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LOCAL FASHION: RADICAL BY DESIGN
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EAST VAN’S SECRET CINEMA
$12.95 FREE IF YOU STEAL IT
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EAT DRINK DISAPPEAR
27 MT SEYMOUR VS THE WORLD
38 PUNK SCENE LIVES LOUD
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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
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ou’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.
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Central City Ad
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immersive cannabis experience immersive cannabis experience
Inspired Cannabis
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f you’re exploring downtown Vancouver, don’t miss the only cannabis gallery of its f you’re exploring downtown Vancouver, kind in Canada—Inspired Cannabis’s House miss only cannabis gallery its ofdon’t Brands onthe Robson Street. This isn’t of your kind in Canada—Inspired average shop. Spanning Cannabis’s 2,400 sq House ft, it’s of Brands on Robson Street. This isn’t your part gallery, part interactive experience, average shop. Spanning ft, it’s part boutique cannabis 2,400 store sqoffering part best gallery, experience, the localpart Budinteractive in the city—including part boutique cannabiscollection store offering a standout B.C.-grown worth the best local Bud inthrough the city—including exploring. Wander art-gallerya standout B.C.-grown collection worth style installations showcasing Canada’s top exploring. Wander through art-gallerybrands. Taste free non-infused samples, style installations showcasing Canada’s top brands. Taste free non-infused samples,
chat with budtenders who double as strain sommeliers, and dive deep into product chat with budtenders whodifferent double asstrains, strain education. Learn about sommeliers, dive deep into product dosages, andand consumption methods—all education. Learn about different strains, before making a purchase. This immersive, dosages, consumption methods—all interactiveand experience makes cannabis before makingwhether a purchase. Thiscurious immersive, approachable you’re or a interactive cannabis connoisseur.experience It’s not justmakes shopping—it’s a approachable whether you’reofcurious orin a chance to explore the future cannabis connoisseur. not just setting. shopping—it’s a an inspiring, It’s educational Stop by chance to see explore future of cannabis in today and whatthe makes House of Brands an inspiring,❚ educational setting. Stop by a must-visit. today and see what makes House of Brands a must-visit. ❚
Address: 1032 Robson St, Vancouver Address: Phone: 1032 Robson 604 428 5112St, Vancouver Phone: Website: 604 428 5112 inspiredcannabis.ca Website: inspiredcannabis.ca
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coastal cool & elegance
Portside Interiors
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ortside Interiors, nestled in Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant, offers more than just furniture—it’s a thoughtfully curated destination for elevated interiors and everyday living. From sculptural sofas and sleek dining sets to European glassware, ortsidelinens Interiors, nestled in Vancouver’s premium and timeless tableware, Mount offers morebeauty, than every piecePleasant, is chosen to add just furniture—it’s a thoughtfully comfort and function to the home.curated Rooted destination for Swedish elevateddesign, interiors and in Canadian and Portside everyday living. From sculptural sofas and reflects a balance of West Coast ease and sleek dining sets to European glassware, premium linens and timeless tableware, every piece is chosen to add beauty, comfort and function to the home. Rooted in Canadian and Swedish design, Portside reflects a balance of West Coast ease and
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Scandinavian clarity—clean lines, natural textures and craftsmanship built to last. The in-store experience is relaxed and inviting. Service is intentional, attentive and always tailored—never rushed. It’s a space where design feels approachable Scandinavian clarity—clean natural and personal. Whether you’relines, redesigning textures craftsmanship built for to last. an entireand space or just searching that The in-store experience relaxed and one perfect piece, Portside is keeps the focus inviting. Service on is you, intentional, attentive where it belongs: your home and a and always tailored—never design journey that feels justrushed. right. ❚ It’s a space where design feels approachable and personal. Whether you’re redesigning an entire space or just searching for that one perfect piece, Portside keeps the focus where it belongs: on you, your home and a design journey that feels just right. ❚
Address: 120 E Broadway, Vancouver Phone: 604 876 0111 Website: portsideinteriors.com Address: 120 E Broadway, Vancouver Phone: 604 876 0111 Website: portsideinteriors.com
Inside
EAT. DRINK. DISAPPEAR. Alley bars and hideouts
EDITOR
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Lindsay William-Ross
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Brendan Kergin, Elana Shepert, Daniel Wagner
EDITORIAL STAFF
BLUE VOID A photographer’s dream
MT SEYMOUR VS THE WORLD Why world’s best snowboard here 38 VANCOUVER’S PUNK SCENE Jack White x WAIT//LESS
SECRET CINEMA Tucked away in East Van LOCAL FASHION Radical by design
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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
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HAPPENING What’s on
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GENERAL MANAGER Matt Blair
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VANCOUVER COCKTAIL WEEK Raise your glass 58
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BUSINESS PROFILES Sprinkled throughout the magazine are engaging, advertiser-supported profiles showcasing even more local gems.
