If you find yourself in a neighbourhood with a surprising amount of cyclists, joggers and, in general, Vancouver's most active locals, chances are you're in Kitsilano. Welcome to the land of sports, beaches and vegetarian eats (though that's not all there is to this winsome part of town). Kitsilano, lovingly dubbed 'Kits', also carries the legacy of being Lululemon's birthplace - a brand that has become synonymous with Vancouver.
Kitsilano is known for its lifestyle boutiques, waterfront parks, and great food among plenty of other exciting things to do.
Coffee is a typical morning errand for many Vancouverites, and in Kits it's no different. Either post morning workout or before ambling down to the water, immerse yourself into the sweet coffee aromas of Kitsilano's unique cafes and grab a bite from local-approved bakeries. For a great sit and sip experience, have a coffee at or . The first is a clean and airy cafe with a neatly arranged interior made up of light wood and grey accents. One side is shelved with cafe-esque decor ranging from adorable plates and teapots to flowers and clocks. This spot is great for a relaxed morning coffee, maybe even for some remote work or studying. Platform 7 takes a whimsical twist. The interior models an old European train station making it one of the coolest places to drink a cup of coffee.
For a more quaint setting head over to where past the cute red and blue exterior you can find a glass display with bakery items and a chalkboard menu scribbled over with coffees and other beverages. If the bakery selection has you wanting more, will surely satisfy your pastry and sweet tooth cravings.
Once the caffeine sets in, pack a picnic basket and head down for an afternoon at Vanier Park. The waterfront lawn is a great spot to sprawl in the sun, peer across the water at Sunset Beach and watch boats and paddle-boarders go in and out of the creek. If it rains, the park has three museums to explore: Museum of Vancouver, 麻豆传媒映画Maritime Museum and HR MacMillan Space Centre.
From the park, stroll along the shoreline to Kitsilano Beach where you'll find soft sand, beach volleyball, watersports and a nearby saltwater pool. (You also probably didn't know these cool things about Kitsilano beach and pool). This beach was and still is a popular hangout spot for many Vancouverites.
Yet, If the beach isn't your vibe and a game of tennis isn't calling to you either, wander into the city and keep an eye out for the many cultural festivals happening in the neighbourhood throughout the year. In June you can find Greek Day on Broadway and in July the Khatsalano Street Party. Throughout the summer, the Kitsilano Showboat amphitheatre will also be putting on performances.
Kitsilano has two main shopping streets: West 4th and Broadway. Shopping on these two store-lined streets will reveal an array of athletic and sporting goods stores, sustainable fashions, curated boutiques and other eccentric goods. You may also recognize a few big brands like , , , and as you shop through this neighbourhood.
For the outdoorsy shoppers, be sure to stop at for surf, ski and snowboard gear, at for all things running and at and for quality athletic wear. On the casual side of shopping, and are sustainable stores worth looking through for circular fashion, functional clothing and quality fabrics. Curated boutiques like , and feel like the sweet spot between thrifting and shopping. Designer fashion house can also be found in Kits, for those looking to splurge on a designer statement piece. For sparkle and bling, the newly opened store on West 4th street is as pretty as the brand's Instagram feed and is a must to peruse, even if it's only window shopping. , tucked inside Hills Dry Goods, has charming accessories too. As for eccentric shoes, and have colourful styles for every Vancouverite.
When it comes to food, Kits is an exciting meld of enduring local favourites and bucket list-worthy special occasion splurges.
Enjoy throwback vibes at veggie have , have the quintessential quirky diner experience at , or tap into the over-the-top insanity that's sushi at .
If you're looking to celebrate or go a little more high-end, Kitsilano is home to for French bistro classics, Italian fine dining at , acclaimed modern Thai at , and contemporary Pacific Northwest at .
Global flavours abound in Kits, from relative newcomer for Persian eats to Vietnamese eats at and pan-Asian dishes at . Unsung heroes like and are also worth checking out, while plant-based eaters will want to hit up and .
Japanese food fans will want to check out for their stunning boxes and bowls showcasing dazzling kaiseki-style bites and fresh fish, for its beautiful plates of aburi and nigiri sushi, and for its vibrant sushi creations. You won't regret waiting in line for a bowl of ramen at , either.
Treat yourself at (coffee and pastries), (ice cream), (gelato) and (Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively are loyal fans of their pies). Kits is also home to outposts of cafes and restaurants from popular 麻豆传媒映画restaurant empires, like , , , , and bakery.
Next time you're craving an all-day adventure, look no further than Kitsilano.
With additional reporting by Lindsay William-Ross
