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Caffeine Loaded in Vancouver

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Aug 9, 2018 Mikaela Cowles
Caffeine Loaded in Vancouver

The best places to sip and eat while you work.

Whether you simply need a change of scenery or you’re taking advantage of the mobile office while traveling – the coffee shop office is a classic. The winning combination of tables and caffeine has long attracted the working professional. Today, these temporary workstations feature more than just a well-brewed cup. They offer WiFi, ambiance, and a menu that inspires. While Seattle’s unofficially known as the coffee capital of the world – Vancouver’s cafes are developing a reputation for their down-to-earth welcoming vibe and espresso-pulling expertise.

49th Parallel Donuts

49th Parallel

One of the top coffee roasters in Vancouver, 49th Parallel has three cafes scattered throughout the city – each featuring outdoor seating and a pristine selection of indoor haunts. While the roaster’s signature teal bags of beans can be found throughout the world, it’s the café visitors who really win. For they are the lucky folk who get to chase their delicate Americano with a selection of made-from-scratch Lucky’s Doughnuts. Time your visit around noon and you may even be lucky enough to score one of their Sourdoughnuts – made without the use of commercial yeasts or leaveners.

Olive and Ruby

Olive and Ruby

With a vertical wall garden, airy interior, and suspended swinging chairs, Olive and Ruby’s light interior gives you the mental breathing room needed to spark creativity. No. You don’t have to work while swinging. There is also a selection of sturdy wood tables. The expresso here is made with beans from Pallet Coffee Roasters (a fabulous local roastery) and the vegan-friendly menu features flavor-packed selections like the popular Acai Bowl loaded with fruits, house-made granola, and coconut flakes.

Prado Coffee Shop in Vancouver

Prado

Looking for another place to set up shop and still get your 49th Parallel fix? Prado has you covered. All four Prado locations scattered throughout Vancouver brew the local roaster’s beans and simple, wholesome grub. But park the donuts at the door. Bites here are on the healthy side. Popular bites include the mint pea and avocado smash toast; herb frittata, aged cheddar, and ham sandwich; and peas and greens salad topped with pumpkin seeds and parmesan.

Nemesis

Nemesis

As coffee shops go, Nemesis is on the large side with its 40+ seating capacity. But don’t let the roomy interior fool you into assuming you’ll find cafeteria quality pours or service. This hip Gastown joint’s impeccable menu offers both high-quality coffee and food. Particularly delightful are the pour over brews, especially when enjoyed with the wild mushroom topped toast.

Pallet Coffee in Vancouver

Pallet Coffee Roasters

Ultra-modern, Pallet Coffee Roasters has three (soon to be four) cafes scattered throughout Vancouver. The baristas are friendly and the menu ranges from eggy-bagel sandwiches to high-end toasts and scones. Those who need to get some serious work done will appreciate the comfortable bench seating and individual tables.

Baked Goods at Matchstick

Matchstick Coffee

In-house bean roasting. Pour over coffee. Scratch-made bread baked fresh daily. Matchstick Coffee’s three Vancouver cafes craft commonplace menu staples into event-worthy fare. The spacious seating areas (in particular the Chinatown location which is large enough to host meetings, events, and workshops) offer large communal tables and plenty of lighting.

Le Marche St. George in Vancouver

Le Marché St. George

Seating is mostly outdoors. The average patron is more likely to be catching up with friends than hunkering down to work. That’s the beauty of Le Marché St. George. It’s the reason this boutique-grocery store and café is the perfect place to escape the daily grind. The lattes are large. The crepes are delicate. The pot pie may transport you to a village in France.

Plan Your Trip to Vancouver

MORE THINGS TO DO IN VANCOUVER

VANCOUVER SIGHTSEEING IN 1 HOUR OR LESS

Whether you have 20 minutes to fill between meetings or an hour to stretch your legs before check-in, soak up a bit of Vancouver’s unique slice of paradise.

VANCOUVER POWER LUNCHES

Power lunching in Vancouver has its perks. The City of Glass has taken often underwhelming mid-day hotel fare to a whole new level. Seafood and farm-to-table cuisine rule. Price points range from impress foreign executives to indulge in down-home comfort. And, those with special dietary needs are warmly accommodated.

10 THINGS TO DO IN VANCOUVER

If the rugged mountainside and modern technology had a love child – Vancouver would be the result. Fondly nicknamed ‘The City of Glass,’ this British Columbia metropolis sports a plethora of outdoor parks; a love for local, sustainable cuisine; and a passion for protecting Mother Nature. Literally – the Vancouver Sun recently published a veritable ode to a 600-year-old tree.

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13 Can’t-Miss Vancouver Events This Summer

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Jul 20, 2018
13 Can’t-Miss Vancouver Events This Summer

From Shakespeare by the sea to food-filled festivals, the summer lineup of fun things to do and see in Vancouver offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a bird enthusiast, avid gamer or love comedy, this BC metropolis is the perfect destination for a quick getaway or extended vacation.

Vancouver Art Gallery: Cabin Fever — Now through September 30

While often overlooked, the humble cabin played an essential role in the development of Canada and the United States. Providing shelter as settlements spread, the cabin marked the beginning of a development and became a gathering place for weary travelers. The Vancouver Art Gallery’s Cabin Fever explores the impact of these small dwellings and how they survive in various forms today.

Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival — Now through Sept 30

This annual outdoor music festival is held at Vancouver’s Vanier Park – offering stunning waterfront views and high-quality theatrics. Plays range from classic reproductions to modernized renditions – delivering a delightful mix of choices.

Toto — July 30

The internationally renowned TOTO band released their newest album in July, 40 Trips Around The Sun. Their July 30th performance will showcase a selection of songs from the album, letting you get to hear these fabulous performers live.

Steve Martin & Martin Short — August 1 & 2

Get ready to flex your stomach muscles as you laugh the night away with longtime comedians Steve Martin and Martin Short.

Vancouver Chinatown Festival — August 11 & 12

The annual Vancouver Chinatown Festival is the biggest multicultural summer celebration in Vancouver. It features live music, artist displays, dancing, food stands, kids activities, and more!

Mascot Life

A post shared by Dan Borzillo (@danborzillo) on Aug 9, 2015 at 5:31pm PDT

Mama Mia! — Now through Aug. 12

This smash-hit musical is based on the lively songs of Abba. Set in an island paradise, this heartwarming tale of a daughter’s quest to find her biological father before her wedding will have you singing along the whole time.

Dan & Phil 2018 World Tour “Interactive Introverts” — August 12

As the world’s biggest YouTube stars, Daniel Howell and Phil Lester are stepping away from the screen and onto the stage. Their August 12th performance will showcase live their award-winning comedy.

Boyz II Men — August 18

The most iconic R&B group in music history, Boyz II Men’s soulful octaves helped shape the music community. Hear them live at this exclusive performance August 18.

Goo Goo Dolls — August 22

The multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated Goo Goo Dolls are one of the most globally respected and influential forces in popular music. Their August 22nd performance will likely feature songs from their recently released five-song EP, You Should Be Happy.

The International DOTA 2 Championships — August 20-25

The battle for the Aegis of Champions will be waged on Canadian soil for the first time in history. The faceoff will take place at Rogers Arena throughout this weeklong event.

Vancouver International Bird Festival — August 23-25

Calling all bird enthusiasts. The 2018 Vancouver International Bird Festival is the largest showcase of birds and nature in Canada. The event will feature lectures, bird-inspired artwork, yoga and more.

Vancouver Latin American Film Festival — August 23-September 2

This lively film festival will showcase a collection of films produced by those in the community and from around the world.

Cheese & Meat Festival – September 1

Vancouver’s annual Cheese & Meat Festival has been a favorite since it was founded in 2016. In its third year, the savory event promises to be tastier than ever — showcasing an impressive selection of cheese, meats, wines, beers, and ciders sure to delight one and all!

Plan Your Trip to Vancouver

MORE THINGS TO DO IN VANCOUVER

VANCOUVER SIGHTSEEING IN 1 HOUR OR LESS

Whether you have 20 minutes to fill between meetings or an hour to stretch your legs before check-in, soak up a bit of Vancouver’s unique slice of paradise.

VANCOUVER POWER LUNCHES

Power lunching in Vancouver has its perks. The City of Glass has taken often underwhelming mid-day hotel fare to a whole new level. Seafood and farm-to-table cuisine rule. Price points range from impress foreign executives to indulge in down-home comfort. And, those with special dietary needs are warmly accommodated.

10 THINGS TO DO IN VANCOUVER

If the rugged mountainside and modern technology had a love child – Vancouver would be the result. Fondly nicknamed ‘The City of Glass,’ this British Columbia metropolis sports a plethora of outdoor parks; a love for local, sustainable cuisine; and a passion for protecting Mother Nature. Literally – the Vancouver Sun recently published a veritable ode to a 600-year-old tree.

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ice cream dessert

Ice Cream is Always a Good Idea

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May 30, 2018
Ice Cream is Always a Good Idea

Vanilla? If that’s your scoop. But these Pacific Northwest ice cream shops are dishing up a flavor-packed array of cold treats that go way beyond the bean. Discover six of the best ice cream joints in the San Juans, Victoria, Vancouver, and Seattle.

Clever Cow Creamery

Located in the heart of Orcas Island’s Eastsound, this quaint shop features more than 30 rotating flavors of ultra-creamy homemade ice cream. Traditional shakes and sundaes are also available, as are the delightfully caffeine-loaded affogatos (a scoop of ice cream topped with a shot of espresso).

