Month: April 2018

One thing is for certain – Vancouverites love their dogs! And while most of us resort to a couple of quick daily jaunts around our own neighbourhoods, dog owners know that nothing makes the family pup happier than the opportunity to run free. 

Fortunately, we have many beautiful and convenient spots where you and your dog can take in some of the city’s beauty.  Here are a few of our favourite dog-friendly areas:

Charleston Park

With a pond, a waterfall, lush greenery and a central location, there’s much to love about Charleston Park along the False Creek Seawall.  Because it flanks such a busy walkway, there are some rules here: No dogs in the duck pond, no matter how tempting, and off-leash times are limited to morning and after 5 pm June to September.

999 Charleston at Laurel Street

Emery Barnes Park

It may not be the prettiest of dog parks, but it doesn’t get much more urban, or central, than this park located in the middle of Yaletown.  The dog area is pebble, not grass, but it is fenced in, keeping errant pups away from the busy streets that flank the park on all sides.  There are a number of coffee shops in the area which makes it a great place to grab a cup and dog-watch on your coffee break.

Davie and Richards

Fraser River Dog Park

As the name suggests, this park is located along the edge of the Fraser River, at the foot of Angus and 75^th.   Its slightly out-of-the-way location makes for a nice quiet spot to stroll and enjoy the scenic river views.  It also has free parking and well-maintained walkways for walkers and runners.  Not all of this park is off-leash, so be sure to heed the signs.

Angus and 75^th Avenue

Hadden Park

While dogs aren’t allowed on many of Vancouver’s beaches, there are a few places where they are allowed to roam free.  The dog beach near Vanier Park and the Maritime Museum is a Locate favourite. Not only is it quite central, it has beautiful views of the downtown core from across the water.  The other advantage is that the beach area is relatively contained, making it a bit easier to keep track of pups gone wild.

1905 Ogden Avenue, at Chestnut

Spanish Banks Beach Park

When you take a stroll along Spanish Banks on a sun-filled day, memories of Vancouver rain immediately get washed away.  One of the most beautiful places to taken in the ocean and the city, Spanish Banks also has a large grassy area and an entire beach devoted to our four-legged friends.  But be forewarned: Come summer, the area is packed. And, come low-tide, you’ll be taking home one sandy, muddy (though very happy) pup.

4900 NW Marine Drive

Sunset Beach Park

Across the water from Hadden Park, and behind Vancouver Aquatic Centre, Sunset Beach Park is another great spot to give your dog some water access.  With spectacular views of English Bay and Vanier Park, it’s a great place to let your pup roam free before or after you do a loop around the Stanley Park seawall, which is an on-leash area.

1204 Beach Avenue (at Bute)

Musqueam Park

Located in the middle of one of Vancouver’s poshest neighbourhoods, this park is relatively quiet and very wet, oops, we mean west, coast.  Because it’s located in a low-lying area, it can be quite swampy during the colder, wetter months. Not that your dog is likely to care but we do recommend wearing rubber boots.  The park can feel quite secluded at times, making it the perfect place to escape from city life. And because it is quieter, it can be a good choice for dogs who don’t play as well with others.

4000 Southwest Marine Drive

Trout Lake (aka John Hendry) Park

East side residents flock to the picturesque Trout Lake for walks, picnics, a quick game of catch, and in summer, even a swim. The off-leash area is contained to one side of the park: It runs from the north end of the lake, to the ball field on the west, to the football field to the east and the lake to the south.  It’s pretty easy to figure out once you’re there. Trout Lake is also the scene of a growing dog meet-up that takes place in March.

3300 Victoria Drive

Looking for more dog-friendly locations in the city? This site is a good resource. And a final note, a reminder to follow all posted signs for off-leashed boundaries and times.

When it comes to grabbing a bite for lunch, how many times have you said, “I could go for a big salad”?

We hear you. Finding that perfect salad that’s tasty, healthy and filling can be an ongoing quest. And, it’s always good to have a few go-to salad options in order to keep that diet varied.

To make your salad search a bit easier, here are some of our top spots in Vancouver:

Nourish

This adorable café meets cooking school is located on a commercial strip of 10^th Avenue near Alma. Their hearty salads include the Nourish Masala salad, a Kale & Rice salad and our favourite, the Bangkok Noodle salad – which is more soba noodle than salad, but we’re not complaining. Throw in some egg, chicken or smoked tofu for added protein.

3472 10^th Avenue

 

DALINA

Located on the corner of Main and East Georgia in Chinatown, DALINA is a combination of espresso bar, grocery store and café. The menu includes a selection of seasonal salads but our favourite is the Tuna Gallego, which includes vegetables, beans, marinated octopus and seared tuna. Super healthy and filling. (Plus, the coffee here is excellent too) Eat in or take out, and pick up some groceries while you’re at it.

687 Main Street

 

Tractor

We love this (expanding) chain for their healthy mix and match salad selection, featuring everything from quinoa to pasta to potato to all veg salads. One of our favourites is the green pea, snap peas, red potato salad with a mint, basil and lemon dressing. You can throw in a protein here as well. Vegetarians, be sure to try to grilled avocado. And the double chocolate and pistachio gluten-free cookies are to DIE for. After all, you can’t live on salads alone!

Various, including 1903 West 4^th Avenue

 

Heirloom

This vegetarian restaurant on west 12^th serves a mean twist on a traditional Caesar salad, incorporating kale into the mix, and topping it with cornbread croutons, crispy capers, cashew parmesan and beet chips. The large is a very healthy size, so you may find yourself taking some home for a late afternoon snack. (Because kale leaves are hearty, it actually does hold up well.)

1509 West 12^th Avenue

 

Ahn and Chi

If you’re looking to put an Asian spin on your lunch, check out this delicious Vietnamese hot spot on Main Street. Their three salads on the menu include ingredients like banana blossoms, soft shell crab and fresh mango. But one of our faves is the fresh water spinach topped with sautéed garlic beef sirloin, fried shallots and roasted peanuts tossed in a sweet vinaigrette. Delicious!

3388 Main Street

 

Whole Foods

When you’re looking to build your own salad, to eat in or take-out, nothing beats the Whole Foods salad bars. Chalk full of veggies, various proteins, cheeses and nuts, there is definitely something for every taste and every dietary requirement here. If you’re super hungry, there are also prepared dishes like soups and stews to savour as well.

Various, including 2285 West 4^th