5 Ways to Beat the Heat in Kitsilano

Love it or loathe it, expect at least a few more days of this summer heatwave here in Vancouver. Sure, you can place a bowl of ice-water in front of a fan, drape a wet sheet across an open window, or turn off all heat-emitting appliances, but those options are not nearly as much fun as these 5 ways to beat the heat in Kitsilano:

5 Ways to Beat the Heat in Kitsilano

1. Matinee Movie
If the beach is too crowded (and by now you may already be sporting a sunburn), head inside an air-conditioned retro room at Fifth Avenue Cinemas or the Dunbar Theatre for an afternoon summer blockbuster. Chances are you’ll have the place to yourself while avoiding the hottest part of the day. Both of these theatres are also known for their spectacular popcorn.

2. Splash Time
The kids are just as irritable as you on these hot days so try out a free water park nearby and you can both cool down and have some fun too! The Kitsilano Community Centre has a nice little water park for the wee ones as does Chaldecott Park in the Dunbar-Southlands neighbourhood, while the Granville Island water park boasts some serious slides for the older ones. Trimble Park in the Point Grey neighbourhood features a refreshing wading pool as an alternative.

3. A Walk in the Park
Seek some shade under the canopy of one of Vancouver’s beautiful parks. Try the Pacific Spirit Regional Park by UBC for its rainforest, Stanley Park for its history, or Queen Elizabeth Park for its gardens. All offer plenty of trees, easy walking trails, and magnificent views. Pack a picnic and make a day out of it.

4. Patio Lounging
Kitsilano has a wonderfully wide range of restaurants to choose from, and many of those have the perfect patio to people watch from. Check out our post on the 5 Best Patios in Kitsilano or find your own spot to wile away the afternoon. Stay for lunch or dinner so someone else can do the cooking.

5. Scream for Ice Cream
Ah, of course. We must not forget to mention one of the best ways to beat the heat in Kitsilano – enjoying a frozen treat. Choose from our 5 Best Ice Cream Shops in Kitsilano list or venture out to East Van for a long-line-up-worthy cone from Earnest Ice Cream (try the Salted Caramel – possibly the best flavour of ice cream ever!).

 

Last modified: July 15, 2014