February 09, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Shopping
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Stores in Gastown are an eclectic mix: there’s everything from independent designer boutiques to vintage stores, high-end galleries displaying Aboriginal art and Euro-centric furniture stores. Oh, and seemingly more souvenir shops than Starbucks coffee shops (if that’s possible).
Walking down the cobbled streets made me feel like I was exploring a quaint European alleyway and I enjoyed window-shopping almost more than actually shopping. Partly this was because prices can run a lil’ high in some stores.
I first ventured into Fluevog. This international shoe store started its origins in Vancouver and its funky shoes have been worn by people like Madonna and Scarlet Johanssen. It has such a cult following that there is even an International Fluevog Day (May 15th). I’m assuming it’s celebrating wearing your ‘vogs(as they're fondly called) but I'm not entirely sure.
Next I headed to One of a Few. Like the name suggests, there are only a few of each item of clothing, which is great if you’re looking for something unique. If you want slightly more selection head next door to their aptly named sister shop, Two of a Few.
In search of a good deal, I visited Army & Navy (Canada’s version of Wal-mart). If you’re willing to hunt you can find some pretty good stuff here. Also: their annual shoe sale is a HUGE deal – line-ups usually start forming at 6am and in 2009 they sold 75,000 pairs of shoes in just 12 days!
Also worth checking out: Koolhaus for higher quality, Ikea-esque furniture (but with a heftier price tag); and the OK Boot Corral, a small shop jam-packed with all things Western - including rows and rows of cowboy (and cowgirl!) boots.
Happy shopping!
Locations: Fluevog, 65 Water St; One of a Few, 354 Water St; Two of a Few, 356 Water St; Army & Navy, 36 West Cordova; Koolhaus, 1 Water St; OK Boot Corral, 205 Carrall St.
February 03, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Sechelt, Festivals & Events
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There is a special place that we discovered in our travels in search of the perfect beach, challenging golf and great cuisine. That place is Roberts Creek, in the heart of the Sunshine Coast. Perfectly placed between Sechelt and Gibsons, this charming community has it all. There are bed and breakfasts galore, vacation homes, a hostel, and great camping.
When were were there on in mid August we were able to experience and participate in the silliest parade and the most interesting market with live entertainment all in the perfect setting of Roberts Creek beach and park.
It was an incredible day of continuous entertainment, great fast food, crafts, and just tons of local characters. We met a kayaker that had just kayaked from his home on Gabriola island and had come in to spend the late afternoon and evening before kayaying his way furnther up the coast to his eventual destination at Powell River.
We then went back to our vacation rental after picking up some suculent wild salmon fillets from the local fish monger and had a fabulous bbq. A truly spectacular day and wonderful evening. The sun shone the whole day making me the biggest believer in the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia.