Star ballerina Chan Hon Goh invites us into her beautifully choreographed home.
HOT TAKE
Embrace sweater weather season with these cozy, cuddly knits.
SO FUN CITY
A dance night for the early risers, plus an overflowing calendar for holiday merrymaking.
ON THE RISE
Meet the brand taking petite fashion to new heights.
ON THE
by Vancouver’s most intruiging tastemakers (and cutest nepo babies)—see page 25 for names.
COVER Photography by Clinton Hussey; styling by Kristin Morawski; clothing by Holt Renfrew; hair and makeup by Katie Elwood; modelling
Good Thief, Anh and Chi’s rebellious younger sibling, is shaking up Main Street’s cocktail scene. BEST THING I ATE
Not-your-average Sloppy Joe and a fresh Focacciaza. WINE LIST
The
THE 2024 VANMAG WISH BOOK
This holiday season, local tastemakers share their top gift picks—from kids’ most-haves to a jam-packed list of hyper-curated, sleigh-worthy finds for everyone on your list. 39
LOCAL GETAWAYS
Skip the skis in Whistler, sip your way through Langley’s wine country and explore the charming Bavarian village of Leavenworth, Washington.
ceo and group publisher Ryan Benn
group vp , publishing and operations Nina Wagner
editorial
editorial director Anicka Quin
editors - in - chief Stacey McLachlan ( Vancouver ), Nathan Caddell ( BCBusiness )
managing editor Dani Wright
associate editor Rushmila Rahman
assistant editor Kerri Donaldson
wine and spirits editor Neal McLennan
contributing editors Frances Bula, Melissa Edwards, Alyssa Hirose, Amanda Ross
art directors Stesha Ho ( Vancouver ), Edwin Pabellon ( BCBusiness )
advisory council
Angus An, chef/owner, Maenam restaurant; Victoria Emslie, senior manager corporate relations, Nicola Wealth; Khelsilem, council chairperson, Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw; Gary Pooni, president, Pooni Group; Jen Riley, VP brand and communications, Bosa Properties; Joseph Thompson, co-founder and COO, Kits Eyewear; Greg Zayadi, president, Rennie Group
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You Wish
While Sears may be long gone (RIP), my memories of its iconic holiday Wish Book live on. The dense product catalogue would arrive on our doorstep each year with a meaty thud, a sound more thrilling even than Santa’s own boots on the rooftop. My brother and I would flip to the toy section and pore over this sacred text with an enthusiasm neither of us would ever show for our academic studies. (Maybe if Wish Book Theory were an option at SFU, I’d be working on my PhD thesis right now.)
I’d gleefully circle the latest Li’l Pound Puppy Super Vet Funtime Glitter Camper Van playset, or the tasteful country cottage for my growing Calico Critters collection (my interests at the time mostly involved tiny things that lived inside of other tiny things), and add sticky notes to entire pages that couldn’t be winnowed down (any or all of these Polly Pocket sets will do, thank you). The hope was that either Saint Nick or a long-lost, deeppocketed relative would stumble across these picks and treat me to all of the batteries-not-included treasures I longed for. It was fantasy shopping spree, from the comfort of home.
I don’t remember being disappointed that 99 percent of my requests had been ignored come Christmas day—well, maybe I’m still a little salty I never got that Tamagotchi—because even in my delusional youth, I knew that the Wish Book was about the journey, not the destination. And that same experience is what we’re intending to bring to you with our own gift guide this year. In a time when many of us are conscious about consumerism—because of the environment, because of inflation, because we live in a 500-square-foot apartment—our hope is that the Vanmag Wish Book can ultimately be about the joy of dreaming a little. (And, I guess, finding that something special for a person you love... or at least for the Secret Santa draw at your office.)
One big distinction between our catalogue of giftable (or just covet-able) objects and the tome from Sears is that we’ve made sure it exclusively highlights goods you can get right here in the city. We’ve also filled our gift guide with best-bet products and awesome experiences selected from some of Vancouver’s most interesting people: artists, content creators, very-cool entrepreneurs and even a professional wrestler.
Of course, there’s only one gift idea you really need: sign up everyone on your list for a free subscription to Vancouver magazine (vanmag.com/subscribe) and your shopping’s done. All the more time for wishing and dreaming—happy holidays to you.
STACEY McLACHLAN
editor - in - chief
smclachlan @ canadawide com | @ stacey mclachlan
25 Things to Eat in 2025
These are the dishes, drinks, desserts and put-oneverything sauces we can’t stop thinking about: our editors’ must-try meals and essential groceries that we absolutely insist you taste-test, too.
At Home with J.T. Miller
The Canucks forward invites us into his West Van home for a peek at how an All-Star and his family live. (Hint: with impeccable style, thanks to wife and interior designer Natalie Miller.)
On the Web
The esteemed Michelin Guide has returned to Vancouver to bestow stars for the third year in a row. And while the judges know their stuff, there’s always a handful of Vancouver gems that get left off of this king-maker list. Luckily, we’ve got our wine and spirits editor Neal McLennan here to offer a few friendly (and delicious) corrections.
Michelin Misses
CULTURE
Sweet Seat
When Goh was dancing with the National Ballet, artistic director Reid Anderson had leather Barcelona chairs in his office. She found these playful replicas in HomeSense, upholstered in a print that reminded her of another friend who uses plenty of cowhide to accent their San Antonio home.
On Pointe
Vancouver’s ballerina queen welcomes us in to explore a beautifully choreographed home.
Yes, Chan Hon Goh has executive produced 14 editions of The Nutcracker over her tenure as the creative director for the esteemed Goh Ballet academy, an institution founded by her father back in 1978. But those dozens of Christmastime performances (and the endless practicing that comes before them) are just her most recent connection to the iconic holiday show.
by Stacey McLachlan
Goehring
photography by Tanya
Table Stakes Goh and her husband were just newlyweds when they bought both the lacquer coffee table and the carved dining set from an antique shop. It’s their 27th anniversary this year. “It was such a big purchase, but Chun kept saying, ‘These are heirloom pieces,’” says Goh. “We don’t even know if they're actually antique!’”
During her two-plus decades as a performer for the National Ballet of Canada, she tackled the piece over and over (and over) on the stage, too. “I know the music like the back of my hand,” she says.
Full-circle moments (or does one call them “pirouettes” when talking about an acclaimed ballerina?) are sort of a theme for Goh, though. After 21 years working as a principal dancer with the NBC, she moved back to her hometown of West Vancouver in 2009—and the lightfilled, contemporary space she now shares with husband Chun Che and their 18-year-old son Avaery (oh, and poodle Ashton, too) is actually the same house she grew up in. It’s a home peppered with treasures that call back to important people or moments in her life: a sofa that reminds her of one in a mentor’s office, a jade figurine handed down from her father, an ornate vintage table purchased when she and Che were early in their relationship that still hosts family dinners to this day. Even without the Christmas decor, it’s a space that sparkles with nostalgia and stories.
But across her whole collection, only a few nutcrackers have snuck their way in... perhaps because she gets enough of the holiday spirit at work. “It’s not that I’m tired of it, but when I hear the music, I can’t relax,” she laughs. “It makes me nervous. I’ll hear the ‘Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy’ at a nice restaurant and think, ‘Oh my gosh, I have a very hard solo, how can I eat this steak?’”
Keys, Please Goh’s parents didn’t want her to be a dancer. “It’s such a time-limited career, they thought,” she laughs. Instead, they wanted her to be a concert pianist so she could play into old age. She found the art form constraining and didn’t keep it up, but her son still plays on her old piano here. “It actually came with the house,” she explains.
Live Tweeting
Though no live birds occupy this ornate cage, Goh keeps it as an homage to a bird her father once bought on a trip to Toronto. “Some budgies sing and some don’t, but the pet-store owner said this one would. He brought it back to Vancouver in a carry-on box and it did eventually start to sing long, beautiful songs.”
What a Ham
Goh collects piggy banks, and she sees this wooden one as unique. In Chinese culture, pigs are a sign of prosperity—the loose change spilling out of this one is an extragood omen.
Petal Power
Orchids are the national flower of Singapore (her dad’s native country). “They look so delicate but they’re actually quite hardy,” says Goh. “This is my hobby farm.”
Apple a Day
Goh’s mother is from Northern China: there, apples are a sign of peace and safety. A pile of faux fruit sits in front of a goddess statue to honour that connection.
Delightful Details
The butterfly teacups were a gift from Goh’s grandmother, and were part of her bridal registry. There’s a monkeythemed catchall in the room too, a nod to Goh’s zodiac sign and a find at the Toronto antique store she and her husband once frequented. “It was in our neighbourhood. We’d walk in all the time and find treasures,” she says. The big brass incense holder was snagged at an antiques show.
By the Book
“I like to surround myself with things that speak to the subconscious,” says Goh. “I’m not necessarily looking for inspiration.” That’s why books on home design are stacked next to tomes about classical ballet. “I think there’s a parallel between architecture and choreography.”
HOT TAKE
by Amanda Ross
NORDIC NATURAL
Originally dating from the 19th century, the traditional Norwegian sweater gets a colourful update with the Festive Frost crewneck by Free People. $198, holtrenfrew.com
Sweater Weather
As the days turn grey, we’re trading in our swimwear for cozy knits; here’s your guide to the best of the season.
BLACK AND WHITE
Coach’s Winter 2025 collection arrives bundled in oversized, genderneutral sweaters, like the Shawl Collar cardigan. $595, coach.com
ARTICLE
SHADES OF GREY
In Christian Dior’s J’Adior 8 boxy cashmere crewneck sweater, we’re cozy and charmed wearing the designer’s lucky number. $2,900, dior.com
OPEN
After a decade online, Vancouver-based furniture company Article opens its first bricksand-mortar outpost downtown. From baskets to beds, see the brand’s modern home goods set against 4,000 square feet of swish polished concrete, exposed timber beams and clean white walls. 848 E Hastings St. | article.com
ON THE SPOT
Forget cat lady vibes: this season, Ever New’s Enola knit jumper channels feral and ferocious. $110, evernew.ca
BLUE ZONE
Western Canada’s Poppy Barley serves up stripes with its new Aspen mockneck coastal sweater, made from merino wool in two-tone blue and cream. $245, poppy barley.com
GREEN WITH ENVY
Curl up in the Peggy sweater by Sunday Best with its dropped shoulders and Infin iti Wool construc tion—responsibly sourced extra-fine merino wool, recycled nylon and organic cot ton yarn. $128, aritzia.com
REEL IT IN
Take shelter from the storm in the Battery crew neck cable-knit fisherman sweat er, Levi’s take on the classic Aran jumper. $118, levi.com
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Choose from our curated collection and let us help you create meaningful gifts that will be cherished for a lifetime. Every order supports the planet too—we plant two trees for every award made!
Early to Bed, Early to Dance
For all the 30-plus dance lovers who’ve traded in hangovers for early mornings, Home by Midnight offers a fresh twist on nightlife—one in which you can have your fun and your REM sleep, too. by Kerri
Donaldson
Kesha’s 2010 anthem “Tik Tok” might have perfectly captured our “the party don’t stop” 20s, when nights were endless and energy was abundant. But as we crossed into our 30s and beyond, our enthusiasm for chasing the proverbial night—much like our collagen production—began to wane. Hangovers hit harder, skincare routines grew longer and standing through an entire concert started to feel like an Olympic event. For many, now juggling kids, mortgages or the constant threat of “sleeping wrong,” a night out was becoming a distant memory. Then along came Home by Midnight (HBM) to prove that the party doesn’t have to stop—it just needs to start earlier.
Founded by five friends in their mid to late 30s who loved to light up the dance floor together in their youth, Home by Midnight revives those nostalgic dance party vibes, minus the regret-filled drunk texts to your ex. “We were all women who partied together back in the day,” says Mikael Bingham, who co-founded HBM alongside sister Rachael Sproston and friends Melinda Appenheimer, Adria Carillo and Rachel Morris.
“Back then, going out to the Granville strip seemed much more accessible, and the phrase ‘Doors at 10’ wasn’t so intimidating,” says Bingham. But as “elder millennials” (thanks, TikTok) with kids and real jobs, opportunities to dance started to seem few and far between.
