Image courtesy of Noel Zinger
With over 600 eclectic, independent and alternative shops and services to explore, it’s little wonder Old Strathcona is regarded as the place to experience Edmonton’s finest live theatre and music, boutique shopping, dining and nightlife. Read on for some of our top spots in this historical district and then visit www.oldstrathcona.ca for even more. (more…)
Baby, it’s cold outside. After a chilly day on the slopes, Whistler offers lots of activities to get your mercury rising
By Kristina Urquhart
The outdoor fire pit at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler's Mallard Lounge and Terrace. Photo by Randy Lincks courtesy Tourism British Columbia
HOT
Whether you’ve been slaloming down a black-diamond ski run or shopping in Whistler Village, duck into a coffee shop for a reprieve from the cold air. Locals love the beans at Lift Coffee Company and Moguls Coffee House, as well as the brews at DavidsTea—which stocks a wood-smoke-scented tea for those determined to warm up.
HOTTER
When a hot cuppa won’t cut it, try a roaring fire to warm your tootsies. Two fire pits at The Mallard Lounge and Terrace add a romantic ambience to live entertainment, and the leather chairs flanking the fireplace at Dubh Linn Gate make for cozy rest stops. Still feeling chilly? A heavenly spa treatment might do the trick. At Scandinave Spa, immerse yourself in warm soaking pools, sweltering saunas and steam baths. Or go for a hot stone massage, which is also offered at several village spots including Vida Spa. (more…)
Find an eclectic mix of dining, shopping and places for pampering on this stretch in historic Yaletown
By Jill Von Sprecken
Hamilton Street Grill. Photo by KK Law
SPLURGE ON STYLE
The bold graphic prints at iconic Finnish company Marimekko pack a punch on bright handbags, home accessories and fashions for the whole family. Or try the Goorin Brothers Hat Shop, a brand established in 1895, on for size. The stylish boutique carries a selection of toppers for men and women, ranging from classic to creative.
BEAUTY-FULL
In an area brimming with salons, Noir Lash Lounge has the niche market covered. Eyelash extensions, the only service offered, make peepers pop with styles ranging from au naturel to high drama. At Blo, a bombshell blowout is only a hairdryer away. There’s nary a pair of scissors nor a bottle of dye to be found, just salon-worthy locks in a snap. Guilt-free indulgence can be found at Frilly Lilly, where dessert-inspired beauty products, such as the “bathcake,” are (almost) good enough to eat.
SPOT-ON SEAFOOD
A converted brick-and-beam warehouse space is the backdrop for Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar, where innovative offerings, such as jellyfish and sea urchin, are always local and sustainable as well as beautifully prepared. Drop anchor at casual Rodney’s Oyster House for raw oysters and chowders that are sure to make a splash.
Society. Photo by KK Law
TOP TASTES
For a new take on small plates, visit Hapa Izakaya to sample Japanese tapas, sake and cocktails. At Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill, the extensive wine cellar is second only to the fresh ingredients and traditional flavours, which take centre stage. Try Hamilton Street Grill for steaks or the famous burger, served with aged cheddar and truffle mayonnaise. Sip cool cocktails and nosh on pad thai on Charm Modern Thai’s trendy patio. For other South Asian bites, try Simply Thai or Urban Thai Bistro. Hot spot Society serves creative comfort food with a twist, from spiked milkshakes to lobster shepherd’s pie.
DRINK UP
For inspired cocktails that will get your creativity flowing, check out Raw Canvas. An extensive menu of beer, wine and mixed drinks is served alongside the “painting pit.” Purchase a canvas and unleash your inner artist. If a caffeine buzz is what you’re after, try Argo Cafe for that perfect cup. Fair trade beans are roasted in-house and complemented with soups, sandwiches and baked goods.
BY NIGHT
DJs set the scene at George Ultra Lounge, the perfect spot to sip a classic martini. Built on a foundation of food, drink and graffiti art, 100 Nights is a lively venue with plenty of glitz and glamour. Trendy Afterglow Lounge combines sultry decor, beautiful people and libations—certainly a potent cocktail.
Hamilton Street is a 10-minute walk from downtown. Or take the Canada Line SkyTrain to the Yaletown-Roundhouse stop.
Rainbow flags and pink bus stops decorate the streets of gay-friendly Davie Street, known for its vibrant collection of bars and restaurants, in the heart of the culturally diverse West End
By Dylan Martin
Davie Street is awash with rainblow flags during the Vancouver Pride Parade and Festival. Photo courtesy Vancouver Pride Society
Casual Cuisine
Chock-full of delicious dining spots, Davie Street offers plenty of places to find an inexpensive meal at any hour of the day. Hamburger Mary’s provides a retro diner experience, while Denny’s serves an all-day-breakfast. Joe’s Grill is a local favourite, as is Vera’s Burger Shack, known for its toppings.
International Eats
With a variety of ethnic restaurants, Davie Street has something for every palate. Satisfy cravings for savoury Korean barbecue at Dan Sung Sa or for fresh Italian pasta at Café Luxy. Japanese food fans have their pick between Kadoya, Samurai and Downtown Sushi Bar, while Indian lovers indulge in tandoori and curry dishes at India Bistro. Further down the road, folks wanting inexpensive Greek food line up at the ever-popular Stepho’s, known for its heaping portions.
Colourful costumes are a highlight at the Vancouver Pride Festival. Photo courtesy Vancouver Pride Society
Party Places
Those seeking sophisticated sips turn to the cool cocktail bars 1181 Lounge and Oasis Ultra Lounge. While sports fans cheer on their favourite team at Score on Davie, friends share brews at The Fountainhead Pub. Dance enthusiasts converge on Celebrities, where international DJs get the crowd on their feet.