Lopez Island Creamery

Lopez Island Creamery

More than 20 years ago, Lopez Island Creamery started churning handmade ice cream — one batch at a time. Operating out of a kitchen no bigger than a bedroom, they developed flavors by trading samples for feedback. Today, this island gem is known for having some of the best ice cream in the Seattle area. You can find their cold treats at retail stores and restaurants throughout the Pacific Northwest, including the Lopez Village Market and San Juan Food Co-Op.

Cold Comfort

Creative flavors; locally-sourced, organic ingredients; and a proclivity for booze-infused scoops have earned this Victoria ice cream joint a country-wide following. (In a 2016 BuzzFeed poll, Canadians rated Cold Comfort the fifth best ice cream in all of Canada!)

Favorite flavors include Gin and Tonic (made from local gin and local tonic concentrate), Avocado, and Cinnamon Toast. Those with dietary restrictions will be pleased by their selection of dairy free, (unofficially) “gluten-free” ice cream sandwich cookies, vegan, and occasionally available diabetic friendly selections.

Jackson’s Ice Cream

If you believe in floating on a flavor-packed sugar high, Jackson’s Ice Cream is just for you. Located at Victoria’s Fisherman’s Wharf, this ice cream stand offers a variety of scooped and soft-served treats. They even have a kid-size menu perfect for your little ones.

Brown Paper Packages

This Vancouver dessert stop makes the kind of ice cream sandwiches that make grown men giggle like schoolgirls. Scoops, pints, floats and sundaes are also available at Brown Paper Packages. But really, why would you not opt for your creamy ice cream to be wedged between two detectibly soft cookies? As the name would suggest, sandwiches come wrapped in brown paper. Sandwich flavors lean towards grown-up, with a constantly changing selection that may include raspberry with chocolate cookies and cardamom with lemon almond cookies.

Ice cream cones are all kinds of fun

Bella Gelateria

Heavy on the milk and light on the air, Bella Gelateria’s gelato is well-known for its ultra-creamy texture. Located just blocks from Canada Place in downtown Vancouver, it’s the perfect sweet treat to enjoy while out for a sunny stroll. Favorites include hazelnut and stracciatella (chocolate chip). But don’t overlook their seasonal varieties, such as summer strawberry.

Bluebird Ice Cream

Travel back to the time of soda fountains, where jovial banter with your ice-cream wielding bartender is the norm. At Seattle’s Bluebird Ice Cream, you’ll find vintage kitchen gadgets and diner-style glass sundae cups and sweet homemade waffle cones loaded with inventive flavors. This micro-ice cream chain offers small-batch flavors range from Elysian stout and snickerdoodle to Meyer lemon and dark chocolate cherry cabernet.

Fainting Goat Gelato

While well-known Molly Moon’s may be down the street, Seattleites have developed a love for Fainting Goat (thanks to its shorter lines and ultra-creamy gelato). Family-owned and operated, each batch is made in-house with locally-sourced organic milk. Flavors rotate daily, but may include bilberry, spicy chocolate, and sour cherry swirl.

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Now fly downtown Seattle to downtown Vancouver, BC in about an hour!

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Apr 5, 2018
Now fly downtown Seattle to downtown Vancouver, BC in about an hour!

Kenmore Air’s new Seattle-Vancouver route offers the fastest way to travel between these two Cascadia Corridor tech hubs. Working in association with Harbour Air in Canada, it’s now just an hour scenic seaplane flight linking these two international cities.

While 140 miles and a border separate Seattle and Vancouver, the two cities share a great deal. From their ruggedly lush terrain and saltwater shores to their thriving technology-fueled industries, these Pacific Northwest gems are committed to building an economy based on human ingenuity.

This is why Washington State and British Columbia formalized the Cascadia Innovation Corridor last year. This is, ‘An ambitious initiative to get companies, universities and governments on both sides of the border working closer together,’ reported Ryan Holmes in his Seattle Times coverage.

Several pledges have been made on both sides, many of which focus on a commitment to fight climate change and exploring the feasibility of fast and convenient transportation. In order for the association to thrive, it’s paramount the two cities develop practical and convenient means of commuting back and forth.

Seaplanes Cut Travel Time to About an Hour

Taking a direct flight from Seattle’s Lake Union to downtown Vancouver’s Coal Harbour located near Canada Place, passengers can be dock-to-dock in as little as 60 minutes. Additionally, international seaplane travelers face a minimal wait when they arrive at customs, and unlike the large airports of Sea-Tac and Vancouver International, checking in is fast and convenient with no TSA security checkpoints. Plus, passengers are treated to stunning, scenic views.

