Eco Chic City Guide: VANCOUVER
NOV / DEC 2011: ISSUE 20
Located at the southwestern corner of the coastal province of British Columbia, Vancouver is a cosmopolitan and innovative city, nestled between the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. With the smallest carbon footprint of any major city in the US, Vancouver is also committed to being the greenest city in the world by 2020, already drawing 90 percent of its power from renewable resources. The result is a beautiful, clean and modern metropolis, with an abundance of both outdoor and indoor activities to keep you entertained.
WRITTEN BY
Anna Griffin
In Association with Tourism Vancouver
With special thanks to Jorden Hutchison from Tourism Vancouver, and Vancouver Style Expert, Catherine Dunwoody
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
Courtesy of Featured Company
STAY
The Listel Hotel
With a commitment to a zero waste policy that includes turning all organic waste into compost, reusing all recyclables, and converting all non-recyclables into electricity, the Listel Hotel is setting impressive sustainability standards in hospitality. Located on Vancouver’s most eclectic street, close to vibrant stores and restaurants, and packed with original art, this chic 129-room boutique hotel is a cultural tourist’s dream. Offering modern rooms and suites complete with recycling bins, and void of wasted newspapers sitting at your door, or plastic bottles full of synthetic product sitting on your sink, instead opting to provide guests with first class bath and body products in recyclable containers. The Listel also has a reputation for creative partnerships including the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, and the Museum of Anthropology, and is home to O’Doul’s Restaurant, famous for its award-winning wine list, incredible West Coast menu, and some of the best live jazz in town.**
1300 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 1C5
PH: (604) 684-8461
The Fairmont Waterfront
Despite being a luxury hotel group, with unparalleled service and amenities, the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts also leads the way with their Green Partnership Program. Committed to environmental tourism, their focus is on carbon management, energy and water conservation, and waste management. At the Waterfront, they built Vancouver’s first green roof, and grow their own herbs, fruits and vegetables, whilst also providing a bird sanctuary, and home to five honey beehives. A member of Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise program, the Waterfront is committed to purchasing organic locally and responsibly harvested ingredients where possible, and offering organic wines from Rodney Strong Vineyards. With luxurious rooms providing stunning views of the Pacific (I watched a breathtaking sun rise), an extensive recycling program that diverts 60-70 percent of guests’ waste from the landfill, complimentary valet parking for hybrid/electric cars, and a General Manager who escorts guests for morning runs along the seawall, the Waterfront is a perfect choice for the discerning eco-traveler.**
900 Canada Place Way, Vancouver, BC V6C3L6
PH: (604) 691-1991
SHOP
Nicole Bridger
Award-winning star of Canadian eco couture, Nicole Bridger has opened her first boutique in the trendy Kitsilano area of Vancouver. Known as much for her attention to detail and incredible use of draping techniques, as she is for her commitment to the environment and community, the interior of the store is as chic and sustainably minded as any of her divine collections.**
2151 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6K 1N7
PH: (604) 730-1129
Rocky Mountain Soap Company
RMS has a commitment to only using 100% natural ingredients in the production of their gorgeous bath, body and skincare products, and feature divine scents like Spicy Mandarin, Lemongrass, Vanilla Candy Cane, and Lavender. With a guiding principle based on mindfulness for the environment, and removing toxins from people’s lives, they now have 10 Western Canada locations, and are growing.**
3057 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3J9
PH: (604) 731-5701
Twigg & Hottie
Run by Glencora Twigg, Christine Hotton and Jessica Vaira of We3 Designs, Twigg & Hottie is an eco-chic boutique with an emphasis on high-end sustainable and local labels. Every attention to detail has been made in the curation of premium yet independent collections. Gorgeous knitwear from designers Sofia, and Ruelle, compliment hot-selling local denim line Second Yoga, and don’t forget this season’s essential pieces, courtesy of We3.**
