Food Scene
Cuchillo, pronounced (ku-chi-yo), is a very popular fushion Latin restaurant serving entrees, tapas and beautiful cocktails. Menu standouts we recommend include the Wild Mexican Sea Prawns, Char Grilled Beef Steak and Bison Short Rib (which they always serve last because it's sweet). Happy hour is from 5-6pm! They have tequila flights if that's your kind of thing.
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Cuchillo
261 Powell StCuchillo, pronounced (ku-chi-yo), is a very popular fushion Latin restaurant serving entrees, tapas and beautiful cocktails. Menu standouts we recommend include the Wild Mexican Sea Prawns, Char Grilled Beef Steak and Bison Short Rib (which they always serve last because it's sweet). Happy hour is from 5-6pm! They have tequila flights if that's your kind of thing.
It's tiny so it can be tricky to get a seat but they have an incredible home-made, gluten-free bolognese pasta that is available on both the brunch and dinner menu. The other menu options are great as well!
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Ask For Luigi Restaurant
305 Alexander St It's tiny so it can be tricky to get a seat but they have an incredible home-made, gluten-free bolognese pasta that is available on both the brunch and dinner menu. The other menu options are great as well!
Incredible quality coffee beans. Owned by a few local Vancouverites. This is the closest of the three best Gastown coffee shops in proximity to the apartment!
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Milano Espresso Lounge
36 Powell StIncredible quality coffee beans. Owned by a few local Vancouverites. This is the closest of the three best Gastown coffee shops in proximity to the apartment!
PiDGiN is a very stylish French-Asian fusion restaurant run by an award winning Canadian chef. They have an incredible craft cocktail menu. Happy Hour is from 5-6:30, 1030-close
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Pidgin Restaurant
350 Carrall StPiDGiN is a very stylish French-Asian fusion restaurant run by an award winning Canadian chef. They have an incredible craft cocktail menu. Happy Hour is from 5-6:30, 1030-close
Hands down, the best pizza in Vancouver. This modern take on Napolitana pizza is a local favourite. Highly recommend the
Pesto B.B.T. and the Salame di Manzo e Funghi!
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Nicli Antica Pizzeria
3142 E Cordova StHands down, the best pizza in Vancouver. This modern take on Napolitana pizza is a local favourite. Highly recommend the
Pesto B.B.T. and the Salame di Manzo e Funghi!
This is our favourite taco place in the city. It's cheap. The crispy chicken burrito and the fish tacos are amazing. Takeout is fast if you want to order to-go in the front entrance section of the restaurant. If not, try to sit on the balcony in the back. It's a cute spot.
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Tacofino Taco Bar
15 W Cordova StThis is our favourite taco place in the city. It's cheap. The crispy chicken burrito and the fish tacos are amazing. Takeout is fast if you want to order to-go in the front entrance section of the restaurant. If not, try to sit on the balcony in the back. It's a cute spot.
One of the two best approachable fine dining options in Gastown. Great atmosphere, good service, picturesque Gastown decor. Great spot for a romantic date. They do fresh west coast ingredients with a French flair.
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L'Abattoir
217 Carrall StOne of the two best approachable fine dining options in Gastown. Great atmosphere, good service, picturesque Gastown decor. Great spot for a romantic date. They do fresh west coast ingredients with a French flair.
One of the two best approachable fine dining options in Gastown. Will most likely need to make a reservation well in advance. They serve Belgian style cuisine and seafood. If you enjoy mussels and Belgian beer - this is a must-try. Great wine and expansive Belgain beer list. Consistently voted the best restaurant in Vancouver.
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Chambar Restaurant
568 Beatty StreetOne of the two best approachable fine dining options in Gastown. Will most likely need to make a reservation well in advance. They serve Belgian style cuisine and seafood. If you enjoy mussels and Belgian beer - this is a must-try. Great wine and expansive Belgain beer list. Consistently voted the best restaurant in Vancouver.
This restaurant is entirely VEGAN and surprisingly good. They have many gluten free options as well.
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MeeT in Gastown
12 Water StThis restaurant is entirely VEGAN and surprisingly good. They have many gluten free options as well.
Bao Bei is a great little restaurant serving Chinese dishes cooked in a French way. They're only open for dinner and they don't take reservations so expect to wait. A good approach is to walk next door to have a few cocktails at the Keefer Bar while you wait for your table.
