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May Long Weekend Round-Up

May 17th, 2012
 


Photo: The Cloverdale Rodeo. Source: Alain Limoges via Flickr.

It’s the unofficial start to summer this weekend and there is LOTS going on in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region. If you have no plans for the long weekend, here are a few ideas to get you started…

Cloverdale Rodeo – Surrey

Now in its 124th year, the Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair is the largest rodeo in the region and it’s taking place all weekend May 18-21. Whether you’re seeking rodeo events, live entertainment, or the Fraser Valley’s largest midway, there’s plenty of fun for the whole family.

Hyack Festival – New Westminster

The 41st annual Lowe’s Hyack Festival Week kicks off on Friday, May 18 with opening night celebrations at 7pm and fireworks at 10pm. The weeklong festivities also include the DiverseCity Multicultural Festival on Saturday, the 28th annual Hyack Antique Fair on Sunday and Monday, as well as the longest-running May Day celebration in the British Commonwealth.

Night Markets – Richmond

There are two night markets in Richmond this year! One is the Summer Night Market while the other one is the Richmond Night Market. Both will be open Friday to Monday this weekend and both are easy to get to. Simply take the Canada Line to Bridgeport where you can walk to the Richmond Night Market or take the free shuttle to the Summer Night Market. Better yet, visit both! Bring an appetite and your cash.

Teddy Bear Picnic – Harrison Mills

Bring your teddy bear out to Kilby Historic Site this Sunday, May 20 for a picnic in your bear’s honour. Included in the price of admission, both child and bear will enjoy complimentary tea and cookie! This year’s activities include the dress up Tickle Trunk, a sing-a-long with Bert and Cherry, a photograph booth, decorating cookies and crafts.

Roberts Creek Arts Festival – Sunshine Coast

Take the 40 minute ferry to the Sunshine Coast where the Roberts Creek Arts Festival is happening only a 20 minute drive away from the ferry terminal! This two day festival takes place on Saturday and Sunday and is loaded with contemporary culture, music, film, art and design. Explore beautiful studios, galleries, gardens and fields, filled with creativity, performances, delicious local food, drink and engaged people.

May Day Parade & Festivities – Fort Langley

Join thousands of visitors along Mavis and Glover Roads to watch the 90th Annual May Day Parade starting at 11 am on Monday, May 21 followed by activities at Fort Langley Park. Back at the Fort Langley National Historic Site, activities begin at 10:15am with an Historic Weapons Demo and continue right on until 5pm. Admission is free so come and enjoy the festivities all day!

Rick Hansen’s Many in Motion Relay – Surrey & White Rock

Come out to the Surrey Sport & Leisure Complex this Saturday, May 19 from noon to 3pm for Rick Hansen’s Many in Motion Relay Community Celebration. Welcome to medal bearers and relay team while enjoying sledge hockey demos, children’s activities, presentations and entertainment. Likewise, White Rock is hosting their Rick Hansen Relay End of Day Celebration, also on Saturday. Welcome the medal bearers and relay team while enjoying live entertainment, a BBQ, and lots of family fun.

Farmers Markets

Many of the region’s farmers markets have kicked off this month, including some you may not even have known existed. Use the long weekend to discover what awaits at the Mission City Farmers Market on Saturdays (9am-1pm) and the Coquitlam Farmers Market on Sunday (9am-1pm).

Hiking Lynn Canyon – Vancouver’s North Shore

What better way to spend the day than with a walk through a temperate rainforest? Lynn Canyon Park‘s always been one of my favourite places for a short nature walk through the woods as it has the free suspension bridge to cross, a variety of trails, waterfalls and beautiful scenery. And the best part? It’s free!

Whistler Mountain Bike Park

It’s officially mountain bike season! The Whistler Mountain Bike Park will be opening this Friday, May 18  from 10am until 5pm where it will remain open daily throughout the summer. Don’t have a mountain bike or appropriate gear? That’s okay; you can rent that all in Whistler too.

BC Motocross Races – Pemberton

If you’re heading to Whistler for the weekend and you’re interested in motocross, you may want to drive the 20 minutes north to Pemberton where the BC Motocross Races will be happening. Held at the the Green River Motocross Track, drop by on Saturday for day one of racing, or come by on Friday to register yourself in the race.

