Summer’s just around the corner, so it’s time to invest in a pair of cool kicks for the warm weather. Generic Surplus, a Los Angeles–based brand, designs GQ-approved footwear for the modern man. Vibrant colours elevate stonewashed canvas, net mesh and linen to the perfect summer accessory that transitions easily from brunch to the beach. [...]

Foodies, unite! Edible Canada takes inquisitive—and hungry—guests on tasty and informative tours around a couple of the city’s most popular areas. Reserve a spot on the Granville Island Market Tour (pictured) or book the longer Sample and Shop Tour. Check out various landmarks and food shops on the guided Chinatown walk, and be sure to [...]

Who’d have thought that the site of Vancouver’s first jail would go on to house one of the city’s finest food destinations? Chic L’Abattoir, which nabbed the #3 spot in enRoute’s 2011 list of the best new restaurants in Canada, keeps diners coming back thanks to the French-influenced West Coast fare and scene-stealing decor. —Jennifer [...]

Before Mother’s Day (May 13) rolls around, purchase some sweet-smelling goodies for the woman of the hour. This collectible tin from Lush comes packed with fresh bath bombs, a body scrub and the famous Dream Cream—and it’s selling out quickly. Website orders must be placed by May 10 at noon, but you can try your [...]

Through May The knives? Sharpened. The pantry? Stocked. The competition? Fierce. Top Chef Canada is back in the kitchen for round two of the hit Food Network Canada show. Head judge Chef Mark McEwan has 16 new hopefuls all vying for the title of Top Chef, not to mention the $100,000 prize. Four contestants from [...]

Through May Kitchen newbies, confident gourmands and ready-to-go pros enjoy picking up new tips and tricks, not to mention stuffing themselves with tasty morsels, at downtown’s cool Dirty Apron Cooking School. Add a few West Coast recipes to your repertoire and try your hand at preparing the best of the Pacific Ocean (May 4, 5, [...]

When it comes to film, it doesn’t get more real than documentaries. Enter DOXA (May 4 to 13), a documentary film festival that started in 2000 and continues to make waves. This year’s line-up runs the gamut: Story of BURQA: Case of a Confused Afghan (pictured), a timely look at how cloth has ignited controversy [...]

Take home a piece of the province with an engraved bookmark, luggage tag or magnet by Signature Woodcraft, all made from recycled BC lumber. Each one of these Canadian maple beauties is earth-friendly, as it uses wood left over from the construction of high-end musical instruments. Buy these long-lasting souvenirs at Circle Craft or Capilano [...]

Explore the consequences of China’s one-child-per-family policy through photography and video by former Shanghai resident Hua Jin in her exhibit My Big Family. Jin, a first-generation “only” child, uses her own experiences to examine the repercussions of this rule on not only families, but the community and country, too. View her work at the Richmond [...]

Locals love the easy breezy style of Lifetime Collective, an ever-evolving company that creates casual clothes for both sexes. New for spring/summer 2012: a women’s line by Jude Feller, owner and designer of popular label lily+jae. A few highlights include the wind-ready Town trench, the super-cute Shiloh dress (pictured) and the oversize Totally tote. Shop [...]