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Bao Bei
163 Keefer StBao Bei is a great little restaurant serving Chinese dishes cooked in a French way. They're only open for dinner and they don't take reservations so expect to wait. A good approach is to walk next door to have a few cocktails at the Keefer Bar while you wait for your table.
This restaurant in China Town was recently named the best restaurant in Canada by enRoute magazine. The food is Chinese-Italian and the decor is inspired by the 1960 jazz-era in Tokyo. The dishes are absolutely beautiful. Great cocktails as well. BE SURE to MAKE RESERVATIONS ahead of time. They do two seatings. Aim for the later one so you can take your time.
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Kissa Tanto
263 E Pender StThis restaurant in China Town was recently named the best restaurant in Canada by enRoute magazine. The food is Chinese-Italian and the decor is inspired by the 1960 jazz-era in Tokyo. The dishes are absolutely beautiful. Great cocktails as well. BE SURE to MAKE RESERVATIONS ahead of time. They do two seatings. Aim for the later one so you can take your time.
One of the most beloved brunch destinations in the city. They do Mediterranean-inspired fine cuisine. They do not take reservations and you will have to wait-but for a good reason. Located in the "Library District" expect to walk about 20 mins or take a 5 minute cab ride from the apartment. Highly recommend the Milk Chocolate Lavender Belgian Waffles as a starter or as dessert. Not to miss!
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Cafe Medina
780 Richards StOne of the most beloved brunch destinations in the city. They do Mediterranean-inspired fine cuisine. They do not take reservations and you will have to wait-but for a good reason. Located in the "Library District" expect to walk about 20 mins or take a 5 minute cab ride from the apartment. Highly recommend the Milk Chocolate Lavender Belgian Waffles as a starter or as dessert. Not to miss!
Although not situated close to the apartment but in the Coal Harbour Neighbourhood - this restaurant is worth the trip. It's a beautiful French bistro serving fresh West Coast ingredients located on a quiet residential street within the award winning Loden Hotel. A hidden gem. The Mushrooms on Toast is easily the most decadent and surprising brunch or dinner menu item you can order in the city. Great wine list. Good cheese plate. Amazing atmosphere. Pls note - they are only open for brunch on Sunday and only open for dinner Monday-Saturday.
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Tableau Bar Bistro
1181 Melville StAlthough not situated close to the apartment but in the Coal Harbour Neighbourhood - this restaurant is worth the trip. It's a beautiful French bistro serving fresh West Coast ingredients located on a quiet residential street within the award winning Loden Hotel. A hidden gem. The Mushrooms on Toast is easily the most decadent and surprising brunch or dinner menu item you can order in the city. Great wine list. Good cheese plate. Amazing atmosphere. Pls note - they are only open for brunch on Sunday and only open for dinner Monday-Saturday.
One of three great coffee shops in the Gastown area. Please note - they are closed Sundays. Often very busy. If you intend to hang out and have a conversation over coffee, there is another great spot around the corner as well - see Timbertrain Coffee Roasters description.
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Revolver
325 Cambie StOne of three great coffee shops in the Gastown area. Please note - they are closed Sundays. Often very busy. If you intend to hang out and have a conversation over coffee, there is another great spot around the corner as well - see Timbertrain Coffee Roasters description.
One of three great coffee spots in Gastown. They have a better pastry selection than Revolver Coffee and often have more spots available for conversing. Great quality coffee beans they roast in house. A much better spot to grab coffee while shopping in Gastown along Water Street than the Starbucks - but that's just our opinion :)
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Timbertrain Coffee Roasters
311 W Cordova StOne of three great coffee spots in Gastown. They have a better pastry selection than Revolver Coffee and often have more spots available for conversing. Great quality coffee beans they roast in house. A much better spot to grab coffee while shopping in Gastown along Water Street than the Starbucks - but that's just our opinion :)
Meat & Bread is a cheaper lunch option in Gastown serving meat-focused sandwiches. The Porchetta is our absolute favourite. It's very popular with professionals in the area so expect to have to wait in line during peak lunch hours during the week. Pls note - they are closed Sundays. Otherwise, open 11am-5pm.
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Meat & Bread
370 Cambie StMeat & Bread is a cheaper lunch option in Gastown serving meat-focused sandwiches. The Porchetta is our absolute favourite. It's very popular with professionals in the area so expect to have to wait in line during peak lunch hours during the week. Pls note - they are closed Sundays. Otherwise, open 11am-5pm.