“For us, the big piece was the dancing. It felt like the only time we got to dance was at, you know, your cool cousin’s wedding—somewhere with an accessible dance floor,” she says. “We wanted to combine that with the dance clubs of our youth, creating something accessible, friendly and, most importantly, early.”
A humble dream to “be the
dance party you wish to see in the world” led to securing their first venue in 2018—Gastown’s Bean Around the World. The concept was simple: create a dance party that doesn’t ruin the next day. While that first event was well-received, it wasn’t until it moved to the Anza Club post-COVID lockdowns that it started building an enthusiastic audience of millennials and Gen Xers who love to fist-pump into the notso-wee hours. HBM’s monthly dance parties start at 8 p.m. and regularly sell out, but not just because of the Robyn jams. “I think it had a lot to do with being divided from community during COVID and that desire for wellness, joy and connec-
Bust a Move
The Anza Club is bumping thanks to Home by Midnight founders (below, clockwise from top left) Melinda Appenheimer, Rachel Morris, Mikael Bingham, Rachael Sproston and Adria Carillo.
tion,” says Bingham. This new approach to nightlife not only syncs with the body’s circadian rhythms, it also aligns with current trends that favour sobriety over binge drinking (where are my fellow Jägerbomb survivors?)—all while promoting accessibility, safety and not being a jerk.
A key part of HBM’s charm is its inclusivity. While it primarily caters to the over-35 crowd, anyone with a love for dancing is welcome. The dress code? Less “dress to impress” and more “dress to sweat.” DJ Danice Carlson-Malena, a.k.a. DJ WhySoSerious, spins the perfect mix of nostalgic hits and crowd-pleasers—Spice Girls’ “Wannabe”, ’90s hip-hop deep cut “Swing My Way” (K.P. and Envyi) and the latest Beyoncé banger are in high rotation—to keep your Fitbit step count high and your heart full. (Carlson-Malena once closed the night with an epic singalong to Celine Dion’s “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now.”)
HBM has big dreams, including expanding the team, bringing the party to the suburbs and hosting themed events (“your cool cousin’s wedding” is a theme, right?). But no matter how it grows, the core mission remains the same: providing a space where dance lovers can reconnect with their youth without sacrificing their grown-up responsibilities. After all, who says you can’t have fun and still get a good night’s sleep? (Unless, that is, you accidentally sleep wrong.)
Holiday Bucket List
Get ready to deck the halls with festive concerts, holiday markets and plenty of jolly activities. by
IT’S A-ME ESPRESSO: SABRINA CARPENTER’S SHORT N’ SWEET TOUR
WHEN: November 4
WHERE: Pacific Coliseum
COST: From $25.50
The “Espresso” singer is coming to keep us dancing in the aisles with her sweet, confectionary pop hits... and to convince us to get bangs while she’s at it.
CALM AND BRIGHT: RYAN HOLIDAY LIVE
WHEN: November 18
WHERE: The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts
COST: From $77
Dreaming of a calm Christmas? Best-selling author, philosopher and noted stoic Mr. Holiday is coming to town with a special gift for us all: practical tips on how to apply the tenets of Stoicism to your everyday life.
CIRCUS SLEIGH: CIRQUE DU SOLEIL’S ECHO
WHEN October 9 to December 15
WHERE Concord Pacific Place COST From $67
This Cirque show allegedly tells the story of the bond between humans and animals, but we know what it’s really about: death-defying stunts. Watch acrobats soar (sans sleigh, but totally slaying) in the latest Big Top spectacle.
HOLLY DOLLY: DOLLY PARTON’S SMOKY MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS CAROL
WHEN: November 14 to December 24
WHERE: The Stanley COST: From $39
What do you get when you mix the classic Ebenezer Scrooge tale and the songs of Dolly Parton? The mashup of our tumultuous Christmas Eve dreams.
CLAUS-ABLE
DENIABILITY: MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET
WHEN: November 21 to December 29
WHERE: Granville Island Stage
COST: From $39
A classic tale of Kris Kringle, poorly vetted mall Santas and America’s obsession with the legal system.
PRANCER AND DANCER: BALLET BC’S DAWN
WHEN: November 7 to 9
WHERE: Queen Elizabeth Theatre COST: From $19
This program features Crystal Pite’s “Frontier,” a world premiere by Pierre Pontvianne, and “Heart Drive” by Imre and Marne van Opstal... all an elaborate way to say “go see this.”
ART ATTACK: FIRELEI BÁEZ
WHEN: November 3 to March 16
WHERE: Vancouver Art Gallery
COST: From $18
Don’t miss your chance to dive into the brilliant and profound body of work of one of the 21st century’s most exciting painters—but, like, no presh!
SO CHILL: WASHED OUT
WHEN: November 9
WHERE: Hollywood Theatre
COST: From $40
Get some Chillmas vibes at this synthy chillwave dreamscape show from musician Ernest Greene.
HOLIDAY KICKOFF: THE 111TH GREY CUP
WHEN: November 17
WHERE: BC Place COST: From $99
Kick off the festive season with the CFL’s biggest championship game. Even if football’s not your bag, there’s always the tailgate parties, the double ziplines (one’s even over the water?!) and an early Christmas gift for Jonas Brothers fans (the trio is heading the halftime show).
GET CRACKIN’: THE NUTCRACKER BY THE ROYAL WINNIPEG BALLET
WHEN: November 23 to 24
WHERE: Bell Performing Arts Centre
COST: From $48
The beloved holiday performance is back with certified bops from Tchaikovsky and dancing rats for all you ballet freaks!
COOKIE-CUTTER CROONERS: THE GINGERBREAD MEN: A(NOTHER) HOLIDAY CABARET
WHEN: December 5 to 22
WHERE: Newmont Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre
COST: From $29
For those who love Christmas music, this quartet of imitation-brand Michael Bublés will croon, jazz and banter their way into your heart.
Kerri Donaldson
THE PLAYLIST
Vancouver singer-songwriter
Amanda Sum just released a 16-minute flowing suite made up of 18 short songs about a failing love life, so she’s got some time now to get back to being a pop culture consumer. Here’s what she’s watching, listening to and obsessing over right now.
THE ARTIST
Remi Wolf
I’ve jumped on the Remi Wolf train and will ride it forever. I’ve also been listening to a lot of Carol Ades, Djo and Rachel Chinouriri lately. All of these artists have lyrics that make my head tilt in the best way and have grooves that get me wiggling in my kitchen.
THE SONG
”Wait for the moment” by Vulfpeck
This song has become my preshow (both theatre and music concert) and pre-audition ritual. I feel like something is missing if I don’t listen to it before a show now.
THE FILM Past Lives
I loved Past Lives. So much ache in subtle and intricate ways. And Aftersun. My breath gets locked in my throat thinking about the end.
THE GUILTY PLEASURE SHOW
The Bachelorette
Okay, I admit there is something very interesting to me about The Bachelorette because (despite its trashiness) there is an element of communication that is somewhat... refreshing? Is that wild for me to say? I know it’s performative, but sometimes I watch scenes of dates and get impressed because I have never seen a man be so articulate with his feelings before in “real life.”
Sum’s new EP, does it make me naive if I’ve never been part of something where I’ve meant more to them than they did to me?, is available on streaming services now.
Short Stuff
Miranda Sam brings petite style to new heights with Shortlisted’s matching sets.
by Alyssa Hirose
Miranda Sam is five foot one—and when it comes to fashion, that’s a big deal. “You have to get everything tailored, and you never feel like clothes fit right,” she shares. Her lifelong interest in style and shortgal status prompted her to take sewing classes and gather some striking intel on height. She found that more than 50 percent of women in Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. stand at five-four or below, so that’s exactly who she founded Vancouver-based Shortlisted for. “People think it’s a niche brand, but we’re the majority,” she says with a laugh.
Shortlisted first launched in spring 2024 with a lineup of “jumpsets,” because Sam wasn’t just out to solve the short problem— there was versatility, sustainability and washroom-ability to think about. The brand’s matching sets embrace the clean, easygoing look of a jumpsuit while fitting various torso sizes and making bathroom trips a breeze. When it came to selecting a fabric, the designer chose a cotton-linen blend to preserve structure but limit wrinkles (“I wanted a fabric that was easy maintenance, because I grew up with a mom who always told me, ‘You have to iron that before you leave the house!’” she says). And, sizing-wise, she wasn’t thinking small.
Rather than using standard mannequin metrics, she used first-hand research to determine the best proportions and design. “I measured 50 women of all sizes— from XS to 4X,” Sam explains. The brand’s neutral-toned garments are sold as matching sets or as separate tops and pants, and she recently
launched the pants in heavier fabric so short girls can suit up for the colder months. A short inseam length and extended sizing has a community of petite customers standing with Sam. “Overall, people feel seen,” she says.
Vertically Championed
Designer Miranda Sam (left) has always loved jumpsuits—a denim look from JLo first prompted her passion for the one-and-done outfit. Sam’s goal for Shortlisted’s versatile “jumpsets” is a decade (or more) of wearability.
EDITOR’S PICK
We can tell the Unstoppable jumpset ($349) was designed by a woman—it has a flexible waistband, deep pockets and straps that attach to (and hide) your bra.
Design by Alda Pereira/photo by Janis Nicolay
Why Is Every Uber Ride in a Tesla Now?
The electric car is the rideshare whip of choice, but what’s driving the trend?
I don’t normally use this column to get personal, but here goes: I live with an undiagnosed, rudely-unrecognized-by-the-medical-community condition known as “Car Blindness.”
You could pick me up and drop me off every day, and it would take me years to clock the make or model of your vehicle. My best friend has been driving the same car since 2010 and I just now had
to search “what was the car that had that Janelle Monáe song in the commercial” to figure out it is a Chevy Cruze, because the only thing I remember about it is that we sing the jingle every time she gives me a ride. (Incorrectly, because I also have Lyric Overconfidence Disorder.) And how many times have I tried to go home with the wrong family? I don’t know, because I can’t recognize my own car, which may or may not be a 2009 (?) Toyonda (?) Eccentro (?). The man I currently think is my husband might just be some guy who was also driving a grey-ish hatchback and happened to cruise by the magazine factory at quittin’ time.
So imagine the number of times I had to be picked by an Uber driver in a Tesla before I actually noticed that I was getting a lot of Uber rides in Teslas. Hundreds, if not thousands! (I’m not proud of the amount of Ubering I do, but sometimes, after a long night of being too lazy to take the bus, I just want to get home as quickly as possible to whatever family picked me up in a Toyonda most recently.)
my imagination (or, as Tesla’s diabolical overlord/CEO might put it, a glitch in the simulation we all live in). Vancouver Uber drivers do, in fact, drive the highest percentage of kilometres in electric vehicles in all of North America, and the majority of those EV drives are, says my Uber penpal, currently in Teslas. And while 71 percent of Canadian Uber drivers are EV curious, Vancouver’s noble chauffeurs are particularly incentivized by a love for the planet and/or a desperate need to get costs down in a city with Canada’s second-highest gas prices.
But why not Chevy Volts? Or Polestars? Or whatever Toyonda’s EV offering might be?! These manufacturers simply don’t want Vancouver drivers bad enough, I guess. Tesla is luring them into its cars by partnering with Uber to give drivers vehicle ownership offers: $2,000 in additional incentives for buying and completing trips. (The ride-share company also has a deal with Hertz to rent Teslas at a special rate to drivers.)
by Stacey McLachlan
The point is: something is up, you guys. It’s an electric epidemic... but one that seems to be distinct to Vancouver. On a recent trip to Toronto, I was bopping around in the usual unidentifiable gas guzzlers. The most notable thing about my ride-share experience there was a driver who spent nearly 20 unprompted minutes endorsing Boston Pizza. (Or at least I think it was an endorsement? What he said was, “You just feel every ingredient with your mouth!” so I suppose his meaning is up to interpretation.)
