We don’t want you to get too excited for the weather this weekend, but our latest check-in revealed some much-needed sunshine is (supposedly) on the horizon. Take advantage of this so-called stretch and load up on Vitamin D by planning to get out enjoy all that our city has to offer during the summer.
To help you do just that, we’ve got a weekender packed with ways to up the ante on the outdoor fun – so read on and get ready to pack your day bag and get going!
First off, Friday calls for a much-needed pause on a patio…any patio around town will do. Celebrate the (fingers-crossed) arrival of summer and venture out with friends to enjoy some rays and a cold one after the short workweek. A few notables on our go-to list: Lift Bar and Grill has a pretty, picturesque vantage point of the North Shore Mountains, Stanley Park, the Seawall and harbour activities – with many improvements to their menu and great beer, wines and cocktails offered. Alternatively, head to the sun-drenched deck of Kitsilano’s Local Eatery or inch a bit closer to the beach and score a spot at The Boathouse Restaurant across the street. Another few great patio options to head to for laid back, post-work bevies: Reflections offers a swanky setting for some great people-watching while Commercial Drive’s BierCraft or Havana’s provide a more relaxed atmosphere for you to unwind and get into weekend mode.
Feeling up for something a bit more to kick-start your weekend? Friday marks the return of another FUSE at the VAG. This night guarantees music filled fun with an artistic, adults-only twist. Party starts at 8pm and goes until late with DJs on hand spinning live and plenty more surprises in store.
Start off your Saturday by grabbing your bike and pedalling out for a bite of brunch before you get the day going. If you don’t have your own bike, rent one for the day at Spokes. Grab some picnic-worthy goodies while you’re at it and swing by one of the seasonal Farmer’s Markets around town. Load up on snacks and fresh produce – you’ll need it if you decide to head to a local beach for a day’s worth of lounging.
If you’re feeling a bit more energetic, why not head to the North Shore to tackle a trail for the day? Great biking and hiking trails abound – with plenty available for all levels. Learn more by clicking here and check out listings around the Hollyburn and Mt. Seymour area for starters.
Enjoy a mellow Saturday night by sticking close to home, or perhaps venturing down to the latest spot to open up on Main Street, The Acorn, for a healthy (all vegetable) meal. This quaint space just opened up and has already drawn quite the crowd with their tantalizingly delicious take on all-things vegan, raw, veg and gluten-free. Not to worry: they’ve got a liquor licence and are open until the wee hours, too!
Post-dinner, head down to Yaletown’s latest arrival, The Killjoy Cocktail Tavern, that opened a few weeks ago. It’s the latest upscale lounge to make Vancouver’s scene, courtesy of The Donnelly Group, and offers more than just fancy meats, cheese and craft cocktails…be sure to check out the nightclub below.
Sunday is supposed to be another sunny one, so why not make the most of it by heading out of the city for a day trek? Make your way and head up toward Whistler to the picturesque town of Squamish for a day of outdoor adventures. Pack some good hiking shoes, plenty of water, and snacks to fuel you before you tackle The Chief (about 6 to 8 hours), or any of the other surrounding (less gruelling) walks. Read up on this awesome day-long trek here.
Up for even more of a painful challenge and planning on being in the Whistler-Squamish corridor this Sunday? Perhaps you want to attempt the 17th Annual Sea to Sky Trail Challenge that takes place and is open to all ages with previous mountain biking experience. It’s a mere 60-km mountain bike ride between Whistler and Squamish…a great way to work up a healthy appetite.
If you do head to Squamish for some hiking or biking action, we’re betting you’ll be ravenous by day’s end. Our answer to that: stop by the Howe Sound Brewing Company or Shady Tree Pub for some much-needed grub prior to venturing back to the city and getting settled for another workweek ahead.