Vancouver's newest brunch and breakfast spot. Open daily 8am to 3pm. They do not take reservations. Spots are awarded on a first come, first serve basis and there's often a line out the door. When it rains they do provide umbrellas which is nice! Recommend the Pulled Pork Pancakes. The menu has many interesting options like Red Velvet Pancakes
and Green Eggs and Ham along with (only) a few lighter options like their Veggie Bowl and Granola Yogurt Parfait.
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Jam Cafe
556 Beatty StVancouver's newest brunch and breakfast spot. Open daily 8am to 3pm. They do not take reservations. Spots are awarded on a first come, first serve basis and there's often a line out the door. When it rains they do provide umbrellas which is nice! Recommend the Pulled Pork Pancakes. The menu has many interesting options like Red Velvet Pancakes
and Green Eggs and Ham along with (only) a few lighter options like their Veggie Bowl and Granola Yogurt Parfait.
Arts & Culture
For those with a dark side, this museum presents the history of Vancouver Police through exhibits and programs. Set in a beautiful art deco building typical of the period, the highlight is the former morgue. Not for the faint of heart.
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Vancouver Police Museum & Archives
240 E Cordova StFor those with a dark side, this museum presents the history of Vancouver Police through exhibits and programs. Set in a beautiful art deco building typical of the period, the highlight is the former morgue. Not for the faint of heart.
For those seeking some culture within walking distance, the Firehall Arts Centre features an art gallery and local theater productions. Check their website schedule of current shows http://firehallartscentre.ca/whats-on/on-the-stage/
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Firehall Arts Centre
280 E Cordova StFor those seeking some culture within walking distance, the Firehall Arts Centre features an art gallery and local theater productions. Check their website schedule of current shows http://firehallartscentre.ca/whats-on/on-the-stage/
Vancouver's version of the MET. If you love art, or architecture for that matter, you have to check out the exhibits at the Vancouver Art Gallery. $24 per adult or by donation on Tuesday nights (from 5-9 PM)
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I-Vancouver Art Gallery
750 Hornby StVancouver's version of the MET. If you love art, or architecture for that matter, you have to check out the exhibits at the Vancouver Art Gallery. $24 per adult or by donation on Tuesday nights (from 5-9 PM)
Drinks & Nightlife
The ambiance here is great. A must-do for the beer lover - they have one of the most diverse beer selections in the province. They are situated in a historic building along the railway tracks. Flights of 4 x 6oz beers are $11.50!
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Alibi Room
157 Alexander StThe ambiance here is great. A must-do for the beer lover - they have one of the most diverse beer selections in the province. They are situated in a historic building along the railway tracks. Flights of 4 x 6oz beers are $11.50!
Underground bar and live music venue with great food, drink menu and a ton of board games. We highly recommend the giant Jenga in the alcove in the far corner. Check out their live music calendar for a schedule of who is playing and when http://www.guiltandcompany.com/calendar/
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Guilt & Co
Underground bar and live music venue with great food, drink menu and a ton of board games. We highly recommend the giant Jenga in the alcove in the far corner. Check out their live music calendar for a schedule of who is playing and when http://www.guiltandcompany.com/calendar/
This is our favourite bar in the city. It feels like a cross between a Chinese apothecary and an opium den. Very interesting atmosphere. Very interesting cocktails they refer to as prescriptions and remedies. But note, you will not be able to order any 'standard' cocktail drinks here. We highly recommend the Rosemary Gimlet. FUN FACT: Steve and I actually met here!!! We hope you enjoy it as much as we do : ) Happy Hour, Sun-Fri, 5-7 PM
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The Keefer Bar
135 Keefer StThis is our favourite bar in the city. It feels like a cross between a Chinese apothecary and an opium den. Very interesting atmosphere. Very interesting cocktails they refer to as prescriptions and remedies. But note, you will not be able to order any 'standard' cocktail drinks here. We highly recommend the Rosemary Gimlet. FUN FACT: Steve and I actually met here!!! We hope you enjoy it as much as we do : ) Happy Hour, Sun-Fri, 5-7 PM
Located in a great second-story spot at the corder of Water Street and Carrall Street, The Diamond provides a great view of the center of Gastown. Ok small bites menu. Better cocktail menu. Great view.
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The Diamond
6 Powell StLocated in a great second-story spot at the corder of Water Street and Carrall Street, The Diamond provides a great view of the center of Gastown. Ok small bites menu. Better cocktail menu. Great view.
Getting Around
The Mobi Bike Share Program allows people to register and use bikes at various stations around the city. Day plans start from $7.50 for 30 minute rides. Just register, ride and return.
