Deep dive into Vancouver’s outdoor lifestyle and vibrant cultural scene
Breathtaking natural beauty meets creative innovation in Vancouver, a hotspot for emerging design and film talent, outerwear, interiors and sustainable fashion. Key events such as The Interior Design Show and The Vancouver International Film Festival take place between September and October when the dynamic hub shines even brighter. However, when it comes to sports and outdoors, athletic apparel shops and open-air activities, the city is a must-visit all year round.
Head to the beachside neighbourhood of Kitsilano to start your day, exploring its diversity of activewear and design concept spots. Exclusive furniture and decor can be found at The Armoury District, where contemporary artisanal carpet brand Jan Kath Design has a local showroom. High-performance Canadian label Arc’teryx also has a store in the area, stocking its largest selection of outdoor apparel and equipment globally.
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When in Kitsilano, make sure that RunAsYouAre’s new flagship, specialised in running experiences and brand collaborations, is part of your route. Nearby is the famous Granville Island, Vancouver’s not-to-be-missed artistic and cultural hub with an independent food market and several entertainment venues.
Chinatown markets, local shops and chain stores are surrounded by beautiful mountain views in the Downtown area, where you can stop for a coffee at The Birds & the Beets, a relaxed cafe and florist in Gastown. While there, make sure to check out streetwear brand Stüssy’s newest boutique, already popular amongst locals and tourists.
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Indie shops and trendy cafes are only some of the reasons that make East Vancouver the city’s top-voted neighbourhood. An equally important addition to your to-do list, there you will find many local culinary options with global influences, one of them being District Eleven, a hyped Asian-fusion snack bar and concept restaurant open until late.
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Known for its dynamic art scene, East Vancouver is also home to Slice of Life, a gallery, studio space, gift shop and co-working that hosts multiple events and offers diverse crafty workshops.
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