303 W 5th Ave, Vancouver, B.C. hello@vancouverisawesome.com vancouverisawesome.com
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Ableside BIA
Make a day of it and explore the charm of Ambleside and Dundarave; two seaside villages packed with personality, just minutes apart. Start your morning with coffee and a stroll along the scenic Seawalk, t aking in ocean views and mountain backdrops. Browse boutique shops and local markets offering everything from fashion to home goods to artisan foods. Stop for lunch at a cozy café or enjoy fish and chips by the beach. Spend the afternoon exploring public art, including vibrant murals, or relaxing in one of the many waterfront parks. In Dundarave, stroll the
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garden boardwalk, visit a vintage phone booth, or grab a treat from one of the bakeries. Don’t forget to stop by the Hollyburn area, just up the hill from the Seawalk, for even more great restaurants and another bakery to discover. Finish your day with dinner at a local bistro and catch the sunset from the pier. Ambleside and Dundarave are made for slowing down and enjoying the village vibe. shopthevillages.ca | @adbiawv
your unique story
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or over half a century, the Stittgen name has been known for unique pieces designed to be worn, cherished, and passed down. Every detail is intentional, from the proportions and finish of the precious metal to the brilliance of the stones, resulting in jewelry as individual as the person who wears it. Stittgen isn’t just where you buy jewelry, 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 picture framing
(Please move Stittgen to top) Phoenix on Bellevue
is West Vancouver’s go-to Joseph Ribkoff boutique and a true style sanctuary in the heart 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.
Whether you’re elevating your everyday look or seeking that one standout piece, Phoenix offers fashion that feels as good as it looks.
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t Jones & Company Bespoke Picture Framers, they work hard to ensure every 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 preserve 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
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.
1411 Bellevue Avenue 604-926-2232 Fall 2025 AWSM 9
ALL INCLUDED IN
Best Amenities in the Tri-Cities
Studio to 3-bedroom Homes Now Selling in Port Moody Connect with us inletdistrict.ca | 604.937.0146 The developer reserves the right to modify the information contained herein without notice. Renderings are for illustration purposes only. E&O.E.
The Well: 27,000 SF of Curated Spaces to Celebrate your West Coast Lifestyle
community anchored in connection community anchored in connection
Wesgroup Profile
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ith over 60 years of experience, Wesgroup is a long-established ith over 60 years of for experience, real estate developer known shaping Wesgroup is a long-established walkable, connected neighbourhoods real estate developer known for shaping across Greater Vancouver. Their masterwalkable, connected planned communitiesneighbourhoods thoughtfully across Greater Their masterintegrate homes,Vancouver. shops, offices and green plannedto support communities thoughtfully spaces convenient, communityintegrate homes, offices and green focused living. shops, Wesgroup’s portfolio spaces to support includes River convenient, District in communityVancouver, focused District living. in Wesgroup’s portfolio Brewery New Westminster includes River District in Vancouver, and the upcoming Civic District in Surrey Brewery District in New toWestminster Central. Each is designed grow with and people the upcoming in Surrey the who liveCivic and District work there. Now Central. Each is designed to grow with the people who live and work there. Now
in Port Moody, Wesgroup introduces the Inlet District. Now selling in Port Moody, in Port Moody, Wesgroup introduces Wesgroup introduces the Inlet District.the Its Inlet District.1Now selling in Port Moody, first phase, Market Square, features a Wesgroup tower introduces District. Its 27-storey with the 299Inlet homes ranging first phase, Square, features a from studios 1to Market three bedrooms. Amenities 27-storeyatower with lounge, 299 homes ranging include rooftop communal from studios threeWell—a bedrooms. Amenities spaces and toThe 27,000-sq.ft. include lounge,sports communal hub witha a rooftop pool, sauna, court, spacesyoga andstudio, The games Well—a room, 27,000-sq.ft. gym, cinema hub co-working with a pool, sauna, sports builds court, and areas. Wesgroup gym, yoga studio, games room, cinema communities designed to thrive—book a and co-working areas. Wesgroup builds visit today! ❚ communities designed to thrive—book a visit today! ❚
