Is 10 days enough for Vancouver and Victoria?
Apr 16th, 2012, 05:49 PM
#81
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Thanks so much for the recs, we'll definitely be printing this out! Yes, I can imagine it's hard to get good Mexican food up north. We are a few hours from the border here in AZ so our Mexican food is abundant and ranges from dreadful to exquisite, but plentiful none the less! I have one track mind and it's seafood!!! We tend to not like the all you can eat places anyway due to freshness issues, at least that's how it is in AZ and CA, not very good quality. I love the idea of brown rice sushi, fantastic! My 17 month old eats california rolls, sushi training wheels 
So now that we've ruled out the thrift store idea, how about designer consignment shops? Any of that around downtown??? I love to shop consignment, especially in a new city since I've picked my local places dry!
Thank you for all of the tips, such valuable advice, I really appreciate it!!!
So now that we've ruled out the thrift store idea, how about designer consignment shops? Any of that around downtown??? I love to shop consignment, especially in a new city since I've picked my local places dry!
Thank you for all of the tips, such valuable advice, I really appreciate it!!!
Apr 16th, 2012, 11:59 PM
#82
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Well, Vancouver's Mexican offerings have been improving in the past few years with places like La Tacqueria stepping it up in the authenticity department. If you have a desperate craving, go there: http://lataqueria.ca/ But the reality is that Tex-Mex reigns as Mexican food in Vancouver and there really isn't a Mexican community in Vancouver, so there's nobody catering to the Mexican palate, and so Vancouverites have just been happily gulping down Tex Mex without knowing any better. This is changing, and there are some of us out there seeking the real deal, but we've still got a long way to go.
I digress!
Designer consignment shops exist, but again, it's kind of like thrift shops. You're not going to find any by where you're staying, and you're going to have to leave the downtown peninsula if you really want the good stuff. There's really no consignment scene downtown, except for one store, I think.
Most shops in downtown are chain stores and franchises - the unique one-of-a-kind retailers thrive outside of the downtown core in places like Kitsilano, South Granville, Commercial Drive, West Point Grey, Mount Pleasant.
Funny but true story. I am seriously not making this up, but it's just so fitting. I was walking in Yaletown after work the other week and two women visiting from the US stopped me to ask a question. They wanted to know where they could find stores to browse in - boutiques. I figured they just wanted to be pointed to the streets in Yaletown where a few remaining boutiques were still standing (as many of Yaletown's shops have been converted into botox clinics, yoga studios and hair salons - no joke). But no. They wanted to go shopping and had already seen Robson Street and Gastown and had one more day in Vancouver. So I explained to them that the best/most interesting shopping in Vancouver for one-of-a-kind clothing shops isn't downtown, but it's in Kitsilano along West 4th, along W 10th, and along Broadway. It's along Commercial Drive between Broadway and Venables. But it's especially along Main Street between E 7th and E 28th.
And THAT is what I'd recommend to you too.
Since I'm no expert on consignment, I looked a few resources up. I'd trust these:
http://www.bcpassport.com/vancouver-...ment-clothing/
http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc..._loc=Vancouver
http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc...West+Vancouver
I've never been, but My Sister's Closet downtown might be worth a look. Also, if you're seeking a Ross-type experience, there's a store called Winners on the top level of the corner of Robson and Granville, although I always find it picked through.
Turnabout on Granville Street (at W 15th) might be worth a look: http://www.turnaboutclothing.com/ South Granville has many other boutiques nearby, although not many other consignment shops. Mostly just tiny art galleries and high end shops.
If you're looking for one place where you can browse several consignment stores in addition to locally-owned boutiques, again, I'd just head up and down Main Street in the neighbourhood called Mount Pleasant. It's a nice blend of consignment stores, vintage stores, locally-owned carefully-curated boutiques. Lots of quirky restaurants and cafes too. The area is spread out and there are some pockets of nothing, but for the most part, Mount Pleasant makes for a nice afternoon if you can spare 2-3 hours.
Front and Co there is popular: http://www.frontandcompany.ca/
And feel free to ask the staff in the consignment shops where they'd go to shop if they were you. Most locals will be more than happy to point you in the direction.
Good luck!
I digress!
Designer consignment shops exist, but again, it's kind of like thrift shops. You're not going to find any by where you're staying, and you're going to have to leave the downtown peninsula if you really want the good stuff. There's really no consignment scene downtown, except for one store, I think.
Most shops in downtown are chain stores and franchises - the unique one-of-a-kind retailers thrive outside of the downtown core in places like Kitsilano, South Granville, Commercial Drive, West Point Grey, Mount Pleasant.