3671 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5V 3N6
PH: (604) 879-8595
EAT
Chambar
Husband and wife team, Karri and Nico Schuermans opened Chambar in 2004, with a vision to eschew pretension, offering guests a unique opportunity to enjoy fine food in a relaxed environment. Karri’s talent for marketing, combined with Nico’s genius in the kitchen, and seven years later you have a winner on your hands. The restaurant has earned an outstanding reputation for cuisine, service, ambiance and sustainability. They are certified as a “green restaurant,” and serve only sustainably harvested seafood through the Ocean Wise program. With a complete recycling program in place, Chambar is also on its way to being Vancouver’s first Carbon Free restaurant. Order the fries! Double fried, and sinfully delicious!**
562 Beatty Street, Crosstown, Vancouver, BC V6B 2L3
PH: (604) 879-7119
Raincity Grill
Since 1992, Eco Entrepreneur, Harry Kambolis and his incredible team have defined Pacific Northwest cuisine, to critical acclaim showcasing the best ingredients from their local waters as well as small family-run farms. A founding member of Ocean Wise, they pioneered the concept of the “100 Mile Menu,” inspired by the best-selling book, The 100 Mile Diet: A Year of Local Eating. Pairing delicious local flavors courtesy of Chef Jennifer Peters, with their award-winning wine list, and you are in for a taste bud sensation. Include the hospitable and professional staff led by Restaurant Manager Terry Hayashi, and the breathtaking view of English Bay, and it’s an experience you won’t soon forget!**
1193 Denman Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 1C3
PH: (604) 685-7337
O’Doul’s Restaurant and Bar
At home at the artistically stimulating and tasteful Listel Hotel, on colorful Robson Street, O’Doul’s has been serving up a delicious combination of live music, wonderful cuisine, and great cocktails for almost 40 years, and is a true Vancouver classic. Executive Chef Chris Whittaker’s menu is West Coast eclectic, the emphasis on the bounty of local and Pacific ingredients, coupled with an award-winning wine list, and the very best performers on the city’s vibrant jazz scene. Committed to sustainability and local suppliers by sourcing ethically produced ingredients that are locally sourced and organic wherever possible, O’Doul’s are currently active members of Green Table Network, Ocean Wise, and Get Local BC.**
1300 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 1C5
PH: (604) 684-8461
Café Medina
Medina is a quaint café serving connoisseur- savvy coffee, Belgian waffles for sweet sustenance and an eclectic alternative for breakfast, lunch, and brunch. Daytime counterpart to sister restaurant Chambar, Medina offers Middle Eastern influenced fare crafted by Chef Nico Schuermans. The unique bistro-inspired menu is served in a chic, refurbished heritage space outfitted with local artwork and great music. The restored heritage space is outfitted with green building materials including an exceptional recycled glass bar top and palm wood paneling, whilst a product of the Schuermans who are well-known in Vancouver for their combination of fusing world-class cuisine with sustainable responsibility.**
556 Beatty Street, Crosstown, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6B 2L3
PH: (605) 879-3114
INDULGE
Miraj Hammam Spa
In centuries past, the Hammam was known as the silent doctor, and the steam and body exfoliation, an authentic Middle Eastern tradition. Nowadays, it’s a mini escape from the stresses and toxins of everyday life, and a gentle yet effective cleansing of body, mind and soul. After relaxing in a softly lit steam chamber, I laid on Jerusalem gold marble whilst an esthetician exfoliated my skin with black Moroccan soap. After a gentle misting, it was time for a 15 minute Oriental Massage, before reclining on a velvet bed with silk cushions, and enjoying traditional Middle Eastern tea and sweet cake. Miraj Hammam was the first Hammam in Vancouver, and 30 years later is a little taste of the Promised Land, in the middle of today’s crazy world!**
1495 W. 6th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6H 4GI
PH: (604) 733-5151
Pure Nail Bar