Address: 2541 Clarke St, Port Moody Address: Phone: 2541 Clarke St, Port Moody 604 937 0146 Phone: Website: 604 937 0146 inletdistrict.ca Website: inletdistrict.ca
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EAST VAN’S TINY CINEMA BIG-SCREEN MOMENTS I N T H E S M A L L E S T O F S PA C E S
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ancouver 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
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“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. 14 AWSM Fall 2025
“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.” JANET MADER
“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. ❚
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vibrant nightlife
greek taverna
SFINAKI GREEK TAVERNA
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Address: 1240 Thurlow St, Vancouver Email: contact@storyyvr.com Website: instagram.com/storyyvr
Address: 4071 Hastings St, Burnaby Phone: 604 299 3400 Website: sfinaki.ca
tory is Vancouver’s newest premier upscale nightclub and event centre, located at 1240 Thurlow St., on the corner of Davie and Thurlow in the heart of Davie Village. Led by seasoned industry professionals and rooted in community, Story blends vibrant nightlife with exceptional events—each night a unique narrative where guests are the stars, and every detail creates unforgettable moments. ❚
or 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! ❚
Story, Sfinaki, The Only
THE ONLY VINTAGE 1616 Commercial Dr. Vancouver, BC @the.only.vintage.shop
THOUSANDS OF ITEMS ADDED WEEKLY theonlyvintage.com 16 AWSM Fall 2025
THE ONLY ON DAVIE 1283 Davie St. Vancouver, BC @the.only.on.davie
handcrafted jewellery handcrafted jewellery
Pyrrha
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hat if your jewellery told a story— not just of personal meaning, but of where howjewellery it was made? hat and if your told a Pyrrha story— handcrafts meaningful talismans in their not just of personal meaning, but six-storey certified of where and how itzero-carbon was made?studio— Pyrrha located directly behindtalismans their Vancouver handcrafts meaningful in their flagship in acertified beautifully restored 100-yearsix-storey zero-carbon studio— old heritage house. Fromtheir startVancouver to finish, located directly behind every piece is maderestored in-house using flagship in a beautifully 100-year100% recycled metals old heritage house. Fromand startlow-impact to finish, production A certified Corp every piecemethods. is made in-house B using and member of the Responsible Jewellery 100% recycled metals and low-impact production methods. A certified B Corp and member of the Responsible Jewellery
Council, Pyrrha is also Butterfly Mark certified by Positive Luxury, a 1% for the Planet a recognized Council,partner Pyrrha and is also Butterfly living Mark wage employer—making them onefor of the certified by Positive Luxury, a 1% world’s sustainable jewellery brands. Planet most partner and a recognized living Visit flagship store tothem explore wage the employer—making onethe of full the collection, exclusive one-of-aworld’s mostincluding sustainable jewellery brands. kind pieces. Whether drawn a Visit the flagship store you’re to explore thetofull specific symbol or choosing gift with collection, including exclusivea one-of-aintention, Pyrrha invites you todrawn wear your kind pieces. Whether you’re to a values—beautifully consciously. specific symbol orand choosing a gift❚ with intention, Pyrrha invites you to wear your values—beautifully and consciously. ❚
Address: 2040 Columbia St, Vancouver Phone: Address: 604 4747 St, Vancouver 2040343 Columbia Website: Phone: pyrrha.com 604 343 4747 Website: pyrrha.com
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Vancouver Wears It Well
Pictured: Vintage 1970’s mermaid hem gown, Revelstoke Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Store. Leather twist heel sandals, Ettore Shoes
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T H E S E C R E AT I V E S A R E R E D E F I N I N G VA N C O U V E R ’ S S T Y L E T H R O U G H S L O W FA S H I O N , R E C L A M AT I O N , AND FEARLESS SELF-EXPRESSION. WORDS: ALLIE TURNER CREATIVE DIRECTION: AMANDA MAY DALY PHOTOGRAPHY: TARALYN SANDERSON MODEL: REBECCA WATT
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Vancouver Wears It Well
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n 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
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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
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aralyn 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.” CHELSEA BEHNSEN
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. ❱❱
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Vancouver Wears it Well
VANCOUVER’S FASHION SCENE IS QUIETLY RADICAL
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he 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.”
