Where Vancouver January February 2017 | Page 36

NAVIGATE NORTH VANCOUVER This picturesque city draws locals and tourists alike for outdoor adventure on the beautiful Coast Mountain Range. Activities range from sea kayaking and skiing to hiking and mountain biking. The elegant art deco–style Lions Gate Bridge, the Second Narrows Bridge and the SeaBus connect Vancouver to the North Shore. The SeaBus arrives at Lonsdale Quay, home to a public market, working shipyards, restaurants and spectacular views of downtown Vancouver. Capilano Suspension Bridge, Deep Cove, Lynn Canyon and Grouse Mountain—including the famed Grouse Grind, also known as “Mother Nature’s StairMaster”—are just a few of the area’s outdoor attractions. www.vancouversnorthshore.com Map 2, Map 4 Pino Posteraro, CHEF AND OWNER OF CIOPPINO’S MEDITERRANEAN GRILL & ENOTECA “I was the first [fine-dining] restaurant in Yaletown, because I saw the potential of being downtown, without the busy feeling and fast pace of the business core. I wanted people to come and find an oasis of food and wine and service. Yaletown, when I first moved here from Toronto, reminded me of Yorkville—the coziness, the walking village kind of thing. I like to go to Goorin Bros. Hat Shop, and Barber & Co. is a hip place for a haircut. I like WildTale, because they try to bring something innovative to Yaletown. It’s amazing to have such a core, apart from downtown. It keeps that spirit of community—the heritage buildings, the character. It’s quite amazing.” KITSILANO Usually shortened to Kits, this neighbourhood on the south shore of English Bay is home to recreationhappy singles, families and students, plus the world’s first Lululemon store. Fourth Ave., from Burrard west to Alma St., boasts dining destinations, boutiques, coffee shops and gyms. Swim or sunbathe at renowned Kits Beach, then fly a kite in Vanier Park, where you’ll find the Museum of Vancouver, Vancouver Maritime Museum and H.R. MacMillan Space Centre. www. shopwest4th.com Map 4: D2/D3 MAIN STREET While the northern end of Main provides access to Canada’s largest Chinatown, the southern end, starting at 6th Ave., forms an eclectic shopping district dotted with oh-sohip bistros and espresso bars. The area around Kingsway and Main was developed as a brewery district in the late 19th century and has since seen a renaissance of craft-beer brewing. Heritage Hall is an architectural highlight and a quick bike ride to Queen Elizabeth Park or the Punjabi Market. www. mountpleasantbia.com Map 4: D4/E4 POINT GREY/WEST SIDE The most westerly part of the city is made up of many smaller neighbourhoods and bordered by the University of British Columbia to the west, the Fraser River to the south and English Bay on the north. UBC and its Endowment Lands include Pacific Spirit Park—over 73 km (45 mi) of trails perfect for hiking, biking and horseback riding—as well as the Museum of Anthropology, UBC Botanical Garden and Nitobe Memorial Garden. Beaches stretch below the northwest campus cliffs, including Wreck Beach, the only nude sand in the city. Point Grey Village is the commercial centre of Point Grey, between Discovery and Tolmie along W. 10th Ave. The tree-lined streets offer oldtown character with specialty shops, fashion boutiques, restaurants and TRANSIT TIP Ride the rails on three SkyTrain lines. The Canada Line connects downtown to the airport, while the Expo and Millennium lines head east to Main Street and beyond. N4 where.ca PHOTO BY KK LAW WHY I LOVE YALETOWN OLYMPIC VILLAGE This False Creek neighbourhood is set on the seawall between Granville Island and Science World. The condos and townhouses were built to house athletes and Olympic officials during the 2010 Winter Games, and monumental photo ops still abound. Take advantage of the waterfront and rent a kayak at Creekside Community Centre. An evergrowing cluster of superb destination restaurants and stores, including Legacy Liquor Store, are a quick jaunt from Olympic Village SkyTrain station. See live theatre performances at the Goldcorp Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre. Map 1: E6/E7