Unforgettable Whistler Wedding at Nita Lake Lodge

Love Notes

“It’s hard to put into words how we feel about our time at Nita Lake lodge. David and I knew we were taking a big risk getting married so far from home and getting our families to fly halfway around the world to a destination and venue that we had only seen photos of on the internet. We put all our trust into the staff at Nita Lake Lodge. But Whistler, Nita Lake Lodge and the lovely staff far exceeded our expectations, leaving us with memories we will treasure forever and for which we are very thankful.” – Mr. + Mrs. H

Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and nestled on a glacier-fed lake in Whistler, BC, Nita Lake Lodge is nationally recognized as a premiere destination wedding venue. Nita Lake Lodge has a variety of indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces ideal in every season, each offering a unique picturesque backdrop for your celebration. The architectural expression recalls that of early mountain lodges framed in exposed wood and with a beautiful Portecochère. The striking environment, on-site bridal spa services and customized catering make Nita Lake Lodge a dreamy destination wedding spot in Whistler, BC.

Nita Lake Lodge boasts the professional talents of culinary and events teams ensuring every aspect is creatively designed and carefully planned. Options may be selected from the wedding catering menu or let Nita’s Executive Chef create a custom plated dinner menu personalized just for you and your special guests. The dedicated pastry team also has all your cake and dessert needs covered.

As a four-diamond full-service boutique hotel, Nita Lake Lodge is proud to offer spaces to host both your wedding ceremony and reception or a wedding reception only. Exchange vows on the Lakeside Patio or at the stunning Portecochère. One of Canada’s most ‘Instagram-worthy’ properties, Nita Lake Lodge ensures a beautiful wedding album of wonderful memories for years to come.

“We are so thankful and happy that we chose Nita Lake for our wedding location. It allowed us to be with our favourite people all in one spot. The location is so beautiful. Our wedding day was just so perfect (even the weather!)—it was everything that I had envisioned it to be. The vendors also helped bring our vision to life and I honestly was just sooo blown away!” – K + M

“We appreciated everyone so much during the wedding! You have such a wonderful team at Nita Lake, and everything was beautiful! We will certainly be back for anniversaries or other celebrations in the future!”

– Mr. + Mrs. Z

@nitalakelodge

The City of Burnaby features some extraordinary venues with catering packages that are perfect for meetings, corporate events, workshops, conferences, staff parties and weddings.

With many locations to choose from and a range of packages to fit your budget, let us make your event one to remember.

BOOK A TOUR OF OUR VENUES TODAY!

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Social’s stylish patio checks two great boxes: it’s one of the few rooftop patios in the city and it has a late-night happy hour food menu—so you can stay fuelled for an all-night party under the stars (or at least until they kick you out).

Patio season is short and sweet: it’s go time. Read on for the best spots for sipping, snacking and sunning—think dog-friendly destinations, ‘grammable go-tos, hidden hangouts and more.

BY THE EDITORS

Reflections

801 W Georgia St., 4th floor

Listen, we obviously love this city (we’re called Vancouver magazine, after all) but, sometimes, isn’t it nice to pretend to be... away? When that feeling hits, that’s when we waltz through the lustrous lobby of the Hotel Georgia and ride up the elevator to the fourth-floor oasis: an open-air patio hugged by the hotel’s brick facades. Is this New York? London? Ponder the possibilities as you lounge under the pergola—draped with greenery and lights, of course, they’re not animals—and consider a quick nap on the cushy, low-slung sofas.

This isn’t the place to source a cheap-and-cheerful pitcher of beer, but if you’re looking for an indulgent, sophisticated afternoon getaway (no flight required), nothing beats this secret garden in the sky. Sip the maracuya colada ($24), an upscale take on the classic allinclusive slushie: Black Barrel rum, passion fruit puree, coconut milk and coconut syrup just add to the transportive vibes. An equally enticing zeroproof cocktail menu makes the rooftop-ish experience something special for nonimbibers, too—the virgin watermelon mojito ($16) is a true taste of summer. Modern share-plate classics like blistered shishitos ($16) and salmon aburi ($27) will please your fellow faux travellers. Another round? rosewoodhotels.com

Popina Canteen

1691 Johnston St.

The supergroup that opened Popina didn’t necessarily set off to create the unsung patio hero of Granville Island—but by setting up some outdoor seating between their colourful shippingcontainer takeout counter and the bustling ferry dock, they did just that. Chefs Angus An (Maenam, Longtail Kitchen), Robert Belcham (Campagnolo), Hamid Salimian (consultant for Earls, co-founder of Nextjen) and Joël Watanabe (Kissa Tanto) had a humble dream of showing Vancouver just how good lobster rolls and fried chicken can be. Little did they know that the simple dining space would offer up a beautiful side of Burrard Street Bridge views, fresh ocean breezes and a front-row seat to all the seagull drama—if you want more from a patio than that, we can’t help you.