River Rafting – Fraser Canyon

With the spring meltwater surging local rivers, now is the time to be river rafting! Local river rafting operators include Kumsheen, Hyak River Rafting, Chilliwack River Rafting, REO Rafting Resort and Fraser River Raft Expeditions offering rafting adventures of all types along the Fraser, its tributaries, and the Thompson.

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Hiking Mount Cheam

May 7th, 2012
 

Want to go hiking in the BC alpine? Our guest blogger Crystal Soukoreff does, and writes about her experience hiking Chilliwack’s Mount Cheam last September, hoping to inspire you to go hike it this summer…

Hiking Mount Cheam

Photos and story by Crystal Soukoreff

Time: 4-8 hours (depending on ability)
Score: Moderate Hike
Wear: layers -check weather
Bring: water/food/camera
Must: 4×4 vehicle

It was a sunny September 3rd morning as we awoke for an early start; packing our nourishment and dressing in typical gear, we headed for our friends house to hook up with a 4×4, the only way to “DO” Mount Cheam is with a 4×4. If you go wheeling along in your typical sedan, you will be greatly defeated upon driving the trail’s first dip!

Coming from the edge of Langley east, it takes about an hour to reach the base of the drive. Then a 4×4 driving trail up for about 30-40 minutes will land you at the base of the Cheam hike where cars park in a gravel lot and line the road. Not knowing what to expect leaves one with pleasant surprises all of the way up, so if you appreciate that, don’t read any further!

Props to the park people taking care of this place since there is an outhouse located at the start of the hike; all I can say is go then because there is nothing else the rest of the way up unless it’s au natural and you remembered your TP.

The path started out easy enough, a slightly descending walk into a modest valley floor, greenery all around. “Is this the alps?” I muse to my comrades…it really is hard to believe we are in BC as I hike along. Ten minutes in we run into an ice cave, forming an arch that you can walk under for a good 30-40 feet . I watch as my friends disappear in, then decide to follow after surveying the curve of the ice roof, I’m in the business so to speak, so checking things structurally is a given!

We immerge on the other side following the light, and then scale up using hands and knees and goodness knows what to get to the more stable part of the trail. Switch backing through a forested arena, we make our way up to a meadow like area with beautiful flowers, low green growth, and then to another ice field This time it’s just snow that we have to crunch through though, no under the ice adventure trails.

It’s beautiful and I take a moment to snap some photos. We can begin to see Baker off in the distance and the valleys swoop into one another forming a picturesque perfection of blues on greens dotted with blossoms of white and yellow. Seriously, this is it, what a way to spend a Saturday; and we’re only half way up.

The hike wears on at a steady climb, mind you we are hiking with two cystic fibrosis people and two type 1 diabetics (myself included), needless to say we are doing well for such a group and the hike isn’t killing us.

There comes a point where we can start to see the greenery give way to switch back rocky terrain, the home stretch to the summit. Half of us determine to hike to Mt. Cheam while the other three take off towards the Three Sisters; an epic outcrop to the east.

As the “Cheamers” continue the hike, I can’t help but remark on the vast array of terrain we have hiked through. Valley, snowy portions of sleet, green forests, and now this tundra like rockfest. You get the whole pie on this hike for sure. I meet some long lost friend half way up and we exchange camaraderie and expression of well being as we continue the hike. On the final switch, we see hikers descending and are encouraged that the summit is within our reach.

What I can say next is that the wind hit me with a gust as we entered summit territory. That’s the sign, the tell tale sign that you have reached the top. It was a welcome wind as we had worked up a sweat and out legs were starting to feel the grind. Filled with awe at the top, we plunked ourselves down at the edge of a northern cliff to take in the view. Nothing prepared me for the what I beheld. It was awesome, to say the least. I could see as far as the islands off Vancouver! It was a great day and clear as ever; the best conditions to be up there.

We nommed on the sandwiches and liquefied our thirsty palettes, then made sure we took some epic photos atop the mount. This hike’s summit DOES NOT disappoint, and I stress that with experienced assuredness.  If you stand just to the west of Cheam’s rocky expression as it rises to the north, you get an unparalleled view of the mighty mountain itself.