According to a spokesperson from Uber, seeing Teslas everywhere isn’t just some figment of
I don’t really know how to talk about Uber’s specific programs that encourage drivers to switch to EVs without sounding like an ad here, much like I don’t know how to talk to the teen son I adopted this week after getting into the wrong car again. So maybe I’ll just say that the Zero Emissions Incentive lets EV drivers earn up to $5,000 extra a year, on top of the government’s Incentives for Zero Emissions program, which also offers up to $5,000 for a Tesla purchase or lease. That’s an inspiring chunk of change. If someone offered me $10,000 to overcome my Car Blindness, I’d be pretty tempted to finally splurge on that brain surgery (or flashcards, whatever).
BEST SLEEP – EVER!
Triple-action, tri-layer tablets for immediate and gradual release
• With
• Contains sleep botanicals passionflower, and hops
5-HTP and calming L-theanine : valerian,
• Promotes falling asleep quickly and improves sleep quality
THE VANMAG WISH BOOK
What artists, restaurateurs, publicists, singers, filmmakers, entrepreneurs and cheeky toddlers want for Christmas this year—and our editors’ wish list, too.
BY THE EDITORS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Clinton Hussey
STYLING BY Kristin Morawski
CLOTHING FROM Holt Renfrew
HAIR AND MAKEUP BY Katie Elwood
STYLING ASSISTANCE Maxine Braidwood and Celine Simpson
YOU CAN’T SAY
we’re not dedicated. In mid-July (and mid-heatwave), we started reaching out to our favourite shops and tastemakers to find out what was hot (in a less literal sense) for the holidays. But if that’s what it takes to bring the best giftables in Vancouver to you, as selected by our editors and some of the most interesting people in the city, so be it. Consider this hyper-curated list of 100-plus locally sourced goods our gift to you, whether you use it to guide your holiday shopping or are content to simply dream.
NICE SPICE
Take a cue from Vancouver’s African restaurant boom and get cooking with The Contemporary African Kitchen ($65). indigo.ca
VIKRAM VIJ Chef and owner,
Vij’s
Restaurant
AN ASTRONOMICAL TREAT
Say Hello Sweets’ Space Rabbit freezedried ice cream ($9) is made from organic coconut milk: an outof-this-world snack. federalstore.ca
What’s on your wish list right now?
“Beta5 Chocolates crafts exceptional Christmas desserts, making it a top holiday wish.” Trademark collection, $39, beta5chocolates.com
“Known for their incredibly soft and comfortable garments, Cadine creates pieces that are a must-have for the holidays.” Sill linen sweater, $230, shopcadine.com
ROBE RULES
Block Shop robes (from $219) pair lightweight Indian cotton with bold patterns. nettlestale.com
BABY GOT PACK
Our collective fanny-pack era continues. The Fjällräven Kånken hip pack ($55) comes in hues like blackberry and sunstone orange. fjallraven.com
PAWS UP
How do you make a lucky cat ($50) luckier? You produce it in candy-like colours. (Bubblegum pink attracts “true love.”) foohungcurios.com
What are you excited to give to someone else this year?
“Mala the Brand plants a tree with every candle purchase. Who doesn’t love a nice candle?” Cereal candle, $26, malathebrand.com
Do you have any unique gifting traditions with your friends or family?
“A Swarovski ornament for the Christmas tree, gifted each year.” Among Blue Mountains ornament, $62, swarovski.com
GOING FOR GREEN
Wild harvested Canadian kelp is the active ingredient in Kelpy plant food ($44)... and the gourmet grub that monsteras crave. the gardenstrathcona.com
THE SCRUBDOWN
All-natural Mifa eucalyptus body and hand wash ($35) is the sort of practical essential that feels like a luxury. (That scent! Spa-like!) mifaandco.com
IN BLOOM
The freshest faux flowers we’ve ever seen: these laser-cut acrylic stems from Other Shapes ($55). zebraclubvan.com
DAY BY DAY
The perpetual Ring a Date calendar by Giorgio Della Beffa ($195) has been a timeless design since the ’70s, in more ways than one. vanspecial.com
FACE IT
Skwálwen Botanicals Kalkáy wild rose replenishing face mask ($650) turns Indigenous plant knowledge into a luxurious skincare experience. holtrenfrew.com
VICKI DUONG
Freelance writer and content creator
What’s on your wish list right now?
“Sets from Wilet are on my wish list always and forever. I love that the brand is female-founded, local, ethically produced and made from sustainably sourced natural materials! Bedding may seem like a boring thing to pick, but it’s an item you use daily.” Queen linen sets from $390, shopwilet.com
What are you excited to give to someone else this year?
“For easy gifting, you’ll always nail it with skincare sets from Somerset Moss or Midnight Paloma.” Somerset Moss core collection kit, $95, somersetmoss.com; Midnight Paloma self-care bundle, $79, midnightpaloma.com
What’s the best gift you’ve ever gotten, or given?
“I have a beautiful heart-shaped ring from Zaleska Jewelry owner and designer Sylvia is a friend of mine and many of our mutual friends have the same ring. It feels like a grown-up version of friendship bracelets.” Self Love Club ring, $88,
SQUEAK UP
Danish-made Maileg mice are Dilly Dally’s bestsellers; these adorable ski bums ($60) are new for holiday 2024. dillydallykids.ca
SOUND IT OUT
The scratch-resistant, aluminum-shell Beosound Explore outdoor Bluetooth speaker ($349) is audiophileapproved, but rugged enough to clip onto your backpack and hit the trail. bang-olufsen.com
SLEEVE IT TO ME
The camel-coloured vegan leather Monos Metro laptop sleeve ($110) is simple and sophisticated, and features a trolley sleeve to slip neatly onto a suitcase handle on-the-
BOOK 2024
EARN YOUR STRIPES
The perfect cotton button-up—like this Oxford-striped one made by Vancouver brand POMP ($185)—is the gift that gives year-round.
FLORAL FANTASY
Liberty of London’s collab with Herschel makes for a grandmacore weekender bag ($210) with a modern cool factor. herschel.com
DENIM DARLING
For the boyfriend who stubbornly wears his jean jacket all winter, there’s Duer’s (very cozy) new Tech Fleece denim coat ($179). duer.ca
MAUDE Founder, Maude
Sips
What’s on your wish list right now?
“I’ve been eyeing Nathalee Paolinelli’s creations since moving to Vancouver—her vases in particular. Nathalee’s craft balances organic and unexpected textures and shapes that deliver a ton of intrigue. Every piece I’ve seen forces you to reach out and touch it!” Lichen Coral vase, $575, shopneighbour.com
“Second on my list this year has to be a Donabe rice pot. The traditional clay vessel completely elevates the simple task of steaming rice. It’s something that I always think of purchasing and never do.” $258, itsumo.ca
What are you excited to give to someone else this year?
“Esquimalt Vermouth’s Apéritif Cascadia is a spirit that might not be everyone’s first choice, but this mead-based aperitif is a showstopper: a brilliant way to warm up chilly nights in a delicious way.” $37, libertywinemerchants.com
At least this Holiday Tree cat cave ($124) won’t do any shedding. bonesps.com
A LITTLE FISHY
You could get them a zip vest from Patagonia... or you could get them these surprisingly delicious tins of responsibly harvested fish (from $8 a tin). patagoniaprovisions.com
RAINBOW CONNECTION
Wrap a rainbow of Smooth Gel Ink Knock Type pens ($19) from Muji for the colourful stationery nerd in your life. muji.ca
FLY BAR
A soggy bar is for suckers. This fancy (and gentle!) French olive oil soap from Savon de Marseille mounts onto the wall ($90 for the mount; $48 for a two pack). thesoap dispensary.com
MARTINA
SHARP CHOICE
This handsome traditional Higonokami folding knife ($46) may look tough, but its ideal uses are practical and gentle: sharpen a pencil, open a package or cut fruit. aiandomknives.com
BOO BOO BUSTERS
Fact: kids love stick-on bandages. These Welly Bravery bandages ($18) are high-quality and highly fun (and suitable for adult owies, too). petiteforet.co
ROUGH AND READY
UP IN SMOKE
Send some smoke signals with the Modern Bartender’s Smoking Cocktail set ($116). themodernbartender.com
What’s on your wish list right now?
“I spend 98 percent of my days in a black T-shirt and jeans, but the idea of lounging in a Sluis bathrobe would be some version of holiday euphoria. And white robes are just so incredibly boring.” $270, oldfaithfulshop.com
You’re not allowed to bring coral home from the Great Barrier Reef (rude), but this organic, textured Yara vase from Ferm Living ($79) is close enough. fullhouse modern.com SUCH GREAT HEIGHTS
These MTNPK Glassware highball glasses ($55) capture the ridges of Whistler and Blackcomb’s peaks; ideal for après. make vancouver.com
RAISE THE BAR
How good could a $20 bar of chocolate be? Buy this Casa Bosques cardamom bar, sourced from Pichucalco in Chiapas, Mexico, for someone else and maybe they’ll share and you can finally find out. oldfaithfulshop.com
dishes at the
Rosetta restaurant in Mexico City and they have been on my wish list ever since. Call me a grandma, but collecting china is something I see value in. I want one of every colour.” Pieces from $127, atkinsonsofvancouver.com
What’s a great experience to give or receive here in Vancouver?
“Nothing quite ignites your creativity and dissolves the stresses of the day like a pottery class. Master ceramist Gabrielle Burke can teach you the art of creating something that’s functional and beautiful.” Beginner’s class, $95, communityclay.ca
BEN LEAVITT
Creative director, PlaidFox Studio
famed
JAMMING OUT
The little alpine pattern on Parade’s matching, 100-percent organic cotton family pajamas (kid sets, $44; adults, $88) are holiday festive but also read as “West Coast” enough to rock year-round. parade.ca
TIPPITY TAP
Touch-screen gloves don’t work. These cozy merino/silk/cashmere cherry-red wrist
SPRITZ, SPRITZ
LIZZY KARP
Co-founder, Brood
What’s on your wish list right now?
“My DJ crew [at the Main Street Dance Authority] gather for little vinyl listening nights. This beautiful Pro-Ject record player from Vancouver Special is my latest audiophile dream.” $870, vanspecial.com
What are you excited to give to someone else this year?
“I love to gift bandanas: they’re the perfect accessory for any season, and I love to wrap a gift in one from Coco and Olive.” $22, cocomain.ca
LET’S TWIST AGAIN
Plastic bottles have been recycled into this innovative, reversible knit Twist bag ($148) from Atacz. littlemountain.space
With notes of bergamot, white musk and amber, the genderless Xtra Milk fragrance ($120) pledges to “smell just like you.” gatley.ca
WHO WEARS SHORT SHORTS?
Huha’s gender -neutral boxers ($28) are bestsellers, but the gusset-free, zinc-oxide liner is intended to create a comfortable experience for, well, hoo-has. 8main.ca
What’s a great experience to give or receive here in Vancouver?
“There’s nothing more special than a date at The Acorn, whether that’s brunch with pals or a romantic night. A gift certificate (alongside their beautiful cookbook, or a sparkly bottle of wine from their bottle shop) is a go-to for me.” theacornrestaurant.ca
BEEP, BOOP
This AI revolution may be scary, but these cute wooden robots (craft kit, $32) are anything but. collagecollage.ca
GO THE DISTANCE
The “Loose Laces Lose Races” mantra printed on this wine-coloured Coolmatic-mesh running cap from Ciele ($60) is an inspiration (or dire warning?) at any speed. runasyouare.co
FRESH FLEECE
Cozy up in a snap with MEC’s plush Fireside fleece snap pullover ($100). mec.ca
WHAT TO BUY THE KIDS...
(According to the Kids)
According to 15-Year-Old Connor HUGO BOSS COLOGNE
[No comment.] From $108, shoppers drugmart.ca
According to 10-Year-Old Norah POSCA PAINT MARKERS
According to Six-Year-Old Adeline ELMER’S FLUFFY SLIME KIT
“I love the way slime feels in my hands.” $22, michaels.com
According to Six-Year-Old Adeline HAVOC MINI SCOOTER
“I love how fast these go.” $190, obsessionbikes.com
According to Four-Year-Old Malaya KIDAMENTO DIGITAL CAMERA
“I love taking photos of the fishes when I’m at the aquarium and selfies with my grandma.” $80, westcoastkids.ca
“They’re really nice for drawing.” $10 each, deserres.ca
According to 10-Year-Old Norah SOL DE JANEIRO BRAZILIAN BUM BUM CREAM
According to 10-Year-Old Norah NEEDOH NICE CUBES
“You can heat them up and they get warm and squishy.” $8, odinbooks.com
According to Four-Year-Old Malaya CRAYOLA COLOR WONDER MESSFREE MAGIC LIGHT BRUSH
“It’s like magic!” $37, toysrus.ca
According to Six-Year-Old Adeline JUNIOR PATENT LEATHER LACE-UP DR. MARTENS
“I’ve been dreaming of these for a very long time.” $100, littleburgundyshoes.com
According to Four-Year-Old Malaya JANOD GIRLS’ COSTUMES MAGNETI’BOOK
“I love dressing the doll up in the superhero dress. And matching the clothes to the cards.” $30, deserres.ca
VANMAG WISH BOOK 2024
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS...