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Mobi Bike Station
The Mobi Bike Share Program allows people to register and use bikes at various stations around the city. Day plans start from $7.50 for 30 minute rides. Just register, ride and return.
One of the cheaper car rental options in Vancouver. They're super fast and provide reasonable service. Budget is also a lower cost option but the service seems to be slower.
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Hertz
725A 14th St WOne of the cheaper car rental options in Vancouver. They're super fast and provide reasonable service. Budget is also a lower cost option but the service seems to be slower.
It's a 10-12 minute walk through Gastown to get to this central SkyTrain station. From here you can take a train to get anywhere in the city. Trips within Vancouver start from $2.50 one-way for a one-zone ticket. You'll need to purchase a Compass Card from the SkyTrain station and pre-load the fare which will be deducted when you tap your card to board all forms of public transit (i.e. the SkyTrain, Busses and/or SeaBus)
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Waterfront Station
601 West Cordova StreetIt's a 10-12 minute walk through Gastown to get to this central SkyTrain station. From here you can take a train to get anywhere in the city. Trips within Vancouver start from $2.50 one-way for a one-zone ticket. You'll need to purchase a Compass Card from the SkyTrain station and pre-load the fare which will be deducted when you tap your card to board all forms of public transit (i.e. the SkyTrain, Busses and/or SeaBus)
Parks & Nature
This is a park for urban dwellers and is frequented by Gastown locals. Stop by for unique views of the city, North Shore, the port authority and the large off-leash dog section. There's nothing quite like it in the city. At its peak in the summer.
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Crab Park
101 E Waterfront RdThis is a park for urban dwellers and is frequented by Gastown locals. Stop by for unique views of the city, North Shore, the port authority and the large off-leash dog section. There's nothing quite like it in the city. At its peak in the summer.
A must-see in Vancouver. If we only had one day in Vancouver, we'd visit Stanley Park and the do the Seawall for sure. It's breathtaking.
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I-Park ye-Stanley
610 Pipeline RdA must-see in Vancouver. If we only had one day in Vancouver, we'd visit Stanley Park and the do the Seawall for sure. It's breathtaking.
Within our top 5 things to do in Vancouver. Whether you bike, run or walk its length, you'll be amazed with the beautiful views of the North Shore, Ocean, Bridges and Mountains. Not to miss.
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Vancouver Seawall
Within our top 5 things to do in Vancouver. Whether you bike, run or walk its length, you'll be amazed with the beautiful views of the North Shore, Ocean, Bridges and Mountains. Not to miss.
Vancouverites like to call this mother nature's stair master and it's easy to undestand why. It's a beautiful staircase of a hike!
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Grouse Grind
Grouse GrindVancouverites like to call this mother nature's stair master and it's easy to undestand why. It's a beautiful staircase of a hike!
This garden is the first of its kind to be created outside of China. It is a stunning representation of the Ming Dynasty-era tradition classical Chinese garden. It has been named the No. 1 City Garden in the world & featured in National Geographic's book "Secret Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 of the World’s Best Hidden Travel Gems." While there is a FEE to gain access to the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese GARDEN you can visit the Sun Yat-Sen PARK (which is adjacent and shares the same pond) FREE of charge. The lesser-known public park entrance runs along Columbia St. It's a great "secret spot" to enjoy a picnic on a sunny day.
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I-Garden yase-China ye-Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical
578 Carrall StThis garden is the first of its kind to be created outside of China. It is a stunning representation of the Ming Dynasty-era tradition classical Chinese garden. It has been named the No. 1 City Garden in the world & featured in National Geographic's book "Secret Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 of the World’s Best Hidden Travel Gems." While there is a FEE to gain access to the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese GARDEN you can visit the Sun Yat-Sen PARK (which is adjacent and shares the same pond) FREE of charge. The lesser-known public park entrance runs along Columbia St. It's a great "secret spot" to enjoy a picnic on a sunny day.
Essentials
Small grocery store within walking distance offering most of the essentials you'll need for a short stay!
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Nesters Market
333 Abbott St Small grocery store within walking distance offering most of the essentials you'll need for a short stay!
The best selection of cheeses in the city. We highly recommend ordering one of their platters online, picking it up and enjoying it at the apartment (or on the rooftop deck) with a few glasses of wine to unwind after a long day.
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les amis du FROMAGE
843 E Hastings StThe best selection of cheeses in the city. We highly recommend ordering one of their platters online, picking it up and enjoying it at the apartment (or on the rooftop deck) with a few glasses of wine to unwind after a long day.