The descent was rapid as we had time to make because we were having people over for a BBQ that night, so we motored. At a steady pace we made our way down and met up with our other cronies who had hiked up the eastern mount; they too had experienced breathtaking cliff drops, and rocky terrain. All in all the hike took us from 9am at the base of the 4×4 trail to around 4pm back to the base of that trail.

The hardest part of the trip for me was at the end when we had to skid down the roof of the ice cave; yah there were some hikers coming up and waiting for me. I surfed down; half on my haunches and almost made it when I skiffed something and bailed in front of them. Meh, a scrape here and there and I was up. Thankfully we crossed a small stream near the very end of the hike where I washed up a little.

One of the best things about a day of great hiking is that you feel so alive by the end of it. The views, the numerous terrains, the air, the greenery, the sheer beauty. Everything included makes this hike a real package deal and a great day trip with time left over for an evening party! Make sure you jot it down onto your list to do this summer, and maybe I’ll see you up there!

Mahalo!
Crystal

Crystal Soukoreff is a guest blogger for 604 Pulse. She was born and raised in White Rock, BC. Now living in Langley, and visiting new family in Ladner,  she has a far reaching route across the Fraser Valley. She works in Fort Langley in the architectural business, and photographs freelance in her “free time.” Routine trips to the beach are in her and her husbands weekly efforts, as are finding new spots around the Lower Mainland! Check out her photo blog http://crystalsoukoreff.tumblr.com/ to see what she’s been up to lately.

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Hidden Secrets: Weekend Plans for April 27-29

April 27th, 2012
 


The VanDusen Plant Sale, 2011. Source: Nancy Wong via Flickr.

No weekend plans? Let us help! From the largest plant sale in Metro Vancouver to boat building contests on the Sunshine Coast, here’s a list of 6 quirky and cool events taking place throughout the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region this weekend!

VanDusen Plant Sale – Vancouver

The holy grail of plant sales is taking place this Sunday at VanDusen Botanical Garden. As recently featured in The Vancouver Sun, the VanDusen Plant Sale is the largest plant sale in Metro Vancouver with 40,000 plants on sale and crowds of up to 10,000 expected – lining up as early as 6am! For tips on how to prepare, visit their website and be sure to look up their 35 page Plant Sale Catalogue to see what botanical treatures await. Bonus: admission to the garden is free during the sale!

When: Sunday, April 29 from 10am-4pm
Website: www.vandusengarden.org

Party for the Planet – Surrey

Bring the whole family out to Central City Plaza for BC’s largest Earth Day celebration! Party for the Planet will be featuring a variety of activities such as live entertainment, children’s play areas, a tree sale, plus environmental and community information. Entertainment is wide and varied, from children’s performers like Bobs & Lolo, to bands and singers like Good for Grapes, The Boom Tooms, Down With Webster, Ashleigh and Raghav. Enjoy dance groups such as the DRS B-Boy Crew and the Celebration Dance Team, or groove to the beats in the Port Metro Vancouver Energy Dance Tent.

When: Friday, April 27 (4-10pm) and Saturday, April 28 (10am-5pm)
Website: http://www.surrey.ca/partyfortheplanet/

Flash Marathon Shuffle – Powell River


Photo: The Flash Marathon Shuffle by Powell River. Source: Club Fat Ass.

Feel like challenging yourself this weekend in the beauty of an old growth, temperate rainforest? If so, get yourself to Powell River this Sunday for the Flash Marathon Shuffle. This is not your typical running event as it’s classified as a “fun, low key shuffle (hike or run) on a 29 km section of the Sunshine Coast Trail”.  Experience the groomed trails through the forest, along creeks and lakeshores, through dales and over hills. All throughout there are magnificent vistas of the Sunshine Coast, adjacent islands, nearby lakes and the city. If 29km’s too daunting, that’s there’s also the Half Shuffle which is a 12km option – it’s 2km more than the Sun Run, but surrounded by nature without the crowds.

When: Sunday, April 29. Check-in at the Shingle Mill Pub at 7:30am. Shuffle begins at 8:30am.
Website: www.clubfatass.com/events/marathon-shuffle

Spring Golfing – Pemberton

It might be another fantastic year for snow in Whistler, but just 32km north in Pemberton, the climate is actually warmer, meaning that golfing season has already begun! Both of Pemberton’s golf courses, The Meadows at Pemberton and Big Sky Golf and Country Club, have opened for the season just last weekend. Consider a day of golfing if you’re heading up to Whistler, or better still, book a Swing Into Spring golf package with the Pemberton Valley Lodge for some early season discounts and spend your entire weekend in Pemberton on the greens.

