There was a time when I would fly to New York and Paris looking for the next big thing. I would land, look around and raid boutiques to refresh my wardrobe in line with the latest trends. But lately, I see Vancouver wherever I go.
Aritzia puffs on the streets of London. Arc’teryx Gore in Brooklyn. Lulus in every airport lounge. Even Seth Rogen, born and raised here, is turning Roots’ Canadian comfort into global cool (sorry Australia).
Somewhere along the line, the world stopped setting the trends and started wearing ours. Maybe it’s the weather, maybe it’s the attitude — but Vancouver fashion has this mix of function, confidence and gorpcore energy that people can’t get enough of.
The magazine you’re holding is about that shift. We’re showing you the local shops leading the way, the restaurants feeding the scene and the people whose everyday style feels real.
Welcome to the Winter Look Book
EDITOR
Nick Laba
EDITORIAL STAFF
Brendan Kergin, Elana Shepert, Daniel Wagner, Lindsay William-Ross PHOTOGRAPHY
Andy White, Jacq Harriet SALES DIRECTORS
Michelle Bhatti, Manny Kang SALES
Wali Adel, Tammy Berry, David Chiew, Alison Clay, Brenda Coulbourn, Nayeli Garcia, Jasmine Goode, Arlene Grant, Nathalie Longo, Collin Neal, Randy Sangha, Sanjay Sharma PUBLISHER
Matt Blair
FROM COCKTAILS TO NOODLE BOWLS, YOUR ULTIMATE FESTIVE FOOD AND DRINK GUIDE
THEMED HOLIDAY COCKTAILS AT H TASTING LOUNGE
The creative cocktailians at H Tasting Lounge go hard with the festive fun, putting out a curated line-up of holiday sips (with non-alc alts) based on a theme. They’ve taken on Christmas dinner guests and classic holiday movies as inspiration before, and seem to outdo themselves year after year. htastinglounge.com
JAPANESE SHARE PLATES AT PIZZA COMING SOON
There’s no pizza, just playful Japaneseinspired izakaya dishes in a vibey, neonlit room in Chinatown. The chicken karaage is a must, especially as a cheeky nod to Japan’s love of fried chicken during the holidays. Bring your crew for a celebratory night out.
pizzacomingsoon.com ❱❱
WORDS: LINDSAY WILLIAM-ROSS // IMAGES: CONTRIBUTED
A proper Italian Christmas moment starts with panettone. Pick one up while grabbing a cosy lunch at Mercato di Luigi’s East Van grocer-café (12th & Carolina), or enjoy a post-dinner slice after pasta and wine at their Chinatown location’s intimate “cantina.”
mercatodiluigi.com
If no one is going to spoil you with sushi dinners, treat yo’self. Actually, even if someone else is picking up the tab, go for one of Vancouver’s four sushi bars that each have one Michelin star: Masayoshi, Okeya Kyujiro, Sushi Huyn, and Sushi Masuda. Even the rest of the Guide for the city is packed with sushi spots: Lobby Lounge and Raw Bar, Miku, Octopus Garden, Sushi Bar Maumi, Sushi Jiro, Tetsu Sushi Bar, Yuwa, and Sushi Hil. You’re worth it!
guide.michelin.com
This elegant, cream-filled sponge cake coated in rich chocolate ganache is a beloved French holiday tradition and a highlight at Chef Thierry Busset’s Vancouver bakeries year after year. While the classic chestnut flavour is a fan favourite, Chef Busset and the Thierry team create special seasonal variations, making these festive Yule Logs one of the city’s most sought-after holiday treats.
thierrychocolates.com ❱❱
Plant-based, intimate, and impossibly charming, Kitsilano’s acclaimed Folke nails the romantic dinner vibe. Their tasting menu is a slow, thoughtful procession of beautiful bites, perfect for lingering over with someone special on a rainy December night.
