Posts Tagged ‘Kitsilano’

Beaches and outdoor Swimming Pools.

Wednesday, May 8th, 2013

The city of Vancouver is surrounded by many gorgeous beaches for you to enjoy, as the season starts to heat up we want to share with you the very best of Vancouver Beaches, swimming pools (Indoor and Out) and other aquatic related centers for all the family to enjoy.

VANCOUVER BEACHES

Downtown Vancouver/Stanley Park
SUNSET BEACH
Our namesake Beach is just a short 5 minute walk down the hill from the hotel. At Sunset Beach you get to experience some very good views of the The Burrard St Bridge, Granville Island, False Creek and the mouth of English Bay….it is one of our favorite beaches due to its location and the fact that it does not get as busy as the others…and of course you do get to experience some spectacular Sunsets from this vantage point.

ENGLISH BAY (FIRST BEACH)
English Bay is the most popular beach of them all due to its location at the Western side of the city – this is where the West End meets Stanley Park. You can reach English Bay by heading west from the hotel, we feel the best and most scenic route is to walk South to Sunset Beach and then head West along the seawall towards the Iconic Inukshuk
To many locals this is also known as First Beach as it is the first beach you reach as you make your way along Stanley Park.

SECOND BEACH
Heading West along the Seawall from English Bay and after about a 10 minute or so walk you will reach the beginnings of Stanley Park and Second Beach. Not as crowded as English Bay but it can get pretty busy when there are some events happening such as the Outdoor Movies at the height of Summer.
Close by to Second Beach are the Tennis Courts where the Herons annually congregate to raise their young high above the courts. Take the family along where you can enjoy a BBQ and Picnic at Ceperley Meadows and the famous outdoor Second Beach Pool – read further down to the Swimming Pool section for further details.

THIRD BEACH
Keep walking West along the Sea wall and as you start to turn towards the North West you reach the third and largest of the Stanley Park Beaches Third Beach.
Very popular among the locals who are willing to walk a little way around the park, here you will get to see unobstructed views of English Bay, Bowen Island, North Vancouver, The Spanish Banks and UBC towards the Southwest.
At the height of Summer, the beach is very popular among the drumming crowds – its well worth a visit to see the crowds congregate with their drums, especially as the Sun is beginning to set you hear the drummers increase the beat and volume which ultimately ends on a voracious high just as the Sun Sets, its quite the spiritual experience and a great sense of community as another day ends in Vancouver.

Greater Vancouver Beaches
KITSILANO BEACH
Some say this is out little version of California….so check it and lets us know what you think. Its a stunning vantage point of Downtown Vancouver, the North Shore and Bowen Island. There are also some great restaurants here to dine in that overlook the beach. If you like dogs, walk north towards The Maritime Museum and there is the smaller Dog Beach, this place will put a smile on your face!

Also close are:
Museum of Vancouver http://www.museumofvancouver.ca/
Bard on the Beach http://www.bardonthebeach.org/
H.R Macmillan Space Centre http://www.spacecentre.ca/

JERICHO BEACH/SPANISH BANKS
Located further West along Kitsilano – Jericho Beach and its parks is a stunning place indeed, with the city of Vancouver out East in the distance and towards the north you have Cypress Mountain dominating the sky line, this is an awesome area to see the Sun set over Vancouver Island at the height of summer.
Check out the Jericho Beach Webcam http://www.jericho.ca/webcam/webcam.html

WRECK BEACH
Wreck Beach is famous really for one thing….and thats the nudists! A world famous nudist beach that is a popular destination in the summer….clothing is optional so you have been warned.
Located at the Western end of the University of British Columbia and flanked by some steep cliffs here you will enjoy stunning views of the Georgia Strait and Vancouver Island.

OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOLS
SECOND BEACH POOL
A very popular outdoor pool for all the family to enjoy – its locations is close to English Bay and by Stanley Park, at the height of Summer the near by Ceperley Meadows is the location for late evening after dark movies, so bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy!
The Pool is heated and has a cafe located nearby if you fancy an Icecream, Hotdog or a Burger.
http://vancouver.about.com/od/sportsrecreation/p/secondbeachpool.htm

KITSILANO POOL
The most popular Outdoor beach of them all, located just to the West of Kits beach, this pool is huge – it is 3 times longer than an Olympic sized pool…pretty impressive!
http://vancouver.about.com/od/sportsrecreation/p/kitspool.htm

NEW BRIGHTON POOL
Located out in East Vancouver on the Burrard Inlet, it is the 3rd open air pool to enjoy.

