements together, and will always hold a special place in my heart. “

WAIT||LESS JACK WHITE

JACK CALLED.

WAIT//LESS ANSWERED. LOUD.

WORDS: STEPHEN SMYSNUIK // IMAGES: MEGAN MAGDALENA

The invitation came out of nowhere.

Two weeks before Jack White’s two sold-out nights at the Commodore Ballroom, WAIT//LESS – Vancouver’s buzzy post-hardcore quartet – got a Bandcamp message from someone on White’s team asking if they’d like to open.

Naturally, they assumed it was a scam.

“Where do we give our credit card info? Where’s the Nigerian prince?” WAIT//LESS guitarist Trevor Stoddart remembers thinking.

“IT WAS HILARIOUS...IT WAS LIKE, THIS IS AN OFFICIAL OFFER FOR JACK WHITE AT THE COMMODORE. WE’RE LIKE, WHERE DO WE GIVE OUR CREDIT CARD INFO? WHERE’S THE NIGERIAN PRINCE?”

GUITARIST TREVOR STODDART

In hindsight, it made perfect sense. White was tapping local openers in nearly every city on his tour, aiming for the best of each scene.

In Vancouver circa 2025, that’s WAIT//LESS.

Fronted by the magnetic Rebecca White (no relation to Jack), the band delivers the city’s most electrifying rock show: punk swagger, foaming energy, and enough pop hooks to pack a room.

Their loyal following comes from the intensity of their live sets, where White channels Millennial fury at the state of the city-slash-country-slash-planet.

We sat down with White and Stoddart ahead of the release of their debut album Improve Yourself – out now on streaming and cassette – to talk life as working musicians, their hopes for the record, and why making angry music can be healing. ❱❱

WAIT//LESS JACK WHITE

What’s the toughest show you’ve ever played?

Rebecca White: The worst crowd you can have is no crowd – when there’s like two folks in the audience. But you always have to play a show as if you have 1,500 people. You can’t phone it in, it doesn’t matter who’s there. You can’t pick and choose when you’re gonna be like, “I don’t feel like doing this because there aren’t enough like people.” It’s not about how many people, it’s about the quality of what you provide.

We played Edmonton once. It was cold, like October or November in Alberta. And of course, there were like six people in this bar, but we played sick that night. I remember because I had all this extra time to do vocal warm ups.

Then, with the Jack White show, for example, that had like 100 times the amount of people there and I’m secondguessing my performance with that. It’s not that there were too many people, it’s just that on big shows like that, I get really – well first of all, I always drink too much caffeine. Then I’m overthinking every move that I’m doing. You want it to be well-received because something big could potentially happen from that.

Was that all heightened because Jack White was obviously watching you?

RW: If it was like “Jack White Presents WAIT//LESS” and he wasn’t there, then it would be different. But I’m like, he’s gonna watch the show. Clearly, he’s on the hunt to add to his label. So it’s a big opportunity – you want to do well, and you want to put your best foot forward.

It’s funny that people think, “It’s rock and roll! Just do it and party, and it’s whatever!” But it’s not like that. Like, you want to be a good performer, and you also want to be a good person to hire. It’s a business at the end of the day.

Did you get to hang out with Jack?

RW: Not really. He seems to stick to himself and his crew. We did meet him briefly, because he takes a photo with every band that he plays with. I was trying to enchant him. I was shaking his hand and looking deep into his eyes, like, surely my witchy gaze will convince you that you need more of this in your life.

His group sent us each a poster from the night. I was looking at it, like, “Hmmmm there doesn’t seem to be a contract here.

Are you guys making a living doing it yet?

RW: No. Everything that we make from our shows, we have a bank account that we just put it in so that we can pay for, like, merch, or if we have to travel or whatever, or maybe buy some cheeky drinks before a show.

Making money off the music would be sick, but it takes a while. You have to have like two million streams to make like 20 bucks a month or something like that. Spotify is crazy.

Trevor Stoddart: I think at this point, we’ve been surprised that we’ve been able to put in so much return back into that band fund and expand.

RW: Yeah, we’re not joking this time either. We are releasing our record at the end of the summer.