Pride Week
Every summer, thousands of spectators flock to the Vancouver Pride Parade and Festival (Jul. 31) for the 150 flashy floats, the colourful marching bands and the festival on Sunset Beach featuring local performers. All are celebrating the queer community in over-the-top style. Concerts, street parties, lectures, boat cruises, art exhibitions and other similarly enticing events take place during the days leading up to the parade and festival, meaning there is lots to see and do.
Davie Street is an easy walk or a short taxi ride from all downtown hotels. Or hop on the Canada Line SkyTrain and get off at the Yaletown-Roundhouse Station, at the foot of Davie Street.
• Durty Nelly’s on Argyle Street: Traditional pub, serving Irish grub and imported beers.
• The Red Stag on Lower Water Street: Friendly vibe, wide selection of beer on tap, located in historic Brewery Market building.
• The Split Crow on Granville Mall: One of the city’s most beloved pubs, live music, rollicking atmosphere.
• The Old Triangle on Prince Street: Owned by folk-music legend Brian Doherty, live music, Irish beers aplenty.
• Pogue Fado on Barrington Street: Hip young bar, party atmosphere, live music.
Durty Nelly's
• Durty Nelly’s, Sackville Street: Irish pub, imported beers like Harp and Smithwick’s, plus local microbrews.
• Split Crow, Granville Street: The quintessential Maritime pub: historic setting, daily live music, friendly crowds, daily beer specials.
• Fife & Drum), Upper Water Street: Smart-casual Scottish-style pub; Stella Artois, Guinness and Heineken on tap.
• Brussels Restaurant & Brasserie), Granville Street: Belgian cuisine; huge imported beer selection: Leffe Bruin, Chimay Première Red Label, Mort Subite Kriek Lambic and many others.
• Old Triangle, Prince Street: Irish pub, co-owned by singer Brian Doherty, “Guinness & Oysters” special on Wednesdays.
Danielle Tatarin of The Keefer Bar. Photo by KK Law
A cool crowd hangs out late at The Keefer Bar (pictured), a recent arrival on Chinatown’s edge. Bar manager Danielle Tatarin wows the locals just as she did the judges at this year’s Giffard International Cocktail Challenge in France, at which she beat out bartenders from around the world to scoop first place. The mood is funky, with Asian small plates and considered concoctions, often tweaked with traditional tinctures, teas and other uncommon ingredients. Find more cool sippin’ next door at Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie and at Gastown’s Pourhouse, The Diamond at Maple Tree Square and Boneta.—Tim Pawsey
Market by Jean-Georges at the Shangri-La Hotel. Photo by KK Law
In a nod to Vancouver Fashion Week (Nov. 3 to 7), check out these stylin’ rooms.
1 Market (pictured) Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Vancouver destination yields a soothing, gently traditional feel that combines contemporary and classic themes.
2 La Terrazza Soaring ceilings, striking frescoes, swags and swaths define an exuberant Italian personality at this Yaletown flagship with its lounge bar and elegant private cellar room.
3 Lift Bar-Grill-View This Coal Harbour destination blends elegant interior lines, expansive glass and sweeping harbour views with plush leather seating and an edgy, contemporary, onyx backlit bar.
4 The Shore Club Elegant curves of warm wood, dramatic chandeliers and an expansive staircase that links downstairs lounge to upstairs dining room and open kitchen all combine for a luxurious experience.
5 Yew Natural light, wood, granite and a giant sandstone fireplace reflect BC’s natural beauty and artfully complement the West Coast–focused fare.—Tim Pawsey
Historic Burnaby Art Gallery
1 Watching Antony and Cleopatra (to Sep. 24) at Bard on the Beach.
2 Sara Canning. The actress wasn’t born here, but we still claim her as a local.
3 Shakin’ your groove thang at the city’s most popular nightclubs.
4 Burnaby Art Gallery and all the other sights in Deer Lake Park.
5 Eating at any of the local cooking schools, such as Bistro 101 at Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts, Culinaria at The Art Institute of Vancouver, and JJ’s Restaurant at Vancouver Community College.
6 The annual Terry Fox Run (Sep. 19), raising money for cancer research.
7 Local wineries.
8 Taking the first ferry to Victoria or Nanaimo and watching the sun rise.
Perch on "Echoes" by Michael Goulet. Photo by KK Law
9 “Echoes” by Michel Goulet, an art installation on Kits Beach and part of the Vancouver International Sculpture Biennale.
10 Dining at Earls.
11 Robert Bateman. The Canadian painter is visiting Vancouver to meet fans and sign copies of his new book, Bateman: New Works, at Chapters on South Granville (Sep. 25, 2 p.m.).
12 Reading reminiscences of a month’s eating in Paris in Cooking for Me and Sometimes You: A Parisienne Romance with Recipes (French Apple Press, $29.95) by Barbara-Jo McIntosh, owner of Barbara-Jo’s Books to Cooks, which stocks every tome a budding chef could ever need.
13 The Superdogs at the PNE (to Sep. 6).
14 Indulging our sweet tooth at Stuart’s Bakery.
15 Dropping by The Granville Island Brewing Tap Room for a pint of Brockton IPA—and picking up some small-batch beers to take home after.
Granville Street photo by Caroline Toth
There’s nothing laid-back about Vancouver’s nightlife scene. Downtown Granville Street (pictured) lights up the night with Vegas-esque neon signs outside everything from dance halls to live-music venues. In Gastown, old-world charm is abundant in the pubs, while world-class DJs spin in tucked-away clubs. Davie Village shows its true colours with numerous gay- and lesbian-friendly hot spots. There’s no excuse not to dance the night away.—Jennifer Patterson
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