Spin your way into weekend mode with a post-work workout that is guaranteed to re-energize you. Head down to the Robert Lee YMCA and drop in to one of their cycling classes that will have you sweating out any stress in a single butt-busting hour.
Having cleansed yourself of the work-week, pop over to nearby UVA Wine Bar for a light, quick bite while you sip your choice of craft cocktails or local and international wines available by the glass. We love the cozy, sophisticated atmosphere that implores you to sit back, relax and do some serious street-side people watching in the heart of downtown YVR.
Feeling like your inner Chef needs some inspiration? Stop by Barbara Jo’s Books-to-Cooks boutique and catch celebrity Chef (and host of Pitchin’ In) Lynn Crawford as she launches her cookbook chronicling her trek across North America and talks about her inspiring interactions with producers, farmers and communities alike. Get the inside scoop on her culinary adventures and score your own signed copy that’ll help you create your own culinary masterpieces (or at least look great on your coffee table).
Stroll into Saturday with brunch at Crave Restaurant on Main Street. Tuck into a plate of their buttermilk pancakes with a side order of fresh fruit, or opt for the Granny Smith apple and goat cheese omelette to keep things healthy and light…beach season isn’t too far away, after all. While in the Main Street ‘hood, be sure to check out the local shops and duck into Riley Park’s Marché St. George to discover the eclectic collection of locally-source goodies, gourmet gifts and more. If you’ve still got an ounce of space left for a bite, their baked goods selection is hard to turn away from empty-handed.
Speaking of locally sourced goods, Saturday Farmer’s Markets are gearing up for a busy growing season and starting to offer more and more fresh items – perfect for stocking up on for the week ahead. Be sure to pay a visit to Nat Baily Stadium’s Winter Farmers Market to score your fill of local produce, meats and other artisanal fixings.
If you’re not heading to watch the Canucks take on the Calgary Flames at the Rogers Arena, head down to Gastown’s hotspot for hockey watching, The Charles Bar located at the historic Woodward’s Building. With one of the largest screens for catching the game, it’s almost as good as being rinkside…almost.
Not in a sporty frame-of-mind? Might we suggest you get cultured and check out the season launch of Opera Mariposa Saturday evening? The Gala show, titled Witches, Waifs, and Wives, starts at 7pm and will feature some of opera’s most well-known characters. The evening guarantees excitement with amazing music, lavish sets and costumes, as well as notable performances courtesy of strong female characters from operas such as The Magic Flute, Die Fledermaus and La Boheme, to name a few.
It’s no April Fool’s that we’re hoping Sunday’s weather shapes up to offer sunshine. Regardless, enjoy a day that offers a perfect excuse to venture outside, be it a hike or trail ride within Stanley or Pacific Spirit Parks, or more of a mountain adventure on the North Shore while the ski and snowboard season remains. Check out all your outdoorsy options here.
Sticking close to the city? Grab a bit of breakfast at the laid-back Yaletown spot Subeez and stroll through downtown toward the waterfront. Make your way over to Jack Poole Plaza to take part in the Canucks Autism Network Festival and support a worthy charity venture that helps raise awareness for children living with autism. This annual event runs from 10-3pm and features live music, performances and tasty bites courtesy of Vera’s Burgers.
En route home, be sure to make a pit-stop at the Fairmont Pacific Rim’s Lobby Bar for a quick weekend wind down cocktail and tuck into their oh-so-good Nachos for a fine (and filling) finish to the day.