The Kitsilano we know and love has a highly-evolved but unpretentious food scene, an incredible stash of museums, seriously cool independent shops, and unparalleled access to nature. We also nod to the original residents and counterculture legacy this now gentrified neighbourhood was founded upon.
Without further ado, here’s “Day 1: Meet Kits.”
Breakfast with the locals at Glory Juice
West Coast beach hoods tend toward healthy lifestyles and Kits is no different. Glory Juice is our favourite juice shop in the burgeoning Kits juice scene. The clean and modern interior is welcoming. The organic cold-pressed juice is tasty. The nut shakes and superfood bowls give it an edge on the competition. The chef trained at Cordon Bleu and knows her way around solids too. Grab breakfast here before heading down to the beach.
2186 West 4th, Gloryjuiceco.com
Making a splash at Kits Beach and Kits Pool
Picture-perfect Kitsilano Beach has been ranked among the best urban beaches in the world. It’s also been ranked the most sexy. Here you’ll find folks of all ages sunning themselves, doing yoga, playing volleyball and jogging. It’s impossible to miss the breathtaking views of downtown Vancouver (just across the Burrard Bridge) and the North Shore.
For swimming, we recommend Kitsilano Pool, a salt-water, outdoor pool located situated adjacent to Kits Beach just along the Kits waterfront. At 137 meters (150 yards), Kitsilano Pool is Canada’s longest.
2305 Cornwall Street, Vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/kitsilano-pool.aspx
Lunch at Tractor Foods
Come lunchtime, wander back up the hill to West 4th to dine at an independent (as opposed to Whole Foods) salad/sandwich/soup bar and grill. The local, seasonal veg is gorgeous. Did we mention grilled avocados? The expertly-prepared dishes defy the cafeteria-style service. They do serve wine and beer.
1903 West 4th Avenue, Tractorfoods.com
Afternoon Cuppa at O5 Rare Tea Bar
This sleek tea bar and boutique has microbrewed, handcrafted, small-batch kombucha on tap. Pick up a cuppa before you make your way to the Museum of Vancouver.
2208 West 4th, O5tea.com
Urban history at Museum of Vancouver
While many city museums are a tad sleepy, Museum of Vancouver has cutting-edge curators, and there’s always an interesting exhibit on Vancouver urban culture. The Vanier Park location on the water between False Creek and English Bay is ideal for a pretty and leisurely stroll.
1100 Chestnut Street, Museumofvancouver.ca
Dinner at locavore temple Bishop’s
Once you’re good and hungry, make your way to Bishop’s Restaurant, also on the main artery of Kitsilano, West 4th Avenue. The cornerstone of Vancouver’s “local food” movement in 1986, Bishop’s continues to create beautiful and flavourful iterations of BC’s bountiful inputs. The tone here is more formal than other locavore joints; enjoy the elegant hospitality. Reservations essential.
A sweet finish at Rain or Shine
A little ways down West 4th, Rain or Shine Homemade Ice Cream serves classic, creamy North American frozen dairy; they get creative in the presentation and flavours.
A whimsical cow mascot with a unicorn horn oversees your selection. On the menu, ice cream tacos and ice cream tasting flights are on offer besides the usual suspects cups and waffles cones. Keeper flavours like chocolate and vanilla have a hard time getting attention with honey lavender, coconut salted fudge, lemon squared, and peanut butter on the menu. Their ice cream is made with local milk and, when possible, locally-sourced mix-ins such as honey and berries.
1926 West 4th, Rainorshineicecream.com
Next up – Day 2: Cool Kits.
Last modified: June 3, 2017
