Sun is Shinning

The sun has been out for the past week and I have taken full advantage of the sun. I was able to have a round of golf on the executive course on Westwood and checked out a couple of those craft breweries after the round. There are many more places to check out and I will continue to look for more and more breweries as they come. Until next time get out and enjoy the sun while it's here and have a tasty brew.

Derek

Vancouver Based Brands!

Fashion in Vancouver has taken a great leap. With many large stores, such as Nordstroms opening up, a lot of international brands are becoming more accessible. Leaving local brands are often over looked (apart from lululemon of course). With street-style making its way slowing into pop culture, many underground brands have begun to surface. With that in mind, here is a list of Vancouver based brands that have taken the fashion industry by storm.

Hershel Supply and Co.

This brands main focus is on backpacks, and is one of the first brands to encompass backpacks as a fashion statement. While they make other products such as wallets, hats, duffle bags etc. they are most know for their iconic backpack. They strive in making quality products that resemble fine detail. So if you are looking for a new backpack, and happen to be in Vancouver; stop by Hershel to get a backpack from where it all started.

Native

 Native is a shoe brand know for its signature shoes with holes. While these shoes aren’t for everyone they do encompass the laid-back casual wear of Vancouver. These are one of the shoes that are climbing up the ladder to be one of the trendiest shoes of Vancouver. If you are a true Vancouverite, or just a visitor looking for a pair of shoes to take back with you, these are your #1 shoes of choice.

Wings + Horns

This is in my opinion the most trending men’s wear brand in Vancouver. Their clothing is simple, sleek, and chic. The garments are made out of materials that shape the body to its most flattering form. As well as keep all their clothes as up to date in style as possible. While their garments are quite pricey, their quality wont let you down. Definitely worth a visit to any street-style lover.

Starry Starry Night~

With the weather gradually becoming nicer, Vancouverites tend to flock outside to explore. Our blog has already covered many exciting and new places to go outside during the day, but if you're reading this now at the time of this post in the middle of night, perhaps you're looking for a midnight adventure. Grab a few friends, a flashlight, some blankets and a telescope if you have one and head to one of these locations to feast your eyes on the beautiful night sky.

(Let me enlarge these pictures for you, Enjoy)

1. Porteau Cove

I understand that we mention Porteau Cove a lot, but it's just that good. No matter if it's for day activities or night activities, Porteau Cove is the spot for you. Be prepared to be dazzled with beautiful stars.

2. Burnaby Mountain (Coordinates 49.282058, -122.935286)

A much closer choice compared to Porteau Cove. Burnaby Mountain is a beautiful place to watch the night view of Vancouver and gaze at a sky of stars. Make your way here if you're looking for something nice but not too far from the main city of Vancouver.

3. Rainbow Park/Atla Lake Whistler

If you haven't been to Whistler yet, stop reading this blog and go pack your bags. A two hour drive from Vancouver, Whistler Blackcomb is not only one of the best places to bring your snowboard to, but also has many great locations to watch the night sky. Rainbow park is beautiful both in the day and at night. So if you are thinking of heading up soon, or just want a midnight road trip, give this location a shot. 

4. Elfin Lakes Squamish

I think this last one has a picture that will speak for itself. Find the right night, and watch the starry sky reflect on the surface of the lake. Absolutely Stunning.

Places To Take The Kids!

Be it during Spring Break, the summer or even just a rainy weekend - where are the top places to take the kids to keep them busy and have some fun?

Here are some of our top picks for places the tots might enjoy:

1. Vancouver Aquarium

Our top pick for a family friendly activity - rain or shine - would be the Vancouver Aquarium. With tons of cool activities and animals to see it is a must for anyone to check out. Pack your umbrella along though on a rainy day because many of the best activities are outdoors - such as the beluga and penguin enclosures.

2. Telus Science Word

Another great indoor venue for an educational event would be Telus Science World. This big sphere is hard to miss - located near Main Street Skytrain station it houses a variety of different exhibits and activities for children and the young at heart. Don't forget to check out the IMAX shows - new releases all the time and all worth a watch!