folkerestaurant.com
This luxe westside ice cream parlour always turns things up for the holidays, and as the year draws to a close, expect to find flavours like Eggnog & Rum, Peppermint Bark, and Gingerbread. You can’t slip their elegant ceramic pint jars full of cool joy under the tree, but a sweet treat stop while you’re doing your shopping is always advisable. laglace.ca
HOLIDAY BEERS FROM STORM BREWING
Leave it to the brewing elves at East Van’s boundary-pushing Storm to put out some wildly fun pours come festive season. They always have a few limitededition beers available on tap in their tasting room; past releases include Turkey Dinner IPA, Apple Pie Ale, and Eggnog Latte Stout. stormbrewing.org
AN INCREDIBLE BOWL OF OKINAWAN SOBA FROM TATCHAN NOODLE
It’s dark earlier and never not grey and damp. Dive into a hot bowl of noodle soup with tender pork at this tiny Japanese noodle shop (or find their adorable food cart). instagram.com/tatchannoodle
TASTE YOUR WAY THROUGH THE SHIPYARDS CHRISTMAS MARKET
Now in its second year, this festive gathering is a SeaBus ride away from downtown Vancouver and has free entry to boot. Vendor stalls include plenty of comforting eats and treats, from mulled wine and hot chocolate to traditional fare like the authentic German meats of Haxen Haus who will be crossing the inlet for the first time this year. shipyardschristmasmarket.com
TOURTIERE FROM THE PIE HOLE
Vancouver might not have a Christmas food tradition, but we can certainly borrow one from our neighbours in Quebec. Fewer dishes from La Belle Province represent the holidays like a traditional Tourtiere, and you can order a classic rendition of the savoury beef and pork pie from The Pie Hole, complete with their decadent double butter crust.
thepiehole.com
BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH AT ARC
It’s not the holidays without at least one brunch that turns into a whole afternoon. ARC’s popular weekend Bottomless Brunch serves up endless small plates, with dishes like Smoked Salmon Rosti, Avocado Croissant, Lobster Mac & Cheese, and mimosa flights. The Fairmont Waterfront hotel restaurant often adds seasonal specials and festive touches for the holidays, too. arcdining.com
elebrating25 yearsintheheartofhistoricYaletown, Blue WaterCaferemains Vancouver’spremierdestinationfor seafood lovers.Executive Chef FrankPabst crafts West Coast–inspired dishesthat highlightthefinest seasonalingredientsand globalinfluences, ser vedalongsidetherestaurant’ssignature energy fromtheopenkitchen, buzzing Japanese RawBar,and invitingheatedpatio.
Celebratetheseasonwithourholiday lunch!Beginning Monday,December8 throughTuesday,December23,joinus Mondaythrough Friday from12–2pmtoenjoy amenudesigned forfestive gatheringswith colleagues, family,orfriends.Proudly OceanWise– certified,BlueWater Cafe continuesits25-year legacy of sustainable, elevated diningin avibrantandwelcoming atmosphere ❚
Address: 1095HamiltonSt,Vancouver
Phone: 6046888078 Website: bluewatercafe.ca
Celebrating35 yearsonRobsonStreet,CinCincontinuesto define Vancouver’smodernItaliandiningscene. Knownfor handmadepastas, wood-firedmeats,andseafoodcookedover openflame,eachdishreflectstheheartofItalianhospitality Celebratetheseasonwithourholiday lunch! From Wednesday, December 3through Friday,December19,joinus Wednesday to Friday between12–2pmfor amemorablelunchwithcolleagues orlovedones.
Guests canalsoenjoy theviewfromCinCin’sheatedand coveredterraceoverlooking RobsonStreet,the perfectsetting fora festiveafternoon. Recipientofthe2025DiRōNA Awardof ExcellenceandGold Awardfor Wine ProgramExcellence, CinCin remainsa Vancouverclassic. ❚
Address: 1154 RobsonSt,Vancouver
Phone: 604688 7338 Website: cincin.net
Nestled intheheart of Yaletown,Elisareimaginestheclassic steakhousethroughthe warmth of itswood-firedGrillworks Infiernoandanunwavering commitmenttocraft.Thisseason, celebratewithElisa’s holidaylunch,a menu by Executive ChefAndrew Richardsondesigned forfestive gatheringswith colleaguesorloved ones —whereever yplate reflectsprecision, flavour,andhospitality.