What are your hopes for the album?

TS: I hope that it can fill something in someone’s listening Rolodex that they don’t have already. I don’t want it to be this thing that slots in with a million others in the same category. Hopefully, we offer a different feeling that you want to have while you’re listening to music.

OK, on the flip side – what are your expectations for the album?

RW: Bigger shows. We’ve moved into this kind of intermediate realm of being a band and playing these shows. We’ve played the Commodore a handful of times. We’ve opened up for legendary bands, you know. We’ve moved on from where we started from, like, saying yes to everything and playing Green Auto three times a month, you know?

I hope this is like getting a raise when you’ve been working a job for X amount of years. You deserve more because you have put your energy into producing something that people want and are thirsty for. So I’m hoping for a solid tour, maybe going to the UK.

We were gonna go to the States, but that’s an insane thing to do now, so I’ll probably skip that for the next couple years at least.

Back to those two-person gigs. When was the last time you had one of those?

RW: It’s been a while. I’m really happy that obviously there was some sort of need for what we’re doing in Vancouver, because it has been so well received over

the last couple years. The small shows happen only when we play in towns when people don’t know us. But in Calgary, for example – I’m from Calgary, and so we already have a crew of people that are at least interested in seeing the show.

How do you physically give each show all that energy, whether it’s two people or 1,500 people?

RW: Our set is less than half an hour, so it’s not too much work to do. But you just feel it in your bones, you know? You can’t be contained when you’re screaming like that. All my songs are about my perception of family members with alcoholism, or my friends struggling with their mental health, or, like, the world ending. The anger just rises up. You can’t just phone it in when you’re singing about that or playing music like we play. The energy is so big, it takes over.

Maybe that’s why your music’s resonating. Because there aren’t a lot of outlets to express anger or rage in this city, and it can be challenging at times to live here?

TS: It truly is.

RW: And you should be pissed! TS: But it’s good to come together and support each other. That’s what it’s about. It’s not about being pissed, it’s like, how do we make this better together?

RW: You’re not alone in the feelings of, like, feeling bad. I also feel bad. I will take your hand, we’ll feel bad together, and we’ll scream about it, you know? I don’t want to say we’re changing the world or anything, but coming together with like-minded people and screaming about something, and being happy or upset together is powerful.

What’s the best way to connect with the city’s local music community?

RW: Oh, good question. I think that people should take chances to put themselves out there. Always be yourself and be good to people – you never know who you’re talking too. Also starting conversations with the people that you commonly see at the same shows, or chatting with the bands, et cetera. ❚

“I WAS SHAKING JACK WHITE’S HAND AND LOOKING DEEP INTO HIS EYES, LIKE, SURELY MY WITCHY GAZE WILL CONVINCE YOU THAT YOU NEED MORE OF THIS IN YOUR LIFE.”

LEAD

VOCALIST REBECCA WHITE

Laughter, applause, live art—you’ll ﬁnd it all at Gateway Theatre, where the best nights stick with you long after the lights go down Since 1984, Gateway has been Richmond’s local stage for musicals, plays and stories that bring people together More than a theatre, it ’s a welcoming space where kids discover the magic of performing, and audiences

connect over good stories well told With youth programs, community events and even venue rentals for special moments, Gateway keeps its doors open to ever yone Whether you’re a regular or just curious to tr y something new, there’s always something happening Come for the show, stay for the feeling, and see where Richmond’s stories come to life. ❚

Address: 6500 Gilbert Rd, Richmond

Phone: 604 270 1812

Website: gatewaytheatre.com

Gateway Threatre, FDU Vancouver

Looking for a campus as vibrant as the city itself ? Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Vancouver Campus places you in the heart of downtown, with programs designed for today ’s global careers! The Master of Hospitality Management Studies (MHMS) equips students with the academic foundation and industr y connections needed to thrive in hospitality and tourism FDU is ranked

among the top 15 Hospitality and Hotel Management Schools in the world by CEO World Magazine (2025). FDU Vancouver also offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in business, IT and administrative studies With small class sizes, FDU Vancouver is more than a degree—it’s your launch pad for what ’s next Discover a learning environment as forward-thinking as your ambitions ❚ Address: 842 Cambie St, Vancouver Phone: 604 682 8112