3. Crash Crawlys

For something a little less educational and a little more active - Crash Crawlys is the place to go. A self contained center filled with tons of equipment, slides and other fun things this place will keep a child occupied for hours  (speaking from experience). Bring along some hand wipes and comfy socks for the kids and they'll go all day!

4. The Beach!

Sunny day? Don't know what to do to fill the time with children in tow? Any of the beaches in and around the Lower Mainland will be a great option. Stanley Park offers Second and Third Beach as well as the proximity to English Bay. Ambleside on the North Shore is another great option as well as the many beaches in Kitsilano. Bring along a spade and a shovel as well as some SPF and keep the kids occupied in a sun and fun atmosphere.

5. Extreme Air Park

Last pick is another fun indoor activity that is a bit unique. Extreme Air Park, located in Richmond is filled with fun trampoline activities. Take off your shoes and start jumping - this place sure is unique.

Sporting Events around Vancouver

Vancouver is proud to have an abundance of sports teams in which Vancouverites and visitors can go and watch. Having teams playing many different sports at different levels allows there to be a variety of games to check out for all fans. Whether you are a hockey, football, baseball or soccer fan, Vancouver has a team for everyone to cheer on. This time of year currently only has a few teams playing, but in the coming months a few others will be back in action.

Hockey

Firstly, the Vancouver Canucks of the NHL are usually a big ticket item around town. This year has been a bad season, which is disappointing, but on the positive side of things ticket prices have dropped a fair bit making it much more reasonable to go to a game at Rogers Arena. The season is coming to an end fairly soon, so fans should look to get tickets to one of the last few home games while they are available. Make sure to get some team apparel before heading to the game, to show support for the squad. The other hockey team which draws good crowds is the Vancouver Giants of the WHL. The Giants are a team made up of young prospect whom are looking to become professional, therefore it is quite exciting hockey to watch. Ticket prices are also quite reasonable since it is not considered professional hockey. However, the Giants season is already over, so fans have to wait till next season to head to a game.

Football

Next, Vancouver is also host to the BC Lions of the CFL. The Lions usually put a good team on the field, thusly playing exciting football. Their season is yet to start, but hopes are high for this year’s team. The season starts on June 25^th, but tickets can already be bought through the Lions website. Grab a Lions hat if you're a fan There is also University football around the lower mainland, with both UBC and SFU having teams. Both their seasons do not start till after the summer, but when they are playing season tickets are cheap and games are very entertaining.

Baseball

Vancouver does not have a Major League Baseball team, but they do have the Vancouver Canadians, who are the Single A affiliate team of the Toronto Blue Jays. Many players who are currently in the Majors Leagues played for the Canadians, including a handful of Blue Jays whom are fan favourites. Tickets for Canadians games are cheap, and provide a classic baseball experience by playing out of the legendary Nat Bailey Stadium. The season does not start till Mid June, allowing a Canadians game to be a great way to spend a summer night.

Soccer

Lastly, Vancouver is host to the Vancouver Whitecaps of MLS. The season has just begun with the Caps getting their first win last Saturday. Whitecaps tickets are some of the hottest in town after making the playoffs last season, so they are not cheap, but the atmosphere at games is great, well worth the price of admission. Fans should get a Whitecaps shirt or jersey, so they can show their support for the exciting team. The Whitecaps schedule and tickets are both available through the team website, and fans should get themselves some tickets while they are still available.

Golfing in Vancouver

So we are starting to move in to the golfing season here in Vancouver. Today I will give a couple of locations to check out for a reasonable price for a round. The sun is shinning and the balls should start flying.

I am going to start off with a course which is located between Vancouver and Whistler. This course is a little bit pricier, but it is worth the bucks for the iconic hole where Bob Barker and Adam Sandler duked it out in the film Happy Gilmore. The course is Furry Creek, which has some of the best views in BC. This course is located on a mountain which has lots of drops and you'll have to take shots over gullies. This is a great course for a nice sunny day but you will miss out on a lot of the views if it is cloudy.