WHAT’S A GREAT EXPERIENCE TO GIVE OR RECEIVE HERE IN VANCOUVER?
Amanda “Circle Wellness. I can’t believe more people don’t know about this place.” From $199, circlewellnessspas.com
WHAT’S ON YOUR WISH LIST RIGHT NOW?
Amanda
“A sweatsuit from Local Tourist Ltd. would be a cozy workfrom-home uniform for the winter.” $230, localtourist.ltd
Katie “Asics Novablast 4 Paris ning shoes are ideal for seawall runs where I pretend I’m an Olympian.” $180,
Michael “Call me biased, but I’m going to go with an art gallery membership. They’re incredibly affordable and your small gift of $100 goes a long way to help local galleries continue their great work. What’s more, if you buy one from your favourite gallery, you’ll receive a full tax receipt. (Just so we’re clear here: I’m talking about Polygon Gallery. Did I mention I have no shame?)” thepolygon.ca
“The one thing on earth I never Colorecience Sunforgettable EnviroScreen Protection Brush-On Shield SPF . It’s compact, it works as a finishing powder and sunblock—I take it everywhere!” $93, “T-shirts by Cold World, Frozen Goods. They’re made by Rhek, whose prolific stickers can be seen slapped in better bathroom stalls around town. He’s also one of the most hilarious and talented people in the city.” Family Values tee, $51, coldworldfrozengoods.com
Katie “Sea-Doo rentals from Granville Island or a Chinatown eating tour: appies at New Town, dinner at Bao Bei, drinks at Laowei or Bagheera.” SeaDoo rental from $139 an hour, vancouverwateradventures .com; vancouver-chinatown.com
(PHOTOGRAPHY)
Zada
Clockwise from left: Amanda Kao, founder and CEO, Bad Academy | Amelie Thuy Nguyen, co-founder and creative director of Anh and Chi, Good Thief and Me’s Marketplace by Anh and Chi | Zada, singer-songwriter | Michael Mann, marketing manager, Polygon Gallery | Paul Wong artist and curator of visual and media art | Katie Burrell, writer and director
WHAT ARE YOU EXCITED TO GIVE TO SOMEONE ELSE THIS YEAR?
Amanda
“I always give coffee and tea! Coffee from our friends at House of Funk Roasters (their cans of beans not only look chic, the design of the can also allows for oxygen to be drawn out for ultimate freshness of beans!) and tea from Ranger Tea Crafters a local Indigenous- and woman-owned tea brand serving up the most gorgeous delicious blends.” Technicolour espresso, $21.50, houseoffunkbrewing .com; Fresh Tracks breakfast tea, from $10 for 50 grams, rangertea.com
Amelie
“COVID might have been the time for breakups, but it looks like many people are getting hitched now. I am so excited to gift my sister some jewels and gems from Vancouver-based, women-owned Olive and Piper before her wedding. I’m digging the new demi-fine 18k gold vermeil pieces for everyday wear.” Ace studs, $96, oliveandpiper.com
Michael “Kate Metten ceramics. I give these to people every year and they’re never disappointed. Everything is a work of art, but also great for everyday use.” Angular mug, $58, katemetten.com
Michael
“Free the Tipple by Vancouver author and editor Jennifer Croll. For the strong, empowered femme in your life who likes to get loaded on fancy cocktails. Everybody loves this book. If you already have it, she’s written three follow-ups.” $23, cocktail emporium.com
Amanda
“I give jars of jams and jellies from Le Meadow’s Pantry like candy to all the food lovers in my life because, oh my god, how does it taste so good!?” Raspberry and rose jam from $14, lemeadowspantry.com
Zada
“A lot of my friends and family are creatives in their own right, so I hit Opus Art Supplies on Granville Island to buy some new paintbrushes for my art lovers.” Fortissimo oil brushes, from $6 each, opusartsupplies.com
WHAT’S THE BEST GIFT YOU’VE EVER GOTTEN, OR GIVEN?
Zada
Michael
“Sunday Cider in Gibsons and A Sunday in August on Salt Spring always do great holiday boxes of their ciders and natural wines, and they offer local delivery.” sundaycider.com; asundayinaugust.com
Paul
“Immersive out-of-body experiences. Could be a massage, facial, mani and pedicure, or sound bath. Formula Fig in Mount Pleasant, Golden Feet Reflexology or Scandinave Spa in Whistler are all great options. Or, when in doubt, a stunning bouquet from the Flower Factory.” Hand-tied bouquet, $45, flowerfactory.ca
PEARL LAM AND DICKSON LI Co-founders,
Dicky’s Dumps
What’s on your wish list right now?
“If you are super close with your loved ones and want to support them (figuratively and physically, ha!) Huha bras are for the win. Comfort is so important to me and it’s such a sweet gesture (and also fairly affordable).” Triangle bra, $58, hu-ha.com
Paul
“I love it when someone puts together a spontaneous travel or adventure plan and we just do it. I mentioned to a friend I wanted to see Picasso’s Guernica in Madrid. He put together a three-week trip to Spain and got the museum to provide me with a one-hour private viewing of the iconic painting.” Flight to Madrid, from $898, google.com/flights
“The Under Vancouver photography book by Greg Girard. Greg had a front-row seat to give us an intimate glimpse into grittier times in both Hong Kong and Vancouver. The surreal and mind-blowing existence of the Kowloon Walled City is endlessly fascinating, as is a look at pre-Expo 86, port town Vancouver.” $65, thepolygon.ca
What are you excited to give to someone else this year?
“Guys, stop wrecking your jeans pockets with your phone and keys and throw them all into one sleek Bellroy All Conditions phone pocket case before you run out for coffee.” From $149, walrushome.com
What’s a great experience to give or receive here in Vancouver?
“A cooking class from Gourmet Warehouse. It’s a great way to spend an evening learning and enjoying three-course menus with wine. Plus, you get to shop in-store after hours at the end of class. FYI, the Pleats and Eats dumpling-making class with Dicky’s Dumps is a popular one!”
From $120, gourmet warehouse.ca
VANMAG WISH BOOK 2024
LIGHT ONE UP
There are fancy candles, and then there’s the Emma Shipley Caspian soy-coconut work of art ($175), scented like vanilla and sandalwood and poured into a fine bone-china container. goodgeplace.com
GLASS ACT
Vancouver glass artist Jemma Van Osch is your artists’ favourite artist; use this precious, ethereal glass bowl ($65) as the perfect front-door catchall. cocomain.ca
KEN TSUI
Production executive, Telus Originals, and curator, Vancouver International Film Festival
Do you have any unique gifting traditions with your friends or family?
Stopping into Bar Tartare and picking up a magnum of wine on the way to someone’s place with the intention of sharing it with everyone is the kind of thing Ebenezer Scrooge would do after awakening from his harrowing fever dream on Christmas morning and blowing everyone’s mind with his newfound, uncharacteristic benevolence. No one is expecting it, but the generosity never gets old. bartartareyvr.ca
THE FAKE OUT
Snag a bottle of the extremely convincing alcohol-free St. Agrestis Phony Negroni ($84 for a 12 pack) from the Drive Canteen for the sober-curious cocktail lover in your life. thedrivecanteen.ca
JEN SOOKFONG LEE Author of Superfan
What’s on your wish list right now?
“What I really, really want right now is the Spade bubble skirt from A Bronze Age, which is carried at One of a Few in Gastown. Am I too old for it? Probably! But I love it.” $255, abronzeage.com
What are you excited to give to someone else this year?
“I am so in love with these puffy alphabet pendant necklaces from Wolf Circus. Imagine giving one to each of your best friends. Honour your friendships as much as you honour your romantic relationships, everyone!” $140, wolf circus.com
NO FLIP, NO PROBS
Show some East Van pride with a tee from Slice of Life ($25) featuring the ’hood’s true icon: the always-chill Mr. Mattress. couver.ca
ALL THAT GLITTERS
These vintage ornaments from the ’30 to the ’60s (from $3 to $24 each) add a layer of instant nostalgia to the tree. @stepback_ca
MAGIC BOX
Give a man some mochi and he’ll eat for a day. Give a man this Tiger mochi maker ($430) and he’ll chew for a lifetime. fujiya.ca
LEADER OF THE PACK
Chill out anywhere and everywhere with the Yeti Hop per backpack ($380)—the portable cooler is spacious enough for 20 beer cans and tall enough to fit wine bottles. kerrisdalelumber.ca
WRIST WATCH
The H of this orange enamel metal Clic Clac bracelet ($550) stands for Hermès, but also for “Hey, look at my cool bangle!” mineandyours.com
BLING BLING
Acclaimed Vancouver jewellery maker Pyrrha adds a splash of colour to its chic, symbolic talisman pendants with the True Colors collection (from $355). hillsofkerrisdale.com
BLACK AND WHITE AND COOL ALL OVER
Vancouver textile artist
Tafui’s Eau Noir cushion cover collection (pieces from $190) is inspired by pebbles in the snow. shop tafui.com
JACKY LEE Professional wrestler
What’s on your wish list right now?
“I’m a big fan of the citrusy bath bombs that Lush offers. They’ve been vital in soothing my mind and body from the mental and physical tolls of the wrestling industry. Shopping in the stores is fun in itself: I love indulging in the many different scents and products that they have to offer.”
Lemon crumble bubble bar, $15, lush.com
What are you excited to give to someone else this year?
“As the Prince of Pop-Tarts, I have a reputation for sharing snacks with a lot of my friends. I love hitting up Lucky’s Exotic Bodega like a literal kid in a candy store—grabbing a bunch of new treats to try with my friends.” Banana Cream Pie Pop Tarts, $4 each, bodega.ca
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
“A few years ago, I had a few friends put together a lovely goodie bag for me consisting of half a dozen pints of ice cream from a variety of places across the city. They hit up Ernest, Elephant Garden and Rain or Shine, and grabbed a bunch of different flavours for me to try out.” Earnest’s whisky hazelnut, $16, earnesticecream.com
WALK THIS WAY
Mix and match colours to customize your own handmade, one-of-a-kind dog lead ($55) at Good Boy. shopgoodboy.com
NATURE CALLS
Too fired up from Monopoly Deal? Find peace with Cascadia ($55): the game’s goal is to create a harmonious ecosystem in the Pacific Northwest. strategiesgames.ca
SHINE ON
Can’t decide between pear-, oval- or emerald-cut diamond studs?
The Zadel Jewellery 14kt Mini Multi-Shape stud earrings are a triple threat ($945). zadel jewellerystudio.com
KEVIN VIDAL
Actor and improvisor
What are you excited to give to someone else this year?
Food from one of my favourite spots: Sushi Hil on Main Street. sushihil.com
NO SKIS? NO PROBLEM
Not-So Slippery Slope
Select chalet rooms at Wedge Mountain Lodge and Spa (pictured here) have private firepits for guests to indulge in. But all visitors can appreciate the floorto-ceiling windows (right).
There’s a contingent of humanity who see “sliding down the side of a mountain” as a euphemism for “inevitable hospital visit.” If that resonates with you, here’s how I spent a leisurely, luxurious Whistler weekend, blissfully devoid of ski poles and sans goggle sunburn.