Alternate options are available. Travelers can certainly drive, but even under ideal conditions, driving between downtown Seattle to downtown Vancouver is about 4 hours, depending on traffic and border crossing wait times. That makes for a really long day if you’re going up for a one-day business meeting. Amtrak provides a scenic ride, although the trip also takes about 4 hours.

Explore 10 Awesome Things to do in Vancouver

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10 Things to do in Vancouver

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Mar 30, 2018
10 Things to do in Vancouver

If the rugged mountainside and modern technology had a love child – Vancouver would be the result.

Fondly nicknamed ‘The City of Glass,’ this British Columbia metropolis sports a plethora of outdoor parks; a love for local, sustainable cuisine; and a passion for protecting Mother Nature. Literally – the Vancouver Sun recently published a veritable ode to a 600-year-old tree.

The following are just a few of our favorite Vancouver attractions.

1.Capilano Suspension Bridge

Capilano Suspension Bridge

Spanning 450 feet, the Capilano Suspension Bridge was originally built in 1889 out of hemp rope and cedar planks. Constructed as an alternative to forging the Capilano River running through the base of the canyon 230 feet below, the bridge connects visitors to a forest carpeted by lush firs and ferns. A series of elevated suspension bridges built within the trees (known as the Treetop Adventure) allows you to explore from over 100 feet in the air. And, the park’s newest addition – Cliffwalk – provides exceptional views of the bridge itself. This series vertigo-inducing walkways are literally pinned directly to the cliff!

2.Vancouver Aquarium

Home to more than 50,000 fascinating creatures, the Vancouver Aquarium is tucked in the heart of Stanley Park. From the Arctic to the Amazon, it offers a unique opportunity to come face-to-tentacle with some of the world’s most elusive water-loving animals.

3. Vancouver Lookout

Vancouver BC View

Perched at 430-feet, the Vancouver Lookout offers a 360-degree view of downtown and beyond. On a clear day, you can see Gastown, Coal Harbour, Stanley Park, the Pacific Ocean, North Shore Mountains, the Olympic Peninsula, boats, trains, and seaplanes!

4. Craft Brewery Tours

From rich dessert-like malts to fruit-infused IPAs, Vancouver’s craft brewers are taking hop-filled libations to new levels. With a beer geek as your tour guide, explore the local beer scene, sampling and learning about the newest breweries and ones that have been loved for years.

5. Award-Winning Sushi

Sushi

With its large Asian population and close proximity to the sea, Vancouver is home to some of the best and most affordable sushi restaurants in North America. With more than 600 sushi eateries in the metro area alone, you can sample raw fish on practically any corner. Favorite stops include Tojo’s – one of Vancouver’s oldest sushi restaurants that features both traditional and untraditional rolls. Kishimoto is beloved for their house-made tamari dipping sauce. And, not to be overlooked is the ultra-elegant Sushi Bar Maumi, where reservations are a must.

6. Play Like an Olympian at The ROX

Canada’s only Olympic Museum, The ROX invites you to relive iconic moments and view rare Olympic artifacts. But it’s the sports simulators that are the real reason to visit. From bobsledding and ski jumping to racecar driving and kayaking, you can test your skills and challenge the performance of actual Olympians.

7. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

Vancouver is home to the first authentic classical Chinese garden ever built outside of China. The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, an immaculately manicured sanctuary is located downtown. Its harmonious elements were constructed to make rock, water, plants, and architecture flow together.

8. Stanley Park

Stanley Park

Nearly 1,000-acres, Stanley Park is located on a peninsula at the center of Vancouver. Its shores border both Vancouver Harbour and English Bay. The varied terrain includes 400-hectare of natural West Coast rainforest, extensive walking and running paths, a beautiful display of First Nation totem poles, several restaurants, the Vancouver Aquarium, and more. While you can certainly explore the park on foot or by bike, horse-drawn carriage rides offer a leisurely and unique way to soak in the natural beauty.

9. Granville Island

Formerly an industrial site, Granville Island has become one of Vancouver’s most beloved neighborhoods. Best known for its open-air market, the island’s former factories are also home to trendy restaurants, galleries, and Canada’s first microbrewery – Granville Island Brewing. While you can reach the island by car, our favorite way to get there is aboard the passenger fair.

10.Dim Sum

Dim Sum

Like sushi, Vancouver knows more than a thing or two about dim sum. This Cantonese cuisine, with its emphasis on clean flavors and fresh ingredients, features age-old recipes and techniques handed down through the generations. The family-friendly dining rooms encourage sharing, so make sure to bring your appetite and your friends. Among our top picks is The Jade Seafood Restaurant where the dumplings feature refined wrappers without the oil and pork buns are tender and sweet. Also delightful is the Dynasty Seafood Restaurant and Pink Pearl.

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