Next is a course 25min from YVR, so if you are here visiting and brought your clubs check out this Riverway Golf course in Burnaby. This is a links-style course which is great for a novice golfer. The holes are not that challenging, with the course being fairly flat. This course is easy to walk, so a golf cart isn't really needed. I play with a pull cart so that I can carry more beers in my bag.

Finally is a 12 hole executive course located in Coquitlam on Westwood Plateau. This course is nice a quick but long enough for a great round. This course is on a mountain as well so walking can be a challenge but the views and the course makes it well worth it. A round at this course is less than twenty buck so you won't break the bank.

Get out there play a couple rounds and have fun.

High-End Shoppping in Vancouver

The streets of downtown Vancouver are filled with designer brands. Every corner you turn you are bound to run into a few brand name stores. If you are willing to spend the big bucks, here is a list of a few of my favourite designer stores.

Holt Renfew - http://www.holtrenfrew.com/

737 Dunsmuir St, Vancouver, BC V7Y 1E4

This is a great one-stop shop that will satisfy your designer needs. Almost any designer brand can be found here from Louis Vuitton to Chanel. It offers 3 levels of shopping as well. This is your stop to pick up a new Chanel cologne or a Dior lip balm. If you don’t want to shop for yourself they also offer personal shopping to help you find everything you need. As far as convenience goes, Holt Renfew takes the cake on that.

Roden Gray - http://rodengray.com/

Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2K8

If you’re looking for couture street wear Roden Gray is your stop. They have a large variety of brands such as the Yeezy Seasons, Common Projects, and Thom Browne. If you want clothes to give you a cool and trendy aesthetic this is where you want to pick up your clothes. Not only does their merchandise give off that vibe but the whole interior does as well.

Haven – http://havenshop.ca/

52 E Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1K2

If you’re looking for street style this shop is going to be you lifesaver. They offer selection from awesome sneaker collabs to some of the trendiest street wear available on the market. They offer brands such as Wings + Horns, Reigning Champ, Adidas Originals, and Comme Des Garcons. They are one of the fastest retailers to get the newest merchandise. They offer Retro Jordans and Adidas x Raf Simons  There selection of hype underground brands is also above the average retailer.  So if you are always keeping up with trends, this is going to be your stop.

Stussy – http://www.stussy.com/

49 Powell St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1E9

Stussy Vancouver is great to check out for staple street wear that isn’t completely breaking your bank. While they do collab with other brands, and increase the prices on those items; their stable pieces aren’t completely expensive. Their origin is from skate wear, making their focus to be on skateboarding clothes. Stussy offers some of the most popular snapbacks in street wear. But nonetheless they offer some of the best street wear in my opinion. If you happen to be walking around Gastown, Stussy is worth to pop in for a visit. 

Coffee & Desserts

Mornings are not my favorite time of day. If you're anything like me, my mornings usually require a cup of coffee before I am capable of functioning; however, the quality of coffee is very important to me. Of course, on some days I can make my own coffee before my days start, but most days, I just don't have time. Thankfully Vancouver is home to many great cafes, both for grabbing a quick cup on the go or for relaxing and passing time. 

1. Cafe Artigiano, 763 Hornby Street, Vancouver

An Italian theme coffee house with a constant line up out the door. Cafe Artigiano is famous for their amazing coffee and lightning fast barista's. With a constant demand of their coffee made with fresh coffee beans. Cafe Artigiano has opened 11 locations in Vancouver, so be on the look out for one!

2. Camellia's Tea and Coffee, 6888 Royal Oak Avenue, Burnaby

Located right off Royal Oak Skytrain station, this conveniently located coffee house serves delicious lattes and teas. A wide array of savory sandwiches and wraps are also available, along with a variety of cakes. The cafe is well lit with and offers a large amount of seating, perfect for sitting down to catch up with a friend or reading a good book. If you're a student, Camellia's is also a great place to study and wind down after a long day.

