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8 Free Outdoor Activities For Kids In & Around Kitsilano

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Lisa

Vanier-Park-in-Spring, Kitsilano

Vanier Park in Spring – Photo credit: Lisa Voormeij

Don’t let a spot of rain keep you inside. Here are 8 ideas for free outdoor fun with the kids around the Kitsilano neighbourhood.

Our tips? Do dress in layers, bring umbrellas, and pack a large blanket for impromptu picnics, naps (you wish), or diaper changes! Don’t forget to bring a bit of cash just in case you get tempted by some of the refreshments along the way.

8 Free Outdoor Activities For Kids In & Around Kitsilano

1. Seawall Stroll
Walk the buggy or bike with the trailer along the seawall path in Vanier Park and take in the wide views of the West End and the grand Art Deco style Burrard Street Bridge. Veer off onto the grass and let the little ones discover interesting sculptures, a pond full of birdlife, and see if they can spot the eagles’ nest high up in a tree (at the parking lot by the for Kits Coast Guard base and public washrooms).
Vanier Park, 1000 Chestnut Street, Vancouver.ca Read more ›

In praise of Bicycle Valet

Posted on June 25, 2012 by Anthony

Bicycle Valet at Kits Farmers MarketOn each of the past two weekends, our family has biked to community events: The Car Free Festival on Main Street and the MEC BikeFest down in the Olympic Village. And at each of these events, parking our family of bicycles (including the one pulling the Trail-A-Bike) has been easy and worry-free. The reason for this has been the presence of the Bicycle Valet.

The Bicycle Valet is a an initiative of the Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST) society, with sponsorship from TravelSmart aka Translink, MEC, BCAA, and Vancity Credit Union. They set up free secure parking corrals at events around the city, staffed by helpful volunteers. Much like a coat-check, you trade your bicycle for a claim ticket. They park your bicycle for you, keep it safe during the event, and give it back to you when you’re ready. Panniers, bags, helmets, and anything else you have attached to your bike can be left on. No charge, but there is a tip jar.

The Bicycle Valet really gained exposure during the 2010 Winter Olympics. They had bicycle parking set up for a number of events — in fact, my wife and I biked to BC Place and parked using the Bicycle Valet for the Opening Ceremonies. It was, by far, the most convenient and stress-free way of getting to the event. Read more ›

Meet The Flour Peddler at Kits Farmers Market + Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Muffin Recipe

Posted on June 17, 2012 by janelle

Baking was a big piece of my childhood that I still love today. Since my family ran a grain farm while I was growing up, fresh milled flour was always easy to come by. My mother, grandmother and aunts could turn flour into pretty much everything – buns, cookies, pastry, squares, quick breads, doughnuts, muffins and more! I still make some of their recipes but the lack of freshly ground flour has never been lost on me. Enter: The Flour Peddler!

The Flour Peddler is a family business based in Robert Creek, BC. They provide Kits residents with freshly milled local grains at the Kitsilano Farmers Market. All of their grains are 100% whole – nothing added and nothing removed. They are committed to quality grains and the art of community milling.

While most of their grain is milled on small stone mills, you may have seen them milling the flour by riding a bike at the market. I was surprised to learn that their bikes are not just for show. In fact, a large percentage of their softer grains, like rye and spelt, are actually milled on the bikes. Last weekend I picked up a bag of buckwheat flour that turned into some tasty pancakes later that day!

Whole grain flour is really something that should be replaced every few months, so consider tossing out that massive bag in your pantry that has been there for the last two years and pick up a small bag of the freshly milled stuff from the Flour Peddler at the market on Sunday. Maybe even whip up a batch of Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chip Muffins, a recipe provided by Amy who is Dan, The Flour Peddler’s, sister.

Peanut Butter & Milk Chocolate Chip Muffins

Prep Time: 15-20 mins
Bake Time: 15-20 mins for muffins, 13 minutes for mini muffins (with a convection oven)
Yield: 12 muffins or 24 mini muffins

Ingredients

* 2 cups all-purpose flour (we use Flour Peddler’s Whole Grain, Organic Baking Flour) Read more ›

What to do this weekend in Kits: June 15-17

Posted on June 15, 2012 by Taraneh

The Flour Peddler will be at Kitsilano Farmers Market, Sunday, June 17

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN KITS

1) Attend a Car Free Day Kitsilano Block Party, June 16-17.

Kits does its own thing on Car Free Day. Rather than shut down a street like Commercial, Main and Denman, neighbours get together and host parties throughout the neighbourhood. Celebrations often include a barbecue, music, and living room set ups in the middle of the street. Check this map of block parties and join the fun.

2) Discuss the legacy of the Stanley Cup Riots (June 15, 2011) at Museum of Vancouver.

MOV hosts a roundtable on the Stanley Cup Riot and civic history, June 15 at 6:30pm. Vancouverites are invited to join a convo with playwright Kevin Loring, City Councillor Andrea Reimer, and Vancouver photographer Maurice Li, in a “multi-faceted  examination of how the Riots altered our collective conscience, spurred new conversations, and changed how Vancouverites see themselves and each other.” Entry by donation.