All summer, Popina accommodates a steady stream of foodies coming and going from its benches, toasting a day of successful market shopping with a glass of sparkling from JoieFarm Winery ($13), pregaming for live theatre with a Provincial Spirits cocktail ($12) or just taking in the sunset with an ice-creamstuffed cream puff ($9) in hand. popinacanteen.com

“I’ll go with the Granville Island hotel’s Dockside restaurant—for the ambiance, the fireplaces and that sophisticated, stylish and contemporary feel. Give me the skillet-baked cheese rolls and the pork belly and I’m good to go. There’s perfect waterfront views plus epic views of downtown, and they also have a happy hour and heat lamps and blankets when it gets chilly.” 1253 Johnston St., docksidevancouver.com

Robba Da Matti

1906 Haro St.

Despite its home in the heart of this city’s densest neighbourhood, the lovely, lightsand-trellis-covered patio that is Robba Da Matti manages to feel like a hidden gem—and that’s in large part due to its residential location. This is no Denmanand-Davie see-and-be-seen beachgoer’s delight, but instead a quiet spot tucked right into the ’hood, dropped slightly from street level like a ’60s living room, and oozing with Italian hospitality. It starts from the moment the server welcomes you in—order the warm olives ($12), which clearly should be paired with a

PERSONAL PATIO PICK glass of the Santa Margherita prosecco ($12) or a when-inalmost-Italy Aperol spritz ($13.50), because summer.

The restaurant brings in fresh burrata from Italy weekly and pairs it with prosciutto ($25), so go all-in with sharesies, and do gild the lily with the Ligurian dish of pasta el pesto and burrata: homemade pesto topped with pecorino romano, burrata cream and toasted pistachios ($26). Or, if your Italian interest falls to Rome, then spaghetti carbonara—fresh pasta beautifully coated in free-range egg yolk with salty guanciale and cracked pepper—is your bowl of comfort for the night ($28). And with the lights twinkling overhead, a warm summer breeze and the chatter of those strolling the pedestrians-only strip of Gilford Street nearby, you’ll be reaching for another bottle of prosecco and planning your next European vacation. robbadamatti.com

Need a new patio to add to your al fresco lineup? Here are Vancouver’s latest and greatest.

“I love Hanai’s patio. It feels like a community—whenever I go there, I bump into the nicest people. I usually have a glass of sake or one of their playful slushy cocktails. And, of course, Burdock’s garden patio (biased, I know), where you get to see Chef Andrea come out and pick herbs for dishes. Also there’s nothing better than having a beautiful piece of burrata or profiteroles while enjoying a bottle of bubbles.”

1590 Commercial Dr., hanaivancouver.com

Shiva Reddy, sommelier at Burdock and Co and food and wine columnist for CBC Vancouver’s On the Coast

Wildlight Kitchen And Bar

5380 University Blvd.

Opened February 2023

West-siders (and eastsiders who aren’t afraid of a little drive), listen up: this new restaurant on UBC campus has a totally dreamy 40-seat patio that’s bathed in sunshine. The ultra-popular midcentury modern horseshoe booths are the ideal spot for snacking on pescetarian charcuterie. wildlightrestaurant.ca

Local Public Eatery

8558 River District Crossing

Opened May 2023

Local is establishing a patio empire in this city. There’s the famed Kits Beach location, the touristfriendly Gastown eatery and now this buzzy, brand-new River District spot. The wraparound, yellow-umbrella’d patio seats 90: sip on a spicy guava margarita and judge this emerging dining destination for yourself. localpubliceatery.com heartandstroke.ca/FAST

© Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, 2023 | ™ The heart and / Icon on its own and the heart and / Icon followed by another icon or words are trademarks of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

Social

1812 Commercial Dr.

Social is a true tropical paradise, complete with chic flamingo and jungle-themed wallpaper, ethereal rattan bucket lightshades and lush cascading vines to inspire eager Instagrammers. The macrame curtains and Pinterest-y wicker swivel chair further serve as influencer bait. Skylight windows and glass sliding doors flood the space with sunshine.

This sky-high oasis delights with local wines, craft beers and inventive cocktails (boozy slushies and vodka-spiked juice boxes, natch). The menu follows suit, featuring islandinspired bites like ahi tuna sushi tacos ($17) and spicy chicken dumplings with kimchi ($16), available at a discount during late-night happy hour (9 p.m. onward).