Pictured: Satin slip dress, Oak + Fort. Nucella lamellosa shell pendants and vintage gold chains by Amanda May Daly.
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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.” ❱❱
NAMING NAMES
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hen 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.”
Pictured: Sequin dress, Pieces Denmark. Nucella lamellosa and miigis shell pendants, vintage gold chain by Amanda May Daly.
LOOKING FORWARD
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hat 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.
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north north shore shore hotspot hotspot
#keepgoodcompany, eh
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Locations: Granville | Kitsilano | Main Street | Northwoods | Steveston Website: goodcobars.com
Address: Address: #141 #141 -- 123 123 Carrie Carrie Cates Cates Court, Court, North North Vancouver Vancouver Phone: Phone: 604 604 670 670 8600 8600 Website: Website: kingtaps.com/locations/lonsdale-quay kingtaps.com/locations/lonsdale-quay
ounded 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 brunches 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. ❚
ing ing Taps Taps Lonsdale Lonsdale Quay Quay is is a a North North Shore Shore hotspot hotspot with with unbeatable unbeatable waterfront vibes. With daily Stacked Happy Hour deals waterfront vibes. With daily Stacked Happy Hour deals (drinks (drinks from from $5), $5), half-price half-price wine wine Tuesdays, Tuesdays, legendary legendary pizzas, pizzas, share share plates plates and and largelargeformat format cocktails, cocktails, what’s what’s not not to to love? love? Plus, Plus, enjoy enjoy two two levels levels of of all-season all-season patios, patios, 17 17 screens screens for for every every sport, sport, local local art, art, weekend weekend brunch, brunch, takeout takeout and and delivery. It’s It’s always always game game on on at at King King Taps. Taps. ❚❚ delivery.
Good Co, King Taps, North Shore Tourism
explore vancouver’s north shore
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ust 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.
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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
cuban hotspot
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Address: 1214 Commercial Dr, Vancouver Phone: 604 253 9119 Website: flamingoroomvan.com
Address: 1212 Commercial Dr, Vancouver Phone: 604 253 9119 Website: havanavancouver.com
iscover The Flamingo Room, Vancouver’s hottest Miami-inspired spot on Commercial Drive. Bursting with energy, live music, DJ nights and themed parties, it’s the perfect spot to celebrate. Cozied up beside Havana Vancouver, pay them a visit and enjoy fun drinks, latenight snacks all with a lively atmosphere. Come experience the fun and make memorable moments at The Flamingo Room. ❚
tep into Havana Vancouver and be transported to the vibrant heart of Cuba. Inspired by Old Havana’s rich culture, this lively hotspot buzzes with warmth and energy. Whether indulging in fresh, locally-sourced Latin-inspired dishes or sipping tropical cocktails, Havana’s yearround patio offers the perfect setting for making memorable moments, romantic date nights, weekend brunches and happy hours with friends. ❚
Flamingo Room 4 Profiles urban winery
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Address: 55 Dunlevy Ave, Vancouver Phone: 604 699 1989 Website: vancouverurbanwinery.com
Address: 55 Dunlevy Ave, Vancouver, B.C. Phone: 604 699 1989 Website: belgardkitchen.com
n the heart of Vancouver, just a stone’s throw from Gastown, lies the city’s only urban winery—a place where rustic charm meets urban cool. Since 2011, it’s been more than just an event venue; it’s where moments are made, glasses clinked and memories etched. Here, every sip feels like a celebration and every visit is a story waiting to be told. ❚
cool vibe
elgard Kitchen is the kind of place you visit once and suddenly every family dinner, cocktail hour and weekend brunch gets booked there. With moody industrial charm, local B.C. wine on tap and globallyinspired plates, it nails the food and sets the mood for even better convos. Oh,and it’s tucked inside a restored 1920s warehouse. Yeah...it’s a vibe. ❚
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EAT. DRINK. DISAPPEAR. ALLEY BARS, BASEMENT HIDEOUTS, AND MOODY ROOMS
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or 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
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Eat. Drink. Disappear.