If you’re in need of a quick Mani Pedi whilst in Vancouver, stop by Pure Nail Bar. Whilst not a fully eco salon, they do sell and work with SpaRitual, which are vegan and DBP, Formaldehyde and Toluene free, as well as OPI. With 10 locations, you’re sure to find one in a part of town near you.**
Kitsilano Location - 2137 4th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6K 1N7
PH: (604) 738-8990
Sabai Thai Spa
If you are looking for a sanctuary where you can enjoy the benefits and pleasures of traditional Thai style therapies, and experience stress relief via ancient skills that soothe both body and mind, go to Sabai Thai Spa. Offering massage, body wraps and exfoliations, organic facials, and other treatments, I opted for the Thai Herbal Stem Massage, which combines traditional massage techniques with therapeutic herbs and essential oils bundled up in cotton stems. I closed my eyes and drifted off to Thailand whilst steamed compresses were applied and massaged onto my skin, and the oils and resins released their healing properties into my bloodstream, releasing toxins, and relieving all the muscle tension and joint pain I had walked in with. When I walked out, I was floating on a Zen cloud of paradise. Truly a miracle. Ask for Peerapan who is an Angel dressed in disguise as a Spa Therapist! Sabai Thai Spa offers three Vancouver locations, and carries a complete range of local and eco luxe beauty products.**
Coal Harbour Location - 571 Cardero Street, Vancouver, BC V6G 3L2
PH: (604) 568-6227
EXPLORE
WHEELING TOUR
Rent a bike or a pair of rollerblades and self-propel your way around Vancouver’s Stanley Park seawall, marveling at Vancouver’s green, urban, ocean-wrapped sanctuary. An evergreen oasis, Stanley Park is rivaled as one of the great parks of the world. Majestic cedar, hemlock and fir trees envelope a visitor as wildlife abounds.**
1798 Georgia St West, Vancouver, BC, V6G 2V7
PH: 604.688.5141
CLIMB A Mountain
From the high vista of Grouse Mountain, you can partake of an incredible view of Vancouver, and be amazed by the new wind turbine the Eye of the Wind. The turbine has the capacity to produce enough energy to supply the needs of 400 homes over a year.**
Grouse Mountain, The Peak of Vancouver
6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver, BC, V7R 4K9
PH: 604.998.5043
WATER ADVENTURE
Travel by a 25-foot, First Nations canoe through the waters of Burrard Inlet and Indian Arm while guides from Takaya Tours - an Aboriginal eco-tourism company - share legends, songs and stories from their rich history and culture.**
Takaya Tours Inc.
700 Apex Avenue, North Vancouver, BC, V7H 2R5
PH:604.904.7410
Whale Watching
The waters that surround the Gulf and San Juan islands offer some of the most beautiful natural wonders in North America. And the chilly northern waters of the surrounding Pacific are a miraculous showcase of wildlife, with the orca whale being the star. At times, dozens of these massive mammals can be seen swimming, breaching and just playing together in the water. On some days, these pods can number nearly 100, making this area one of the best whale-watching spots in the world. The sight is magnificent and has helped build a cottage industry of tours for those who want to see the killer whales up close and snap a few pictures.
The Vancouver area is lucky enough to be the watery home for much more than the local orcas; it is a migratory route for a variety of other whales, such as the majestic grey and impressive humpback.**
Great Pacific Adventures,
811 Wharf Street, Victoria BC V8W1T2
PH: (250) 386-2277
www.greatpacificadventures.com
Explore Granville Island
This vibrant urban oasis buzzes with life from dawn to dusk. Start your visit by exploring the Public Market, where the city’s top chefs source local ingredients from an array of vendors selling fresh produce and gourmet goodies. After a delicious lunch, sample house-made beer at the Granville Island Brewing Company, then browse the unique shops and galleries.**
DIP A PADDLE
Get a view of the city from the water by kayaking your way through the waters of False Creek. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot some of the seals, otters, eagles and fish that make this urban waterway their home.**
Ecomarine Ocean Kayak Centre
1668 Duranleau St, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3S4
PH: 604.689.7575
© 2008 - 2012 Coco Eco, LLC. All rights reserved.
Use of this Site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Coco Eco, LLC.