Joinus beginning Wednesday,December3,available Wednesdaythrough Friday untilDecember19from12–2pm. Honoured as Restaurant of theYearbyVancouverMagazineand ranked amongthe World’s101Best SteakRestaurants,Elisa is guided by 2025MichelinGuideVancouverSommelier of the Year Franco Michienzi, whosepairingsbring ever ydishtolife. ❚
Thisholiday season,bringtheLuigi &Sonsexperience home with chef-prepareddinnersthat make entertainingeffortless FeaturingrecipesbyExecutive ChefAndrew Richardson,each kitcomes readytoroast,heat, andser ve with ease.Choose betweenBrined Turkey or PrimeRib RoastDinner, both paired with festivesidesandElisa’s Pastry Chef Rosalynn Vu’s Chestnut Mousse Cake
Combiningtradition,flavour, andconvenience,theseholiday feasts capturethe warmth of theseasonwithallthecraftand qualityofa restaurantmeal—madetoenjoy at home.Pre-order by Friday,December19at7pm,withpick-up availableDecember 20–24,12–7pm. ❚
Address: 1109HamiltonSt,Vancouver Phone: 6043625443 Website: elisasteak.com
Address: 1102MainlandSt,Vancouver Website: luigiandsons.ca
IntheheartofKitsilano,Provisionsisa neighbourhoodcafé wheregoodfood andgood companycometogether. This holiday season,gatherwithfriendsandfamily over asmash burgermadewith Luigi& Sons’signaturegrind of beef,freshly bakedcruffins,and comfortingseasonal featuresmadetoenjoy inthemoment.
Withitswarm, welcomingatmosphereand focusonsimple, honest cooking,Provisionsisa placetoslowdownand connect— whetheroverlunch, coffee,orsomething sweettoshare. Celebratetheseasonsurroundedbycommunity andflavour, whereevery visitfeelslikecatchingupwithanoldfriend.❚
Celebrate the season with Thierry’s handcrafted holiday collection, a showcase of Chef Thierry Busset’s artistry and timeless French tradition. This year’s iconic Bûche de Noël cakes—available for pick-up on December 23 and 24—feature festive flavours including Chestnut, Hazelnut Praline, Cassis, and Passion Fruit, each beautifully layered with fine mousses, ganaches, and seasonal accents. The beloved Kugelhopf, rich with candied orange peel, raisins, and almonds, makes a thoughtful gift or morning indulgence.
Chocolate lovers can savour Chocolate Mendiants in dark, milk, or white varieties, alongside Gingerbread Macarons, Mince Tarts, and the Christmas Pastry Box, a curated selection of house-made favourites—perfect for sharing or gifting with elegance. ❚
Address: 1864 West4thAve,Vancouver Website: provisionscafe.com
FROM VANCOUVER
Seth Rogen, hats off to you. The guy who once had me doubled over in laughter on screen has quietly become a style icon. You’re a comedian, producer, designer, tastemaker — and somehow a cultural force. “Move over, George Clooney.” Words I never thought I’d hear myself say.
You’ve always carried your Vancouver roots with pride. Even as your career has exploded globally, you’ve stayed connected locally: lending your voice to public transit announcements, reminding us in your unmistakable growl that you’re still very much a part of this city. That duality — Hollywood influence and hometown loyalty — is part of your charm.
Your evolution has been remarkable. From Superbad to Pineapple Express, you helped me laugh at the void. But off-screen, you’ve been curating your own cachet. Vintage-inspired sweats, heritage staples, thoughtful home accents, magazine features in GQ, Esquire and Sharp, collaborations with brands like Roots, regular nods to Vancouver’s cannabis culture — those all become extensions of your personality. You’ve sculpted ashtrays for weed that feel like style objects, turning the mundane into conversation starters and interior design.
Vancouver suits you perfectly — equal parts laid-back and a little weird, hoodie on, coffee in hand, laughing at something no one else heard. You’re basically the city in human form: kind, chill and secretly stylish. Seth, thanks for making it OK to laugh, to care and to wear sweatpants in public with pride. Seth, thanks for keeping it real. You don’t just belong here — you’re a part of this place. (Run for mayor, seriously.)
