Stanley Park

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Dishing With a Real Housewife of Vancouver

Reiko Mackenzie, of The Real Housewives of Vancouver

Where The Real Housewives of Vancouver’s Reiko Mackenzie Shops, Eats and Plays

By Caitlin Dawson

If variety is the spice of life, then Reiko Mackenzie is hot as habañero. Not only is The Real Housewives of Vancouver star an über-glamorous housewife and mom of two with a minivan, she’s also a martial artist with a collection of luxury cars.

Following in the Prada-clad footsteps of Orange County, New York, Atlanta, Beverly Hills, New Jersey and Miami, The Real Housewives is a no-holds-barred peek into the lives of five of Vancouver’s most affluent women. In true Housewives style, Mackenzie has a personal chef, but she lists Vancouver stalwart Don Francesco as her top spot for eats. Why? “They treat us like family,” she explains.

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Spring Break Activities in Vancouver

26 of the hottest places to entertain tots, tykes and teens this month

By Sheri Radford

Bill Reid's sculpture outside the Vancouver Aquarium. Photo by KK Law

1) Richmond Olympic Oval
From Mar. 12 to 23, kids aged six to 15 participate in week-long camps in everything from hockey to badminton to volleyball—and explore this stunning building, which was built for the 2010 Winter Games. (more…)

Hot Dining: Picnic in the Park

Photo by KK Law

Pack a basket—or have one packed for you—and settle in for some outdoor eating. Head to the Dirty Apron for a selection of gourmet sandwiches, salads, desserts and bevvies, all tucked into a reusable tote. Urban Fare carries picnic-perfect choices, including baguettes, sodas, veggies and dip. Wondering where to eat? Vanier Park, Stanley Park and Kitsilano Beach are all spread-worthy spots.—Jennifer Patterson

Vancouver Life: Sacred Sites

New Zealand’s Sacred Hill Winery (www.sacredhill.com) recently asked West Coasters to name the most sacred sites to enjoy a glass of wine. Raise your glass to the Vancouver winners: Stanley Park, Grouse Mountain, English Bay and anywhere with a view of the North Shore mountains.—Sheri Radford

Spanish Banks and the University Endowment Lands as seen from English Bay. Photo by KK Law

Stanley Park: Our Top 10

Why do we love this 123-year-old urban woodland? Let us count the ways

By Kristina Urquhart

"Girl in a Wetsuit" overlooks Stanley Park. Photo by KK Law

1 Seawall

If your boots are made for walking, lace up to stroll the 8.8-km (5.5-mi) section of the seawall that winds around the perimeter of Stanley Park—which, at 400 hectares (1,000 acres), is larger than New York’s Central Park. Or rent a two-wheeler from Bayshore Bicycle & Rollerblade Rentals or Spokes Bicycle Rentals & Tours. A lap around the seawall yields several famous landmarks. The Nine O’ Clock Gun, an 1816 cannon, blasts nightly at 9 p.m. The seaworthy “Girl in a Wetsuit,” sculpted by Elek Imredy, makes a frequent perch for seagulls. Shutterbugs pause for gorgeous views at the lighthouses at Brockton Point and Prospect Point. Near the Lions Gate Bridge, a 32-million-year-old sea stack called Siwash Rock rises from the water. A quick detour off the seawall brings you to the Hollow Tree, a 700-year-old trunk of a Western red cedar. (more…)

Hot Dining: 75 Years in the City

White Spot founder Nat Bailey coined the term "carhop" and created the world's first carhop tray (photo circa 1950s). Photo courtesy White Spot

Back in 1936, when the Where brand was created, Vancouver was a much different place. Construction hadn’t yet begun on the Lions Gate Bridge. Granville Island housed nothing but factories that made industrial items such as paint, cement and machinery. And sliced bread hadn’t yet been introduced here (that came in 1937). But a few things haven’t changed over the years. In 1936, folks were already dancing the night away in the Commodore Ballroom, watching the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra perform, enjoying Triple O burgers at White Spot (pictured), shopping at The Bay and snapping photographs in front of the Hollow Tree in Stanley Park.—Sheri Radford

Hot Dining: West (End) Meets East

Dragon roll at Taiko on Denman. Photo by KK Law

Asian flavours abound in the West End. Taiko on Denman is a polished, capacious, slate-and-glass-trimmed upstairs escape close to Coal Harbour. Inventive sushi, robata and donburi are served in a dramatic setting with glimpses of Stanley Park and the North Shore mountains. Prime lures: all-you-can-eat lunch and dinner menus. Close by, sushi-free Gyoza King Japanese Izakaya is a late-night haunt favoured by locals and homesick language students alike, while Kintaro Ramen, a Lilliputian hole-in-the-wall diner, is famed for its pork-packed noodle bowls, minimal seating—and often long line-ups.—Tim Pawsey

My Favourite Vancouver Photo

Check out the results of our fourth annual photo contest. John Bello wins the grand prize provided by Harbour Air. Have you taken a great picture? Enter our My Favourite Vancouver Photo Contest and you could win a fabulous prize package from Pacific Sands Beach Resort Tofino. We’re looking for iconic images that evoke Vancouver’s unique spirit and character.

2011 contest winner: The inukshuk in English Bay, with the lights of Vectorial Elevation in the background, during the 2010 Winter Games // John Bello

Waterfront in winter // James Putnam

Vancouver skyline // Carlos Victoria

Summertime fireworks over English Bay // Nathalie Harris

The seawall in Stanley Park and the Lions Gate Bridge // Loni Ingram

Giant crab outside the Museum of Vancouver // Carlos Victoria

Autumn in Stanley Park // Lan Hu

Brockton Point Lighthouse in Stanley Park, with downtown and the “sails” of the Vancouver Convention Centre in the background // George Dujmovic

Hot Dining: Bright Nights

You can't beat the view at Salmon House. Photo by KK Law

Vancouver’s oldest holiday tradition turns 50 this year when the annual Carol Ships Parade of Lights sets sail Dec. 3 to 23. Book early for a window seat at the restaurant of your choice. Numerous tasteful vantage points include the North Shore’s Salmon House (pictured), Bridges in False Creek, The Teahouse in Stanley Park, and Lift Bar-Grill-View, which overlooks Coal Harbour. Sightings vary according to schedules.—Tim Pawsey

Hot Date: Halloween Haunts

Ghoulish gags abound in Vancouver during October. Photo copyright DNY59/iStockphoto.com

Looking for some spine-tingling chills and thrills? Venture—if you dare—on a Haunted Vancouver Trolley Tour (Oct. 8 to 31) with The Vancouver Trolley Company to visit eerie locations and hear spooky tales of the city’s history. Or climb aboard the Stanley Park Hallowe’en Ghost Train (Oct. 8 to 31) to see the haunted farmyard. The truly brave visit Fright Nights at Playland (Oct. 15 to 31) for hair-raising rides and haunted houses. Boo!—Sheri Radford