Jessica Napier

Balloons, banners and bowls, oh my! When it comes to decorating your home for a special event or celebratory gathering, we’re of the opinion more is always better. From novelty napkins to personalized piñatas and everything in between, here are the best spots in Vancouver to pick up all your must-have party supplies.

Vancouver’s many fitness studios offer a wide variety of unique workout options for active individuals who want to mix up their regular routine. Challenge yourself and work up a sweat with these surprisingly fun exercise classes. Trust us, your body will thank you.

For Vancouverites, running is more than just exercise; it’s a lifestyle. And if you’re going to work up a sweat sprinting along the Seawall or in Stanley Park, you might as well do it in style. From patterned leggings to weatherproof windbreakers to moisture-wicking undergarments, we’ve tracked down some of the city’s best athletic shops where you can get kitted out before your next 10k.

It’s nice to indulge in a burger and fries every once in a while, but salads will help you look and feel better in the long run. In health-conscious Vancouver, scrumptious plant-based meals packed with leafy greens, colourful veggies, crunchy toppings and nourishing proteins have become an art form. It’s easy being green at these self-serve salad bars and local eateries. [Photo courtesy of Field & Social]

Sure your basic drug store face wash might be good enough for everyday cleansing, but if your weather-weary face is pimple-prone, dry and dehydrated or suffering from serious sun damage, it might be time to bring in the experts. Estheticians at these Vancouver spas can give you a customized facial designed to target your specific skincare needs. Go ahead, banish your breakouts and put your best face forward.

Local coffee connoisseurs know the best way to stay caffeinated during the dog days of summer is to go the artisanal iced coffee route: think nitrogen-infused cold brew, effervescent espresso tonics and Vietnamese-style iced lattes made with sweetened condensed milk. If you need to beat the heat with a thirst-quenching beverage, pay a visit to these cool indie cafés in Vancouver.

Gone are the days of pencil cases and binders. Now back-to-school shopping means stocking up on the latest electronic gear and state-of-the-art tech accessories. Check out these Vancouver specialty shops where you’ll find laptops, tablets, headphones, printers and just about everything you need to make homework a little less work. [Photo credit: iStock.com/Sasa Dinic]

There’s just something about back-to-school time that inspires a fresh start and a change of scenery. Whether you’re decking out your brand new dorm room or redecorating your off-campus digs, here are a few of our favourite Vancouver decor shops where you can get everything you need to outfit your abode.

It’s hard to stay dry in Vancouver during the rainy winter months, but come summer there are plenty of opportunities to get wet in the name of fun. From windsurfing lessons to fast-paced Seadoo tours to SUP yoga classes, here are some of the best destinations for watersports in and around the city.

Gelato is a tantalizing frozen treat that can be enjoyed in a cone, by the spoonful or served affogato-style with espresso. If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth with an Old World Italian specialty, we’ve got the scoop on the city’s sweetest gelaterias.

A sprinkling of sesame seeds or a dusting of cinnamon can transform a mundane bagel into a tasty snack at any time of day. NYC and Montreal might be world-renowned for their bagels, but there are plenty of Vancouver bakeries that take pride in satisfying carb cravings of both the sweet and savoury varieties. Pick up your doughy discs by the dozen or sit down for a full on bagel-based breakfast sandwich at these local spots.

There’s no doubt that when it comes to cocktails, the mojito is a summertime staple. The rum-based concoction delivers an intoxicating mix of sweet and tart flavours accented with a hint of mint. We’re big fans of the classic recipe, but sometimes it pays to muddle with a good thing. These Vancouver bars are reinventing the traditional Cuban drink and turning out some delightfully refreshing mojitos.