3. Thierry Chocolaterie Patisserie Cafe, 1059 Alberni Street, Vancouver

If you're looking for an amazing cup of coffee paired with some of the best macaroons and other desserts, then look no further. Thierry Chocolaterie Patisserie Cafe is one of my own personal favorite locations downtown. They carry a large selection of flavorful macaroons that change on a daily basis, which can be bought separately or in a box of 7. If you don't feel like sitting in their wonderful interior, you can also enjoy your purchases on their balcony or take a nice stroll downtown to the seawall. Try this cafe out, you wont regret it.

(The giant wooden door is hard to miss)

 

4. Medina's Cafe, 780 Richards St, Vancouver

Looking for a great place to have Brunch? Want to have a hearty breakfast waffle, but too lazy to turn on the waffle maker? Whether you want a delicious savory waffles or a platter of gourmet food served on a hot skillet, Medina's Cafe has it all. An elegant classy interior makes a great impression, perfect for a first date or business meeting. Bring whoever you want here, the food, the coffee and the service is sure to impress.

Lower Mainland Outside!

Continuing our quest for the ultimate locations to get outside we will expand our search beyond the downtown Vancouver area. The entire Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley hold great options for getting some fresh air and enjoying some beautiful scenery. Here are my top five picks for places to enjoy beyond the downtown area.


1) Othello Tunnels

Our first choice is the furthest from the downtown core, nestled all the way out near Hope, BC this gorgeous system of old railway tunnels is the perfect place to explore and get some fresh air. Unpredictable for weather though it would be good to be prepared with a light rain jacket. It is perfect place to walk your dog and just enjoy!

2) Burnaby Mountain

Next up something a little more close to home - Burnaby Mountain is an escape while still in the city. With many great trails like the velodrome (pictured above), it offers something for everyone. Want to take your significant other on a romantic date? Horizon's is a beautiful venue for just the occasion. Offering breathtaking views it will not disappoint, so make sure you bring along your camera!

3) Buntzen Lake

Buntzen Lake offers a variety of activities during the summer time. Great hikes travel around and near the lake with varying degrees of difficult. Good shoes and a water bottle advised. Otherwise put on your suit and relax on the beach before taking a swim in the beautiful water. Don't forget your sunscreen though - you don't want to burn!

4) Porteau Cove

Something a little bit different this place is not being recommended for its high level of opportunity for physical activity. Instead enjoy an evening ride out the Sea to Sky highway to this gem of a park at night to star gaze. Bring along your telescope perhaps and see if you can spot a constellation or two. Dress warmly though, even on a warmer summers night the water can give off quite a chill.

5) Delta Watershed

Finally a great spot for the bike enthusiast. Delta watershed is filled with trails that a mountain biker would love - grab your bike and some good friends, these beautiful trails were meant to ride!

Spring Skiing at Vancouver’s Local Mountains

Considering it is the beginning of March, it’s almost time for spring to arrive in Vancouver.  That should not discourage anyone’s hopes of hitting up the local North Shore Mountains for a day of skiing. The end of winter does not mean ski season is over. Spring skiing in Vancouver is fantastic, especially after the great conditions we had this winter, with lots of snow. The main attraction of skiing in the spring is the weather that comes along with the season. Usually during springtime temperatures on the mountain can hover around zero degrees Celsius, or even get up to a few degrees above zero.  If the day is right, a sunny blue bird day is quite possible.

With three main local mountains: Cypress Mountain, Grouse Mountain and Mount Seymour, Vancouver offers skiers and snowboarders a selection of where they would like to ski. All are great mountains with scenic backdrops, providing great views of Vancouver and the surrounding area. All of these mountains offer a variety of runs, varying in degrees of difficulty; therefore, there are runs that suit the abilities of all riders. All mountains are similarly priced. They have rental shops on site; therefore, owning your own gear is not required. Lessons are also available on all the mountain for new skiers, boarders, and those who are eager to learn the sport.