Meo (Pictured above)
Arcana
Is That French
265 E Pender St meochinatown.com
238 Abbott St arcanabar.com
45 Blood Alley Square isthatfrench.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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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)
Lala (Pictured on page 27)
Bleach
3980 Fraser St amarawbar.ca
3305 Cambie St juneoncambie.com
611 Gore Ave bleachstudios.xyz
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It’s walk-in friendly, open nightly, and made for people who know how to make a night last.
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. ❚
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farm to fork
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ire up the grill, pour the wine and bring a little restaurant magic home. Since 2007, Two Rivers Specialty Meats has been the trusted source behind many of B.C.’s favourite restaurant dishes: melt-inyour-mouth dry-aged steaks, handcrafted sausages and charcuterie boards worth gathering around. They bridge local farms and your plate, combining traditional butchery with modern techniques to
highlight the best of B.C. and Alberta ranching. Everything is sustainably raised, traceable and expertly prepared. In 2017, they opened The Shop, a neighbourhood butchery for home cooks craving chefquality cuts without the reservation. Step inside for artisan butchers, classic seambutchery, and cuts you won’t find at the supermarket. Next dinner party? Sorted. ❚
Address: 180 Donaghy Ave, North Vancouver Phone: 604 990 5288 Website: tworiversmeats.com
Two Rivers Meats Shark Club
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ore than just a sports bar, Shark Club is where Vancouver gathers—for the game, show, music, and everything 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,
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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 serves 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
unforgettable thai flavour unforgettable thai flavour
Thai Away
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ad Thai piled high, curry bowls packed with unforgettable flavour, and crispy rollsadbest for yourself—at Thaipacked Away Thaikept piled high, curry bowls Home, discover flavour, the taste of crispy a true withdiners unforgettable and Vancouver original. Since opening in rolls best kept for yourself—at Thai Away 1995, popular Cambie spot has Home,the diners discover theVillage taste of a true built its reputation generous portions Vancouver original.onSince opening in and flavourful Thai spot dishes, 1995, vibrant, the popular Cambie Village has establishing it as on a local favourite for built its reputation generous portions nearlyvibrant, three decades. and flavourful Thai dishes, establishing it as a local favourite for nearly three decades.
That same dedication to quality is now found across all their locations, from Granville to dedication Hastings-Sunrise, withisa now new That same to quality spot near Kits Beach. from With foundopening across soon all their locations, consistently friendly and fast service, it’s Granville to Hastings-Sunrise, with a new the perfect for a Kits dine-in meal or spot openingchoice soon near Beach. With takeout feast, delivering the service, taste that consistently friendly and fast it’s Vancouver loved At Thai the perfecthas choice forfora decades. dine-in meal or Away Home, a simple promise takeout feast, delivering the holds taste true: that come hungry, happy. ❚ Vancouver hasleave loved for decades. At Thai Away Home, a simple promise holds true: come hungry, leave happy. ❚
Locations: Multiple locations in Vancouver Phone: Locations: 604 873 locations 8424 Multiple in Vancouver Website: Phone: thaiaway.com 604 873 8424 Website: thaiaway.com
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Photographer Andy White
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hen 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. 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.”
“There was this emptiness I’d never seen before. It felt like the city was holding its breath,” says White.
Page 32/33: @604blue (Instagram) Is There Anybody Out There Series 1, 2020 Left: @604blue (Instagram) Goes Around Comes Around Series 8, 2025 Right: @604blue (Instagram) Dancing with Fire Series 6, 2023
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.” ❚
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world class eyecare personalized
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ntegra Eyecare has earned its place as one of the city’s most trusted clinics. Named Vancouver’s Best Optometry 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 dry eye, myopia, or complex vision needs, and leave with more than just a prescription;
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f 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.
