Photo: Contributed

There is more to Kitsilano than just its beautiful beaches. Kitsilano is home to some of the best restaurants and shopping in the city. Located near the beach and UBC, Kitsilano has distinctly vibrant and upbeat atmosphere. Avoid the rush downtown and spend a relaxing afternoon in the neighbourhood by the beach.  

Your Sporting Goods Destination

If you are any sort of an outdoors enthusiast then you’ll want to make a stop on West 4th for some serious shopping. With over 20 outdoor and sporting goods shops, you’ll find everything you need to stay active. From bikes to surfboards West 4th has it all. Unlike your big box stores, you’re guaranteed to find excellent service, unique products and some great local brands. In fact, West 4th is home to the very first Lululemon store - it’s from this very location that the brand grew into an international sensation. Right now is a great time to stop by the shops and stock up on you winter essentials for next year. With the ski and board season coming to an end, almost all winter gear is 30-70% off.

Las Margaritas

It may not be considered the most authentic Mexican in the city, but that hasn’t stopped Las Margaritas from being voted one of Vancouver’s best restaurants. Its cantina-style look makes you feel like you’re on a movie set. If you have a large party, this is the place to go. Not only is the dining area huge, there is a 60 seat patio. The food is amazing, the servers are enthusiastic and wait time is short. If you get the opportunity to go, you’ve got to try the enchiladas and sizzling fajitas. Remember it’s called Los Margaritas for a reason, so make sure you order a margarita... or two.

For more information please visit: www.lasmargaritas.com

The Eatery

If you love sushi and are feeling adventurous then you need to visit The Eatery. Known for it’s wild sushi-fusion and outrageous decor, The Eatery is an experience all to its own. As a coastal city,  Vancouver is known for its sushi. While there are many excellent ‘classic’ sushi options, this eccentric restaurant does not compromise on taste or quality. Here, you’ll find the famous Captain Crunch,  Andy Worhol and the Electric Banana rolls, just to name a few. The extensive menu makes it hard to choose what to eat first. If you can, go to The Eatery in a group, that way everyone can order a roll or two and you can try as many rolls as possible. My favourites are the KFC and the Jalapeno popper.    

For more information please visit: http://theeatery.ca/

Make the most of your long weekend at Granville Island. Even though it’s pretty popular with the tourists, locals love visiting Granville Island for its amazing selection of fresh food, one of a kind art and relaxing atmosphere. If you have the opportunity to spend a day on the island then there are few activities, shops and restaurants that you won’t want to miss.

* Before you hit the island make sure to grab some cash. While there are ATM’s, you will be charged steep fees for using them.

Vancouver Aquabus

Leave your car at home and take the scenic route to Granville Island. If you are staying in the city or using the skytrain to get around, the aquabus is a great way to get to Granville Island. With five stops located all around False Creek getting on the aquabus is a breeze. Just wait at one of the designated stops and a little rainbow coloured boat will come by to get you. A round trip to the Island will cost you $6.50-$11.00 depending on where you get on and off. While the trip is short you’ll enjoy some breathtaking views of the city from False Creek and you won’t have to fight for parking when you get to the island. If you are looking to see more of the city from the water try one of Aquabus’ Mini-Cruises, where you will get to enjoy all the sights and sounds of false creek on a 25 minute cruise.

For more information visit: http://theaquabus.com/

Photo: Contributed

Touring the Island

There is so much to see so make sure that you have ample time to explore, a good pair of walking shoes and an empty stomach. Famous for its art and handcrafts, you will find the work of hundreds of local artists and artisans on Granville Island. Whether you are looking for a unique piece of jewellery or a handmade straw broom, Granville Island has it all. There are so many places on the island that you will want to eat, that it is almost impossible to choose. Instead of picking a restaurant,  I would suggest sampling a little of everything that the Island has to offer. At almost every turn there is sure to be something that will capture your senses and more importantly your stomach. So don’t limit yourself, go ahead and indulge. You’ll burn all those calories while you’re walking.

Lee’s Donuts

For me, a trip to Granville Island isn’t complete unless I make stop at Lee’s Donuts. Completely satisfy your sweet tooth with one or two of these famous donuts. Using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients, Lee’s donuts are like nothing you’ve ever had. Made fresh daily, these mouthwatering donuts literally melt in your mouth. My personal favorite is the Hot-Honey dip, the perfect mix of sweet and savory. Make sure to buy yourself two of these donuts because you definitely won’t be able to stop at one. A Granville Island staple for the past 27 years, Lee’s Donuts is a must stop on your tour of the Island. Lee’s Donuts is located inside the Public Market.

Get your fill of laughs, good eats, and even a parade this weekend in Vancouver. Make sure to leave lots of room in your schedule to make some of these great events.

Vancouver Comedy Festival

Catch the final weekend of the Vancouver Comedy Festival. With 17 shows happening this weekend, you are sure to find a show that will make your sides split and give you a serious case of the giggles. Performers this weekend include Bob Saget, Margaret Cho and Marc Maron. Celebrating its ninth year, the Vancouver Comedy Festival has showcased some the most talented comedians of our time including Jay Leno, Betty White, Zach Galifianakis, and Steve Martin. So don’t miss your opportunity to see some of the biggest names in comedy and the rising stars of tomorrow.

For More Information and to Purchase Tickets: http://comedyfest.com/featured_shows

Food Truck Festival at the Vancouver Farmers Market- Saturday February 16th

Every weekend this month the Vancouver Farmers Market will play host to a Food Truck Festival. Doubling the regular amount of food trucks, the market will feature fifteen food trucks every weekend. Featuring cuisine from around the world and homegrown favourites, make sure to bring your appetite. Some of the great food trucks that you will get to try include Eli’s Serious Sausage, Vij’s Railway Express, Le Tigre,  Feastro The Rolling Beastro, and Ze Bite. So stop by the market this weekend and you’ll get to feel like you are on an episode of The Food Networks Eat St.

Photo courtesy of the Food Networks Eat St.

For More information:http://www.eatlocal.org/foodtruckfest.html
Location: Nat Bailey Stadium- 4601 Ontario Street, Vancouver BC

Vancouver Chinese New Year Parade- Sunday February 17th

Celebrating its fortieth anniversary, this year’s Chinese New Year parade promises to be the biggest ever. The parade will feature marching bands, cultural dance performances, various community sponsors and a motorcycle drill team. The 2.5 hour parade will feature three thousand performers and is expected to draw a crowd of over fifty thousand spectators. The parade will begin at 11:00 AM in the heart of historic Chinatown. Following the parade, there will be lion dancing throughout Chinatown from 2:00-4:00 PM.

For More Information:http://www.cbavancouver.ca/parade.html
Location:   http://www.cbavancouver.ca/map.html