Social’s patio is a stomping ground for live DJs, 20-somethings with shared party pitchers—try the boozy peach pink vodka lemonade ($31)— content creators doing their thing and brunchers living it up (croque madame [$18], anyone?). The vibe leans more toward party than lounge—Social is an apt name. socialyvr.com

MAXINE’S CAFÉ & BAR

1325 Burrard St.

Maxine’s has truly mastered the art of casual elegance—you know, like that one friend who somehow looks chic in a bicycle helmet. This charming West End patio seats 25, and the unfussy but adorable cushioned benches and rattan chairs are the perfect spot to enjoy some crispy happy hour fried chicken ($14) with tabasco honey butter, or to indulge in the brunch favourite Dutch baby ($23—and don’t let the name fool you, this monstrous cast-iron pancake packed with ham and cheesy mornay sauce is an adult-sized spectacular that’s decadent enough to share).

Drinks-wise, the basil gin sour ($15, $12 at happy hour) is an artful twist on the classic gin-and-lemon combo—basil syrup and celery bitters give the drink an extra wow-factor. The blackberry margarita ($15, $2 off at happy hour) is another winner: it’s more on the tart side than a

YES, but not during weekend brunch traditional marg, perfect for summer sipping. That said, this little piece of Parisianesque paradise isn’t just a fair-weather destination—wellplaced heaters make it a comfy go-to well into the fall.

Plus, the people-watching is supreme: chaotic family bike rides, hardcore morning joggers and impeccably dressed people walking impeccably dressed dogs are all easy gets on the Maxine’s bingo card. maxinescafebar.com

“One of my favourite restaurant patios in the city is Livia on Commercial Drive. This family-run bakery, pasta and wine bar (named after the owner’s nona) boasts the charm and warmth you’d expect from an Italian café. It has such a welcoming atmosphere, and the front patio is the perfect spot (rain or shine—it’s covered) for people-watching. I highly recommend the breakfast sandwich for brunch, and you really can’t go wrong with any of Livia’s fresh pastas for lunch or dinner. On your way out, be sure to grab a loaf of sourdough (my favourite) and some of their mouthwatering pastries.”

1399 Commercial Dr., liviasweets.com

Jaycelyn

Minami

1118 Mainland St.

Did you know that Minami has a Japanese-inspired Zen garden patio tucked behind it? (Shhh, don’t tell anyone.) With just nine tables and 24 seats, this romantic little oasis in the heart of Yaletown is the perfect spot to impress on a first date. Snuggle up under the tree canopy and twinkling string lights while nibbling on the restaurant’s signature flame-seared pressed sushi. It’s hard to choose a favourite between the salmon (B.C. wild sockeye and jalapeño), ebi (prawn and lime zest) and saba (house-cured mackerel and miso sauce), so go for the sampler ($21), which includes two of each. Another must-have is the bluefin tuna Redwave roll

($12 for 4, $24 for 8), which made its triumphant return to the menu this year after a brief hiatus, during which the chef upgraded the ingredients. (We didn’t think it could get better, but it just did.) Looking to secure that second date? Treat them to the Iwate A5 wagyu nigiri ($12), a piece of exquisitely marbled beef perched atop sushi rice. Wash it all down with a sake flight (starting at $25), which includes a selection of three glasses hand-picked by restaurant manager Barnaby Malong. And don’t forget to save room for dessert: pastry chef Nikki Tam is always creating something sweet with her everchanging selection of “JapanEuro-influenced” confections, but the green tea opera cake ($16) is a staple. It’s the happy ending we all wish for in a fairy-tale setting. minamirestaurant.com

The Galley Patio And Grill At Jericho Sailing Centre

1300 Discovery St.

We patio lovers contain multitudes. Sometimes you seek out a patio for the happy hour special, or the great bar snacks, or the people-watching. And sometimes you want the beachiest, best waterfront spot in the city and you don’t even care what’s on the table in front of you—and that’s when you hit up the Galley.

That’s not to say the Moody Ales Blood Orange Hefeweizen ($8.50) on tap here isn’t going to be crazy refreshing after a summer-day stroll down Point Grey Road and the Jericho Beach pathway—or a pour of Red Rooster Pinot Gris ($11.75), if that’s your bag. It’s just that the selling point here is far more than the fare that comes out of the humble grill kitchen. No matter how crispy the fries or fish batter (one-piece fish and chips, $19.75), it’s the views that are going to make the hike up the Sailing Centre staircase worth the trek. From your perch above the sand at any of the wobbly, faux-marble patio tables, you can take in the sparkling ocean and downtown skyline in one sweep. There’s the snowcapped mountains, the colourful container ships dotting the horizon, the sailboats drifting back and forth in the bay. Get a second pint (and slap on a little more sunscreen): this is a postcardperfect view of the city we love, and you’re going to want to stay awhile. thegalley.ca