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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
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: 2415 Kingsway, Vancouver Phone: 604 525 2042 Website: integraeyecare.com
inquiry-based education
Address: 10111 Bird Rd, Richmond Phone: 604 682 8112 Website: chaoyinschool.ca
for the love of dance
2025 – 26 season is live!
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Address: 280 E Cordova St, Vancouver Phone: 604 689 0926 Website: firehallartscentre.ca
Address: 257 E 7th Ave, Vancouver Phone: 604 558 4622 Website: idancevancouver.com
irehall’s 43rd season is Elbows Up and Made in Canada, with 99% of our presentations created by Canadian artists. From a new musical celebrating Canadian composers, to a new play from one of Canada’s favorite plus orite Indigenous Indigenous playwrights, playwrights, plus plus dance dance performances, performances, staged readings, and Christmas at the Firehall, there is a lot to experience.❚
ooking for a fun way to move, de-stress, or reignite your love of dance? iDance Vancouver in Mount Pleasant offers adult classes including Ballet, Hip Hop, Zumba, Jazz Funk and Bollywood. Whether you’re brand new or have years of experience, their classes are accessible, inclusive, and full of good vibes. Drop in for as little as $10, book easily through their app. ❚
Firehall, iDance, Wildplay
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igh 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
in every 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. ❚
play more, fear less
Locations: Maple Ridge | Victoria | Nanaimo Phone: 1 855 595 2251 Website: wildplay.com
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“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)
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OUNT SEYMOU VER US WORL T H E WO R L D ’ S TO P S N OW B OA R D E R S O N W H Y T H E Y K E E P C O M I N G B AC K TO VA N C O U V E R ’ S S M A L L E S T M O U N TA I N AS C A P T U R E D T H R O U G H T H E L E N S O F B R A D H E P P N E R
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ancouver’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
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SEAN WILLIAM RANDALL
ian tan gallery 2655 Granville Street iantangallery.com
“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. “ MORE FROM TYSON KOSKELA (PAGE 38)
“IT’S SUCH AN ICONIC PLACE. IT’S SPECIAL BEING UP THERE SURROUNDED BY SO MUCH SNOWBOARD HISTORY.” SNOWBOARDER FINN WESTBURY (ABOVE)
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“Seymour is my roots. It’s where I took my first runs on a snowboard, and it’s one of—if not the—first mountains to allow snowboarding in Vancouver, let alone the world. It embraced the sport when skiing was trying to abolish it. The terrain is incredible for snowboarding, with so many natural hits everywhere—it’s like a skateboard park to me. The hidden gems are everywhere; you just have to come for yourself and look around. Mine are definitely some of the rare features off the peak, with city backdrops that make for amazing photographs.” SNOWBOARDER DEVUN WALSH (LEFT)
“My favourite feature Seymour has to offer is night riding. I grew up basically only riding at night in Ontario, and it brings me back. Seymour is also legendary for grass roots events. One of the best was the Baked Salmon Banked Slalom. Fingers crossed for its rebirth. And shoutout to the ECS Invitational.” RIDER SCOT BROWN (RIGHT)
“Seymour is one of my favourite mountains in North America! What it lacks in size, it makes up for tenfold in snowboard history, accessibility, and affordability. I think Seymour is quite special because whether you’re a beginner just learning to ride, a full-on pro, or a seasoned veteran, there’s fun to be had at every level. Get some friends together and take that hour-ish hike to the top through one of the backcountry access points and find a spot to build a jump. Just always make sure you’re well equipped with the proper gear and know the avalanche conditions. Seymour really has something for everyone—from beginner to pro.” SNOWBOARDER JACK MCDOUGALL (RIGHT, PAGE 43)
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“SEYMOUR REALLY HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE FROM BEGINNER TO PRO” SNOWBOARDER JACK MCDOUGALL (ABOVE)
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WAIT||LESS JACK WHITE J AC K CA L L E D. WA I T/ / L E S S A N S W E R E D. LO U D.
WORDS: STEPHEN SMYSNUIK // IMAGES: MEGAN MAGDALENA
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WAIT//LESS
JACK WHITE
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he 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.
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“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.
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.
In Vancouver circa 2025, that’s WAIT//LESS.