Websites: www.pembertongolf.com / www.bigskygolf.com / www.pembertonvalleylodge.com

Yarrow Ecovillage Open House – Chilliwack

Photo: The farm at the Yarrow Ecovillage in March 2012. Source: Yarrow Ecovillage via Facebook.

Have you ever wondered what life would be like if you lived at an ecovillage? This Sunday you’ll have your chance as the Yarrow Ecovillage hosts an Open House for the general public. The Yarrow Ecovillage is described as “an exceptional combination of cohousing, sustainable living, farmland preservation, a live/work community and a mixed-use town center.” Come on out and see what life is like at an ecovillage and meet the people who have built this extraordinary neighbourhood. There will be farm tours, home tours, kids’ activities and refreshments. Everyone is welcome.

When: Sunday, April 29 from 1-4pm
Website: www.yarrowecovillage.ca

April Tools Wooden Boat Challenge – Madeira Park

The 11th Annual April Tools Wooden Boat Challenge takes place this Saturday at the Seafarer Millennium Park in the Pender Harbour community of Madeira Park. Described as a mix of inventive boatbuilding, high school team antics, and kids’ mini-boatbuilding, the event is blended with a variety of community activities and comprises one of the most enjoyable Pender Harbour activities of the year. There will be races, free activities for kids, a BBQ and more!

When: Saturday, April 28 beginning at 10am
Website: http://www.maritimeheritage.ca/april-tools

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Hidden Secrets: Weekend Plans for April 20-22

April 20th, 2012
 


Photo: Live music at the Telus World Ski & Snowboard Festival, Whistler. Photo by Mike Crane.

No weekend plans? Let us help! From Earth Day festivities in Roberts Creek to the largest Vaisakhi celebration outside of India taking place in Surrey, here’s a list of 11 quirky and cool events taking place throughout the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region this weekend!

Telus World Ski & Snowboard Festival – Whistler

It’s the last weekend of the Telus World Ski & Snowboard Festival in Whistler. If you’re needing a quick getaway that includes Canada’s largest free outdoor concert series, action sports, fashion, film, photography and more, head up the Sea to Sky and see what all the fuss is about. The festival merges music, sport and art into the most energetic, electric and memorable 10 day festival on snow the world has to offer. Free concert highlights this weekend include Michael Franti & Friends at 4pm on Friday, April 20; DJ Grandtheft at 8pm on Saturday, April 21 at the Mainstage for Big Air Competition; and finally The Sheepdogs at 4pm on Sunday, April 22. Check the website for the full schedule.

When: April 13-22, 2012
Website: http://www.wssf.com

Surrey Vaisakhi Parade – Surrey

The annual Surrey Vaisakhi Parade takes place on Saturday and is the largest Vaisakhi parade outside of India! In 2011, Surrey’s parade shattered attendance records, as over 150,000 people turned out to take part in the celebration. Vaisakhi is one of the most important festivals in the Sikh calendar and celebrates both the Sikh New Year festival and the anniversary of the founding of the Khalsa in 1699.

The Vaisakhi Celebration is truly a community event and welcomes people of all backgrounds to participate. Locals can be found adorned in orange, blue and white giving out food along the streets, sharing, singing, walking in the parade, and rejoicing in their culture. This exciting and fun-filled event in Surrey epitomizes multiculturalism and ethnic diversity. Participants are requested to cover their heads and to not smoke or drink at the event.

When: Saturday, April 21, 2012 (7:30am-5pm)
Website: http://www.surreyvaisakhiparade.ca/

Spirit of the People Pow Wow – Chilliwack

Come out to Chilliwack and experience a traditional Sto’lo Nation pow wow! Held at the Chilliwack Sports Landing Centre, the Spirit of the People Pow Wow is a drug and alcohol free event for the entire family showcasing First Nations culture in an inspiring, weekend event with songs, regalia, dance and traditional foods. Come and check out the Native Artists’ Market, which will host over 45 Native Artisan Vendors at the indoor and outdoor Aboriginal Artisans Market. Admission is $2 per day or $5 for the whole weekend! Everyone is welcome.