Although a bit farther away, this grocery store has greater selection at lower prices than Nesters. It's an 8 minute bus ride away if you catch the 20 Victoria bus along Hastings street. Take the 20 Dowtown bus on the return trip.
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Sahota’s No Frills
1460 E Hastings StAlthough a bit farther away, this grocery store has greater selection at lower prices than Nesters. It's an 8 minute bus ride away if you catch the 20 Victoria bus along Hastings street. Take the 20 Dowtown bus on the return trip.
They offer a free class on Saturdays at noon. Be sure to book the free class online on their website. If you're interested in attending another day, they offer a first-time drop-in CrossFit class for $5, a one-time drop in for $25 and an unlimited one-week pass for $100.
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CrossFit 604
1925 E Cordova StThey offer a free class on Saturdays at noon. Be sure to book the free class online on their website. If you're interested in attending another day, they offer a first-time drop-in CrossFit class for $5, a one-time drop in for $25 and an unlimited one-week pass for $100.
Centrally located liquor store with a better-than average selection of locally brewed beers and wine.
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Crosstown Liquor Store
568 Abbott StCentrally located liquor store with a better-than average selection of locally brewed beers and wine.
Shopping
Lots of great vintage finds. They have two locations within walking distance - the men's and unisex vintage store (41 W Cordova Street) and the women's / frock shoppe vintage store (311 Carrall Street)
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The Window Community Art Shop
11 W Hastings StLots of great vintage finds. They have two locations within walking distance - the men's and unisex vintage store (41 W Cordova Street) and the women's / frock shoppe vintage store (311 Carrall Street)
Incredible selection of jeans at every price point. The staff are very knowledgeable. The "it" place to go for jeans in Vancouver
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Dutil Denim
303 W Cordova StIncredible selection of jeans at every price point. The staff are very knowledgeable. The "it" place to go for jeans in Vancouver
Robson Street is Vancouver's outdoor shopping mall. It is located within walking distance to Pacific Center Mall and features many stores that are not located within the mall like Victoria's Secret and LuLuLemon North America Flagship stores.
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Robson Street
1155 Robson StRobson Street is Vancouver's outdoor shopping mall. It is located within walking distance to Pacific Center Mall and features many stores that are not located within the mall like Victoria's Secret and LuLuLemon North America Flagship stores.
Pacific Center is Vancouver's largest shopping mall - noteworthy stores include the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC), Holt Renfrew (luxury goods), Nordstrom, H&M and many more.
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CF Pacific Centre
701 W Georgia StPacific Center is Vancouver's largest shopping mall - noteworthy stores include the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC), Holt Renfrew (luxury goods), Nordstrom, H&M and many more.
There are a number of shops along Water Street - including options for clothing and shoes (Oak + Fort, Kit & Ace, John Fluevog), Indigenous Art (we have purchased art ourselves from Hill's Native Art) and Home Decor (ranging from lower cost options like Örling & Wu, Old Faithful and Parliament to High End options like Inform Interiors). For a hidden 'secret spot' on a nice day, grab a a cold drink at Revolver or Timbertrain Coffee and then stroll into Inform and take the elevator up to their green roof/garden for a quiet but beautiful view of Gastown.
Water Street
Water StreetThere are a number of shops along Water Street - including options for clothing and shoes (Oak + Fort, Kit & Ace, John Fluevog), Indigenous Art (we have purchased art ourselves from Hill's Native Art) and Home Decor (ranging from lower cost options like Örling & Wu, Old Faithful and Parliament to High End options like Inform Interiors). For a hidden 'secret spot' on a nice day, grab a a cold drink at Revolver or Timbertrain Coffee and then stroll into Inform and take the elevator up to their green roof/garden for a quiet but beautiful view of Gastown.
A lovely clothing store that's worth a visit. The Block carries a well curated selection of women's and men's clothing and accessories that ranges from local designers to brands like APC, Filson, & Loeffler Randall but with a few moderately priced labels like Lifetime Collective and Happy Socks as well. It's in a beautiful space and the staff are very laid back. Prices skew medium and up. Definitely worth checking out.
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The Block
350 W Cordova StA lovely clothing store that's worth a visit. The Block carries a well curated selection of women's and men's clothing and accessories that ranges from local designers to brands like APC, Filson, & Loeffler Randall but with a few moderately priced labels like Lifetime Collective and Happy Socks as well. It's in a beautiful space and the staff are very laid back. Prices skew medium and up. Definitely worth checking out.