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.

Vancouver houses are strange. Walk the streets, and you will go from amusement to jealousy to nausea with each house. Here are some categories: ‘Vancouver Specials’ cheap 70s houses built with a 50 year lifespan, generally they have lion statues outside. ‘Condos’ condos more condos, they suck! ‘Heritage Cottages’ they were in the woods probably 50 years ago, now they are surrounded by condos.

I'm here once a week, bouncing round the park with my dog Martha, generally yelling her name trying to stop her eating poo or lick little kids faces, usually one after the other. There are so many parks and woods and mountains in and around Vancouver, but for some reason this place just works for me - maybe there is less of a fear of being eaten by a bear or bugs?

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.

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.