When: Fri, April 20 (7pm), Sat, April 21 (1pm & 7pm), Sun, April 22 (12pm)
Website: http://www.tourismchilliwack.com/event.php?eventID=1121

Fan Expo Vancouver – Vancouver

Geeks unite! It’s the inaugural year of Vancouver’s large-scale comic convention Fan Expo Vancouver and it’s taking place this weekend at the Vancouver Convention Centre! The expo will highlight art, celebrities, shopping, discussion panels and workshops, including the original Batmobile from the original TV series and of course, the original Batman and Robin, Adam West and Burt Ward, from the 60s TV series. Download the full schedule here. Anticipate thousands of fellow comic, anime, manga, video game, gaming, horror and sci-fi fans from all over the west coast, including lots of cosplay. What’s not to love?

When: Sat, April 21 (10am-7pm), Sun, April 22 (10am-5pm)
Website: http://www.fanexpovancouver.com

Tulips of the Valley Tulip Festival – Agassiz

There are only two weekends in April to experience the Tulips of the Valley Tulip Festival – this weekend and next. If you’ve never experienced a tulip festival before, get yourself out to the Fraser Valley and enjoy 40 acres of vibrant locally-grown tulips with a dramatic backdrop of the snow-capped Coast Mountains. Admission is only $3 for adults, $2.50 for seniors, and free for kids under 12. Curious what 40 acres of tulips actually looks like? Check out our photos to get a taste of what to expect.

When: April 18-30, 2012 (Mon-Tues: closed, Wed-Fri: 11am-4pm, Sat-Sun: 10am-5pm)
Website: http://www.tourismharrison.com/page/Tulip_Festival

Celebrate Earth Day at Heywood Park – North Vancouver

Join the City of North Vancouver this Sunday as they celebrate Earth Day, the official opening of Heywood Park playground and the new fish hatchery! It’s also the kickoff for the City’s Green Can Food Scraps Collection program, starting this May. Come out and paritipcate in a fish release, take a tour of the hatchery, and check out the Community Art Project and other displays. Help remove invasive plants and plant local species in the park and play in the new playground. Tools, plants and light refreshments will be provided. Great prizes to win and fun for the whole family!

When: Sun, April 22 (12-4pm)
Website: http://www.cnv.org//server.aspx?c=3&i=686

Stave Falls Powerhouse -  Mission

In the spirit of Earth Day, we think it’s the perfect time to learn about one of BC’s cleanest sources of electricity – right from the source! The Stave Falls Powerhouse is an authentic 1912 generating station located in Mission that offers a unique all-ages experience with interactive games and historic displays that tell the story of how power helped build this province. Other amenities include a 50-seat theatre, a gift shop and BC Hydro’s Hayward Lake recreation site nearby.

When: Wednesday-Sunday (11am-4pm).
Website: http://www.bchydro.com/community/recreation_areas/stave_falls_visitor_centre.html

Spring Wine Release Party at Neck of the Woods Winery -  Langley

If you’re a wine aficionado and you haven’t yet visited Langley’s Neck of the Woods Winery yet, take the opportunity this Saturday and head into Fraser Valley wine country for their Spring Wine Release Party.  In addition to the new wines being released, there will also be appetizers (between 12-2pm) as well as an opportunity to wander through their production area. On top of that, there will also be prize draws, specials, and more!

When: Saturday, April 21, 2012 (11am-6pm)
Website: http://www.neckofthewoods.ca

Earth Day – Roberts Creek

Head out to the Roberts Creek Pier this Sunday for some Sunshine Coast Earth Day festivities! There will be local musicians, great food and environmental information. Ride your bike and receive a free bike tune-up, or take the SCRD’s eco-groovy Musical Bus for some zero-waste fun!

When: Sunday, April 22, 2012 (12pm)
Website: http://www.sunshinecoastcanada.com/calendar/

Magnolia Walk – Coquitlam

If you’ve been admiring all the magnolia trees in bloom in our local gardens, then you might be interested in attending the Riverview Horticultural Centre Society’s Magnolia Walk this Sunday. These walks begin at the Riverview Hospital at the Hendy Esson Young (Hey) Building and are usually led by a volunteer arborist. The walks last about two hours depending on the weather and the walkers’ preference. Dress for the weather and wear comfy shoes. The walk happens rain or shine. Children and adults are welcome and dogs on leash are also welcome! It’s free to attend.