SUPERFLUX

505 Clark Dr.

Permanent patio opened May 2023

Thanks to a new bylaw allowing permanent patios at breweries, East Van’s Superflux now has a covered, year-round 67-seat patio—the no-frills picnic benches and ambient string lights beckon large groups of IPA aficionados. superfluxbeer.com

The Victor

39 Smithe St.

You’ve already dropped hundreds to see Beyoncé at BC Place, so why not enjoy a pre- or post-show dining experience that’s worthy of Queen Bey herself? Within walking distance of both downtown stadiums, The Victor’s expansive patio is surprisingly stealthy for one that’s located on a 30,000-square-foot green space. In order to find it, head up to the sixth-floor lobby of the Douglas Hotel in the Parq casino, then cozy up on the covered patio areas directly outside the lounge and dining room or bask in the sun at one of the umbrella-dotted tables that line the deck surrounding the water feature (furry friends are permitted here). And then there’s the food. Recently awarded an honourable mention in the steakhouse category in our 2023 Restaurant Awards, The Victor is sure to please the steak snobs in your party. Choose from the numerous premium cuts (all cooked in a 1,200-degree broiler—we told you it was snobby) and dig into can’tresist sides like mac ’n’ cheese waffles ($15) and a classic onion ring stack ($13). Pair your steak with a selection from the extensive wines-by-theglass list (the Enomatic wine system keeps things fresh) or go with a signature cocktail (try the rum-spiked Tiki Kahiki) then sit back and relax while you enjoy a close-up of the glowing lights from BC Place and the views of False Creek and downtown. This is elevated (pun intended) pregaming at its best. parqvancouver.com

MOUNT PLEASANT VINTAGE & PROVISIONS

67 W 6th Ave.

Don’t be fooled by the unassuming little heritage home with its “This is not a cult” sign—this restaurant is trendy as hell. Take your patio pick: cozy street-facing front or elevated back alley. The former has AstroTurf flooring, lush greenery, colourful furniture and a giant graffiti-style mural. The latter has epic city and mountain views and a huge event tent that sets the stage for a summertime block party: choose from wooden picnic tables, vintage lawn chairs or painted cinderblocks. The Sailor Jerryesque mural and ’90s rap playlist bring a West Coast cool-meets-nostalgia vibe.

The happy hour menu (2:30 to 5:30 p.m.) reads like a kid’s birthday party spread, in the best way. There’s $3 fireroasted hotdogs (the condiments come in a cute vintage lunch pail) and crispy, perfectly seasoned tater tots ($5). Gourmet cookout favourites include wood-fired oysters ($19), burnt s’mores cheesecake with spicy blueberry compote ($11) and fall-off-the-bone eight-hour saucy beef brisket ($24, weekends only). Quench your thirst with local beers on tap or try a boozy slushy (think sangria or frozen Vietnamese coffee). Plus, there’s the Tiger Claw, MPV’s unique twist on a White Claw: it’s vodka soda in seasonal flavours like strawberry basil and pineapple star anise. This two-for-one patio party is barely a year old, but it’s already a cult fav (despite the sign). mtpleasant.bar

YES, on the front patio

SOME YES

Y ES (for 8 or more)

HOT

Don’t mess with the classics: these go-to patios deliver spectacular views. Here’s where to bring out-oftowners to prove them wrong when they gripe about the rain.

Mahony’s Tavern | False Creek

A frozen bellini is only $8 during happy hour here, and those False Creek views are free. Watch out for seagulls—they love a good deal, too.

The Sandbar | Granville Island

Want a golden-hour snapshot of your truffle fries? This seafood-focused spot is perfect for sunset-chasers.

Tap and Barrel | Olympic Village, Convention Centre, Granville Island

A triple-threat of oceanfront views (and if crossing a big bridge doesn’t scare you, the North Shore location is just as stunning).

Provence Marinaside | Yaletown

T his seaside restaurant earned an honourable mention in the French category of our 2023 Restaurant Awards—don’t miss the escargots.

Cardero’s | Coal Harbour

Even the inside here has a beautiful waterfront view—but the patio is front-row ocean. Go all in with the $118 Dockside platter (oysters, clams, prawns, crab claws, and more).

The Boathouse | Kits Beach

The ocean scenery is a knockout, but the food isn’t fussy: find mini doughnuts alongside truffle Brussels sprouts.

Cactus Club | English Bay and Coal Harbour

This Vancouver empire took the gold in the Best Chain category at our 2023 Restaurant Awards, and those iconic Szechuan lettuce wraps are even better al fresco.