Website: fdu.edu/vancouver-mhms

What if the best view of Vancouver wasn’t from a patio, seawall stroll, or even the top of Grouse Mountain, but from the sky itself ? With SKY Helicopters, visitors can enjoy breathtaking, panoramic views of Stanley Park , the Paciﬁc Ocean and a city that sparkles beneath them like a well-kept secret For those craving adventure, the new SKY Heli-Tour of Vancouver departing right beside the

cr uise ships at the Vancouver heliport, takes guests far beyond the city limits, soaring over landscapes that look like scenes from a movie Or depart from their SKY Hangar where beer lovers can enjoy a Backcountr y Beer Tasting Heli-Tour, an unforgettable high-altitude experience with cold brews and stunning views Experience Vancouver ’s natural beauty from a perspective like no other. ❚

Sky Helicopters, Pinnacle

Lights,camera, action From bubble blowing,ﬁre dancing,livemusic andmore, Destination Downtown Vancouversetsthe stagefor family funthiswinter. Enjoyfreeperformancesfromlocal entertainersasthey celebrate the magic of the season and create lasting memories. ❚

This year,the lit wordsreturn with an all-newtheme.Explore downtown neighbourhoodsand discovermorethan adozen lit word locations.Visit the wordsand enterfor your chancetowin amazing prizesand experiences.The morewords youdiscover, the more chances youhavetowin! ❚

Website: destinationdowntown.co

Hfamilyfriendlyfun

Location: Variousneighbourhoods, Vancouver Website: destinationdowntown.co

Vancouver Hotel Destination Association

sparkling lights

aveyou ever wantedtosee the heartofVancouverfromnew heights? This winter,you can! Visitthe Destination Downtown Vancouver Ferris Wheel at Vancouver ArtGaller yNorth Plaza andsee the city from highabove.Proudly inpartnership with DowntownVan ❚

Grabahot beverage and stroll along Vancouver ’s Coal Harbour seawall.Twinkling trees will illuminateyourpathand set the scene as youwalkbetweenthe Vancouver Convention Centreand Cardero Park .You’llevensee some of Vancouver’siconic animal friends along the way, to brighten up the night ❚

Location: VancouverArt Gallery,North Plaza Website: destinationdowntown.co

Location: Coal HarbourSeawall, Vancouver Website: destinationdowntown.co

HAPPENING

Vancouver’s cultural calendar is packed year-round with festivals, markets, and celebrations that showcase the city’s creativity, diversity, and love of community. From world-class film and performing arts festivals to outdoor adventures, foodie feasts, and holiday magic, there’s something happening in every season. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, dive into the events that make Vancouver one of the world’s most vibrant destinations.

VANCOUVER FRINGE FESTIVAL

A wild and eclectic mix of uncensored, independent theatre, the Fringe brings hundreds of offbeat and original performances to stages across the city.

VANCOUVERFRINGE.COM

VANCOUVER’S GREAT OUTDOORS COMEDY FESTIVAL

This open-air comedy fest turns Stanley Park into a laugh-filled playground with big-name stand-ups and rising stars delivering punchlines under the sky.

BIKE THE NIGHT

A festive, family-friendly 10 km night bike ride along Vancouver’s Seawall, kicking off with live music, food trucks, bike decorating, tune-ups, and games at David Lam Park before riders pedal the illuminated route to support HUB Cycling’s advocacy efforts.

BIKEHUB.CA/EVENTS/BIKE-NIGHT

RICHMOND NIGHT MARKET

This bustling, sensory-overload night market packed with street food from around the globe, carnival games, and Instagram-worthy eats ends its season in mid-October.

RICHMONDNIGHTMARKET.COM

OCT

FRIGHT NIGHTS AT PLAYLAND

Vancouver’s creepiest Halloween tradition, Fright Nights delivers haunted houses, thrill rides, and nightmarefuelled scares after dark.