View From Cypress Mountain

Planning to go up to the local mountains for spring skiing? The required clothing and gear must be considered. Heavy winter coats and toques used during the winter months may not be needed during spring. Personally, I would go with a few warm layers underneath and a nice windbreaker which will keep the winds and chills out when on the chair lift. Snow pants are a necessity when skiing. You want to keep your legs warm and dry. I would also suggest wearing a helmet, no matter what ability level a skier is; falling over can happen at any time. In the spring a good set of googles will make visibility much better. Especially if the sun is shining. A few good brands are Oakley and Spy. Lastly, skiing is an expensive sport, but if you’re looking to buy your own equipment picking the right gear can be tough. There is a huge variety of skis and snowboards. A good brand that makes good skis is K2 and for snowboards is Burton.

For skiers who enjoy the local mountains during the winter, heading up to them in the spring is slightly different. But is still a fantastic time to hit the mountains. For beginners who’ve wanted to try out skiing but do not want to spend the day in the freezing cold, the spring offers a great chance to give the sport a shot. So just because winter is over it does not mean that the ski season is done. Skiing or snowboarding is a great activity to do during the Vancouver spring.

Craft Beer in Vancouver

Over the past few years the craft beer industry has exploded. Here in Vancouver there are many choices of beer to sample and enjoy. We will review and discuss some of my favourite breweries that have grown over the past years with aromatic, unique and delicious flavours.

Parallel 49

           This brewery is one of the first craft breweries to open located on Triumph Street in Vancouver. This brewery likes to create unique and obscure beers, from dark ales to light lagers.  It has a fair size tasting room where you can test some of the new ideas which are being released. My personal favourite is gypsy tears which can also be found in many restaurants.

 

Powell Street Brewery

            Is another brewery which is located a couple blocks from Parallel 49 and has a real nice homey feeling to it. The brewery now has a lounge area where everyone can enjoy and taste some of their unique beers. The on that I recommend is the Hopdemonium IPA which is a pacific Northwest IPA packed with hop flavouring and a strong malt base. This is a strong beer at 8% ABV, after two I have to call it quits. The owners are extremely friendly and truly enjoy crafting their beers.

Steel & Oak Brewing

            This brewery is a little ways out of Vancouver located in New Westminster on 3^rd Ave. This brewery is owned and operated by two locals from New West. The atmosphere in their tasting room is warm. They offer many different ranges of beer and have a wonderful amount of seasonal brews. The one that I enjoy is the red pilsner which is a full-bodied pilsner. It’s a great place to go and relax with a pint.

All these breweries have plenty to offer and there are plenty more across the lower mainland. Just don’t forget your Growler so that you can take 2 litres of beer home with you. I personally enjoy drinking out of Klean Kanteen Pint Cups because I can take them anywhere with me if I am going from one brewery to the other. Or if I am just taking a growler home to play some games with my buddies I will fill my Pac Man glass to help get me in the game. Anyway you drink these beers they are going to tantalize your taste buds, so get out there and give the craft breweries a visit.

Affordable Shopping!

With Vancouver having a ton of designer and expensive store all around downtown it’s nice to give your wallet a break sometimes.  On the bright side there are a lot of alternative stores to shop at, that will keep you fashion forward and keep your bank account happy.

Winners, 798 Granville St

If you like designer brands and are always looking for a good bargain, than Winners is a great place to check out. There is a section dedicated to discount high-end items up to 80% off, which makes them much more affordable. However, it does take a bit of hunting to find the good deals. On the other hand they also have some staple brands such as Nike and Adidas at discounted prices. Whether you are looking for a Kate Spade purse or Levi jeans, check out Winners before and you might just be able to save a couple extra bucks!