When: Sunday, April 22, 2012 (1pm)
Website: http://rhcs.org/tours_events.html

Make It! – Vancouver

This weekend Vancouver’s Croatian Cultural Centre is hosting Make It! Vancouver. Shop for one-of-a-kind handmade items from over 110 of Canada’s hottest urban artisans, designers and crafters. There’s also a licensed bar and live music. It’s $5 at the door but you can print off this flyer at the door, or better yet, show it on your iPhone for $2 off. Finally, don’t take your car – the Croatian Cultural Centre is an easy 10 minute walk north of the Broadway Skytrain station.

When: Fri, April 20 (4-9pm), Sat, April 21 (11am-6pm), Sun, April 22 (11am-5pm)
Website: http://makeitproductions.com

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10 Family Activities for Easter Long Weekend – Part 1

April 5th, 2012
 


Photo: Making friends at Maplewood Farm. Source: Maplewood Farm via Facebook.

It’s the Easter long weekend! From Easter egg hunts to special Easter brunches, we’ve highlighted 10 great family-friendly Easter activities taking place in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains this weekend. This is part one of a two-part blog post. Read Part 2.

1. Kilby Heritage Site – Harrison Mills

For those seeking a leisurely drive through the countryside this Easter weekend, make Kilby Heritage Site your destination! Just a short drive away from Harrison Hot Springs, Kilby will be hosting all kinds of Easter festivities on Saturday and Sunday. From 11am until 3pm, kids can enjoy crafts and friendly farm animals, and the annual Easter egg hunt goes from 11am until 1pm. Afterward treat you family to a lunch at the Kilby Restaurant where they’re featuring a wonderful Easter ham dinner. Yes, that’s right – a ham dinner… for lunch! Bring along your appetite.

2. Maplewood Farm – North Vancouver

If your kids love interacting with animals, then there’s nothing better than a visit to North Vancouver’s Maplewood Farm to meet the new baby animals that have been born this spring. While you can visit any day of the week, if you drop by on Easter Sunday between 10am and 4pm, your kids will be treated to an exciting day of face painting, crafts, pony rides, educational exhibits, and an Easter egg hunt!  Be sure to get there early right at 10am for the Easter egg hunt, as it will go as long as supplies last.

3. Spring Fling – Sechelt

Sechelt will be buzzing this Saturday as it hosts its Spring Fling! From 10am until 5pm, there will be unique vendors, music, food and sidewalk specials all along Cowrie Street and Trail Avenue. Enjoy a gourmet French toast breakfast at 9:30am from Ty’s Fine Food. Bad to the Bow will be playing fiddle music at 10:30am, and then Joe Stanton goes on at 11:30. All throughout the day there will be bubble activities for kids while the adults can enjoy local vendors such as Batchwork Sorbet, Pastimes, Ladybug Organic Apple Juice, Suncreek Farms, Organic Lives, baked goods by Kate, and more!

4. 8th Annual Easter Brunch and Easter Egg Hunt – Pemberton

Looking for an Easter brunch in a stunning location? You probably can’t beat Pemberton’s Big Sky Golf & Country Club as they host their their 8th Annual Easter Brunch and Easter Egg Hunt this Easter Sunday. Located a half hour drive north of Whistler in the heart of the Pemberton Valley, the panoramic views of the snow-capped Coast Mountains will definitely provide one stunning backdrop for Easter festivities! The Easter egg hunt has two starting times: 10:30am for the early birds, and 12:30pm for the late risers. Likewise, there are two seatings for brunch: 10am and 12pm. Reservations can be made on the Big Sky Golf’s website.

5. Chilliwack Corn Maze – Chilliwack

The Easter bunny is coming to the Chilliwack Corn Maze this Saturday, April 7! From 10am until 2:30pm kids will be treated to face painting, a colouring contest, a giant jumping pillow, a pedal cart track, duck races, animal displays and more. Bring your own Easter basket to participate in the Easter egg hunt. If you find the golden egg, you’ll win a special prize!

