A hidden (almost secret) garden! located off to the side of the Pacific National Exhibition Centre. This little Japanese landscaped garden is not only a quiet sanctuary where one can admire its lake, rocks, and bonzai trees, it is also a commemorative place that serves as a healing reminder of the history of Japanese Canadian internment during the Second World War.

Occupying the historical building of a former B.C Electric Railway terminal, Centre A's gallery space is also located in one Vancouver's oldest and most diverse neighbourhoods-between Gastown and Chinatown. Focusing on their mandate to provide a platform for contemporary Asian Art, Centre A is a great space to explore and visit.

Despite the stigma that surrounds East Vancouver, the alleys are often adorned with amazingly colourful offerings. I find it very inspiring to take a stroll through a select few and pick out literary scrawling, graffiti, and the layers of vibrant history that cover the walls.

One of those comic shops that just have it right. Good selection, room at the back for exhibitions and talks, small selection of music for sale. I got hooked on “Big Questions” by Anders Nilsen, and he came in for a signing in the summer, I had no idea, just popped by and there he was. I’m holding onto the 90’s and this place has it.

This pub offers good ambiance, good food, great music, and nice staff. They also serve the best pint of black lager in town and to top it all off, there are no TV’s to distract from conversations among friends.