Straight underneath the bridge lies this charming little island that houses some of my favourite restaurants, such as the Sandbar and the yellow Bridges. Among all the things here you can also find a theatre, a brewery, a public food market and of course the Emily Carr university.

It may see like I have an affinity for dingy looking doorways leading to amazing spots, but it just so happens that another of the best bars in Vancouver is hidden behind such an entrance. The Narrow plays great music ranging from heavy metal, to hard rock, classic rock, grunge, 70’s soul and everything in between. The atmosphere is awesome. It is small, dark, VERY loud (due to the music), and the red walls are adorned by rows of deer antlers a glowing neon cross. It has a massive liquor selection too.

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.

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.

1067 is one of the best music venues in Vancouver, playing host to experimental jazz and other electro-acoustic offerings. It is underground in every sense of the word, hidden in an alley behind an unmarked door (aside from the faintest scribbling of the address in the top right corner). $5 and a ring on a hidden buzzer gets you in to this amazing spot through a labyrinth of stairs and hallways.