Kitsilano - Coastal Charm
Arrival and First Impressions
We arrived at Vancouver’s International Airport around 11am, after a smooth flight. The airport was calm and fairly quiet. We got our bags, with no trouble, and ordered an Uber to take us to our VRBO in Kitsilano.
After unpacking we walked down the road to Juliet's Cafe, which is located at 1905 Cornwall Ave. They have several vegan options on their menu, including plant-based milks for coffee. We all got sandwiches and sat outside on the patio. The staff was friendly and the food was good, but expensive for what we got.
After lunch, we walked down to Kitsilano Beach. Also known as “Kits Beach”, it’s an urban oasis situated along the picturesque shores of English Bay. The beach was very busy with families, sunbathers and volleyball players. The view from the beach was breathtaking with the magnificent backdrop of the North Shore Mountains. We walked along the seawall for a bit until we got hot and tired.
We decided to go to The Cider House for dinner. The menu is 100% plant-based and they have over 20 ciders on tap. I ordered a flight so I could try 4 different ones. I also got the Jackfruit Tacos. Everything was delicious!!
We finished the day off with a visit to the first Lululemon store. This store opened in 2000 by it’s founder, Chip Wilson. Chip and his family still live in Kitsilano.
The Next Day
The next morning we decided to explore some more. We started the day with iced coffee and vegan pastries and muffins from Kits Beach Coffee.
Then we headed out on the Seawall again.
We were pleasantly surprised when we came to Mahony’s Tavern (in False Creek) and saw that it had several vegan options on the menu and a big patio overlooking the marina. I ordered the Vegan Mediterranean Bowl. The food and the service was fantastic!
Other activities in Kitsilano
Once you’ve been to the beach and walked along the Seawall you might be wondering what else there is to do in this Vancouver neighbourhood?!
Go Swimming in the Salt Water Pool
Nestled at the edge of Vancouver's picturesque Kitsilano Beach, is Vancouver’s only salt water pool. At 137 metres long, it is the longest outdoor swimming pool in North America! The pool is divided into three sections: a shallow end for families, roped off lanes for swimming laps and a deep end.
Get Gelato and Watch the Sunset
On Kits beach there is a cute little Gelato Food Truck, that is always busy! You can get many different flavours, including vegan. The gelato base is mixed with the different ingredients, on a cold, flat metal plate. Then it is rolled up and served with toppings! We tried the Cookies n’ Cream (didn’t have a lot of flavour) and the Salted Caramel (yummy).