FRIGHTNIGHTS.CA

VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

A globally recognized celebration of cinema, VIFF showcases boundarypushing films from around the world alongside a strong spotlight on Canadian and West Coast storytellers.

VIFF.ORG

VANCOUVER WRITERS FEST

A thought-provoking literary festival that brings together acclaimed authors, poets, and thinkers for readings, panels, and conversations that ignite the imagination.

WRITERSFEST.BC.CA

VANCOUVER ODDITIES & CURIOSITIES EXPO

A one-of-a-kind marketplace of the weird and wonderful, featuring taxidermy, dark art, vintage oddities, and all things delightfully strange.

ODDITIESANDCURIOSITIESEXPO.COM

HAPPENING

VANCOUVER INDIGENOUS FASHION WEEK

A powerful platform showcasing Indigenous designers and models, blending fashion, tradition, and activism on the runway.

VIFW.CA

DTES HEART OF THE CITY FESTIVAL

A grassroots celebration of the Downtown Eastside’s rich cultural heritage, resilience, and artistic talent through music, stories, and community events.

SHIPYARDSCHRISTMASMARKET.COM NOV DEC

HEARTOFTHECITYFESTIVAL.COM

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

FILM FESTIVAL VANCOUVER

A curated selection of films exploring the creative process and social impact of architecture, urbanism, and design in a changing world. ADFILMFEST.COM

VANCOUVER ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL

Showcases Asian cinema and cultural events over a handful of days, with screenings, panels, and networking events.

VAFF.ORG

EASTSIDE CULTURE CRAWL

An annual open-studio art crawl where hundreds of local artists invite the public inside their creative spaces across East Vancouver.

CULTURECRAWL.CA

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS AT VANDUSEN

Millions of twinkling lights and whimsical displays transform the garden into a festive dreamscape each winter.

VANCOUVER.CA/PARKS-RECREATION-CULTURE FESTIVAL-OF-LIGHTS.ASPX

SHIPYARDS CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

North Vancouver’s waterfront comes alive with seasonal cheer, live entertainment, and family-friendly holiday fun.

CANYON LIGHTS AT CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE

The iconic bridge and surrounding forest are lit from treetop to canyon floor in a jaw-dropping display of winter magic.

CAPBRIDGE.COM/EVENTS/CANYON-LIGHTS

VANCOUVER CHRISTMAS MARKET

This festive downtown staple channels the charm of a traditional European market with handcrafted gifts, hearty fare, and mulled wine.

VANCOUVERCHRISTMASMARKET.COM

WINTER SOLSTICE LANTERN FESTIVAL

A multi-neighbourhood celebration featuring lantern parades, fire shows, and the Labyrinth of Light.

SECRETLANTERN.ORG

CONTACT WINTER MUSIC FESTIVAL

BC Place turns into a massive dance floor as international DJs and dazzling visuals fuel two nights of high-energy revelry.

CONTACT-FESTIVAL.COM

DINE OUT VANCOUVER

The city’s biggest food celebration, Dine Out offers prix fixe menus and culinary events that turn winter into a feast.

DINEOUTVANCOUVER.COM

GREATER VANCOUVER HOT CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL

Local cafés and chocolatiers get wildly creative with cocoa, serving up limitededition sips that are anything but basic.

HOTCHOCOLATEFEST.COM

PUSH FESTIVAL

This bold performing arts festival challenges conventions with genredefying works in theatre, dance, music, and multimedia.

PUSHFESTIVAL.CA

FREE ICE SKATING IN ROBSON SQUARE

The public outdoor rink is open December to February, with free skating if you bring your own (rentals are available).

ROBSONSQUARE.COM

LUNARFEST VANCOUVER

A vibrant celebration of Lunar New Year culture through contemporary art, performances, and community storytelling.

LUNARFESTVANCOUVER.CA

JUST FOR LAUGHS VANCOUVER

The city gets a comedy takeover as toptier stand-ups and emerging talent deliver big laughs across multiple stages.

JFLVANCOUVER.COM

FAN EXPO

A pop culture mega-event where fandoms collide—think cosplay, celeb meet-andgreets, comics, gaming, and everything in between.

