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…)
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.
Spend an afternoon exploring the sights and smells of Cambie Street between 17th and 19th avenues, a hotspot for great eats and the latest trends
By Carli Vierke
Cheese from Benton Brothers
The Local Gourmet
It’s foodies’ choice on Cambie. With both local and global fare, the restaurants, cafes and artisan shops offer a mix of flavours. Whether it’s gooey BC cheeses from the family-owned Benton Brothers or homemade tiramisu from Kreation cake shop, everything you need for the perfect epicurean feast is here. Feel like treating yourself without lifting a finger? Enjoy steak frites at the friendly French bistro Pied-à-Terre, or grab a slow-roasted pulled-pork sub to go at Las Tortas Gourmet Mexican Sandwiches.
Eye for Design
Suit up for a stylish stroll at Shop Cocoon, a boutique that features the latest trends in clothing, jewellery and handmade toiletries (think goodies such as hand-milled pomegranate soap), all crafted by local designers. For fashionable inspiration in the home and beyond, check out Walrus, a minimalist shop known for its fun, stylish lifestyle goods such as Scandinavian-designed lanterns or locally designed hot-pink rubber shoes. The space doubles as an art gallery and transforms one night a month into a packed cultural hub where Vancouver artists have their exceptional work showcased.
Ceramic birds from Shop Cocoon
Drink Up
No matter what type of buzz you’re looking for, you’re in good hands. At Beans coffee shop, grab a soy latte while getting cozy on one of the vintage couches or armchairs. For the beer connoisseur, Biercraft Bistro serves dozens of Belgian, imported and local beers. Develop your taste buds with a pint of the creamy Augustijn Blonde alongside a pound of fresh local mussels in a beer, cilantro and lime-butter broth. If you’re seeking libations to go, the Liquor Barn has a good selection of wine, beers and spirits from all over the world. Cheers.
This park combines art, heritage buildings and fun activities for the family
By Kendra Wong
Deer Lake Park lies in the heart of Burnaby. Photo by Marie Ishikawa
STATE OF THE ART
Learn about Burnaby’s history through paintings, sculpture and ceramics by local artists at 1 Burnaby Art Gallery and 2 Deer Lake Gallery. Catch Canadian pop rockers Hedley performing Sep. 11 in the amphitheatre at the 3 Shadbolt Centre for the Arts. (more…)
This popular hub of activity along English Bay offers tasty food, sweet treats and great summer activities
By Kendra Wong
Beetroot salad at Raincity Grill
DOWN BY THE BAY
Satisfy seafood cravings at some of the city’s favourite bayside eateries. Enjoy gourmet Alaskan king crab, sablefish and lobster ravioli at seafood destination 1 The Boathouse. During the hot summer days, chill out on the patio at 2 Milestones Grill and Bar with one of the famous bellinis. 3 Raincity Grill (pictured, right) offers a great view of English Bay and serves classic seafood dishes including seared BC albacore tuna and goat cheese cannelloni.
SWEET TASTE OF SUMMER
After a walk along the beach, cool down with some delicious treats. Indulge in customized ice cream orders at 4 Marble Slab Creamery. Step into 5 Cupcakes for an assortment of flavours ranging from chocolate to coconut. Head to 6 Qoola Frozen Yogurt and try the refreshing green tea
flavour.
GET YOUR SPORT ON
Enjoy kayaks or paddle boats—complete with rentals and lessons—or take a guided tour of Vancouver’s shoreline with 7 Ecomarine Ocean Kayak Centre.
Inukshuk at English Bay. Photo by Andy Mons courtesy Tourism Vancouver
SOMETHING FOR NOTHING
Seeking an activity that doesn’t cost a penny? Take a dip in the Pacific Ocean, go suntanning with friends—don’t forget your sunscreen—or enjoy a breathtaking sunset. A short walk along the beach takes you to the 6-m- (20-ft-) tall Inukshuk stone monument (pictured, left).
The south end of Denman Street is just a short walk from downtown. Or hop on the #5 bus heading west on Robson Street.
On the edge of Yaletown, this street brims with places to give your credit card a workout
By Sheri Radford
The Cross Decor & Design. Photo by KK Law
BEST BUYS
Discerning dogs lead their owners to Barking Babies for treats ranging from crystal necklaces to faux-fur beds to tuxedos—everything a pampered pooch desires. Bibliophiles flock to Book Warehouse for the local titles, current bestsellers and reference books, all marked down by at least 20%, plus the huge assortment of bargain books. Car buffs love to wander around Mini Yaletown, while geeks gather at Mac Station to ogle iPads and MacBooks. Everyone can find a reason to stop by Shoppers Drug Mart, which carries more than the usual pharmacy fare: groceries, DVDs and souvenirs, plus beauty brands such as Lancôme, Clinique, Clarins, Dior and Benefit. Bonus: the Homer location is always open until midnight.
HOME SWEET HOME
Before feathering your nest, first browse through The Cross Decor & Design. The well-edited collection includes elegant armoires, chairs, chandeliers, candles, bedding and bath linens. Find more fine furniture at EntreNous Interiors and luxurious lighting at Lightform. For a piece of artwork to tie a room together, visit Jennifer Kostuik Gallery.
Brix Restaurant & Wine Bar. Photo by KK Law
FINE FOOD
The building dates back almost a century but the menu is modern, with a focus on Pacific Northwest ingredients, at Brix Restaurant & Wine Bar. Ask for a seat on the heated, glass-covered, courtyard patio while you peruse the extensive wine list. If cocktails and martinis are more to your taste, head next door to Shakin’ Not Stirred.
