Dreaming of the open ocean? Even if buying a boat isn’t at the top of your list, the Vancouver International Boat Show is still one of the best destinations for things to see and do. Western Canada’s largest of its kind, the Boat Show will be held Wednesday, January 18th - Sunday, January 22nd at BC Place and Granville Island. Beyond home ownership, owning a boat is at once luxurious and authentic, an adventure that takes real passion and dedication. Want a taste?

Education and Events

From new boaters to seasoned mariners, the Boat Show offers a variety of entertaining seminars from exceptional professionals. These hands-on opportunities showcase everything from risk-free virtual boating skills training to informative panels by the experts on finding the right boat for your lifestyle and budget. Get boat buying tips here. Other events include sport fishing in BC seminars and the dockside grill cooking series on how best to cook in tight spaces to Brush up before the event with A Beginner’s Guide to Boating: Welcome to the Water.

New Product Showcase and Exhibitors

Be one of the first to see what the boating industry has to offer for 2017. If it’s new to the market, guaranteed this is where it’ll make its debut. Check out all of the new boat models, water sport accessories, and more in the online catalogue before the real deal in January. For a complete list of exhibitors and what they offer, visit the official site.

Floating Show and Free Boat Rides

Free shuttle buses and water ferries will run continuously between BC Place to Granville Island, where boater’s paradise is prevalent year-round; the perfect host to the in-water boat display. The Floating Boat Show also features free 30-minute boat rides. Sign up early at the Discover Boating tent for a taste of the mariner’s lifestyle. You can also check out the hands-on skills training workshops and speak with skippers from the Bluewater Cruising Association onboard a fully equipped, offshore-ready boat about what it’s really like to live the dream: from crossing the ocean to idyllic, isolated anchorage.

Stay updated on event info on the Vancouver International Boat Show Facebook page, and get your tickets to this boater’s paradise now.

If there’s one thing our city does well, it’s outdoor dining featuring scrumptious menus. With summer finally here, what better way to enjoy Pacific Northwest cuisine than by lounging on Vancouver’s best patios! From swanky chic to tucked away, the Lower Mainland offers some of the best patios with the coolest vibes. Check out our curated list to find your next favourite spot to relax, nibble and sip.

Joe Fortes

Roof top dining doesn’t get any better than Joe Fortes. This steak and seafood institution nestled just off Robson Street on Thurlow delivers consistently delicious West Coast fare, and their spacious patio overlooking the famed shopping district on Robson is outfitted with its own bar, umbrellas, and heaters.

The Roof

For late-night drinks and grilled meat-and-seafood dining, The Roof at Black + Blue Steakhouse in the heart of downtown on Alberni Street features open pit fireplace tables. Its distinctly modern vibe for a sophisticated experience is courtesy of the Glowbal Restaurant Group.

Minami

Minami’s hidden patio in Yaletown is like stepping into a private garden. Relax in a true urban oasis while dining on their signature flame-seared sushi, made to perfection by trained Japanese chefs with Ocean Wise fare.

The Galley Patio & Grill

Take in Vancouver’s breathtaking beach and mountain views from The Galley Patio & Grill at the Jericho Sailing Club. Known for their beachside vibe, Burger Bar, and locally crafted beer and BC wine list, The Galley is the perfect chill spot to while away an afternoon or take in the sunset.

The Sandbar

Cozy up in complimentary blankets under the Granville Street bridge at The Sandbar on Granville Island. Enjoy the fresh seafood-inspired menu by Chef Cooper Green on their covered, elevated patio; complete with fireplace and views of the boats passing in False Creek Harbour.

What’s your favourite summer patio in Vancouver? Share with us on Facebook!

Image credit: Glowbal Group

Known fondly around town as “Kits”, the neighbourhood has undergone several personality shifts since the early 1800s when the Squamish people moved into the area. Named for their chief August Jack Khatsahlano, the area stretches between West Point Grey, Fairview and is bordered by the south shore of English Bay. Largely residential, the remnants of a 1920s apartment boom is still apparent in the Tudor Revival along Cornwall Ave. But beyond the eclectic mix of architectural styles that make up the neighbourhood, Kits is better known for its two main retail areas along West 4th Avenue and West Broadway, restaurants, and organic specialty stores.

History

Two of Kitsilano’s best known landmarks were constructed in the 1930s: the outdoor saltwater public pool right on Kits Beach and the Burrard Bridge that irrevocably expanded downtown Vancouver to the Westside. After the Squamish people relinquished their hold on the reserve land to the federal government in 1946, Kits went through a hippy phase in the 60s as an inexpensive place to live. The Naam restaurant at 4th and Macdonald still stands as a reminder of those days, serving up vegetarian, vegan and natural foods.