WORDS: MATT BLAIR
Vancouver has its own kind of style. It’s quiet, layered, shaped by the rain and the mountains that surround it. The city moves at its own pace — calm, confident, never in a rush to impress. You see it in the bike messengers flying down Burrard, the urban cowboy grabbing coffee in Yaletown, and visitors from the Bible Belt showcasing their Sunday best in front of the art gallery.
Portraits of Awesome brings those moments into focus. More than a dozen people, photographed across the city, each revealing what style looks like when it’s grounded in real life. Some wear their travels, carrying pieces collected from faraway places back home to Vancouver’s streets. Others find expression in the everyday — a jacket that fits just right, or a thrifted gem that tells a story.
Portraits of Awesome — a look at Vancouver, one face and one outfit at a time.
Spotted in Yaletown, Tenessee looks like he just walked off a dusty highway and into a city of glass. He says he’s from Vancouver, but his look tells a different story — Wranglers, Moonshine Spirit boots, and an Italian shirt, topped with a jacket he won’t say much about. “It’s from Santa Fe,” he grins. A polished western belt buckle catches the afternoon light as he leans on a wooden cane that’s clearly seen more miles than the
average city block. In his ears, Apple headphones hum quietly — a modern rhythm cutting through his old-world silhouette. And on his lapel, a small red maple leaf pin grounds the whole look, a nod to where he really calls home. He is a walking contradiction — part cowboy, part cosmopolitan — and somehow, it works. In a city dominated by Arc’ shells and Lulus, he’s proof that character still matters. That a little grit, worn right, can feel downright elegant.
BOOTS MoonshineSpirit byBradPaisley
JACKET “Iain’ttellin’ya… It’sfromSantaFe”
JEANS Wranglers
SHIRT Italian
Harry moves through Railtown with quiet intention, his look speaking before he does. Vancouver-born, he blends global finds into something distinctly his own — a scarf thrifted in Korea, jeans from Celine, and shoes by Cole Haan. His shirt, brought home from France, sits just right under a Maverick Studio jacket, tailored enough to mean business but relaxed enough for an afternoon at Dosanko, his favourite spot for comfort and craft.
Topping it all is a mop of Beatlesque hair. There’s precision in the way he dresses, but also ease — a balance between polish and personality. Every element feels deliberate yet lived-in, refined but not rehearsed. Harry doesn’t follow trends; he curates them. The result is a quiet magnetism — style that feels both global and local, measured and full of life. In a city that often plays it safe, he’s proof that composure can still turn heads.
SCARF ThriftedinKorea
JEWELRYMadebyfriends
SHOESColeHaan
SHIRT FromFrance
JEANSCeline
JACKETMaverickStudio
Jessica wears contrast with confidence — prints, patterns, and tones balanced just so by keeping it tonal.
She wears tortoiseshell sunglasses she “got from Australia,” a thrifted suede purse with a hint of hippy sway, and a chunky knit jacket layered over a vintage graphic F as in Frank crew. Her leopard-print pants blur the line between statement and staple, while UGGs keep her grounded.
Nothing screams for notice, but every piece feels just so. These are items collected over time and worn with instinct rather than calculation. The mix of textures, patterns, and tones creates a quiet confidence.
She moves through the city in a combination that shouldn’t work — and yet, somehow, it does. Effortless, thoughtful, and quietly commanding, she stands out without ever trying.
GLASSES “Got them from Australia, couldn’t tell ya”
SHOES UGG
PURSE Cheval
PANTS Simons
SHIRT F as in Frank
JACKET Thrifted from England
Strolling down Commercial Drive, Mel radiates pure colour confidence — a West End local who brings the brightness with her wherever she goes. Today, that means pink pants cuffed in yellow-and-white florals, a matching VIFF toque, and a green, blue, and orange fleece layered over a thrifted rugby shirt in the same wild palette.
Their translucent pink glasses from Bruce Eyewear echo the tones without repeating
them, while a handmade belt and a small lapel button add a touch of personality that feels entirely her own. The look lands with white New Balance runners — practical and perfectly Vancouver.