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. ❱❱
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.
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WAIT//LESS
JACK WHITE
What’s the toughest show you’ve ever played?
Are you guys making a living doing it yet?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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
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where stories unite
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aughter, 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 everyone. Whether you’re a regular or just curious to try 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
your global journey
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ooking 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 industry connections needed to thrive in hospitality and tourism. FDU is ranked
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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
incredible views
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hat 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
cruise 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 Backcountry 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. ❚
Address: 455 W Waterfront Rd, Vancouver Phone: 604 239 0760 Website: skyhelicopters.ca/tours
Sky Helicopters, Pinnacle
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free entertainment
new theme, new prizes
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Website: destinationdowntown.co
Location: Various neighbourhoods, Vancouver Website: destinationdowntown.co
ights, camera, action... From bubble blowing, fire dancing, live music and more, Destination Downtown Vancouver sets the stage for family fun this winter. Enjoy free performances from local entertainers as they celebrate the magic of the season and create lasting memories. ❚
his year, the lit words return with an all-new theme. Explore downtown neighbourhoods and discover more than a dozen lit word locations. Visit the words and enter for your chance to win amazing prizes and experiences. The more words you discover, the more chances you have to win! ❚
Vancouver Hotel Destination Association family friendly fun
sparkling lights
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Location: Vancouver Art Gallery, North Plaza Website: destinationdowntown.co
Location: Coal Harbour Seawall, Vancouver Website: destinationdowntown.co
ave you ever wanted to see the heart of Vancouver from new heights? This winter, you can! Visit the Destination Downtown Vancouver Ferris Wheel at Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza and see the city from high above. Proudly in partnership with Downtown Van. ❚
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rab a hot beverage and stroll along Vancouver’s Coal Harbour seawall. Twinkling trees will illuminate your path and set the scene as you walk between the Vancouver Convention Centre and Cardero Park. You’ll even see some of Vancouver’s iconic animal friends along the way, to brighten up the night. ❚
HAPPENING OCT FRIGHT NIGHTS AT PLAYLAND Vancouver’s creepiest Halloween tradition, Fright Nights delivers haunted houses, thrill rides, and nightmarefuelled scares after dark. FRIGHTNIGHTS.CA
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ancouver’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.
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
A globally recognized celebration of cinema, VIFF showcases boundarypushing films from around the world alongside a strong spotlight on Canadian and West Coast storytellers.
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VIFF.ORG
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.
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.
VANCOUVERFRINGE.COM
WRITERSFEST.BC.CA
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. GREATOUTDOORSCOMEDYFESTIVAL.COM
VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
VANCOUVER ODDITIES & CURIOSITIES EXPO 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.
A one-of-a-kind marketplace of the weird and wonderful, featuring taxidermy, dark art, vintage oddities, and all things delightfully strange. ODDITIESANDCURIOSITIESEXPO.COM
RICHMONDNIGHTMARKET.COM
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HAPPENING NOV
DEC
VANCOUVER INDIGENOUS FASHION WEEK
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS AT VANDUSEN Millions of twinkling lights and whimsical displays transform the garden into a festive dreamscape each winter.
A powerful platform showcasing Indigenous designers and models, blending fashion, tradition, and activism on the runway.
VANCOUVER.CA/PARKS-RECREATION-CULTURE FESTIVAL-OF-LIGHTS.ASPX
VIFW.CA
SHIPYARDS CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL North Vancouver’s waterfront comes alive with seasonal cheer, live entertainment, and family-friendly holiday fun.
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. 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
SHIPYARDSCHRISTMASMARKET.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
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DEC 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.
JAN 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
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.
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
VANCOUVERCHRISTMASMARKET.COM
WINTER SOLSTICE LANTERN FESTIVAL A multi-neighbourhood celebration featuring lantern parades, fire shows, and the Labyrinth of Light.
PUSH FESTIVAL
FEB 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
This bold performing arts festival challenges conventions with genredefying works in theatre, dance, music, and multimedia. PUSHFESTIVAL.CA
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.
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
CONTACT-FESTIVAL.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
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HAPPENING 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
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VANCOUVER CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL
VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL BURLESQUE FESTIVAL
Petal season brings poetry, music, and cultural events under the city’s iconic pink canopy from late March into April.