BY KERRI DONALDSON
Friday
3:30 P.M. CHECKING IN
Just north of Whistler in the WedgeWoods neighbourhood, the 12,000-square-foot paradise that is the Wedge Mountain Lodge and Spa (9120 Riverside Dr., wedgemountainlodge.com) promises pampering and spa-like relaxation without
the immediate risk of tumbling down a mountain: perfect for a non-skier like me. Designed for groups of up to 20, the full lodge rents out starting at $6,500 a night, but prices can reach up to $28,500 per night during the holidays—so yes, you could say it’s exclusive. And slightly swankier than my usual accommodations, sure, but they say you should do one thing every day that scares you so... let’s go.
On arrival, I’m greeted with a champagne sabring reception—an experience that screams “decadence” with an added dash of “potential for injury,” but it’s still safer than me navigating Blackcomb’s slopes. The glass-encased wine cellar at the entrance to the lodge is a shrine to boozy opulence. My suite, one of 10 chic chalet rooms, has a private patio overlooking the coastal mountains. There’s no firepit
here, like some of the other rooms have, but I’ll make do with the lodge’s private movie theatre, personal chef, pools (one heated, one coldplunge), hot tub, sauna area and exercise room. Donning my cozy chalet robe and slippers, I immediately and happily abandon my former life in favour of this new Mountain Glamour Goddess persona. I’ll later fall asleep on top of my bed in that robe, but still.
GETAWAY GUIDE
6:45 P.M.
HOME COOKIN’
Dinner is courtesy of our own private chef Bill Grimshaw, but there’s also top-tier staff here who float in the background to cater to any Peak Diva whims. (They’ll even laugh at your puns! Now this is five-star service!)
The meal is a love letter to the region’s best local producers, and, more importantly, fondue: a great way to experience chalet culture while justifying the eating of So. Much. Cheese.
We feast on braised short ribs, fresh lemon-zest-dusted salmon roasted with veggies and another round of fondue— this time, of the chocolate variety and featuring fruit and house-made marshmallows. (Fondue is a major part of the Mountain Glamour Goddess lifestyle, I’m quickly learning.)
9:00 P.M.
TAKING THE PLUNGE
The best way to ward off a post-fondue coma? By taking another kind of dip. If you’re a cold plunge die-hard, you can easily go from hot to cold in the 3,000-square-foot spa here at Wedge Mountain. Challenge accepted. I move from the sauna to the ice-cold pool, Wim Hof-ing my heart out under the stars.
WHISTLER
Take Me Higher
Saturday
10:00 A.M.
ON THE UPAND-UP
While skiers and boarders clomp around in their boots trying their best not to face plant on the stairs, I’m in my leisure-casual best, headed up on the gondola to experience the beauty of the mountains without the need to slide down them. The Peak 2 Peak gondola (whistlerblackcomb .com) is the perfect, easy ride between Blackcomb and Whistler mountains: I’m lucky to nab one of the special ones with a transparent glass bottom. It’s not for the heightwary, but I get to sit the whole time and I don’t need to know how to brake—gondola riders, 1; snowboarders, 0. After my peaceful high-flying mountain hop adventure is done, I grab an obligatory selfie standing triumphantly in front of the Olympic rings, partly because that’s as close as I’m ever going to get to them, and partly because I feel like a winner.
12:30 P.M. ABOVE IT ALL
All that leisurely sitting at high altitudes works up an appetite, so a natural stop for both athletes and relax-thletes (coined it here first) is Steeps Grill (4853 Springs Ln., whistlerblackcomb .com), perched atop Whistler Mountain in the Roundhouse Lodge (we go Peak 2 Peak and Lodge 2 Lodge around here).
The vibe is “busy chalet” meets “fancy mountain pub,” and the menu is about the same. The short-rib poutine ($28) is as good as it sounds: fries smothered in slow-cooked beef and squeaky curds (we relaxthletes need to carbo-load too), with some crispy kale snuck in for good measure. Then, after filling up on panoramic views and slow-cooked meats, it’s time for me to head down (not that way, though!).
1:00 P.M.
THE VILLAGE PEOPLE
Party central awaits at the foot of the mountain. This is the intersection of athlete and patio, where nightlife begins after lunch and college kids can be found dancing on tables in coordinating theme outfits (in this case, the theme appears to be denim). I’m not particularly in the mood to hop up there with them (is it the poutine or my knees? A lady never tells) so instead I stroll the Village promenade, popping into Ruby Tuesday (26a–4314 Main St., rubytuesdayaccessories .com) to peruse some glittery things—I’ve been flirting with the idea of an anklet for a while now—and then Helly Hansen and The North Face (4295 Blackcomb Wy., hellyhansen.com; 32–4314
From top clockwise: The view from the Peak 2 Peak gondola; aprèsing slopeside at Garibaldi Lift Co.; Whistler Village.
Main St., thenorthface.com)
to see the latest outdoor gear and fantasize about what my heli-skier alter-ego might wear, then Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (210–4293 Mountain Sq., rockychoc.com) because chocolate. If shopping is a cardio experience, then maybe I am an athlete after all? Let’s call this a Mountain Glamour Goddess workout.
5:00 P.M.
HAPPIER HOUR
I have done no alpine activities today, so I’m not sure, technically speaking, that I can call my afternoon drinks “après,” but the locals don’t care when I join them at Garibaldi Lift Co. (4165 Springs Ln., garibaldiliftco.com) for some craft beers, socializing and comfort food. The prime-rib beef GLC burger ($24) on a scallion bun is ultimate comfort fare, particularly after adding blue cheese ($3), and the accompanying waffle fries are a revelation in this skinny-friesobsessed world. I post up on the heated outdoor upper patio for some prime people-watching, a stiff but very ginger-forward Dutch mule ($18) as my plusone, as we spectate the Village shenanigans like a sport before an après-après nightcap at the most exclusive cocktail bar in Whistler: my suite at Wedge Mountain Lodge.
Sunday
10:00 A.M.
CULTURE CRAWL
After pocketing some more Chef Bill scones for the road, I hop in our chauffeured van (fancy me!) and get whisked away to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre ($25 admission for adults, 4584 Blackcomb Wy., slcc.ca) for a guided tour through the historical regalia and artifacts that reflect the rich heritage of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations. The hand drum welcome song is the soundtrack to exploring stunning handcarved canoes, totems (one recently completed by Lil’wat master carver Jonathan Joe) and historical garb, each accompanied by thoughtful storytelling and interesting facts. (Did you know there used to be a specific dog whose fur made up most of the local community’s textiles until it went extinct?)
The short documentary Where Rivers, Mountains and People Meet plays regularly in the theatre, and gives me another glimpse at the beauty and heritage of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations.
11:30 A.M.
ART SMARTS
Next on my culture crawl is the Audain Art Museum (4350 Blackcomb Wy., audainartmuseum.com)
—the building itself is an architectural work of art hidden within the B.C. landscape. Inside, I find equally compelling art pieces, starting with the red cedar wall (The Dance Screen [The Scream Too]) that greets me. There are nearly 200 works by B.C. artists in the permanent collection here (Tom Thomson, Emily Carr, Stan Douglas), along with a significant Northwest Coast First Nations mask collection and a
showcase of many legendary and contemporary Indigenous artists. The one-hour public guided tour is well worth it (and is included with the $22 admission, so why shouldn’t I?) but just wandering through the building itself (all wood, slate and glass) connects me to the landscape in a way that makes the art resonate.
1:00 P.M. TO THE SKIES!
Honestly, I’m anticipating the ziplining to be a nightmare experience. How many times can I express that I do not want to be hurled down a mountain this weekend? But the fearless leader of our Ziptrek Ecotours Eagle Tour ($129, 4282 Mountain Sq., whistler.ziptrek.com) straps me into a harness, carabiners me (that’s a verb, right?) to a giant rope and sends me flying through the air and over Fitzsimmons Valley... and the bird’s eye view turns out to be a (heart-pounding) joy.
It’s an adrenaline rush paired with an eco-education— an unlikely but delightful combo—as the staff educate me about the flora and the fauna in the area while I catch my breath from silent screaming my way across valleys. Five ziplines lead to four treetop bridges, so the whole experience lasts around three hours, and I’m grateful I grabbed an OG Box from Picnic (snack size, $15; 113–4368 Main St., picnicwhistler.com) before I zipped. The on-the-go charcuterie set is packed with local cheeses, meats, artisanal
crackers and veggies along with a variety of nuts, chutney and pickles: basically the Mary Poppins bag equivalent of snack box, and absolutely Mountain Glamour Goddess fare.
6:00 P.M.
A CHILL DINNER
My Whistler weekend culminates with a unique dining experience at Bearfoot Bistro’s “The Magic of Maple” pop-up (4121 Village Gr., bearfootbistro.com). The staff have donned their best plaids with blue jeans, which amuses the regulars but only reminds me of every boyfriend I had during the early 2000s. The Quebec-inspired popup includes a thoughtful multi-course meal (from $50) including (duh) maple-inspired cocktails, but the seasonally inspired regular menu here looks pretty good too (no offence to Chef Bill back at the lodge): think wagyu beef, Périgord truffles and Berkshire pork. Full on this maple feast, I descend for a tour of Bearfoot’s 15,000-bottle wine cellar and the Grey Goose Ice Room—the world’s coldest vodka tasting room, which was cooler than I thought it would be, pun very much intended.
10:00 P.M.
SWEET DREAMS
As I tuck myself in for one last night at the lodge, I feel both rejuvenated and downhearted. Rejuvenated because I’ve experienced the pinnacle of luxury... and downhearted because this Mountain Glamour Goddess has a sink full of dishes waiting for her at home. I can only hope this brief but beautiful taste of the good life hasn’t ruined me. Turns out I am an outdoorsy winter person—so long as a private luxury lodge is involved.
VINO IN THE VALLEY
The Fraser Valley, that is. Welcome to Langley wine country.
BY NEAL MCLENNAN
There’s plenty we can learn from Hallmark movies, but no lesson has been more valuable than this: sometimes love is lurking in your own backyard, and you just need to have the courage to find it. I am, of course, talking about wine.
Much like the protagonist in 2012’s Hitched for the Holidays (starring a very grownup Joey Lawrence), I have some trepidation as I point my car south down Highway 99. Not because I’m desperately looking for a partner to fool my parents before Christmas, but because I’m doing something with much higher stakes. Wine touring. In the winter. In Langley.
For Western Canadians, visiting wineries comes with a pretty specific set of criteria: it takes place in the Okanagan, during the summer, and it’s always crowded. The reward for this is excellent wine served up against a stunning backdrop. But the last few years have made this ritual more fraught— first with the ever-present wildfires, then with the less publicized but far more damaging winter cold snaps, which have ravaged the vines to an unprecedented degree. Historically, the option at our doorstep—the Fraser Valley—got about as much respect from wine lovers as
LANGLEY
2018’s Frozen in Love got from the Oscars. But in the last few years, the wines emerging from these temperate vineyards have been not just surprising, but standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the country. The traditional challenge of getting the grapes here ripe enough has become a positive in the era of climate change and shifting tastes toward fresher wine. My first stop is Township 7, whose insanely good sparkling wine, Sirius, was the first to open my eyes to the region’s potential when it debuted a few years back. The turnoff from Highway 99 takes you through Surrey and past the Pacific Highway border crossing and, within five minutes, you’re metaphorical miles away from any suburban bustle. Farms abut either side of the road, and you’re sharing the right of way with horses here, so the pace just seems to slow with each passing kilometre. By the time you turn into the winery, you’re already at peak mellow.
The modest tasting room—this isn’t Mission Hill, kids—is surrounded by the chardonnay and pinot noir vines that go into Township 7’s
amazing bubbles. Most wineries scale back their hours in the winter, but T7, like most of the other spots in the region, keeps it going 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week (later on Friday and Saturday), in part because locals treat these wineries like their neighbourhood liquor stores, frequently stopping by on their way home from work to grab a bottle for dinner. Another lovely throwback to the early days of the Okanagan Valley boom? The tasting fees (that start at $10) are waived with the purchase of wine, a practice that seems to be waning as other wineries maximize all their revenue sources. T7 has the benefit of having a much larger winery and significant landholdings in the Okanagan, so my tasting also includes bold reds, which would be exceptionally tricky to grow here. And while I go for the entry-level tasting, had I wished, I could have dropped a still pretty reasonable $30 to learn the art of sabring a bottle of bubbles and taken a deep dive into the history of sparkling wine.