Joe Fresh, 540 Granville St

Joe Fresh is a great brand for staple affordable items. If you need some basic t-shirts or sweater this is a great brand to check out. With prices that range from $5-$20, shopping with them wont break your bank. The quality of these items is quite durable for the price you’re paying. They often have in store sales as well if you aren’t already sold on their low price. This is an extremely underrated brand for the products they are offering. It is definitely worth dropping by if you are looking to get the most bang for your buck.

8^th & Main, 2403 Main St

With a large mix of affordable and some design items, this is a great shop to stop by for some affordable brand names. They offer well know brands such as Vans; in addition to international brands such as Only and Sons. This is a great place to shop for fashion forward items that are still within a reasonable price range. Although they do sell some pricier items, there is almost always a sale section to check out.

Ever new, 702 W Georgia St

Located in Pacific Center Mall, they are one of least pricey options in the mall. They are a Melbourne based brand and focus on womens wear. Their prices are quite affordable for the quality and product they you will be getting. Their prices are comparable to Topshop and range up into the hundreds. However they have incredible fit and wear. These items will last years. If you are looking for clothing items that you know you will get a ton of wear out of, this is a great place to check out.

Oak and Fort, 355 Water St

Oak and Fort is a Vancouver based brand. If you want to support local business this is the place to go. With great minimalist fashion forward items there is something for everyone. The prices are reasonable if you are looking high-end street style.  There aren’t many items cheaper than $30; however they are a local brand and if you’re from out of town it’s a great place to pick up something that is based in the city.

Vancouver Eats!

Often times, Vancouver is dubbed by locals as "Rain-couver" , due to the extreme amounts of rain we get in a year. At times like these, Vancoverites are left with limited options of entertainment. Hiking in the rain, to most people, is not the most pleasant experience. Thankfully, Vancouver is home to many cultures and a variety of restaurants. From casual dining to fine dining, Vancouver has it all. Just remember to bring your umbrella!

1. De Dutch Restaurant, 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver

Start your day off with a good meal. Everyone knows that breakfast if the most important meal of the day and if you're lazy to take out your frying pans to fry some eggs, then De Dutch is the restaurant for you. Make your way down to 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver, to enjoy a delicious Dutch breakfast with a beautiful ocean view.

 2. Cactus Club, 1085 Canada Place, Vancouver

Another great choice for casual lunch or dinner is Cactus Club. Which originated from North Vancouver, British Columbia. Also located at Canada Place, enjoy a nice dinner after having a nice stroll around the surrounding sea wall. Be sure to try the Blacked Creole Chicken!

3. Saffron Indian Cuisine, 4300 Kingsway #5, Burnaby

I wasn't kidding when I said Vancouver is multicultural. If you have never tried Indian curry, then you are surely missing out. Saffron Indian Cuisine is a casual diner with an elegant interior. Indian food is slightly heavier in taste, as they use a variety of spices to give their food an extra kick. The most well known curry is their Butter Chicken, a creamy orange sauce, that goes great with garlic naan bread or rice. A second close favorite is their Lamb Korma, a cashew based curry. If you stray away from meat, substituting prawn for either curries still yields great results. Try a lassie while you're there, a creamy yogurt drink that comes in a variety of fruity flavors.

4. Le Crocodile, 909 Burrard Street #100, Vancouver

Le Crocodile is a perfect choice for romantic date or a business meeting. A classy French cuisine located in the heart of Downtown Vancouver, Le Crocodile offers a delicious Foie Gras tasting and a variety of delicious entrees. If you're just looking for some fine dining, or looking to impress a date, Le Croc is the place for you. Remember to suit up, put on a nice dress and prepare your taste buds for a great experience. Also. if you like dessert, keep the fruit souffles in mind!

5. Blue Water Cafe, 1095 Hamilton Street Vancouver

If you enjoy seafood, another great choice for fine dining is Blue Water Cafe. Make a reservation and be sure to ask your server for their selection of fresh oysters, which is served with horseradish and red wine vinegar. Not sure what to get? Get the seafood tasting for two and try samples of all their famous appetizers, such as the Albacore Tuna Tartare, Dungeness crab salad and my personal favorite, the Smoked Sockeye Salmon Terrine. Look through the menu for your preferred entree as they are all amazing. If you're looking to indulge your taste buds with an adventure, take a seat at the RAW bar and let the chefs go wild! 