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10 Quirky Cafes in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains

April 2nd, 2012
 

Photo: Enjoying an Americano in Vancouver. Photo by Robyn Hanson.

In a city that seems to have a coffee shop on every corner, we thought it would be interesting to uncover the most quirkiest of cafes in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region. Our definition of cafe is indeed coffee-centric, although we do have a few exceptions. As for our definition of quirky? You be the judge…

1. Holy Smoke Coffee – Surrey

This may be the only cafe in the region that’s located in a gigantic stucco teepee. You’d almost expect Holy Smoke Coffee to be all about the gimmick, but they’re arguably one of the best places in South Surrey for coffee. Just ask Jasmine Bradley of The Surrey Now who finally decided to see what the fuss was about. Her findings? “They serve coffee. Really good coffee”. And it makes sense; owner Al Nemeth only uses organic, fair trade coffee which he roasts on site every morning. Be sure to time your visits accordingly though as Holy Smoke is only open Monday to Friday from 6am until 1pm.

2. The Yellow Deli – Chilliwack

Formerly the Preserved Seed Cafe, The Yellow Deli is probably not what you’re expecting to find in the Fraser Valley: a hippy cafe run by a Chilliwack commune who serve some of the tastiest organic food and drinks this side of Vancouver, all in one rustic, cozy cottage that wouldn’t look out of place on Salt Spring Island in the 70s. They even have a storehouse where you can purchase local, sustainable food to bring home with you. And if these photos by photographer Theresa Le’s anything to go by, then this has to be one of the quirkiest cafes in the region. Come for the coffee, stay for the food!

3. The Back Porch – Harrison Hot Springs

The next time you’re craving an afternoon drive through the countryside, head out and do the Agassiz-Harrison Circle Farm Tour, making sure you stop off at The Back Porch. It’s on this Harrison Hot Springs farm where owners Dan and Lynda run a pottery studio, antique barn and a coffee roasting facility. Taste their coffee which is roasted in house in a 1919-era Flame Roaster, and buy some coffee to bring home with you. Note that The Back Porch is only open Wednesday to Sunday from 11am until 5pm, so plan your trip accordingly.

4. Cafe Savoureux – Richmond

There’s something just so wonderfully quirky about Cafe Savoureux. Maybe it’s because it’s an unusual mix of a French-inspired Chinese coffee shop. Maybe it’s because they serve all their coffee in beautiful fine bone China cups. Perhaps it’s that they have a great selection of coffee varieties which are all made to order and made using a siphon. Oh yes, and they also serve the coveted (and extraordinarily expensive) civet coffee. What’s civet coffee, you ask? Well, it may sound gross if I explain it, so it’s probably better if you Google it. In any case, this quirky Richmond cafe isn’t all hype. It’s currently rated 5 out of 5 stars (out of 5 reviews) on Yelp, so you know this local’s secret won’t be secret for much longer.

5. Elvis Rocks The Canyon Cafe – Hell’s Gate

Although it’s more of a roadside diner than a coffee shop, if you’re driving along the Fraser Canyon toward Hell’s Gate, you’ll definitely want to make a pit stop at the famous Elvis Rocks The Canyon Cafe. Imagine a roadside cafe where the owners are such die hard Elvis fans, they own the entire Elvis discography on vinyl which they display proudly on the walls. And believe me, the Elvis albums are just part of their Elvis shrine. It’s really quite impressive and a must-see. The husband and wife owners even look the part, him with the Elvis hairdo and her with the Elvis bicep tattoo. I am not joking. I love this place. A total quirky cafe in the most unexpected of places – sitting alongside the edge of the Fraser Canyon between Yale and Boston Bar.

6. The Prophouse Cafe – Vancouver

I remember when I first visited the Prophouse Cafe in early 2011. I was told that it would be like discovering a secret attic where dozens of lanterns hung from the rafters; where a record player with a stash of vinyl was available for anyone who wished to play it. All the furniture is mismatched, and the place is full of the weird, the wonderful and the obscure: ceramic tigers, an old dentist chair, a velvet painting of a topless Polynesian. You get the picture…

Photo: Watching a concert during the Olio Festival at the Prophouse Cafe. Photo by Robyn Hanson.

