Vancouver neighbourhood guide: A perfect day in Mount Pleasant

by Megan Lau

One of Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhoods, Mount Pleasant has seen many transformations over the years, but a strong sense of community has remained at the heart of this commercial centre. The neighbourhood is anchored at Main and Broadway; travel north and south from this bustling intersection and you’ll find hip indie coffee shops, vintage clothing boutiques, record stores, restaurants, craft breweries and much more. Spend a day in this culturally diverse ’hood and get a taste of the city’s vibrant independent businesses.

Start the day with the laptop warriors at one of Mount Pleasant’s local cafés. Gene Coffeebar, located at the flatiron building at Main Street and Kingsway, is a hipster-approved spot for a strong espresso, artisanal toast and people watching. The floor-to-ceiling windows fill the narrow interior with light and give the entire space a fishbowl feel. Nearby, mural-clad Kafka’s boasts some of the best coffee in the city and also features a gallery space exhibiting works by local artists. If you’re looking for something a little different, check out Kam’s Bakery. This hidden gem at Main and Broadway is a Chinese bakery and restaurant with western and Hong Kong style breakfast options. The prices are low and the portions are generous; it’s always quiet and you can stay a while.

In the summer, head east a few blocks to the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market (on Sundays from June to October) where local farmers, artisans and food suppliers from across the Lower Mainland hawk their best goods. During the winter months, escape the cold with a restorative Yin class or an invigorating Power workout at Open Door Yoga, a community-minded yoga studio at Main and 14th.

If the weather’s nice, lay down a blanket and bask in the sun. Mount Pleasant’s Guelph Park (also famously known as Dude Chilling Park) is the community’s go-to place to share a picnic, play tennis, shoot hoops, hone slack-lining skills, and meet up with friends. Can’t sit still? Take yourself on a self-guided art crawl to discover creative and colourful murals all over the neighbourhood. The 2016 Vancouver Mural Festival activated back lanes and in-between spaces with dozens of murals by local and international artists. A map of the neighbourhood’s murals is available on the festival website.

When your stomach starts growling, a delicious lunch is just steps away. Dock Lunch is a cozy, charming spot housed in chef Elizabeth Bryan’s former apartment. She prepares internationally inspired soul food from scratch in her intimate kitchen, with the menu changing daily. For amazing sushi, try Zipang Provisions, or head to Sunny Spot Café for delicious and authentic Northern Chinese street food.

For those looking to update their wardrobe, Mount Pleasant offers a refreshing departure from the fashion chains and big box stores that dominate Vancouver’s downtown core. Antisocial Skateboard Shop does retail, but its cachet comes from its status as an unofficial clubhouse for local skaters. On the same block, Still Life has men’s and women’s fashions from around the world, including coveted brands such as Fjallraven, Native and Rains. The Corner Store is a men’s boutique specializing in streetwear and sneakers. Outside the shop on some mornings, you’ll see fans lining up for the latest release. And if you’re looking for consignment threads, check out local favourites Front & Company, The Main Exchange and Aunt Leah’s Urban Thrift for affordable second-hand designer labels and vintage clothing from bygone eras.

Oddities, trinkets and eclectic tchotchkes are designed to amuse and bewilder at This Monkey’s Gone to Heaven. Shop owner Rachel Zottenberg combs antique markets and science labs for unusual items that’ll delight weirdos of all sorts – shelves and walls are lined with animal skulls and skeletons, insect lollipops, voodoo dolls, knitted faux taxidermy and many more quirky treasures. For bookworms, there are few shops more delightful to browse than Pulpfiction Books. The independent chain has an excellent selection of old and new books, and staff can special order any title for 30 percent off the list price.

When night falls, there’s plenty more fun to be had on Main Street. The Foundation is a vegetarian restaurant that draws locals with their legendary nachos, best served with a pitcher of local beer or sangria. For a taste of Vancouver’s award-winning culinary scene, check out Burdock & Co. Chef Andrea Carlson’s intimate restaurant specializes in artfully prepared dishes made with local, seasonal ingredients.

After dinner, you can bar hop: El Camino’s serves South American-inspired cocktails, including seriously deadly margaritas. Beer fans can sample the neighbourhood’s best brews at 33 Acres, Main Street Brewing and Brassneck Brewery. Check out a show or go dancing at the The Biltmore Cabaret or, for a taste of the local comedy scene, check out The Sunday Service improv show at The Fox. At the end of the night, all paths lead to Lucy’s Eastside Diner – you can bring your Mount Pleasant day full circle at this retro 24-hour joint, where breakfast is served all day.

Diverse, walkable and full of colourful characters, Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood is a great spot to browse indie boutiques, hunt for vintage treasures, taste craft beer, and experience some of the city’s best art and culture.