If T7 has been moving the needle with its pricey bubbles, my next stop, a mere three minutes away, takes a
more egalitarian approach to the art. Old timers will remember Domaine de Chaberton as the OG of Fraser Valley wineries, but a new ownership group bought the historic property in 2005, dropped the “Domaine” and did a full-on rebuild of the brand as Chaberton Estate Winery: new labels, new winemaking ethos, an investment in high-end French barrels and a doubling (or, to be honest, probably tripling) down on quality. That sort of glow-up is usually followed by a corresponding rise in price, but as I amble into the tasting room, I’m blown away by the old-school pricing—huge swaths of the varietal-specific bottles are priced at $18.95. And make no mistake, the wine is good (the unoaked chardonnay is one of the better deals I’ve seen) and it’s enabled Chaberton to quietly become the fourth-biggest winery in the province. That might, coupled with a long track record, allows the winery to secure excellent grapes from Okanagan growers so that, like T7, it can offer a full range of wine. But, after strolling 50 acres of vineyards, I’m most interested in
Dream of a Wine Christmas Clockwise from top: Township 7’s tasting area; T7’s fabulous sparkling wine, Sirius; Chaberton Estate Winery’s excellent unoaked chardonnay; and high-end French barrels at Chaberton.
the local grapes—so I make a beeline for the gamay noir and it’s everything I want in a cool-climate red: juicy, crunchy, light and focused. And $21.95. Dee, the resident master of the tasting room, nods her approval.
My final stop, Backyard Vineyards, is a whopping seven minutes away at a leisurely 40km/hr pace of traffic. I pass several new vineyards that look to have just been planted: just babies compared to the 20-plus-yearold pinot noir grapes at my destination. Like T7, Backyard uses the pinot exclusively for a sparkling blanc de noir, but the winery also buys the hybrid grape Bacchus from some neighbouring vineyards, as well as some Okanagan grapes. It feels very much family-run—there’s a fire in the corner of the tasting room and, if you’re wined out, Backyard sell four-packs of the local Camp Brewing’s beer in the fridge. The vibe is very warm and fuzzy, not unlike the feel-good sentiment of A Cookie Cutter Christmas, filmed not far from here, which seems fitting.
WINING AND DINING
ALL THREE WINERIES have covered picnic areas and sell charcuterie platters (although this being friendly Langley, they’re more than happy for you to order a tasting flight of wine and Uber Eats some Thai food should you so desire—try doing that at Burrowing Owl and see how it goes). In addition, Chaberton Estate has its own well-regarded bistro that feels like you’re eating right in the vineyard and is open for European-inspired dining Wednesday through Sunday.
LEAVENWORTH, WASHINGTON
BAVARIA OVER THE BORDER
A trip to Germany might just be closer than it seems.
BY JOY PECKNOLD
Guten Tag The city is known for its farmhouse architecture.
THE QUICKEST WAY TO GET TO A QUAINT BAVARIAN VILLAGE FROM VANCOUVER?
Drive across the U.S. border. After weaving through Washington’s scenic Cascade Mountains and reaching Leavenworth, the first sign you’ll see that it’s not a typical American town is, well, the signs—all writ in gothic typefaces. Then, German farmhouse-style buildings appear, some bearing hand-painted frescoes known as Lüftlmalerei. In the 1960s, to thwart a ghost town future and inspired by some geographical similarities, the city moved to model itself after Bemalte Fassaden, Leipzig and Munich. That means a biergarten-peppered landscape, year-round Christmas stores and a Nutcracker Museum— but with winery tasting rooms and not-Bavarian restaurants, it’s not all Kölsch and kitsch.
EAT
Start with the situational classics—sit-down schnitzel, spätzle or wurst at Andreas Keller (andreaskellerrestaurant .com), a family-run restaurant that’s been serving traditional fare since 1989. For those who don’t mind the cold or want German fare to-go, München Haus (munchenhaus.com) is a counter-service courtyard with a robust draft beer list (the owners also founded local Icicle Brewing), charbroiled sausages and more than a dozen specialty mustards. When a break from Bavaria is in order, there’s the Watershed Cafe’s seasonal menus of farm-to-table Pacific Northwest cuisine and regional wines (watershedpnw .com). Naturally, sockeye’s on the menu, but it’s their specialty meatloaf that’s most talked about. For handmade pansoti, bigoli and pappardelle alongside proper cocktails, head down the alley behind
the Stein beer hall to Larch (larchleavenworth.com).
STAY
Perched along the Wenatchee River, adult-only Posthotel (posthotelleavenworth.com) is a Europeanstyle Alpine spa resort right in the heart of town. Guests are encouraged to roam around the property in their bathrobes and slippers as they move between the pools, saunas and steam and treatment rooms. Within the 55 suites are white linen-clad king beds, marble soaking tubs, fireplaces and, in some, French wooden doors that open onto balconies and terraces with mountain views. It’s nearly all-inclusive too, with a buffet breakfast, light lunch and a few seasonal activities thrown in.
PLAY
About 40 minutes by car outside town is the oldest operating ski area in Washington, Stevens Pass (stevenspass.com). Thanks
to cooler easterlies, the resort enjoys drier snow than the West Coast average. The way its two major peaks meet means that all frontside runs funnel to the base, making it especially friendly for first-timers. Off Route 2 just beyond the resort is Scenic Hot Springs (scenichotsprings.com), a reservation-only spot reached by a three-kilometre uphill hike, which, during winter, requires snowshoes. In summer, natural spring water feeds into three man-made pools on a hilltop, with only 15 spots available per day. For a lower impact, stillhigh-reward activity, there’s Bavarian Walking Tours (bavarianwalkingtours.com). The Sip and Stroll option dispenses both town history and wein during stops at local wineries’ tasting rooms. Taking this tour November through February is particularly magical, as Leavenworth becomes “Christmastown” and gets dressed up in half a million lights.
SCAN HERE
HOW EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING GROWS GLOBAL CITIZENS
Students who engage in activity-based, hands-on learning are more confident, empathetic global citizens equipped to meet real-world challenges.
Many wise educators and philosophers have said, “It’s not what you learn but how you learn.” According to studies across educational disciplines, the “how” in deep learning comes from hands-on, experiential learning—an approach that schools and training providers are implementing more of.
At Stratford Hall, an independent school in Vancouver, experiential learning is a cornerstone of its educational philosophy. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, which emphasizes inquiry-based learning and encourages students to become active participants in their education.
Stratford Hall
“Our focus on inquiry empowers students to ask questions, explore solutions and reflect on their learning,” says Hazel Chee, senior school principal. “Coupled with hands-on, experiential activities, the IB framework provides a rich, holistic learning experience that integrates academic and personal implementation of critical thinking skills and social development.”
This development starts at a young age. In the Primary Years Program, students engage in true “inquiry,” building thinking dispositions, or patterns of thinking and problem-solving.
Students are considered inquirers when they research, plan, collect data, problemsolve and explore through play, to name just a few examples. “From the early stages of asking meaningful questions, students use hands-on learning to arrive at solutions,” says Chee. “This approach not only enhances engagement but also fosters critical life skills like problem-solving, collaboration and creativity.”
One program that exemplifies handson learning is the Middle Years Design and
Technology course, in which students tackle real-world problems through design thinking. “For example, grade 9 students recently worked on projects where they designed and created functional prototypes to solve everyday challenges—such as water filtration systems for remote areas or sustainable packaging solutions,” says Chee.
Another standout program is the Outdoor Experiential Education, where students engage in environmental studies directly in nature. Junior School students learn about ecosystems and biodiversity through gardening projects on campus, while older students participate in multi-day excursions where they study ecological systems and sustainability, applying their learning through conservation efforts like trail restoration and wildlife monitoring. By continuously evolving our programs and training staff in the latest educational strategies, we ensure that our students are well-prepared to passionately steward our changing world with the practical skills and intellectual curiosity they need to succeed,” Chee says.
COLLINGWOOD SCHOOL
Collingwood School is another Vancouver-based school that provides students with various opportunities and ways to show what they know and can do. In the Junior School (JK to grade 7), hands-on learning is demonstrated through Experiential Education, which immerses students in an experience and then supports reflection to develop new skills, attitudes or ways of thinking. “We believe it is one of the best ways to learn,” says Rheanne Stevens, director of teaching, learning and innovation at Collingwood’s Junior School. “Our programs promote innovation through infusing technology, design thinking and making, developing environmental awareness and global perspective.”
They also participate in land-based learning, designed to extend classroom teaching into a setting where students can engage in meaningful and authentic learning in their local environment. “The water cycle comes alive with meaning when students see a dry stream bed,” Stevens says. “Mapping makes more sense when students use a compass to set off through the forest in search of waypoints”
In the Senior School (grades 8-12), hands-on learning is demonstrated across a variety of academic courses where students are provided with the opportunity to develop their subject understanding and grapple with complex concepts.
“We believe that authentic learning occurs when students of all ages are actively engaged and challenged to apply their existing knowledge to construct new understandings,” says Jen Dousett, director of teaching, learning and innovation Collingwood’s Senior School. “Instead of simply absorbing information, students develop deeper comprehension by actively interacting with materials, solving problems and experimenting. This approach fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills and a lifelong love of learning.”
An excellent example of experiential learning at Collingwood is an innovative learning opportunity for all grade 9 students, which requires them to develop
Collingwood School
GIVING & GRATITUDE: STRATFORD HALL STUDENTS
GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
Stratford Hall’s commitment to giving back is at the heart of its values and students’ curriculum for learning and life
BY JESSICA KIRBY
Service learning is at the heart of some of the most profound student experiences. Community building extends learning beyond school walls, and students learn to give their time, connect with others and contribute to community well-being.
Stratford Hall, an independent, kindergarten through grade 12, school in Vancouver offering the international baccalaureate curriculum, places a strong emphasis on the principles of giving and gratitude, both through its curriculum and cocurricular activities. “We believe that teaching our students about the importance of philanthropy and giving enriches their educational experience and helps them develop into compassionate, responsible individuals,” says Hazel Chee, senior school principal.
Through class discussions, mentorship opportunities and hands-on experiences, students see the tangible impact of their efforts. Giving and gratitude are reinforced through traditions, events and daily practices, with an emphasis on kindness within the school environment and to the broader community.
Senior school students at Stratford Hall actively engage in a partnership with Queen Alexandra Elementary School, participating in various events like Sports Day, buddy read -
ing programs and food donation drives. From March to June, the donations they collect through their annual fund are directed to supporting Queen Alexandra, reflecting Stratford Hall’s dedication to fostering a supportive relationship with the school.
“Our students also participate in a Community Clean-Up event each year, right after Halloween,” Chee says. “This initiative brings together continuum community to beautify the neighborhood, teaching our students the value of caring for their surroundings.”
They also dedicate a day to service, where students visit neighbouring senior homes to spend time with residents while learning the importance of compassion and connection. Some students independently volunteer at the senior home due to the connection made through the service day initiatives.
“The outcomes of these projects are profound,” Chee says. “Our students develop a deep understanding of social responsibility, enhance their leadership and teamwork skills, and make meaningful contributions within the community. These experiences often lead to lasting relationships between the school and community organizations, fostering a culture of ongoing collaboration.
lead in proposing ideas for community service projects, participating in the planning process and taking charge of initiatives that resonate with their interests.
For example, during service-learning trips to places like Costa Rica, students helped build schools, providing transformative experiences that broaden their perspectives and deepen their commitment to service.
“By instilling the values of philanthropy, Stratford Hall prepares students to become globally conscious citizens,” Chee says. “Our focus on giving back cultivates a sense of responsibility and empathy, qualities that are essential in today’s complex world.”
Learn more at stratfordhall.ca
Students learn critical thinking, decisionmaking and problem solving by taking the
competencies in key skills of ideating, prototyping, testing, making and sharing potential solutions to real-world problems. Students are challenged to address a complex real-world problem by designing an original solution. Choosing between solutions that utilize either technology or entrepreneurship, students work in collaborative teams of three to five individuals to research, analyze, invent, prototype and present their ideas. The project output is determined entirely by the team. It could be a piece of code. It could be a mechanical prototype. It could be a functioning robot. The intention is to provide a firm goal with flexible means to achieve it.