But what’s cool about the Prophouse is that it gets its name because it is an actual prop house for movies and TV shows filmed in Vancouver. They also host a variety of shows in the evening, from music and comedy to burlesque. And what’s even cooler is that despite all the crazy decor and the fun events, the coffee and the food is amazing. In fact, my sister swears it’s the best value in town if you’re seeking an Americano and a large, fluffy scone. I completely agree. And that’s saying something, given its proximity to Commercial Drive.

7. Galileo Coffee Company – Britannia Beach

The tiny town of Britannia Beach is probably best known for the Britannia Mine Museum – a national historic site and fabulous day trip destination from Vancouver. But this former mining community has another treasure: it’s home to some of the best coffee along the Sea to Sky. The next time you’re driving up to Whistler, make a pit stop at the Galileo Coffee Company. All their coffee is roasted in house – a process you can watch from inside the cafe as you try to decide what coffee you’re going to have. The coffee’s so popular, many businesses in nearby Squamish and Whistler have begun to serve it as well!

8. Breakwater Cafe – Powell River

Imagine wandering into a charming bookstore only to discover a quaint little cafe nestled within. This is the Breakwater Cafe. Situated in Breakwater Books, Powell River’s only independent bookstore, this cafe is a must for any book lovers, especially those who enjoy reading local, west coast authors. Enjoy some homemade baking with your coffee, get comfy with your favourite book, or simply admire the waterfront view. If you visit on Saturdays at 2pm, you might even be able to take in some storytelling!

9. The Copper Sky Gallery and Cafe – Madeira Park

When I visited Madeira Park during the Sunshine Coast Art Crawl last October, I spent a leisurely lunch at the the Copper Sky Gallery and Cafe and absolutely loved it. Acting as the hub of the community, this whimsical cafe and art gallery hybrid features the beautiful paintings, sculptures, and jewellery of Cindy Cantelon and Marshall Mar. But the food here – made with fresh, seasonal produce – is equally spectacular. Grab a coffee and a bite to eat, admire the art, and watch the community spirit of the Sunshine Coast come alive.

10. Wendel’s Bookstore & Cafe – Langley

Photo: Wendel’s Bookstore & Cafe in downtown Fort Langley. Source: Robyn Hanson

The book nerd in me loves Wendel’s Bookstore & Cafe. This carefully curated selection of books, stationery and gifts sits in the same heritage building as the cafe, where you can grab an espresso, a dessert bar, or even grab a proper meal… even pizza! I personally love coming here after spending the afternoon touring nearby Langley wineries. It makes for a perfect post-dinner destination and a wonderful place to grab a coffee for the drive back home.

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    About 604 Pulse

    Where should we go this weekend? This is a question we hear a lot, and it’s a question we often ask ourselves. So we had an idea: why not create a website where we explore all the things to see and do in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region, and then share them with you. We’ll provide locals and visitors personal insight into the cool things you can see and do in the region. Each week we’ll give you new tips, highlight upcoming events, share our favourite blogs, and tell you about our travels.

    Vancouver, Coast & Mountains is a non-profit society, which represents business and community tourism interests from throughout the region. VCM invites you to come and discover the four distinct destination areas that make up Vancouver, Coast & Mountains: Metro Vancouver, Mighty Fraser Country, Sea to Sky Country, and the Sunshine Coast.

    Do you have a suggestion for a blog post?
    E-mail us at info@604Pulse.com.

    Blogger Bio

    The voice behind 604 Pulse is that of Robyn Hanson. Born and raised in Vancouver, Robyn is a recognized expert on social media use for tourism operators. She has been an active participant and frequent contributor to online travel communities since 1998. With a keen interest in local history, geography, live music, and photography, Robyn has a passion for the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains tourism region that is evident in the enthusiasm in the posts. Robyn posts almost daily to 604 Pulse and authors all of the site content.

    Vancouver, Coast & Mountains on Twitter
    604Pulse: Want to escape the city and go for a walk in the forest? Head to Lynn Canyon Park: http://t.co/MmpMSo3y
    604Pulse: @SeanEckford Egmonsters? Love it!
    604Pulse: Seeking adventure this weekend? We recommend river rafting in the Fraser Canyon: http://t.co/MmpMSo3y
    604Pulse: Egmont - an unfortunate name for a town but one of the most stunning views on the Lower Sunshine Coast: http://t.co/J7pMmoVC


     
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