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.

This quaint, cottage-cozy cafe is the perfect place to go with your bestie for a cup of coffee and tasty treats. I highly recommend their fresh baguette sandwiches-the pear one (with blue brie, prosciutto & roasted walnuts) is my favourite!

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.

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.

Catalog Gallery consistently exhibits amazing art spanning genre and style. It’s one of my favourite galleries in the city, and always has a surprise in store. You can’t find the kind of work it presents anywhere else in Vancouver.