Today

Kits still plays host to Greek Day and the outdoor Shakespeare festival Bard on the Beach in Vanier Park as a testament to the area’s varied cultural past. Slowly gentrified by yuppies and young families, the neighbourhood retains a relaxed atmosphere with easy access to 17 beaches, parks, and close in proximity to both downtown and Granville Island. It’s also home to current and former famous residents David Suzuki, actors Ryan Reynolds and Joshua Jackson, and hockey players Trevor Linden and Ryan Kesler. Not to mention that Kitsilano is fittingly the birthplace of famed yoga brand Lululemon Athletica.

Keep an eye out for our listings in lovely Kitsilano! Looking for something even more posh? Read our spotlight on Shaughnessy. You can always contact us for a consultation, as well.

In celebration of the best guy around, we’ve rounded up our favourite boys’ day out activities to make Sunday, June 19th unforgettable this year.

Our Top Five Things To Do This Father’s Day Weekend

1. Kick off the weekend with a BC Lions football game versus the Calgary Stampeders Friday, June 17th. Get your tickets here! More of a European football fan? The Vancouver Whitecaps are playing New England Revolution Saturday, June 18th, tickets available here.
 
2. More the adventurous type? Have lunch 2,000 feet above sea level. About an hour’s drive from Vancouver, the 11km adventure hike that is the renowned Stawamus Chief overlooks the town of Squamish with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and water. Choose from old-growth forest trail or one with views of Shannon Falls. Feeling particularly daring? The front face of the Chief is popular for experienced rock climbers.
 
3. If chilling’s more the order of the day, stop by The Liberty Distillery’s Cocktail Lounge on Granville Island. Sip one of the Distillery’s artisanal premium spirits, handcrafted on site “from grain to glass” at the 110-year-old antique bar. Service starts at 11am; meaning on boys’ day, any time is a good time to try the good stuff.
 
4. Get cultural and take in a play at the annual Bard on the Beach festival. There are two preview performances of award-winning The Merry Wives of Windsor on Sunday, June 19th. This classic tale of mischief and sweet revenge is set against the beautiful back-drop of mountains and water at the Bard tents in Kitsilano’s Vanier Park. For more performances, check the official schedule here.
 
5. A short, thirty-minute drive out of the city will have you on the Redwoods Golf Course doorstep. This lush, 18 hole Ted Locke Championship course offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains beyond the tree-lined green. Redwoods also offers a Driving Range, the Grill, and flexible bookings from a one-time tee time to seasons’ passes.
 

No matter how you choose to spend your guys’ day, we wish you and all the dads out there a Happy Father’s Day!

Photo credit: Juan Gomez

Sometimes a little R & R is in order, even if a big vacation abroad isn’t. Being in the midst of buying or selling can be an especially stressful time, or simply long days at work with little time at home can put one over the top. Why not treat yourself to a Staycation? Doing something just for you once in awhile can clear the cobwebs and rejuvenate for a higher quality of life and better productivity. Here are a few of our favourite staycations in the lower mainland:

1. Enjoy a leisurely a bike ride around Stanley Park. Pack a picnic, stop in at the aquarium, and take in the magnificent views. The 11km seawall winds around the park, giving you 360 degree views of the harbour, mountains, downtown and west and north shores. Getting in touch with nature combined with exercise will boost those endorphins and have you refreshed in no time. Bike rentals available.

2. Continue the tourist in your own town adventure with a Geocaching adventure. Using your GPS, you’ll go on a “treasure hunt” for hidden ‘cashes’ all around the Greater Vancouver Area. The idea is to get to know your city while looking for these hidden stashes, of which there are reportedly over 4,000 of in Vancouver! We recommend stopping in at La Casa Gelato as your reward. With over 218 flavours of gelato made on site, you could spend an entire afternoon sampling alone.

3. If you’re in the mood for something a little more low-key, why not re-discover Granville Island. Indulge in a night at the recently-renovated Granville Island Hotel. Featuring plush accommodations and the delectable Dockside Restaurant, you’re free to roam the island’s wealth of artisanal offerings from and even take in a yoga class with views of False Creek before settling in for the night.

4. Discover Deep Cove. From lush parks and trails to kayaking and cultural events, this little oasis is a short, twenty-minute drive from North Van. Known as “The Cove” to locals, this hidden gem at the foot of Mt. Seymour feels a million miles away from the city; perfect for a day trip away from reality.

5. For an extensive day trip worth the ferry ride, Salt Spring Island boasts being one of the warmest places in Canada during these long winter months. With a plethora of artists’ studios, spa options, and restaurants, this tiny island will enchant you to come back again and again.

Any hidden gem getaways we missed? Share in the comments below!