Vancouver Pride Origins

Since the first Pride celebration that took place back in 1973 when the Gay Alliance Toward Equality gathered in Ceperly Park, it has come a long way, with an actual Pride Parade coming together a few short years later in 1978.

Pride Parade Founder

Still, it wasn’t overly embraced for many years after that, and the city of Vancouver largely has Barb Snelgrove to thank for the progress the Pride Parade has made. Barb was one of the frontiers that founded this parade, and as such, she was inducted into the Queer Hall of Fame in 2013 for blazing this trail on behalf of the gay and lesbian community.

Pride Parade 2016 Celebrations

The Pride Parade and events that surround it are truly full-fledged fun. With highly spirited displays around Davie Street and English Bay, this coming-together celebration of the lesbian and gay community is also joined with the bisexual and transgender crowd as well. And with last year bringing in well over half a million people, it is an explosion of lifestyle rights unlike any other that is expected to exceed these numbers yet again.

This year’s Pride parade also has a special guest on honour – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who will be joining the celebrations and walking the parade to greet and support this community and event.

Pride Parade Details

The Pride Parade itself will take place July 31, 2016 from 12pm – 3pm PM. It will extend from Robson Street at Thurlow Street, continuing through the West End on Denman Street, and finish at the Sunset Beach Festival site.

With 150 parade entries, it is anticipated to be one of the best Pride Parades to date, and offers a lengthy 3 hour route for an afternoon-long event. Following which there will be a giant waterfront bash known as the Sunset Beach Festival, where you can listen to live music, browse vendor booths, enjoy the beer garden or simply sit and take in your surroundings!

Plus, don’t miss the Davie Street party happening from the Community Stage at Davie Street’s historic Rainbow Crosswalk at Bute Street, with beer gardens and a display of the annual Wimple-In ceremony of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the LGBTQ2+ community groups and artists from all around Vancouver, as well as the businesses of Davie Street – it will kick off the fun in Gay Pride fashion!

IMAGE CREDIT: By Philippe Giabbanelli (Own work)

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Today, Chinatown is a place where every ethnic group enjoys the trendy divide, ironically giving people a destination in which to get together. Whether you are looking for a cultural dining experience, wishing to wow your date with a ethnic restaurant option, or simply want to meet friends for authentic Chinese and Asian cuisine …Chinatown delivers all these options and more!

Top Chinatown Restaurants

Phnom Penh – is a well-known Chinatown restaurant original that offers Cambodian and Vietnamese cuisine. Whether you are looking for a quick lunch with coworkers or an ethnic dinner, this flavourful option is sure to please!

Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie – is more of a trendy Chinatown restaurant that offers a Western twist to their dishes for those who are more apprehensive about the culture shock of dining on “other worldly” dishes. Whether it’s a table for 10, 2 or 1, it’s a true dining delight!

Ba Le Sandwich Shop – is a brilliant alternative to the “eat fresh!” sub chain option. These Vietnamese (banh mi) subs offer a flavourful mouthful with each bite, and are priced economically at around $3. Cheap, flavourful, and cultural fun!

Bestie – if you feel like getting your German on in Chinatown, this beer pouring, sausage-o-plenty, pretzel ready establishment is sure to please any palate!

The Union – this communal dining option is as trendy as they come. With wooden tables and street light fixtures, the warehouse feel is nothing short of fabulous, and the music is likely to please even the DJ-centric crowd. The cocktail list is plentiful, and the Asian themed menu is not in the least bit intimidating to any novice Chinatown goer.

Other Chinatown Restaurants to Try

Other honourable mentions include: the eccentric and oh-so-good Mamie Taylor’s, the freshly shucked oysters at Oyster Express, the diner’rrific Goldstone Bakery and Restaurant, or the take-home delights of New Town Bakery.

Not all restaurant roads in Chinatown lead down an overtly ethnic path, so if you’re feeling even slightly adventuresome, hit it up for your next hungry pursuit!

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photo credit: Tonight in Vancouver: Rainy Day in a Chinese Garden, pt. 2 via photopin (license)

The post What to See in Chinatown appeared first on Vancouver Home Living | Andrew Szalontai.

Or, leave the picnic basket at home and head over to The Mill Marine Bistro where you will find a delightful secret under Cordova St @ Broughton accessed through the seawall entrance. With a patio for people watching and pints-o-plenty, it’s a great spot to unwind or to start the night off for your next downtown destination.

Cactus Club Coal Harbour is an all-round Vancouver favourite, no matter what corner of the city you’re from. With a West Coast inspired menu and a variety of cocktails to choose from, this dining destination is backed by a fire pit riddled outdoor space, and is a great and affordable dining choice in the area.

Other Coal Harbour Restaurants

Hapa Izakaya – a Japanese tapas lounge, Cardero’s – a upscale pub and restaurant combo located directly on the water at the end of Cardero Street.
Lift Bar and Grill – another dining location that can only be accessed via the seawall, and one that hovers over the water with breathtaking views of Stanley Park and the North Shore mountains.

Hotel Dining in Coal Harbour

The view is about as delicious at the food at the local hotel dining spots within Coal Harbour, which include: ORU Restaurant at the Fairmont Pacific Rim; Preston’s in the Coast Coal Harbour; Seawall Bar and Grill at the Westin Bayshore; and Tableau at the Loden Hotel. Grab a meal and spend the night, or simply enjoy a drink before heading back to your Coal Harbour home.

The Convention Centre West is also a beautifully expanded space that is worth mentioned as a Coal Harbour destination, and was added on to for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. It’s known as a “green building”, and is accompanied by a green roof that maintains the lush green landscape Vancouver is so well known for.

As far as things to see in Coal Harbour, this is a community destination worthy of the destination itself. The quiet nature of the area is largely due to the fact that it is mostly the scenery people come for along the seawall. From the floatplane docks, to the boat docks …this entire area is afloat with beauty and bays well worth a visit, or an investment in real estate luxury!

photo credit: Vancouver Skyline via photopin (license)

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