3) Head out to the French Cultural Center’s Summer Festival, June 14-24.

Did you know that Vancouver’s French Cultural Centre is in Kitsilano? You’ll find it at West 7th and Fir. The annual French Cultural Summer Festival is on now through June 24 offering a diverse line up of Francophone entertainers. Kits blogger Janelle recommends the afternoon children’s performance by Monsieur Bemol, June 16.

4) Celebrate Dads!

Father’s Day June 17 is Dad’s day in the spotlight. How to do it up? Pamper him with craft beer and foodie pleasures. Give him time off. Take him out to a manly brunch at neighbourhood favourites including Oakwood, Hell’s Kitchen, Sunset, The Bimini, etc.

5) Visit the Flour Peddler at Kitsilano Farmers Market, June 17, 10am-2pm.

Our resident foodie blogger, Janelle, is raving about The Flour Peddler - a community based milling operation established on the Sunshine Coast. The Flour Peddler that sells locally harvested, whole grain flour. Fresh, locally milled flour is hard to come by. Even cooler, they mill on small stone mills and bicycles! We’ll put up a Flour Peddler Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chip Muffin recipe on Sunday.

What to do this weekend in Kits: May 25 – 27

Posted on May 25, 2012 by Taraneh

“Tribute to Canadian Bacon” menu now available at Edible BC’s summer take out window

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN KITS

1) Get involved in the “Save the Kitsilano Coast Guard Base” movement.

Ottawa plans to close the busiest Coast Guard Station in Canada, which saved 9 people last weekend alone. Community action is called for. Here’s how to have your say.

2) Check out the recently opened summer take out windows featuring bacon, bacon and burgers.

Granville Island’s Edible BC has just launched an all-bacon menu at their “A Canadian Tribute to Bacon at the Take Out Window” open daily 11am to 7pm. Nimby Burger is also open for summer 2012, slinging burgers, fries and real ice cream milk shakes.

3) Pick up some rhubarb at the Kitsilano Farmers’ Market Sunday.

And try out Janelle’s recipe for stewed rhubarb compote - a perfect topping for pound cakes, ice cream and waffles.

4) Go for a nice, long, beach front walk/jog, or fair weather bike ride after consuming all of the above.

The Save the Coast Guard plywood boards should be on your route. Bring a marker.

5) Take community gardening to the next, neighbourly level.

Even if you don’t have a plot in one of the shared spaces in Kits, our Women with Trowel gardening blogger shows just how much community gardening is possible with plant sharing among neighbours.

Kitsilano Farmers Market opens Sunday, May 20

Posted on May 16, 2012 by janelle

I love spending Sunday mornings browsing the neighbourhood Farmers Market with a cup of coffee. While I do find the products expensive, sometimes biting into a heirloom tomato that has never seen the inside of a refrigerator is truly priceless.

This time of year the market is filled with all kinds of greens, including kale, collard greens, salad greens, mustard greens and more. If you are lucky, turnips, cucumbers, rhubarb, radishes, apples and other seasonal produce will also be available.

Prepared food vendors will also be at the market offering baked goods, granola, jam, olives and more.

The market is open from 10am-2pm in the parking lot of the Kitsilano Community Center at 2690 Larch Street (at W 10th).

Kits Farmers Market going strong through Oct. 23

Posted on September 24, 2011 by Taraneh

It’s soon hearty stew and apple crisp season and every recipe tastes better with local produce. Make the most of fall’s offerings at the Kitsilano Farmer’s Market, which isn’t just a summer phenomena. The Kits Market is going strong every Sunday, 10:00 am -2:00 pm, at 10th and Larch, through October 23.

In Season Now: Apples, corn squash, beans, beets, carrots, cauliflower, hazelnuts, kohlrabi, leeks, turnips, zucchini, apricots and plums . If you’re looking for a product that isn’t on the list, conduct a detailed search here.

Kitsilano Farmers Market, 10:00 am-2:00 pm, 10th and Larch, Eatlocal.org

What to do this weekend in Kits

Posted on June 24, 2011 by Taraneh

NEW FILMS

Beginners, Friday, June 24- Thursday, June 30, 1:30, 4:30, 6:50, 9:00, Fifth Avenue Cinemas.
Ewan McGregor teams up with Christopher Plummer and Mélanie Laurent in this off beat rom com. McGregor plays a timid guy with a crush on the bold, irreverent Laurent. Unable to get his game going, he draws on memories of his deceased father (Plummer), who came out of the closet at age 75, using his bravery for inspiration.

FOOD

Greek Day, Sunday, June 26, 11am – 9am, free.
Be Greek for a day at the annual family-oriented street festival. Broadway will be closed to car traffic from McDonald to Blenheim to make room for a world of fabulous Greek food, kiosks and entertainment. Learn to roll dolmades in the Boutari Wines Culinary Tent. See Greek gods mingle with mortals. Settle down in the mythological story telling tent. Eat tons of souvlaki, spanikopita and honeyed loukoumades. Then holler “Opa!”