For Mel, it’s about showing joy. Each piece is stitched together through instinct, craft, and play. It’s bold, spirited and thoughtful without being overly precious.
Mel is one of our favourites — and you can tell by their vibe that we’re not the only ones who might claim that.
GLASSES Bruce Eyewear
JACKET Simons
SHIRT Thrifted
BELT “I made it”
PANTS Big Bud Press
TOQUE VIFF
SHOES New Balance
East Van suits Jennifer. She stands out against the backdrop of a Harley when we find her, bleachblonde hair catching the light, her all-black outfit sharp against the chrome. If the bike isn’t hers, you get the feeling she could take off on it anyway.
Her look channels early-2000s nostalgia through a punk rock lens — a bedazzled hoodie by Sci-Fi Fantasy, thrifted bag, and those slim, no-name sunglasses you’d expect to see in a Backstreet Boys
video. Her pants? Made by a friend from the skate park. The shoes — Last Resort AB — anchor the outfit in something grittier, more street-level. Jennifer doesn’t chase eras; she bends them. There’s a sense of rebellion in the details, but also polish — a studied cool that feels earned, not borrowed. Against East Van’s grit and grey light, she looks like she belongs there, equal parts edge and ease.
GLASSES “Not sure, a friend gave them to me”
BAG Thrifted
SHOES Last Resort AB
SWEATER Sci-Fi Fantasy
PANTS “My friend Matt from the skate park made them for me”
Jonathan carries East Van with him — not in logos or labels, but in the way he puts things together. Carhartt overalls meet a floral MEC shirt, the soft pattern peeking out from beneath workwear lines.
Over it all, a thrifted scarf steals the scene: oversized, checkered in primary colours, a flash of boldness against a backdrop of calm.
His sweater has seen repairs and loaned-out adventures, each stitch a
small history. The Doc Martens — finally broken in — show the kind of patience only comfort earns. A Danier bag and Kinto tumbler round it out, the details of someone who moves through the day with purpose and ease.
Jonathan’s style is equal parts builder and dreamer, brunch regular and maker. The scarf might catch your eye first, but it’s his easy smile — all warmth and quiet confidence — that holds your attention.
SCARF Thrifted
SWEATER “Thrifted and repaired over the years.”
SHIRT MEC “It’s actually hard to find a good floral pattern shirt”
OVERALLS Carhartt
SHOES Doc Martens
BAG Danier
TUMBLER Kinto
Kenny stops people mid-stride. There’s a charge to the way he dresses — bold confidence, like a frontman stepping off stage and into the street.
From Mount Pleasant but caught in Yaletown, he’s a modern-day craftsman with a punk designer’s streak, reworking every piece until it feels like him.
His thrifted Ralph Lauren jacket now sports a fur-trimmed collar straight out of the early-2000s — nostalgic, unapologetic,
and perfectly placed. Chunky silver rings glint against delicate chains, a tension he clearly enjoys. Then come the boots — custom-built, heavy at the buckle, finished with a Converse logo that shouldn’t belong but somehow does. Fear of God pants and a Moncler x Fragment toque round it out with a precision that feels effortless but far from accidental. Kenny dresses like he’s headlining life — bold, inventive, and completely in control of the chaos.
JACKET Thrifted Ralph Lauren with custom fur addition to collar
TOQUE Moncler X Fragment
SHIRT “No idea”
PANTS Fear of God
SHOES “I custom made these into boots and added a converse logo”
Olga stands in the low sun, her white cashmere scarf catching the light before anything else does. It’s oversized and soft, wrapped high and framing her face — a quiet spotlight that draws you in. Beneath it, a distressed denim jacket adds texture, layered over a brown waffle-knit sweater that looks as comfortable as it does considered. Her black pants and black Converse fade into the shadows, grounding the look and
sharpening the focus upward — toward her gaze, steady and bright against the fading afternoon. It’s a palette of balance and restraint, of soft warmth over dark structure.
There’s stillness in the way she holds herself — present, composed, almost cinematic. The light does most of the work, but Olga carries the rest, turning a simple street corner into something quietly unforgettable.