The 1000 and 1100 blocks of Homer Street are a 10-minute walk from downtown. Or take the Canada Line SkyTrain to the Yaletown-Roundhouse stop.
A trip to the market is a chance to sniff, taste, photograph and purchase some of the freshest items in the city
By Jennifer Patterson
The public market on the waterfront. Photo by Danielle Hayes courtesy Tourism BC
FRESH FOOD
Locals and visitors converge at this bustling waterfront market where battling the weekend crowds is half the fun. Inside, tables of artfully stacked seasonal fruit and veggies sit next to rows of fresh-cut flowers—the sight alone is worth the trip. Sample a piece of candied salmon while perusing the cases of Dungeness crab and in-season sweet BC spot prawns. Wander the aisles as vendors wow with their selection of loose-leaf tea, lime leaves, rainbow-striped ravioli, maple syrup, homemade chicken potpie and doughnuts. Bottles of house-made salad dressing and crème fraîche literally fly off the shelves. Enjoy the view of sailboats from a table in the food lounge; here you’ll find everything from hot samosas to colourful fruit kebabs.
LOCAL SOUVENIRS
Foodies go wild for anything and everything local: jam, honey, chocolate, balsamic vinegar and even pre-made curries from famed Vancouver chef Vikram Vij. An impromptu picnic on the waterfront is a great way to enjoy your recent purchases. If you’re on the hunt for cool collectables to tote home, the abundance of paintings, jewellery and West Coast-inspired photographs should tickle your fancy.
Fresh veggies and fruit at the public market. Photo by Albert Normandin courtesy Tourism BC
FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT
Buskers both young and old impress the crowds with their guitar riffs and vocal range. A more conventional performance venue: the New Revue Stage—former home to TheatreSports—reopened last month with Anosh Irani’s My Granny the Goldfish (to May 15).
SHOPPING LIST
Caramelized apple jam Edible BC
Fresh baguette Terra Breads
Wild boar prosciutto Oyama Sausage Co.
Chocolate éclair Stuart’s Bakery
Tall Americano JJ Bean
Hop aboard Aquabus or False Creek Ferries for a quick ride to Granville Island. Or take the bus: the #50 stops at the island entrance.
You could spend an entire day exploring where Granville, Dunsmuir, Seymour and West Georgia streets converge, at the heart of downtown Vancouver
By Sheri Radford
Stock up on all the essentials and designer pieces in City Centre, like these jeans from H&M
GO UNDERGROUND
With Vancouver real estate exorbitantly expensive, perhaps it’s no surprise that shopping malls 1 Pacific Centre and 2 Vancouver Centre are mainly hidden away underground. Also underneath the centre of the city are stations for the public-transit 3 SkyTrain lines: the brand new Canada Line, which goes to the airport, as well as the older Expo Line and Millennium Line. Together, these three link Vancouver to Richmond, Burnaby, New Westminster and Surrey.
ONE-STOP SHOPPING
Get everything from prescriptions, groceries and magazines to greeting cards, designer fragrances and home appliances at 4 London Drugs, which has electronics, a photo-finishing department and a post office tucked away downstairs. The two-level 5 Shoppers Drugmart also carries more than the usual pharmacy fare, with its giant beauty department stocking brands such as Lancôme, Clinique, Clarins, Dior and Benefit. Other convenient shopping meccas include department stores 6 Sears, 7 Holt Renfrew and 8 The Bay, which features giant murals of Olympic athletes outside and an Olympic
The downtown location of The Bay is hard to miss, with its large 2010 Winter Games wraps. Photo by KK Law
Superstore inside. Show your spirit with 2010 Winter Games clothing, pins, plush mascot toys and a pair of the iconic red mittens. These fleece-lined knitted mittens have been flying off store shelves for months, and their popularity shows no signs of waning.
PASSION FOR FASHION
Fashionistas find designer demin at 9 Parasuco, custom couture at 10 Manuel Mendoza and fancy footwear at 11 Sterling Shoes. Those who love runway styles at discount prices head to 12 H&M. The popular Swedish retailer is known for teaming up with fashion luminaries
Popular shopping destination Holt Renfrew. Photo by KK Law
such as Stella McCartney, Viktor & Rolf, Karl Lagerfeld and Jimmy Choo, bringing designer labels to the masses.
EAT UP
Satisfy steak and seafood cravings at celebrity hotspot 13 Gotham Steakhouse and Cocktail Bar or 14 The Shore Club, a spacious room with a sweeping stairway and a dramatic open kitchen. If you’re jonesing for something simpler—such as a big, juicy, messy burger—visit 15 White Spot, a Vancouver institution for 82 years. Fun fact: founder Nat Bailey coined the term “carhop” and invented the world’s first carhop tray. Worried about all those calories? Work up a sweat in the three-storey 16 Steve Nash Sports Club or dance the night away at 17 Au Bar.
GET BUZZED
Coffee connoisseurs are spoiled for choice, with several 18 Starbucks locations in the immediate area, as well as 19 Blenz and 20 Tim Hortons. Mr. Horton played hockey for 24 seasons in the NHL, mainly with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but now his name is synonymous with java and deep-fried goodies. Timbits—bite-sized doughnuts in a cornucopia of flavours—are dangerous to New Year’s resolutions involving low-calorie diets.
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