One of the downsides of living in a rainforest is the predictable wet—and at times snowy—weather, but don’t let this small roadblock stop you from getting your nature fix. North Vancouver success story Arc’teryx sets the standard for outdoor gear, including high-tech jackets (pictured) and snuggle-worthy fleece zip-ups. Available at Coast Mountain Sports, Valhalla Pure Outfitters and Comor Sports. So keep yourself warm and dry as you carve through the powdery snow, paddle a kayak through the crystal-clear water and breathe in that fresh West Coast air.—Jennifer Patterson
North Vancouver
Hot Shopping: Wild Weather
Tuesday, February 9th, 2010Hot Dining: Tasteful Trips
Wednesday, October 21st, 2009TASTEFUL TRIPS

Appetizer plate at Le Bistro Chez Michel. Photo by KK Law
Hop on the SeaBus to discover Le Bistro Chez Michel, a family-run, North Vancouver bistro serving eclectic French fare and overlooking the harbour. On the menu: baked-onion soup, a chef’s charcuterie plate, juicy rib-eyes with fries, bouillabaisse and the cassoulet Toulousain, the owners’ hometown recipe. Or take the newly opened Canada Line SkyTrain to explore Richmond’s wealth of authentic Chinese rooms, including bustling Fisherman’s Terrace Seafood Restaurant in Aberdeen Centre and award-winning Gingeri Chinese Cuisine in Lansdowne Centre.—Tim Pawsey