JACKET “From a marketplace in Seoul, Korea”
SCARF Thrifted from Value Village
SWEATER Thrifted from Value Village
PANTS Uniqlo
SHOES Converse
In front of the Vancouver Art Gallery, River, Cassia, and Kianna look perfectly in sync — three friends whose styles orbit the same palette of browns, blacks, greys, and tans. It’s the kind of harmony that doesn’t come from matching, but from sharing an instinct. Each outfit feels like a variation on a theme: plaid skirts, argyle knits, and houndstooth coats arranged in soft rhythm, subtle differences revealing their individual taste.
River wears her structure lightly — a turtle neck tucked just so, a structured jacket with a hemline that moves when she laughs. Cassia leans into texture, layering thrifted finds with the confidence of someone who trusts her eye. Kianna brings edge to the mix, a New York Company jacket sharp against the warmth of her Zara turtleneck and “just an old freakin’ hat” tilted like punctuation. Together they channel modern prep — the sort of style that feels nostalgic without
trying to recreate anything. Crosses glint at their necks, and leather purses and shoes punctuate each look in something timeless.
Standing side by side in the cool autumn light, they look like a portrait of friendship and fashion done right — thoughtful, coordinated, and entirely their own.
He goes by Uncledropsi — one word. Originally from Toronto, now pedaling Vancouver’s streets, he’s part messenger, part musician, all movement. There’s a rhythm to the way he carries himself, a mix of bike culture and bassline swagger that all his own.
A Blue Jays cap nods to his roots, while a Louis Garneau jersey from the Cycle Messenger World Championships 2008 keeps the story rolling. His jeans — “just
jeans, button flies” — fall casual over Clipless Pearl Izumi shoes, proof that practicality can still look good at speed. Across his chest, a worn Winners bag cuts diagonally, more tool than accessory, but still part of the look.
His wardrobe screams fast, loud, and lived-in. Every piece feels meticulously chosen, each one earning its place — the kind of style that tells you who he is before he says a word.
HAT Blue Jays
SHIRT Louis Garneau - Cycle Messenger World Championships 2008
JEANS “Just Jeans, I don’t know… They’re Button Flies”
SHOES Clipless Pearl Izumi
BAG Winners
hat wine goes with an all-vegan Christmas dinner? How many latkes can one acceptably eat at the family Hanukkah party? What’s this year’s budget for ugly Christmas sweaters?
There are already too many decisions to make around the holidays, and since we have to assume you are or are shopping for someone who loves Vancouver, this is our way of making giftgiving a more local and less loco.
No big box bah humbug included: Consider this your cheat sheet to our favourite very Vancouver shops which support local producers or capture the city’s vibe with their inventory.
Various locations
Even though there are nine locations across Metro Vancouver, each Makers store is unique. The shops only stock goods from a mix of local makers (hence the name) with everything from little snacks to jewellery to candles. shopmakers.ca
VANCOUVER ARCHIVES
1150 Chestnut St
Each item has a photo or document from Vancouver’s archives printed on it, including T-shirts with zoning maps or phone cases with old architectural drawings, which looks better than it sounds.
fovca.com/shop
COASTAL GOODS
1302 Victoria Dr
Tucked away off Commercial Drive, this shop focuses on interior design and homewares, but also has everything from artisan chocolate to local art to weaving. Items are made by a mix of local and international makers.
thecoastgoods.ca
GIVING GIFTS
4570 Main St & 1988 W 4th Ave
Two stores filled with gifts for adults and children with a focus on local artisans and co-friendly brands. They carry a wide variety of wellness products, along with scarves, cards, jewelry and more. givinggifts.ca
1889 TRADING CO. AND FOO HUNG CURIOS
51 E Pender St & 168 E Pender St
These two Chinatown-based gift stores connected to museums near each other both offer local gifts with a Chinese influence. Along with the gifts there are local history books and items that support the museums.