A glitter-soaked celebration of tease, talent, and empowerment, featuring bold performances from local and global burlesque stars.
VCBF.CA
Performing arts, music, and workshops for families at Granville Island. CHILDRENSFESTIVAL.CA
VIBF.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 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
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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
secluded oceanfront haven
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scape 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 everyday. Accessible only by water, this exclusive retreat begins with a complimentary scenic boat shuttle that sets the tone for a truly immersive
experience in nature. With a selection of lodges, yurts, and a dome, every 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 Program and Tickets Available November 2025
Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to hear about works in our 2026 Festival and get early bird access to your PuSh Pass.
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RAISE YOUR GLASS VA N C O U V E R C O C K TA I L W E E K R E T U R N S FOR ITS FIFTH—AND BIGGEST—YEAR YET
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ive 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
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Cocktail Week Grand, glam, and unforgettable: The Closing Gala caps off the week with dazzling drinks, exquisite food, and a crowd dressed to impress.
VCW’s Signature Cocktail Brunch pairs inventive drinks with gourmet plates, kicking the week off in delicious style.
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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 2017 World Class Global Bartender of the Year, Kaitlyn Stewart (above) and Hisatsugu Saito, owner of Bar Owl & Rooster in Sapporo, Japan (top right).
Halifax’s 2024 World Class Global Bartender of the Year, Keegan McGregor (above) shakes, stirs, and pours his way into the spotlight.
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north north shore shore hotspot hotspot
farm brewery
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Address: 1053 Stewart Rd, Gibsons Phone: 778 462 3007 Website: persephonebrewing.com
Address: Address: #141 #141 -- 123 123 Carrie Carrie Cates Cates Court, Court, North North Vancouver Vancouver Phone: Phone: 604 604 670 670 8600 8600 Website: Website: kingtaps.com/locations/lonsdale-quay kingtaps.com/locations/lonsdale-quay
ust five minutes from Langdale Ferry in Gibsons, Persephone Brewing Company operates on an 11-acre farm with a sustainable farmhouse approach supporting local agriculture. This award-winning, dog-friendly brewery features live music, two patios, fire pits and is Certified B Corp, Salmon Safe and Bee Friendly—making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy craft beer surrounded by nature. ❚
ing ing Taps Taps Lonsdale Lonsdale Quay Quay is is a a North North Shore Shore hotspot hotspot with with unbeatable unbeatable waterfront vibes. With daily Stacked Happy Hour deals waterfront vibes. With daily Stacked Happy Hour deals (drinks (drinks from from $5), $5), half-price half-price wine wine Tuesdays, Tuesdays, legendary legendary pizzas, pizzas, share share plates plates and and largelargeformat format cocktails, cocktails, what’s what’s not not to to love? love? Plus, Plus, enjoy enjoy two two levels levels of of all-season all-season patios, patios, 17 17 screens screens for for every every sport, sport, local local art, art, weekend weekend brunch, brunch, takeout takeout and and delivery. It’s It’s always always game game on on at at King King Taps. Taps. ❚❚ delivery.
Persephone, King Taps, Hard Bean, Hideout brunch reimagined
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Address: #110-909 West Cordova St, Vancouver Phone: 778 366 4591 Website: thehardbeanbrunchco.com
Address: 1755 Davie St, Vancouver Phone: 604 682 1831 Website: hideoutgolf.ca
orning sun on a waterfront patio, coffee in hand and a robust menu that can win over even the pickiest eater. The Hard Bean Brunch Co. serves brunch 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. ❚
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indoor golf
ainy 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. ❚
CHECK OUT OUR
HAPPY HOUR OFFERS MON, TUES, WED 2-3PM
www.tllcannabis.com ORDER ONLINE. WE DELIVER.
2957 Glen Drive #109 Coquitlam 604-474-1901 9 AM TO 10 PM EVERYDAY
OUR LOCATIONS: COQUITLAM, MAPLE RIDGE, VANCOUVER, SQUAMISH, TERRACE, SECHELT, VICTORIA, TORONTO
Daily Heli-Tours departing downtown Vancouver & Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada
skyhelicopters.ca