For further information on Pools and recreation – http://vancouver.about.com/od/sportsrecreation/tp/outdoorpools.htm

INDOOR SWIMMING POOLS
AQUATIC CENTER
Just a few minutes walk down Thurlow St from the hotel and at the Foot of Sunset Beach and The Burrard Bridge – The Aquatic Centre is a great all year round facility for Water related activities.
http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/vancouver-aquatic-centre.aspx

HILLCREST POOL
The jewel in the crown for Aquatic facilities, Hillcrest is a state of the Art Sports centre than not only boasts a swimming pool, but much more for Sports and recreation.
Located next to the Stunning Queen Elizabeth Park, Hillcrest was the former curling venue for the 2010 Winter Games.
http://www.hillcrestcentre.ca/

Queen Elizabeth Park.. http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/queen-elizabeth-park.aspx

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Vegetarian/Vegan friendly Restaurants

Friday, April 26th, 2013

Vancouver is a great city if you are Vegetarian or Vegan, you will not have to look too far to find some excellent meat free cuisine.

Take a look at the list below to find our popular best picks for anyone who is Vegetarian.

THE PARKER
One of the most recent Vegetarian venues to open in the last year or so and it is really bringing excellent fine dining and atmosphere to Vancouver all the while being meat free.
It is also one of the most environmentally friendly establishments in the city as they pride themselves on local sustainability and utmost care regarding its product and relationship with the community.

http://www.theparkervancouver.com/

NUBA – A LEBANESE CUISINE
Now in its 10th and has since grown to 4 locations around the city, this restaurant is very popular and loved. Some may say that Lebanese food is some of the healthiest around, and after dining at Nuba it is very hard to argue with this comment.
The menu blends the very best from the Middle East and has some European influences, many of the dishes served will not seem unfamiliar.
There are Halal, non medicated hormone free meat options if you are dining with a carnivore in the group.

http://www.nuba.ca/

THE NAAM
Open 364 days a year in the beautiful district of Kitsilano – The Naam is one of the most well known Vegetarian Restaurants. It is cute, rustic and open for 24 hours and live music in the evening. A nice fireplace to keep you warm in the winter and a lovely outside garden during the more balmy weather of summer It can be very very busy and due to the volume and space no reservations.

http://www.thenaam.com/

HONS WUN TON HOUSE
Not Exclusively Vegetarian. The menu however is huge – and they have a separate menu that is extensively suitable for Vegetarians.
This is great Chinese food that is loaded full of flavour and really is the real deal.

http://www.hons.ca/

THE FOUNDATION
A very popular Vegetarian restaurant that is a huge hit among a younger crowd and hipster scene – it is cheap and cheerful but can be a hectic place at times, so if this is somewhere you are looking for to spend some time to relax in peace and quiet then this may have a little too much hustle and bustle for you. Saying all that, it is worth a visit on a budget. No website available.
2301 Main St Vancouver, BC V5T 3C9
(604) 708-0881

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The Cherry blossoms are starting to dominate the streets of Vancouver.

Monday, March 18th, 2013

The Annual Cherry Blossom Festival gets under way this April, but that does not mean that you have to wait until then to enjoy these spectacular trees in bloom. Some of the trees are beginning to bloom quite nicely as many have actually started to show off their pink and whites during the middle of January.

As of this date (March 18th) and under gloriously Sunny skies, some of the blossoms in the West End, notably along Jervis St and Beach Avenue are already reaching full bloom on either sides of the streets, and if the weather holds up like this for a few more days, we can expect to see more signs of the mass awakening that is Spring in the city.

The link below is an interactive map that you can scroll your mouse over, so you can specifically pick and choose the area you will be in and what kind of tree is there.

http://www.vcbf.ca/maps/Map.html

The festival is a great appreciation of these majestic trees, and if you go and check out their official Webpage page, you will be able to track the progress of these trees at their locations all over the city. Some of the best places to see them are in the West End, Kitsilano and at The Burrard Street Sky train station – at this location, once these trees are fully blooming you find yourself under a canopy of startling bright pink and whites, a stunning welcome in the heart of Vancouver.

See the listings below for more events regarding the festival and for further reading on the blossoms.
http://www.tourismvancouver.com/do/explore/sightseeing/cherry_blossoms/

These are the 5 best spots to view the blossoms….

http://www.insidevancouver.ca/2012/03/17/the-5-best-spots-to-view-cherry-blossoms-now/

And if you really want to get serious about plants and more, look no further than Queen Elizabeth Park and The UBC Botanical Gardens.

http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/queen-elizabeth-park.aspx

http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/

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June 17th are Car free days…..a perfect family day out for your Dad on Fathers day!

Wednesday, June 13th, 2012

If you are scratching heads on what to do for Fathers Day, worry not…….Vancouver has kindly decided this will be the day for the annual Car free event days.

These are certainly some of our favorite days in the city, and fingers crossed the weather will play ball too.

Car Free Days were created with the idea that the city can have days when we are free of vehicles and to see if there is future possible without cars at some point. it is also to encourage people to spend more time in their neighborhood with your families.

Since these festivals were created they have certainly grown in size and variety and are now popping up all over the city, you will get to see the weird and wonderful entertainers, plenty of food, stalls and information – on top of all that, the bars, restaurants and cafes will open their doors to join in the fun, along with music, bands and dancers to get you in the party mood.

The original site began on Commercial Drive with Live Music, Street Hockey a roller disco…even a healing garden, so you get the drift!