Funny but true story. I am seriously not making this up, but it's just so fitting.
I was walking in Yaletown after work the other week and two women visiting from the US stopped me to ask a question. They wanted to know where they could find stores to browse in - boutiques. I figured they just wanted to be pointed to the streets in Yaletown where a few remaining boutiques were still standing (as many of Yaletown's shops have been converted into botox clinics, yoga studios and hair salons - no joke). But no. They wanted to go shopping and had already seen Robson Street and Gastown and had one more day in Vancouver. So I explained to them that the best/most interesting shopping in Vancouver for one-of-a-kind clothing shops isn't downtown, but it's in Kitsilano along West 4th, along W 10th, and along Broadway. It's along Commercial Drive between Broadway and Venables. But it's especially along Main Street between E 7th and E 28th. And THAT is what I'd recommend to you too.
Since I'm no expert on consignment, I looked a few resources up. I'd trust these:
http://www.bcpassport.com/vancouver-...ment-clothing/
http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc..._loc=Vancouver
http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc...West+Vancouver
I've never been, but My Sister's Closet downtown might be worth a look. Also, if you're seeking a Ross-type experience, there's a store called Winners on the top level of the corner of Robson and Granville, although I always find it picked through.
Turnabout on Granville Street (at W 15th) might be worth a look: http://www.turnaboutclothing.com/ South Granville has many other boutiques nearby, although not many other consignment shops. Mostly just tiny art galleries and high end shops.
If you're looking for one place where you can browse several consignment stores in addition to locally-owned boutiques, again, I'd just head up and down Main Street in the neighbourhood called Mount Pleasant. It's a nice blend of consignment stores, vintage stores, locally-owned carefully-curated boutiques. Lots of quirky restaurants and cafes too. The area is spread out and there are some pockets of nothing, but for the most part, Mount Pleasant makes for a nice afternoon if you can spare 2-3 hours.
Front and Co there is popular: http://www.frontandcompany.ca/
And feel free to ask the staff in the consignment shops where they'd go to shop if they were you. Most locals will be more than happy to point you in the direction.
Good luck!
May 5th, 2012, 06:57 AM
#84
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Hello -I live in Vancouver & would love to share some thrift/consignment stores with you.
There is 1 thrift store in the heart of the West End that has TONS of childrens things -they will have toys and clothes as well as t the odd podge assortment of housewares,dvds etc.
T This is located in Gordon Neighbourhood House (its a service run by the United Way ) the money goes directly to support children's activities & the volunteers are lovely-between Nelson & Comox st at intersection of Broughton.Mon-Sat 10am to 4.
Then there is the Senior's Centre thrift store in the Denman Mall (the Denman Mall is very small and it has a grocery store,a wine store & a senior's centre) but as expected will not have children's things -although it has cheap books !
There is also Gas Town that starts from the Seabus station on Water Street and runs eastward with Deluxe Junk 310 E Cordova with new & vintage consignment - but stay where the tourists frequent . Once you start going past the square where you see a statue of Gassy Jack (trust me its an interesting story of our pioneer years) you will be running into the destitute part of downtown East End and with a small child you may feel outside of your comfort zone. Having said that,I have lived and raised a family in the West End and have felt very comfortable packing my children all over the city.
Hope you have a great time!
There is 1 thrift store in the heart of the West End that has TONS of childrens things -they will have toys and clothes as well as t the odd podge assortment of housewares,dvds etc.
T This is located in Gordon Neighbourhood House (its a service run by the United Way ) the money goes directly to support children's activities & the volunteers are lovely-between Nelson & Comox st at intersection of Broughton.Mon-Sat 10am to 4.
Then there is the Senior's Centre thrift store in the Denman Mall (the Denman Mall is very small and it has a grocery store,a wine store & a senior's centre) but as expected will not have children's things -although it has cheap books !
There is also Gas Town that starts from the Seabus station on Water Street and runs eastward with Deluxe Junk 310 E Cordova with new & vintage consignment - but stay where the tourists frequent . Once you start going past the square where you see a statue of Gassy Jack (trust me its an interesting story of our pioneer years) you will be running into the destitute part of downtown East End and with a small child you may feel outside of your comfort zone. Having said that,I have lived and raised a family in the West End and have felt very comfortable packing my children all over the city.
Hope you have a great time!