Kitsilano Farmers Market, Sunday, June 26, 10am – 2pm, free.
It’s all happening at the market. Grab a tasty meal at a food cart, grocery shop for produce, browse handicrafts and chat with your neighbours. BC Strawberries got off to a slow start this year, but I hear there at the market now.

EVENTS

Critical Mass Vancouver, Every last Friday of the month, Meet at 5:30, Ride at 6:00 pm, free.
Cyclists in Kits can meet with cyclists Van-wide at the Vancouver Art Gallery to ride in a “Critical Mass.” Whether you’re traffic shy, or an avid cyclist, this is an effective way to a familiarize the city with eco-friendly transport.

Semperviva Yoga‘s Trance Dance, Saturday, June 25, 8:00 pm-10:00 pm, $25.
Clara Roberts-Oss and DJ Augustus lead you in the ultimate combo of ancient activities: yoga and dance. While I don’t know the specific calorie burning impact, the class should free one’s “creative life-force.”

Hands Across The Sand, Saturday, June 25, 12:00pm – 12:30pm, free.
Hands Across The Sand will take place on Kits Beach. People will join hands to champion clean energy solutions to our energy and fuel problems. RSVP here.

Bard on the Beach, “The Merchant of Venice” and “As you Like It,” Now-Sept., See calendar for full schedule and tix.
This year, Bard has moved to reserved seating, eliminating site-entry lineups. You can enter the Village up to one full hour before each performance, sip a glass of wine and take in the new pre-show In A Nutshell talks. Take in a show plus dinner, with a Bard picnic by Emelle’s, ordered in advance.

Open Mic at the Fringe Cafe, Sunday, June 26, 8:30 pm, free.
This is self explanatory. It’s your chance to perform. In public.

 

DEALS

Footworks Relaxology is offering a one-day special on June 26, to celebrate Greek Day. Enjoy a 25 minute foot reflexology session for $20.

Miz Mooz (2177 W. 4th Ave.) spring /summer shoes—think sweet clogs and strappy sandals—are 25-40% off right now.

Gravity Pope Tailored Goods (2203 W. 4th Ave.) has up to 50% off all summer products.

JNBY (2201 West 4th Ave) still has a great sales on spring 2011 plus a 70% off clearance rack.

PLENTY‘s (2803 West Broadway)  summer sale started June 15th and is ongoing, with 20-50% off Spring and Summer merchandise.

Did we miss something? Send me an email. Taraneh@Kitsilano.ca

What to do this weekend in Kits

Posted on June 17, 2011 by Taraneh

NEW FILMS

Submarine, Friday, June 17- Thursday, June 23, 2:00, 4:45, 7:30, 9:40; Fifth Avenue Cinemas
An off-beat, coming-of-age flick about the precocious Oliver Tate, a 15-year-old with two ambitions: to save his parents’ marriage and to lose his virginity before his next birthday.

Yves Saint Laurent-L’Amour Fou, Friday, June 17- Thursday, June 23 1:30, 4:30, 6:50, 9:00; Fifth Avenue Cinemas
Find out about the private and wildly decadent life of design prodigy Yves Saint Laurent from his lover Pierre Thoretton.

FOOD

Refuel Restaurant, Father’s Day menu w/40-day, dry-aged steak & beer, Sunday, June 19, Brunch 11:30am – 3:00pm and Dinner 3:00pm – 10:00pm, $35

Refuel will help you take care of Dad with this meaty, manly menu  featuring a honking 12 oz, 40 day, dry-aged, slab of Alberta prime rib-eye steak and a 16 oz craft beer from R&B Brewing Co. Go for brunch, dinner or…both.

Maenam, Spot Prawn & Cocktail Dinner, Monday, June 20, $75

It’s your last chance to savour spot prawns and tickets are going fast. On Monday June 20, Maenam will be celebrating the end of this year’s spot prawn season with a cocktail dinner. Five spot prawn dishes will be served in two courses, paired with cocktails from Ben de Champlain. Come for the grilled satays, hot and sour prawn soup, and peppery stir fry. See the whole menu here.

EVENTS

Bike Fest at Kitsilano Farmers Market, Sunday, June 19, 10am – 2pm, free
Bring your bike for fun, whimsy or just maintenace. Try pedal-powered flour milling. Swap gears. Get a tune-up. Enjoy free bike valet service.

Car-Free Day in Kits, Sunday, June 19, Noon-6 p.m, free

Celebrations will happen in Kitsilano, Main Street, the West End and on Commercial Drive, where the festivities were first started by community volunteers in 2005. Kitsilano is doing something different for Car Free Day. Instead of closing off a major street, people throughout Kits are hosting individual block parties with their neighbours. The Van Courier says “block parties will checkerboard Kitsilano.”


Bard on the Beach, “The Merchant of Venice” and “As you Like It,” Now-Sept., See calendar for full schedule and tix

This year, Bard has moved to reserved seating, eliminating site-entry lineups. You can enter the Village up to one full hour before each performance, sip a glass of wine and take in the new pre-show In A Nutshell talks. Take Dad for a show and dinner on Sunday, with a Bard picnic by Emelle’s, ordered in advance.

Did we miss something? Send me an email. Taraneh@Kitsilano.ca

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