Here are the areas that will be taking part around the city.

THE WEST END Noon till 6pm
This is our Car free event in the area, make your way down to English Bay where the festival will be located along Denman St, and you will see the festival rocking out between Davie and Robson, this area is pretty cool, you will be spoiled for choice as it is close to Stanley Park, The Laughing Statues and the beach!!!

COMMERCIAL DRIVE (East Vancouver) Noon till 6pm
MAIN ST Noon till 8pm
KITSILANO Various times on the 16th and 17th
Each area is certainly worth a visit and are easily accessible via Public transit in no time at all, please check with the Front Desk for details.

So treat your Dad right and enjoy the party!

Check out the video of The West End Car free day….

http://youtu.be/2dWSmkEGB6E

http://www.carfreevancouver.org/

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Bard on the Beach returns for Summer 2012

Tuesday, May 29th, 2012

Tents set up for Bard on the Beach


May 31st is the official opening of Bard on the Beach….a popular annual favorite that has been entertaining the masses since 1990.

The location of Bard on the Beach is quite convenient as it is situated at Vanier Park on the opposing side of False creek to us at the Sunset Inn. Just a 10 minute walk down the hill to the Seawall, you will be able to catch the cute False Creek Ferry taxi over to the Maritime Museam at Vanier Park. $3.25 one way and a round trip at $5.50 Cash Only!

The location for these great Shakespearean open air plays is pretty stunning, you have some wonderful views of English Bay and the City Skyline, definitely a photogenic moment that captures the city, mountains and rolling ocean.

Bard on the Beach runs from May 31st all the way through to September 22nd, so that is plenty of time to get your tickets for one of your favorite shows.

The performances for the 2012 season are as follows….

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW

The ultimate battle of the sexes! Fiery, hot-tempered Kate faces off in a crackling battle of wits with the only man who can tame her.

MACBETH

Seductive prophecy and devastating ambition are the forces that drive this dark and powerful tragedy.

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

It’s 1968 and the merry wives of Windsor, Ontario plot their hilarious revenge on the wickedly charming rogue Sir John Falstaff.

KING JOHN

King John plots to stay one move ahead in this game of high-stakes chess where the winner takes the crown.

And whilst you are down there, head round the corner to kitsilano and kits Beach , this is truly our little taste of California….nearby there are some very good bars and restaurants to choose from, and if you are up for a challenge…climb the steep hill up towards West 4th Avenue. This area which is very much like The West End – is a popular spot for some shopping, drinking and eating.

http://www.bardonthebeach.org/

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St Patricks Day Festivities

Tuesday, March 13th, 2012


The big weekend is almost upon us where we dig out our lucky charms, don big red beards and wear green green green, for this is the weekend of St Patricks day, celebrated worldwide every March 17th.

Vancouver has plenty of events for you to celebrate this occasion, from Big Parades, to Green beer, and even a huge Rugby game against the English….please read further for the scoop on where to go to celebrate the Emeralds Isle biggest calender date.

The majority of the Irish bars will be welcoming one and all for this festive occasion,.so here is the list of what is Hot, Green and full of shenanigans…
The Blarney Stone – Probably its biggest day of the year for this popular bar and music venue, the Blarney Stone will be offering up a delicious Full Irish menu, Green beers and fun for all the family to enjoy, the festivities for the family begins at 9am, then after 6pm it is open for anyone over the age of 19+ . There will be Irish dancers and live music to get you in the Paddy’s Day Spirit.
Ceili’s Irish Pub (Granville St location) will have live dancers, bagpipers and a huge crowd to get you into the swing of things!
Other notable locations are, Doolins (Granville Street) Lamplighter (Gastown) The Irish Heather (Gastown) probably one of the most classic of all Irish Bars in Vancouver.

On the day itself, back in Europe there is the finale of the very popular 6 nations rugby tournament, the very final game of the 2012 season is between Ireland and England at Twickenham. Ceili’s Bar in Kitsilano will be showing the game live at kick off from 11am, this will be an incredible chance to see a potential scalp of the old enemy, wouldn’t this be an incredible way to get St Patricks day started with a win against the English….it can not get better than this. The bar will be open for the earlier match showcasing another Celtic cousin, Wales v France at 7.45am, so if you want to get ahead and start earlier head to Kitsilano at Ceili’s – 1774 West 7th, Vancouver, V6J 4T3.

There is also the St Patricks Day Street Parade, this will be on Sunday March 18th, and will wind its way north along Howe St beginning at the Drake St intersection, it will then turn onto Georgia St and finish at Georgia and Granville St where you can enjoy the fun packed Street party.

And finally, running all week is CELTICFEST….this is Western Canada’s largest celebration of all that is Celtic and of cultural heritage, now in its 8th year, this festival promises to rock your socks off throughout Vancouver, it encompasses dancing, family friendly events with over 50 free and ticketed venues for you all to enjoy, no matter what age you are, come and join in the fun!

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