May 20th, 2012, 01:25 PM
#86
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We arrived in Vancouver via Amtrak Cascades, hopped on the C21 Beach bus and arrived at the Sylvia in like 15 minutes, very easy. The Sylvia is a mixed bag, they get the major things right which makes it easy to over look the minor things like the fact that it is indeed fairly run down. However, the fact that our 7th floor corner 1 bedroom apartment has SIX giant windows ALL with ocean view, I'd say I can get over a little peeling paint, lumpy pillows and worn fixtures. The staff here bends over backwards and are genuinely polite and interested, I really appreciate that in a hotel. Also the location, as previously mentioned by other fodorites, is outstanding, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else, so it was a good call!
We went to Sushi Mart yesterday as Tentek recommended and I was really impressed. It was so fresh, the sockeye salmon was exceptional and I like that you can have your rolls made with brown sushi rice. The prices were very reasonable for the quality. Can't wait to eat more sushi here!
Today we tried Legendary Noodles since it's so highly recommended on trip advisor, yelp, urban spoon etc. Wow. It's been a very long time since Asian food has wowed me like that. They make the noodles fresh right in front of you to order, the taste and texture were really incredible. We also had the juicy pork dumplings, fantastic.
My darling toddler daughter has not been eating much on this trip but she's found her love at a Bulgarian cafe called Acacia Fillo Cafe. They make a traditional dish from Sophia called Banitza, she has taken a liking to the mildly sweet milk banitza, it's kind of like a sweet Jewish noodle kugel. I had a lemon coconut banitza with hot coffee on this rainy day and it was swoon worthy.
Noticed yesterday on a late night diaper run to the drug store that the Ukranian Village restaurant was packed, going to try to hit that one up in the next few days. I love how much international food is here, it's really an exciting and eclectic variety for foodies! we've been totally satisfied with the restaurants on Robson and Denman streets right around the corner from the hotel.
Havent done any shopping yet, it just started raining and it's been going steady for many hours now so we are relaxing with our ocean view
Thanks for everyone's advice, we are slowly sorting through this thread and ticking off our list!
We went to Sushi Mart yesterday as Tentek recommended and I was really impressed. It was so fresh, the sockeye salmon was exceptional and I like that you can have your rolls made with brown sushi rice. The prices were very reasonable for the quality. Can't wait to eat more sushi here!
Today we tried Legendary Noodles since it's so highly recommended on trip advisor, yelp, urban spoon etc. Wow. It's been a very long time since Asian food has wowed me like that. They make the noodles fresh right in front of you to order, the taste and texture were really incredible. We also had the juicy pork dumplings, fantastic.
My darling toddler daughter has not been eating much on this trip but she's found her love at a Bulgarian cafe called Acacia Fillo Cafe. They make a traditional dish from Sophia called Banitza, she has taken a liking to the mildly sweet milk banitza, it's kind of like a sweet Jewish noodle kugel. I had a lemon coconut banitza with hot coffee on this rainy day and it was swoon worthy.
Noticed yesterday on a late night diaper run to the drug store that the Ukranian Village restaurant was packed, going to try to hit that one up in the next few days. I love how much international food is here, it's really an exciting and eclectic variety for foodies! we've been totally satisfied with the restaurants on Robson and Denman streets right around the corner from the hotel.
Havent done any shopping yet, it just started raining and it's been going steady for many hours now so we are relaxing with our ocean view
Thanks for everyone's advice, we are slowly sorting through this thread and ticking off our list!
May 21st, 2012, 08:49 AM
#87
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Giulia, thanks for the feedback and the trip report. You are a very impressive Fodorite! I am glad you liked Sushi Mart. We are heading over to Vancouver for Memorial Day weekend with our 5 year old and would love to check out the Legendary Noodles restaurant you mentioned. I have seen the Ukranian Village, but I am a bit apprehensive about it because I have had authentic Ukranian food in the former Soviet Union and the place looks a bit worn out from the outside. But it has been there on Denman for a long time and has not gone out of business, so there must be a reason.
May 21st, 2012, 09:27 PM
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I will definitely keep posting! Yesterday I had Nat's New York pizza by the slice, so fabulous and I consider myself to be very hard to please when it comes to pizza and rarely find precooked pizza by the slice to meet my standards. However, this was thin crispy crust, nice sauce; not too sweet not to acidic, great fresh toppings that stood up even though reheated, I thought it was great! Also had some take out from a Persian/Greek place, lamb souvlaki, fava bean and dill rice, lemon potatoes and yogurt sauce, the lamb was perfectly cooked, nice and pink in the middle. I'd definitely go back there. I swear my pants are already not fitting, I'm scared for the "foodie tour" of Granville Island, why oh why didn't I bring elastic pants???? Smirk...