1889tradingco.ca | foohungcurios.com
REGIONAL ASSEMBLY OF TEXT
3934 Main St
A highly curated stationary store with hand printed items, fancy notebooks, and fun notepads. There’s also a collection of tiny books made by locals to add to any gift, and old school stationary supplies. assemblyoftext.com
THE PAPER HOUND
344 West Pender St
A small store with a big collection of new and used books with an eye for unusual older books and uncommon titles. They also have a little poetry dispenser for a fun extra.
paperhound.ca
GALLERY STORE AT VANCOUVER ART GALLERY
750 Hornby St
The art gallery’s shop is separate from the gallery and can be visited by anyone looking for an artsy gift. But it has more than that, with items focusing on design and colour. shop.vanartgallery.bc.ca ❚
Stepinto a magicalwinter wonderland atCapilano SuspensionBridge Park with the return of CanyonLights, running November21,2025 – Januar y 18,2026!The Parksparkleswithmillions of holiday lights, filling the air with festive cheer, seasonal treats, and fun forall ages Strollacross the world-famousSuspensionBridge glowing with a mesmerizing lightsdisplay that span the canyon Wander Cliffwalk ’s twinkling
pathway alongthegranite cliffface. At Treetops Adventure, toweringDouglas-firs shimmerfromtreetopto bottom, creating a fairytalejourney 110 feet above the forest floor Beloved fan-favouritedisplays return alongside excitingnew features Capture dazzlingphotos, sipdecadent hot chocolate tolive festive tunes, andenjoy familyfun throughoutthe Park BC residents geta free Annual Pass with paidadmission ❚
Address: 3735Capilano Rd.North Vancouver
Phone: 604985 7474
Website: capbridge.com
If you’re looking to explore nature in Vancouver in the winter, we’ve got these great things called mountains. While numerous fun n’ frosty activities take place at sea level, there’s nothing like B.C.’s magical mountaintops to adventure in the outdoors.
Don’t get down with downhill skiing and snowboarding? No problem. Here are some other awesome activities to try in the Lower Mainland this winter on local slopes (and a few in the city, too). ❱❱
WORDS: ELANA SHEPERT // IMAGES: CONTRIBUTED
Alpine enthusiasts who love crosscountry skiing will find the closest option a half-hour from Downtown Vancouver on Cypress Mountain Resort.
Nineteen kilometres of the resort area are groomed for sliding, and 7.5 of them are lit up at night to allow for skiing after dark.
Whistler actually has a larger offering of cross-country skiing, but it takes a couple of hours to drive there from the city. Over 55 kilometres are groomed for people looking to ski on flat surfaces.
Both mountains offer lessons for people of all abilities and rentals, but you may also opt for self-guided experiences.
Cypress Mountain is ideal for anyone looking to have a self-guided snowshoe experience.
The mountain has 11 km of inbound snowshoe trails to discover, with many featuring flat terrain that is suitable for all fitness levels and ages.
You can rent snowshoes on site or bring your own gear.
The Lights to the Lodge experience is a one-kilometre trek to the Hollyburn Lodge. The walk is illuminated by LED lights placed throughout the forest.
Kids and the young at heart can check out Snow Slope Adventures at Cypress Mountain. It has six chutes that are about 100 metres long, and even a tube tug that brings you back to the top.
Families with children under six can enjoy the sliding area with a more gentle terrain. However, you need to bring your own non-inflatable sled for this portion. Purchase a ticket online before heading to the park, as space is limited during the busy winter season.
Don’t want to leave the city, but want an outdoorsy experience?
You can go ice skating in the heart of Downtown Vancouver at the Robson Square Ice Rink.
The activity is free if you bring your own skates, or it’s $5 to rent a pair.
If you love the Grouse Grind during the summer, the Snowshoe Grind on Grouse Mountain should be on your frosty to-do list.
Not only is the scenery beautiful, but it’s also a pretty intense workout — think deep snow, crisp air, and a steady burn in your legs that’ll keep you honest.
It takes about an hour to complete the 4.3-km trail, depending on your fitness level and snowshoe experience.
Grouse Mountain offers the activity as an alternative to the popular summer experience, although they are notably different… and not just because one is by snowshoe. The snowshoe version uses a shorter, less elevated route, but still rewards you with killer views and that post-hike adrenaline rush.