As students enter the senior courses, experiential learning opportunities continue through to grade 12 where students design and execute labs in science, engage in mock trials in Law 12 and present business solutions to our community partners in Entrepreneurship 12.
ST. MICHAEL’S UNIVERSITY SCHOOL
Denise Lamarche is the director of academics at St. Michaels University School in Victoria, a junior kindergarten to grade 12 independent day and boarding school, which emphasises experiential learning through programs such as outdoor education, experiential and global education trips and mentorship opportunities.
“Students are able to explore different career paths, build professional relationships and develop essential skills,” she says. “For example, collaborations with the University of Victoria allowed students in an Engineering 10 class to prototype and design adaptations for prosthetic limbs for basic skills like zipping up a jacket and then collaborate with industry experts on bringing it to life.”
SMUS integrates career-oriented learning because it extends learning beyond the classroom and provides students with valuable opportunities to apply their knowledge in practical, real-world settings.
“By partnering with local businesses, universities and professional organizations, SMUS has created a rich environment where students can engage in leadership roles, entrepreneurship, and community service, all while gaining hands-on experience that is crucial for career readiness,” Lamarche says.
SMUS’s commitment to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) is a great example of how the school brings these elements together. Students take courses like coding, robotics, digital art and data analysis while gaining tactical experience in these fields. “This enables them to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios and helps prepare them for careers in a technology-driven society,” Lamarche says.
They also challenge their critical thinking, creativity and technological proficiency— skills that are increasingly important in today’s job market.
“St. Michaels University School is not just preparing students for their next step in life,” Lamarche says. “It is nurturing future leaders who are equipped with the skills, experiences and values needed to thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.”
ASPENGROVE
Aspengrove strives to offer a world-class education in a uniquely Vancouver Island way. For example, on its 40-acre campus the school has a Living Lab, a purpose-built outdoor classroom that supports science learning through a garden, pond and bee
St. Michaels University School
Pear Tree School
Aspengrove School
hives. “Learning by doing is at the core of our International Baccalaureate program, as well as ensuring that there are no ordinary days at Aspengrove,” says Dr. Gary Kern, Aspengrove’s head of school. “Aspengrove also recognizes the importance of cocurricular engagement, individual character and social responsibility.”
At the younger grades, the school’s Forest Program enriches classroom learning by providing teacher led exploration and learning opportunities in the natural environment. “Our students learn how to explore, observe and inquire in their daily walks and play throughout the campus,” Dr. Kern says.
At the older grades, the co-curricular program has been developed to celebrate the activities that define living on the West Coast, which means students participate in a variety of activities including mountain biking, skiing and snowboarding, rock climbing, and trail running, as well as arts and academic clubs that celebrate Vancouver Island.
Aspengrove just celebrated its 20th year as Nanaimo’s only ISABC School (Independent Schools Association of BC) and the team is excited to build upon those first two decades. “Nanaimo is becoming a globally minded community,” Dr. Kern says, “and Aspengrove aspires to lead our community in welcoming new families to our community and to prepare future leaders for a changing world.”
PEAR TREE SCHOOL
“We believe students learn best when they are actively engaged with the material, making real-world connections that go beyond textbook theory,” says Paul Romani, founder and director at Pear Tree School.
The school’s entire progressive curriculum is built around experiential and project-based learning, where critical thinking is embedded into every step. Students are encouraged to explore, question, and apply their knowledge to solve problems or create something meaningful.
One program example is the Urban Design theme for grades 6-7, where students actively engage in the process of city planning. They conduct fieldwork to explore local neighborhoods, identify design challenges and study urban infrastructure.
Accepting applications for September 2025. Learn more and apply at www.southridge.ca
“From there, students work in teams to design their own sustainable city models, using both physical materials and technology to bring their vision to life,” Romani says. “This process combines geography, math and environmental studies, giving them practical, real-world applications of these subjects.”
A Transformative Education
Preschool to Grade 12 Independent School www.aspengroveschool.ca
For younger students, in the Pets theme (grades K-1), hands-on learning includes activities such as visiting local pet shelters and interacting with animals to learn about animal care, habitats and the responsibilities of pet ownership. They also apply math and science by measuring food portions or creating habitat models for different types of pets.
“Hands-on learning is more than just an educational tool at Pear Tree School— it’s part of how we instill critical life skills,” Romani says. “Our students develop creativity, resilience, collaboration and a passion for problem-solving, preparing them for becoming innovators and conscientious global citizens.”
SOUTHRIDGE
In its Senior School, Southridge incorporates experiential approaches through the Harkness philosophy, which fosters discussion-based, student-led learning. In the Junior School, inquiry-based, experiential learning is delivered through the International Baccalaureate Program.
“At Southridge, service and service learning are defining parts of every student’s experience, from K-12,” says Renée Lepp, director of enrollment management.
“Service learning allows students to develop analytical critical thinking skills, research skills and effective communication skills both in advocating for others and reflecting on their own experiences.”
The Senior School Educational Program (SSEP) is a future thinking framework that is used to inform, guide, and provide
opportunities for our students to develop across a variety of educational areas. It incorporates the academic program, the co-curricular program (including athletics), the service learning program, the arts program, outdoor education, and character development.
“Beginning in grade 3, all students engage in outdoor learning experiences that become progressively more challenging and longer in duration as they advance through the grades,” Lepp says. “Whether through
Southridge
the IB framework, Harkness discussions or real-world learning experiences, Southridge fosters a holistic educational approach that nurtures both intellectual growth and personal development.”
URBAN ACADEMY
Hands-on learning is a core part of Urban Academy’s philosophy because it enhances students’ critical thinking, problem-solving and engagement skills. “Whether through technology integration, art, science experiments, travel, outdoor education, leadership opportunities or real-world projects, students have opportunities to apply their knowledge in practical, meaningful ways,” says Mike Slinger, head of school.
Students are exposed to a variety of learning from technology to outdoor ed, athletics and the arts, as well as a plethora of specialized academic opportunities.
“Last year, our grade 2 completed a Language Arts and Technology project, where students combined fairy tale writing with digital literacy,” Slinger says. “They wrote their own stories, created digital worlds using CoSpaces, and brought their tales to life with green screen technology.”
The project culminated with a presentation of their project growing their public speaking skills. This project blended creativity and technology, giving students practical experience with tools they’ll use in the future while developing their narrative and technical skills.
MULGRAVE SCHOOL –THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF VANCOUVER
Mulgrave’s approach is to empower curiosity through hands-on learning, guiding students to explore, experiment and engage deeply with the world around them. As an IB school, it integrates real-world experiences into the curriculum, from preschool through to grade 12.
Urban Academy
As a ‘continuum’ school that serves learners from preschool to graduation, Mulgrave has the unique opportunity to scaffold students’ learning very intentionally, developing their skills in an incremental and age-appropriate manner. “Some of our youngest learners in preschool recently demonstrated an interest in volcanos during their Unit of Inquiry, so teachers took the opportunity to engage in a hands-on project to create a volcano,” Craig Davis, head of school. “They explored working with paper mache while enjoying a messy experience!”
Grade 3 students enjoy outdoor learning weekly, engaging in activities such as learning about place values and measurements using found materials in nature. “Students demonstrate great focus outdoors, away from technology and in an environment where they can learn freely and express themselves in different ways,” Davis says. “This approach to learning continues through the grades with projects such as designing garden beds using math functions, through to tackling trigonometry problems related to shadows cast by trees.”
Entrepreneurship courses and involvement in the YELL programme offer incredible hands-on learning about the stock market, creating business plans and thinking about making a positive impact in the realm of social entrepreneurship. “From our Junior School Climate Crew to our Upper School council structure, students can also practice voice and choice in a variety of disciplines that resonate with them, including the arts, DEI and wellbeing,” Davis says.
HANDS-ON IN THE WORKPLACE
There is plenty of evidence that hands-on learning in school leads to great success in the workplace, as well. A study by Forbes says, “Hands-on learning offers time and space to think through each action, as well as support from teachers who can provide real-time feedback. Traditional learning practices will always have their place in education. However, in the real world, some things can’t be learned by watching another individual do a task or having it explained; it takes actually performing the task in a safe, protected environment to learn how to do it right.”
EXCELLENCE IN MANUFACTURING CONSORTIUM
Students that have been prepared with hands-on learning are better equipped to enter the workforce, and programs like WILWorks (work integrated learning) through Excellence in Manufacturing
Consortium (EMC) are the next step for helping students find meaningful careers. EMC supports manufacturers with hiring student talent through internships, co-op placements, practicums or applied research projects. Through the WILWorks program, EMC creates partnerships with colleges, universities and polytechnics to help develop a pipeline of future employment-ready graduates.
Amy Edwards, training manager at EMC says hands-on learning is valuable because it ensures the participants are able to apply the tools and skills they have learned from the program. “This is demonstrated by participants through many different ways,” she says. “The most effective way we have found with our programs is by having participants complete a Workplace Performance Project where the participants select a problem in the workplace, finds a solution and implements a solution (when possible).”
EMC applies this educational theory by teaching a seven-step problem solving strategy, which participants then apply to identify and solve a process improvement problem within the workplace and helps to find a solution.
Carolyn Rasiuk, training and content development specialist for EMC, says a learn-then-do approach is a proven strategy for moving from knowledge gain to genuine competency.“While EMC has developed many asynchronous training modules recently to address employers’ needs for rapid, adaptable and flexible skill development, hands-on training will always have an important role in learning,” she says. “EMC runs programs that include applied learning through solving authentic workplace problems to demonstrate problem solving, critical thinking and collaboration among other learned skills. WIL is also a common approach especially for younger or newer workers.”
LEARN MORE:
Stratford Hall: stratfordhall.ca
Collingwood School: collingwood.org
St. Michael’s University School: smus.ca
Aspengrove School: aspengroveschool.ca
Pear Tree School: peartree.school
Southridge School: southridge.ca
Urban Academy: urbanacademy.ca
Mulgrave School: mulgrave.com
EMC/WILWorks: emccanada.org
EMC/WILWORKS
MULGRAVE SCHOOL
TASTE
jWe’ve entered a new era of eating. Entrees, you’re out; bite-sized meals, you’re in. Read on for a double-dose review of the city’s newest snack bars, Meo and Good Thief: two creative, captivating hot spots that are changing what a great night out can be.
Crisp, Crisp, Hurray Meo transforms the humble caesar salad into a two-bite wonder with a croqueta that’s full of rich, umami flavour.
Long Live the Snack Bar
Good Thief and Meo turn crazydelicious bites into fabulous meals.
by Dani Wright
The days of single-plate dinners —the ones where you order the chicken and your partner orders the fish—seem to belong to a bygone era hallmarked by white tablecloth birthday celebrations and sport coat-required dining rooms. In their stead are an abundance of new eateries focused on shared plates, good cocktails and, well, vibes. When a menu highlights communal eating, it also highlights the social aspect of dining, so please don’t call small-plate restaurants just a trend—this is a new approach to eating that’s actively bringing us closer together. On this fresh list of such innovative Vancouver restaurants are Good Thief and Meo: two newcomers that have debuted as the fun younger siblings of beloved staples Anh and Chi and Michelinstarred Kissa Tanto.
Mount Pleasant’s Good Thief (described by co-founder Amelie Nguyen as “Anh and Chi’s rebellious little brother”) opened earlier this year to immediate praise. The lush, emerald room and funky tunes create a hip and youthful ambiance, but the ambitious, bites-focused menu and expansive cocktail offerings solidify the space as a hot spot for adventurous diners.
The cocktail program is, in my humble opinion, the most important piece of any snack-style menu. Good Thief’s program takes you on a journey through Southeast Asia, celebrating different ingredients throughout the region. There’s the Hoi An Nights ($18), a lemongrass gin-based cocktail delicately flavoured with chili, salt, ube, jasmine and lychee and arriving in a stunningly purple hue. Or consider the Heist ($20), my favourite drink of the night and an effervescent take on rum punch
that’s made with the restaurant’s own calamansi “super juice” (the bar staff combines the zest of the tiny tropical fruit with citric acid and juice to make a concentrated, shelf-stable ingredient).