We decided not to go to Victoria because the actual journey there would just be too much with an 18 month old. She's being a pretty good sport about spending so much time in her stroller, especially in the rain, thankfully I brought her rain cover which has never even been unpacked in Arizona. We'll all be a lot happier when the sky is clear again. We don't even know how to be in the rain, we have one day of rain in Arizona and it's such a big deal that it will be on every news channel. I keep looking out the window thinking, it's still raining?? Can it really just keep raining? Apparently the answer is yes!!!
Today we really lucked out, we were schlepping my daughter around in the rain and a nice older gentleman stopped us and said that we should take her to the West End Community center (4 blocks from the hotel) because they had an indoor play/sports area set up for the kids. It was PERFECT! She got to run, bounce, play, ride little cars and best of all play kids hockey! She wasn't too bad, managed to scoot the ball more than a few times, it was a riot and totally free! I was really impressed with that.
It finally stopped raining today around 4, I was starting to get really depressed since we came so far to see Vancouver and it had been raining for almost 48 hours. So today we did a self guided walking tour of downtown, Coal Harbor and the West End. Wow what GORGEOUS heritage homes, I was totally coveting, that's my favorite style of residential architecture! The shopping area had a lively atmosphere to it but it was mostly chains we have back home. So I'm looking forward to checking out some smaller shops in different areas. Chapters bookstore is phenomenal, it had books, gifts, coffee and a fantastic kids department with tons of toys. The closest thing we ever had to that was the now defunct Border's and that didn't even hold a candle to this place. Wish we had something like that back home.
Tomorrow is a toss up between Yaletown, Gastown and Chinatown walk or Granville Kitsilano walk. It will all depend on the weather!
We decided not to go to Victoria because the actual journey there would just be too much with an 18 month old. She's being a pretty good sport about spending so much time in her stroller, especially in the rain, thankfully I brought her rain cover which has never even been unpacked in Arizona. We'll all be a lot happier when the sky is clear again. We don't even know how to be in the rain, we have one day of rain in Arizona and it's such a big deal that it will be on every news channel. I keep looking out the window thinking, it's still raining?? Can it really just keep raining? Apparently the answer is yes!!!
Today we really lucked out, we were schlepping my daughter around in the rain and a nice older gentleman stopped us and said that we should take her to the West End Community center (4 blocks from the hotel) because they had an indoor play/sports area set up for the kids. It was PERFECT! She got to run, bounce, play, ride little cars and best of all play kids hockey! She wasn't too bad, managed to scoot the ball more than a few times, it was a riot and totally free! I was really impressed with that.
It finally stopped raining today around 4, I was starting to get really depressed since we came so far to see Vancouver and it had been raining for almost 48 hours. So today we did a self guided walking tour of downtown, Coal Harbor and the West End. Wow what GORGEOUS heritage homes, I was totally coveting, that's my favorite style of residential architecture! The shopping area had a lively atmosphere to it but it was mostly chains we have back home. So I'm looking forward to checking out some smaller shops in different areas. Chapters bookstore is phenomenal, it had books, gifts, coffee and a fantastic kids department with tons of toys. The closest thing we ever had to that was the now defunct Border's and that didn't even hold a candle to this place. Wish we had something like that back home.
Tomorrow is a toss up between Yaletown, Gastown and Chinatown walk or Granville Kitsilano walk. It will all depend on the weather!
May 21st, 2012, 10:47 PM
#90
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You are hitting all of our usual spots. We have taken our son to the West End community center for bouncy house while it was raining since he was 2 years old. Unfortunately, the forecast is rain until Saturday, at least here in Seattle. Yes, Chapters on Robson is great. Granville Island has an indoor kids place too, I can't remember what it's called but I am sure you will find it once you get there. Your daughter is probably too young, but they have this play structure of tunnels and they have little slides and rides for kids of all ages.
Have you checked out the Aquarium? It is fabulous even for an 18 months old baby. Do you have good steady umbrellas?
Best of luck, sorry the weather is not cooperating. I hope the food makes it worth it!
Have you checked out the Aquarium? It is fabulous even for an 18 months old baby. Do you have good steady umbrellas?
Best of luck, sorry the weather is not cooperating. I hope the food makes it worth it!
May 26th, 2012, 08:22 PM
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Giulia, i don't know if you are still in Vancouver, but we are. We just went to our new favorite Ramen place: Santouka on robson, across from Whole Foods, close to Sushi mart. very delicious. We got there early before noon, so there was no line. I highly recommend it, although it might be busy during peak hours.