A Ski & Snowboard Pass, Mountain Admission Ticket, or Annual Pass is required for admission. ❱❱
Many local hikes can be enjoyed year-round, if you wear the proper gear.
Quarry Rock in Deep Cove is an easy hike suitable for people of all ages and is generally open all year, unless the trail is damaged by a storm. This trek offers a sweeping view of the Indian Arm that is hard to beat. Alternatively, Stanley Park offers several enjoyable strolls in the winter that don’t have elevation. You can enjoy wildlife in the lakes and by the ocean, without worrying about climbing to a lookout.
Burnaby Mountain also has an impressive network of trails through the forested mountain area including a lookout with impressive views. ❚
AVery Merr yMotown:SongsandStories forAllAgeswith Kr ystleDos SantosandFriendsonDec. 17-28atthe FirehallArts Centre.Join Kr ystleDosSantosandfriendsintheirver yspecial rendition of ‘Twasthe NightBeforeChristmas –MotownStyleasthey sharestoriesandsongs to celebratetheholidayseason. Joinustosingalongand feelthevibes as youdance in yourseats. Singleticketsorfamilypassesonsalenow! ❚
Address: 280E CordovaSt, Vancouver Phone: 6046890691
Website: firehallartscentre.ca
ROOTS HERITAGE CREW
Seth Rogen’s Roots picks are pure Vancouver — cosy, confident, a little rebellious. This sweater’s a standout. It takes real swagger to pull off, but do it right and you’ll turn heads.
$138 • ROOTS.COM
Secure a pair of tickets as a gift that delivers in the best way (straight to your inbox). e
WILD AT HEART GOLD TALISMAN ON FRESHWATER PEARL NECKLACE
Proof that mixing pearls, gold, chunky and delicate is back in a big way — and Vancouver’s Pyrrha has all the right pieces to pull it together.
$1,675 • PYRRHA.COM
HAPPY HOUR AT MT PLEASANT VINTAGE & PROVISIONS
Skip the lines and forget the wrapping paper — just take me for a cocktail. Somewhere that feels half thrift store, half speakeasy. The kind of place with vintage lamps, classically-themed glassware, and a playlist that makes you want to stay for “just one more.” Call it happy hour, call it a date — either way, it’s the best gift you could give.
MTPLEASANT.BAR
RUN WITH FRIENDS
Everyone’s in a run club these days — so why not gift them a race entry?
The Vancouver is Awesome Seawall 10K is the perfect mix of ocean views, good vibes, and bragging rights.
$65 • KAMINORUNNING.CA
NARDWUAR NIKE SB SHOE
Vancouver legend Nardwuar is getting his own Nike SB shoe, dropping Dec 6 in skate shops (and Dec 9 on the SNKRS app). These are sure to become a statement on the streets of Vancouver.
$185 • SNKRS APP
ivethegift of essentialcinemathisholiday season!The Cinematheque’s GiftTicket Packsletfilmloversdiscover restored classics,boldnew voices,andunforgettablestoriesonthebigscreen. Perfectforfriends, family,orthecinephileinyourlife. Sharethemagic of cinema—agiftthat invitesconversation, curiosity, andconnection. ❚
Address: 1131HoweSt, Vancouver Phone: 6046888202
Website: thecinematheque.ca
From stunning coastline to sun-drenched valleys and desert landscapes, British Columbia’s nine wine regions tell a story with every glass. Each region is home to a vibrant collection of wineries, from intimate, small-batch producers to luxury estates with extensive cellars of exceptional wines.
Award-winning wineries offer warm hospitality and funfilled adventures inviting you to slow down, savour and explore. Wander vineyard-dotted backroads, take in breathtaking vistas and sip crisp whites, elegant reds, bright rosés and sparkling wines that capture joy in every bubble.
BC wine is made for moments together, whether you’re raising a glass over dinner, sharing laughter by the fire or winding down after a long day. This season, discover thoughtful local bottles through our BC Wine Gift Giving Guide and fill your holidays with the distinctive flavours of BCs best vineyards. Some gifts are meant to be poured, shared and remembered. ❚
Locations: Across BC’s 9 Wine Regions Website: winebc.com