FANEXPOHQ.COM/FANEXPOVANCOUVER

VANCOUVER’S

RUGBY SEVENS

High-octane rugby action meets a partyin-the-stands atmosphere during this fast-paced international tournament at BC Place.

VANSEVENS.COM

LA POUTINE WEEK

Local restaurants compete with signature poutine dishes—an indulgent, tasty celebration of Canadian comfort food.

LAPOUTINEWEEK.COM/EN

HAPPENING

MAR APR

VANCOUVER CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

Petal season brings poetry, music, and cultural events under the city’s iconic pink canopy from late March into April. VCBF.CA

VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL WINE FESTIVAL

One of North America’s premier wine events, featuring global wineries, expert seminars, and grand tastings galore.

VANWINEFEST.CA

CELTICFEST VANCOUVER

Western Canada’s biggest celebration of Celtic culture, with live performances and more.

CELTICFESTVANCOUVER.COM

VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL DANCE FESTIVAL

An electrifying showcase of contemporary and experimental dance from local and international trailblazers.

THEDANCECENTRE.CA

VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL BURLESQUE FESTIVAL

A glitter-soaked celebration of tease, talent, and empowerment, featuring bold performances from local and global burlesque stars.

VIBF.CA

VANCOUVER VAISAKHI PARADE

One of the largest Sikh celebrations outside India, this joyful parade fills the streets with colour, culture, music, and community spirit.

KDSROSS.COM/VAISAKHI

CAPTURE PHOTOGRAPHY FESTIVAL

Galleries, public spaces, and city streets become the canvas for this lens-based art festival spotlighting emerging and established photographers.

CAPTUREPHOTOFEST.COM

VANCOUVER SUN RUN

One of North America’s largest 10 km road races, held on the third or fourth Sunday in April.

VANCOUVERSUNRUN.COM

MAY

DOXA DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL

Thought-provoking and socially engaged documentaries screen across the city, sparking conversation and insight.

DOXAFESTIVAL.CA

BMO VANCOUVER MARATHON

Thousands of runners hit the scenic streets of Vancouver in this annual race, from full marathon to community fun runs.

BMOVANMARATHON.CA

VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL

Performing arts, music, and workshops for families at Granville Island.

CHILDRENSFESTIVAL.CA

SHIPYARDS NIGHT MARKET

Kicking off in mid-May, this weekly evening market in North Van becomes a major spring activity featuring street food, live entertainment, artisan vendors, and pop -up performances.

SHIPYARDSNIGHTMARKET.COM

Escape to Cape Carraholly Retreat- a secluded oceanfront haven. Tucked away on 75 acres of oceanfront property along the Burrard Inlet in Port Moody, BC, Cape Carraholly Retreat offers a unique escape just 14 km from Vancouver- yet a world away from the ever yday Accessible only by water, this exclusive retreat begins with a complimentar y scenic boat shuttle that sets the tone for a tr uly immersive

experience in nature. With a selection of lodges, yurts, and a dome, ever y accommodation features a private hot tub, BBQ, and ﬁre-pit Guests can unwind with on-site amenities including a sauna, kayaks, hiking trails, and a beach shack. For gatherings big and small, a gazebo provides an idyllic setting for weddings, corporate retreats, ﬁlmography and much more. ❚

Address: Port Moody, BC

Phone: 604 559 2484

Email: info@afloatmanagement.com

Website: carrahollyretreat.com

Cape Holly Rereat, Push Festival

Full Programand Tickets

Available November 2025

RAISE YOUR GLASS

VANCOUVER COCKTAIL WEEK RETURNS FOR ITS FIFTH—AND BIGGEST—YEAR YET

Five years in, Vancouver Cocktail Week, presented by The Alchemist magazine, isn’t just holding its own—it’s setting the bar. What began as a spirited celebration of all things shaken and stirred has evolved into a city-wide showcase of the culture, craft, and creativity that make Vancouver’s cocktail scene one of the most exciting anywhere.