While the flavours of the food portion of the menu are similar to those you’ll find next door at Anh and Chi, the presentation draws more strongly on French influences. Take the escargot ($16), described as a “banh pate so”; the dish arrives looking identical to a vol-au-vent rather than the closed-top Vietnamese pastry. With a pitch-perfect brandy sauce and bouncy snails, this snack would be just as at home on the table of a top Parisian restaurant—except for the chili oil, which takes it on a playfully delicious departure from the norm.
The frog legs ($15) are a standout within the “Bites” portion of the menu. Doused in a more-ish fish sauce glaze, they somehow maintain a crackling-level crisp—and, thanks to the chicken-like preparation, they offer an easy entry into the delicacy. So easy, in fact, that taking the last one without asking may trigger a fight with your spouse (don’t ask me how I know this). As we debate what to order next, our server advises us to
After being informed of the restaurant’s new “cinq à sept” menu (a Quebecois term similar to happy hour), we quickly put in our food order—which includes a unique take on the caesar salad: the croqueta ($14). Roasted chicken held together with a luscious bechamel is breadcrumbed and deep-fried into a delicate fritter, served on a piece of gem lettuce and topped with a mountain of parm and miso caesar dressing. It tastes like everything I’ve ever wanted my go-to salad to be.
Next up is the “patata brava” ($14), a luxuriously smooth potato puree that’s combined with olive oil choux pastry before being deep fried and topped with aioli and a take on Spanish bravas sauce that reminds me of my favourite hot sauce: El Yucateco. That is to say: it’s spicy, tastes like chipotle and, when placed on the crisp exterior of the potato, is true perfection.
Snack City (Counter-clockwise from top left) Good Thief’s vibey bar, crispy frog legs, the Heist cocktail, escargot and braised oxtail; the lush seating area at Good Thief; Meo’s caesar salad croqueta, Turkish sbagliato cocktail, patata brava, famed green oysters and melon milk spicy margarita; Meo’s entrance.
try the pommes frites ($14)—thick bistrostyle fries topped with fried curry leaves and accompanied by a bright-yet-spicy green curry aioli. The fries are even more excellent when dipped into the sauce that accompanies the oxtail ($32)—the latter a dish that’s one of the larger plates on the menu. Here, Good Thief elevates this humble cut of beef with a concentrated, lacquered pho demi. The braised meat, wrapped in caul fat and shaped into a rectangle, has a distinct richness that’s lifted by expertly confited daikon and a smoky carrot puree. (I could eat a whole bowl of that puree on its own.)
If Good Thief is the rascal kid brother to Anh and Chi, then Meo is definitely the sassy little sister of the famed Kissa Tanto. When we first enter the stunningly pink, ’70s-inspired room, it feels like a tuckedaway secret, a speakeasy of yesteryear. But, as I settle in, I realize just how big the space really is—1,600 square feet, in fact. The sense of intimacy never dissipates, though; if anything, it’s immediately highlighted by the “did we just become best friends” style of service we are about to experience.
After weeks of listening to my foodloving friends and fellow editors effuse about Meo’s infamous oysters ($30), I know they have to be our next course. And, for the first time in my restaurantgoing history, a dish lives up to every word of the hype. This bivalve swimming in a stunningly green sauce tastes like a summer-fresh aguachile—herbaceous, salty and with just the right texture thanks to a micro pico de gallo.
We pair our revolving door of snacks with an array of each-better-than-the-last cocktails. From the just-bitter-enough Turkish sbagliato ($18) made with rosewater to a Melon Milk spicy marg ($18) that reminds me of the best popsicle on earth (the Melona bar, duh) to the dirty lychee martini ($22) that’s both briny and round on the palate, the drinks here are out-of-this-world good.
I’d go back to both snack bars for the cocktails alone, but when I’m having a drink I might as well have a snack (I have based my life on the When You Give a Mouse a Cookie series). And, once you’re having that snack, why eat one thing when you can eat five? Variety is the spice of life, after all. It’s about time snacking became the main course.
restaurants. TASTE // new and hot
BEST THING I ATE
by Dani Wright
Focacciaza’s garden foccacia, $4
Sloppy JOES AND FRESH FOCACCIA
Over the past few years, Vancouver has established itself as an incubator for fabulous smaller-scale culinary innovators. Two recent standouts have one thing in common: despite their names, they’re not your average Joes.
Midnight Joe’s operates out of a stylish, retro food truck, where owners Britt Irvin and Drèa Whitburn sling the finest sloppy joes this side of 1965. A plush, garlic-toasted bun acts as a vessel for Two Rivers Meats ground beef that’s been simmered in a nostalgiainducing sauce that’s both sweet and smoky. The crispy cheese-skirt edition is a personal fave—but this blast from the past is delicious in every iteration. Various locations, @midnightjoesvancouver
Focacciaza—run by the infamous-in-my-house Johannes Kroller, a.k.a. Focaccia Joe—serves a pitch-perfect version of the Italian staple. The team operates from a bicycle-powered food cart and a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it counter in Railtown: in each, a rotating selection of bouncy-yet-substantial slices come garnished with seasonal toppings. The standout of my first visit featured a rich tomato sauce that, when combined with the caramelized, crispy edges that are a Focacciaza signature, transported me to the streets of Rome, where pizza al taglio is a standard, not a treat. With focaccia this delicious, I’m inclined to make it a staple of my own diet, too. 1007 E Cordova St., focacciaza.com
cuisine back to the West End. Chef Feenie’s seasonally focused menu features new dishes like Hokkaido scallops and prawns in a tomato saffron broth as well as nods to the restaurant’s past, like grilled veal tenderloin with a morel sauce. lecrocodilerestaurant.com
Opened June 2024 | 100–909 Burrard St.
Turning Up the Heat
The team behind beloved Mexican restaurants Ophelia and Monarca has just opened a new, more experimental spot in the heart of Davie Village. Barra Gitano keeps you on your toes with riffs on traditional Mexican flavours; must-try dishes include burrata with grilled peaches and peppery cilantro pesto, and a deeply spiced birria ramen. barragitano.ca
Opened July 2024 | 1202 Davie St.
Top of the World Coal Harbour’s newest patio is 14 storeys high—but even with a world-class rooftop, the real draw is Lavantine Restaurant and Skybar ’s shareable plates of Mediterranean-inspired fare: think smooth hummus topped with sumac, a centrepiece-worthy cauliflower dish and fire-roasted proteins. lavantine.ca
Opened June 2024 | 833 W Pender St.
Buzzy Bonjour
The opening of Le Crocodile by Rob Feenie has brought “French meets West Coast”
THE WINE LIST
by Neal McLennan
Torabhaig Allt Gleann, $125
There’s been a raft of new distilleries to open in Scotland in the last decade and most are high on branding, middling on whisky. But Torabhaig, the first new distillery to open on the Isle of Skye in 194 years, has produced one of the finest young malts (there’s no age statement, but it’s well under eight) I can recall trying. It’s a lovely melange—a little smoke, a little salt, some fresh berries—that seems wise and tasty beyond its years.
holiday cheers
Bottles of spirits and wine are simultaneously the easiest and hardest gift in the world. They’re easy because everyone likes getting a bottle, but if you want to rise above the level of “that’s so nice,” well, that’s where the hard work comes in. You need an angle: Are you forecasting the next big thing? Finding a niche that few have noticed? Or are you perhaps willing to choose a mountain and go straight to the top? Here are four bottles that shine greatly in a sea of goodness.
Classico Riserva, $130
If you want to buy the white Burgundy at the BCL, prepare to shell out $1,965 for a bottle of Montrachet. But the finest verdicchio—perhaps the most iconic of the Italian whites—is a relative steal at $130. Expect the juxtaposition of Granny Smith crunch and a sea salt dusting with softening marzipan richness and a lingering light floral finish. And if your giftee isn’t thirsty now, this bottle will happily age for the next decade and a half.
It’s tough to beat giving the very last of something, and this bottle represents blue-chip winemaker Culmina’s last foray with syrah (a grape that works wonderfully in B.C.’s climate but is very prone to frost damage). They’re going out with a bang: clove and pepper spice working with brooding dark fruit and some significant structure holding it all together and making it an excellent candidate for the cellar.
Sometimes the trick is to find a jewel hiding in plain sight. Dwight Sick’s Rhôneinspired Amulet wines are some of the best handcrafted gems in the Okanagan, but because they are such low-production, they can be readily found only by those who know. The white is the most restrained viognier in the Valley, allowing some of the floral notes to thrive without getting bogged down in any cloying sweetness. Full bodied and ageable.
Villa Bucci Verdicchio
Culmina Le Chant du Cygne, $100
Amulet White 2022, $32
WRAPPING A PRESENT WITHOUT THE WEIRD LUMPS
That’s a wrap on ugly gift-giving.
by Alyssa Hirose
Suckers will tell you that it’s what’s on the inside that counts. That it’s the thought that matters. That the real gift is the friends we made along the way. But the fact is, when you’ve gone to the trouble of buying the perfect present— meaningful, classy, within budget—it’s a real buzzkill when your wrap job looks like something the Grinch himself wouldn’t steal.
This year, we’re ripping paper a new one. Read on for expert advice from Fernando Orozco, manager of Kitsilano’s Signed, Sealed, Delivered gift shop, along with clever workarounds and tools of the trade for creating a beautiful present.
As a pink-haired, heavily eyelinered guest speaker in your grade 10 health class would say, here’s how to wrap it up.
Invest in a good pair of scissors and tape. Fiskars scissors will get the job done (the brand offers fancy papercutters, too—I’ve had my own since third-grade cardmaking club and get the blade replaced at Michael’s every few years). Orozco recommends double-sided tape (Scotch has brand supremacy) for a more elevated look.
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Don’t skimp out on the paper. “The paper has got to be quality,” says Orozco, adding that an attractive design does double duty: it’s nice to look at, and will help hide any human error in wrapping. There are
Commit to the fold. The best way to get clean lines is to match them with the paper’s pattern (stripes are your friend) and press firmly along the corners of your gift. Use the sizing tips on this page to avoid too much overlap—that way, you can steer clear of scrunch city.
plenty of cute prints to choose from at Orozco's shop; same goes for Main Street’s Regional Assembly of Text (3934 Main St., assemblyoftext.com) and Granville Island’s Paper-Ya (9–1666 Johnston St., paperya.com).
Size matters.
To get the right slice of wrapping paper (the first time), use a flat surface and place your gift on top of the rolled-out paper. Bring the paper roll all the way around the gift, and mark a spot that allows about an inch of overlap. Then, accurately determine the width: the sides of the paper should reach at least halfway up the sides of your present.
Give your gift bag some oomph. There’s no shame in the gift-bag game, but once you’ve artfully arranged your tissue paper, Orozco recommends using a stapler to secure it. “That way, you give it some more shape, and know it’s not going to move,” he says.
Have issues? Use tissue. Tissue paper can also be helpful for wrapping oddly shaped items: a layer or two of tissue buffer will set that final layer up for success. “Hide the strange shape of the thing and make it more cushioned,” Orozco advises.
Go zero-waste with furoshiki.
This Japanese style of wrapping uses cloth instead of paper and looks ultra-chic no matter how skilled you are at tying knots. Furoshiki cloths are available at Itsumo (279 E 6th Ave. , itsumo.ca), Murata (15 E Broadway, murata.ca) and various other Japanese lifestyle stores.
how to really win christmas
Oh, you want to be extra extra. Custom wrapping paper, tissue paper or boxes from Jukebox Print will really knock the wool socks off your giftee. Just send in your design and they’ll ship you a whole roll of whatever-you-want-printed paper (for a pretty reasonable price, too—25 feet of custom wrapping paper is $50). jukeboxprint.com
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4 | 7:30 – 9:00 AM
Join us for an insightful panel discussion as we delve into the impactful stories of enduring life in the midst of wildfires and the long journey of recovery in their aftermath. With 29 years of experience, Chief Brolund has earned special recognition for his work and has spoken at the United Nations about the profound impact of the 2023 wildfires. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical knowledge on how we can all be better prepared.
Jason Brolund – WEST KELOWNA FIRE CHIEF
A landmark industrial opportunity at the gateway to Fraser Mills.
