FASHION

Holt Renfrew

If what you’re looking for is to give yourself a closet upgrade with new luxury pieces, this is the place for you. In this classic Canadian boutique, you’ll find the ultimate labels including Acne Studios, Akris and other exclusive brands like Aesop, Byredo and Dyptique.

Goorin Bros.

A huge selection of sombreros, baseball caps, beanies and accessories of every type you could ever want can be found in this Yaletown boutique. And if you’re someone that thinks you don’t look good in any hats – forget it. Here, the experts will help dissolve this myth and find the perfect one for you.

Eugene Choo

This is the ideal place to find unique and extravagant pieces. In 2000, the vintage- lover Kildare Curtis opened this space to offer something different to what is so often found in larger chains. He achieved this, and now you can find pieces by cool brands such as Henri Vibskob and Strathcona Stockings.

BELLEZA

Skoah

Between the many activities this cosmopolitan city offers, take a little time to relax and reserve an express facial in this mini spa that only uses its own products, made proudly in Canada. The best part is that they are personalized and at the end, they’ll tell you exactly what to take home to stay just as glowing as the moment you leave.

HOME AND ACCESSORIES

The Cross

The coolest departments and houses in Vancouver have something in common – pieces from The Cross, a furniture and accessories store that sells vintage-style pieces for the home (think Anthropologie but in local XL version). You could spend hours going over its corner pieces, particularly if you are fascinated with everything related to stationary – there is a huge selection, you won’t want to leave.

Old Faithful Shop

The traditional style of the general American stores, with brick walls and inspiring, simple and classic pieces for the home, this is what you’ll find in this enchanting boutique in the Gastown neighbourhood. Nothing has any brand marks or logos, as

everything transmits a natural and bohemian vibe that you’ll want to take home. You’ll also love the selection of coffee table books.

Much and Little

“Simplicity” is the word that would describe this little boutique in the neighbourhood of Mount Pleasant, surrounded by other independent stores. Its biggest pride is that it sells beautiful, well-made products that are unique and made by local brands. The gifts you can buy here will never have been seen anywhere else.

PET FRIENDLY

Barking Babies

When Nancy Jenelic, the owner, lived in Japan with her dog Quentin, she fell in love with everything this Oriental country offered for him, from embroidered bombers to mixed-fibre raincoats. Upon returning to Vancouver, she decided to replicate this experience by offering unique products for puppies that are highly desired in the city. If you’re looking to bring back a souvenir for your pets, this is a necessary stop.

THE COOLEST SPOTS

It’s impossible to return unsatisfied from Vancouver: its cafes, restaurants, hotels and ice cream stores are full of charm and flavour in excess. You’ll be required to stay a couple of days extra.

BREAKFAST

Café Medina

There’s no brunch quite like this welcoming local spot. The Belgian waffles are the specialty, and the pistachio toppings and rose water and salted caramel are irresistible. Add a lavender latte and you’ll have the perfect breakfast.

EAT

Tacofino

Born as a food truck on the beaches of Tofino, its excellent reputation brought it to different spots around the city, letting loose that surfer spirit. The menu is just as cool. Try out the soft and crunchy meat taco, with flour or tortilla.

Wildtale

Vancouver is surrounded by water, so it would be a sin not to try the different fish and seafood options of the region – the freshest ones can be found here. If the climate permits, reserve a spot outside on the beautiful terrace.

DINE

Hawksworth

If your plan is to end the day on a high note, this is the place to do it. Considered by the locals as one of the best restaurants in the city, it honours and compliments classic Canadian cuisine with a contemporary twist.

La Pentola

This Italian spot selects solely seasonal ingredients and the result is a changing and creative menu. Choose a pasta made by hand, or leave your decision in the hands of the chef so he can choose a family style menu to your taste, to share.

Minami

This isn’t your typical Japanese restaurant. Here, Japanese traditions are mixed with those of the North American west coast to offer even more original dishes, including oven-made sushi or fried seafood. If you want the complete experience, ask for the Aburi Shokai, the four-course menu combined with sake.

SLEEP

OPUS Vancouver

Located in the heart of the hippest neighbourhood of the city, Yaletown, OPUS allows you to be close to everything. You’ll feel like a local in your room, that closer resembles an apartment than a hotel, and the bar serves some of the best drinks in the city, like the grape liquor Little Chille…. oh and your pets will be welcome (and extremely happy).

EXPLORE

Granville Island

Visit the Public Market and try all the local delicacies, like the Kaylin & Hobbes pickles, or take a tour of Granville Island Brewing and discover how some of the best beer in Vancouver is made.

THE PERFECT DESSERT

Mister

Made with liquid nitrogen and a variety of natural ingredients, there is no ice cream quite like that from Mister. Ask for the crème brulee ice cream, and if you’re feeling extra bold, make it a sandwich with chocolate cake made in-house. You won’t regret it.

Karameller

In Sweden, it’s common that children spend most of their pocket money on candy. Louise, the owner, replicates this tradition by importing the richest, sweetest candy straight from Scandinavia.

Sweet Victory

For breakfast, brunch or dessert, this is the bakery to visit! The walnut pie is exquisite and the scones… bacon or cheddar are the best, these are the specialty