From March 1 to 8, 2026, VCW takes over the city with eight days of smartly curated events that blend world-class talent with local flavour. There’ll be daily Cinq à Sept happy hours, pairing dinners, educational seminars, and serious party energy—all anchored by appearances from globally renowned bartenders and some of Vancouver’s own award-winning legends behind the stick.

The week kicks off with the always buzzy Signature Brunch and wraps with

the ultra-glam Gala—a blowout evening of next-level cocktails, great food, and the kind of crowd that actually dresses up for a night out. In between, expect a thrilling roster of intimate spirit tastings, neighbourhood bar crawls, and chef collabs that bring the culinary world into the mix.

It’s not just for industry insiders, either—VCW is built for curious sippers, passionate food lovers, and anyone who appreciates a well-balanced drink and a good time. And yes, some events will sell out (they always do), so plan ahead. Whether you’re brushing up on martini history or discovering your new favourite bar, this is one week when the city’s glass is definitely more than half full.

Tickets and full schedule available via The Alchemist maazine’s website: thealchemistmagazine.ca/vcw —start clearing your calendar now.

Gallery on pages 60-62. ❱❱

WORDS: LINDSAY WILLIAM-ROSS // IMAGES: LIVING ROOM CREATIVE

Cocktail Week

VCW’s Signature Cocktail Brunch pairs inventive drinks with gourmet plates, kicking the week off in delicious style. Fall 2025

Grand, glam, and unforgettable: The Closing Gala caps off the week with dazzling drinks, exquisite food, and a crowd dressed to impress.

Sip and Learn: From martini lore to modern mixology, seminars turn cocktail lovers into connoisseurs.

Shake up the streets with VCW’s Neighbourhood Cocktail Crawls serving up creative pours.

Watch local legends and global stars in action—including Vancouver’s

Halifax’s 2024 World Class Global Bartender of the Year, Keegan McGregor (above) shakes, stirs, and pours his way into the spotlight.

2017 World Class Global Bartender of the Year, Kaitlyn Stewart (above) and Hisatsugu Saito, owner of Bar Owl & Rooster in Sapporo, Japan (top right).

Jfarm brewery

ustfive minutes from Langdale Ferr yinGibsons,Persephone Brewing Companyoperatesonan11-acrefarmwitha sustainablefarmhouse approach supporting localagriculture.Thisaward-winning,dog-friendly brewer yfeatureslivemusic,two patios,fire pits andisCertifiedB Corp, Salmon Safe andBee Friendly—makingitthe perfectplace to relaxand enjoycraft beer surrounded by nature ❚

Address: 1053 StewartRd, Gibsons Phone: 778462 3007 Website: persephonebrewing.com

Morning sun on a waterfront patio, coffee in hand and a robust menu that can win over even the pickiest eater. The Hard Bean Br unch Co serves br unch reimagined, with daily drink specials and dishes made for lingering with friends. From the ﬁrst sip to the last bite, it ’s a meal worth slowing down for. Bonus points for the cozy waterfront setting. ❚

Address: #110-909 West Cordova St, Vancouver Phone: 778 366 4591 Website: thehardbeanbrunchco.com

KingTapsLonsdaleQuayisa NorthShore hotspotwithunbeatable waterfront vibes. With dailyStacked HappyHourdeals (drinksfrom $5),half-pricewineTuesdays, legendary pizzas, shareplatesand largeformatcocktails,what’snot to love?Plus, enjoytwo levels of all-season patios,17screensfor ever ysport,local art, weekendbrunch, takeoutand deliver y. It ’s always game on at King Taps ❚

Address: #141 -123 CarrieCates Court, NorthVancouver Phone: 604670 8600 Website: kingtaps.com/locations/lonsdale-quay

Persephone, King Taps, Hard Bean, Hideout

Rainy day? Hideout Golf is your indoor playground Play golf and multisports on top-tier simulators, enjoy great drinks, food, and bring the whole crew—kids welcome! Perfect for date nights, gatherings, or simply unwinding with great company all winter long Get 25% off your ﬁrst booking (up to 2 hours) with code ULT25. ❚

Address: 1755 Davie St, Vancouver Phone: 604 682 1831 Website: hideoutgolf.ca