Get Outside Vancouver!

Vancouver is set in such a climate that makes getting outside possible almost any time of year. The city is filled with wonderful green space that Vancouverites are lucky to enjoy whenever they so wish. Here are our top five places to get outside in or close to Downtown Vancouver:


1) Stanley Park

The most iconic of things to in the downtown core would definitely be a walk through Stanley park. Put on your walking shoes as this park has many different walks you can take. The most iconic would definitely be the seawall - 9 kms of gorgeous water views with many destinations along the way. Take out your camera to capture the view at Prospect point or detour off the path and check out the fountain in the middle of Lost Lagoon. Multiple beaches along the way give opportunity to stick your toes in the sand, but don't forget your sunscreen - even on a winters day the sun can be deceiving. Stanley Park is definitely a place worth spending a day exploring.

2) Granville Island

Just across the Granville Street bridge from Downtown Vancouver is the mecca of markets - Granville Island. With a variety of markets and art venues this is truly a space worth checking out, Even if art is not your fancy, just sitting by the marina with a cool beverage on a hot day will definitely be worth the visit.

3) Kitsilano

Also across the water from Downtown Vancouver is Kitsilano. Made famous by the yoga brand Lululemon this area is known for their trendy vibes and the beach is definitely worth a visit. Filled with cute cafes and independent shops the streets are worth exploration just as much as the beautiful beach.


4) Ambleside

Another notable beach is Ambleside. Nestled on the North Shore this beach is a perfect place to take your family for the day. Whip out a kite or nestle your feet in the sand with a delicious ice cream cone; this is the perfect place to relax.


5) Deep Cove 

Just a short drive from Downtown Vancouver this small community boasts gorgeous views of the Indian Arm and has a wonderful hike up to a rock face called Quarry Rock. Rated as a beginner hike don't let this be deceiving. While being very well groomed it still has many steep portions and a plethora of stairs. Wear your hiking boots and pack your waterbottle, your going to need both!

Robson Square Skating Rink

With it still being winter for a bit longer around Vancouver, we’ll take a look at a great winter activity to do in the heart of the city. A great way to take advantage of this Family Day Weekend would be to head to the Robson Square skating rink, as it is the only one of its kind in Vancouver, with it being open air, giving the feel of an outdoor rink. Skating on an outdoor rink is a favourite pastime of many Canadians, yet with the balmy winters of Vancouver, outdoor rinks are not an option as they melt. The skating rink at Robson gives you the outdoor skating experience while being under a fully covered roof, so even on a rainy day, anyone can lace up and go for a skate. It is a very family friendly venue, with many children enjoying skating in fresh air, as well as anyone else who likes going for a skate. The best part of the whole rink, it’s free!

Image: Jen Steele / Flickr

There are quite a few amenities at the rink, with rental skates available for those who do not own any skates, as well as washrooms and even hot chocolate sales at the concession stand, nothing goes better than a hot chocolate after a nice outdoor skate. Skate rentals are $4.00, with use of the ice still being free.

Robson Square rink has a few upcoming events within February, with the first coming up this Monday - Family Day. The rink will have free rentals, as well as free hot chocolate from 2-8pm. It’s a great chance to spend time with your family and enjoy their company on the day meant just for that. Another upcoming event is the weekly date night, on every Tuesday grab a date and head down for a rather romantic skate in the open air. The rink is only open for another three Tuesdays, so keep that in mind when planning your date.

       

The rink is only open during the winter, from December to the end of February, so there’s just under a month left to go to check out this great rink. Don’t let the opportunity to feel extra Canadian and go skating outdoors pass by, so grab the skates, some family or friends and head down to Robson Square.

For the hours of operation and any other important information head to the Robson Square website.

http://www.robsonsquare.com/en/