Day Trip: 5+ Things to Check Out in West Vancouver

The words “West Vancouver” may induce a groan of recognition from commuters, but the lush forests and picturesque views in this swanky suburb are more than worth the trip.

1. Meat Your Match

Besides serving up killer dry-aged steaks, butcher Sebastian Cortez of neighbourhood spot Sebastian and Co. Fine Meats has crafted a host of grill-perfect accompaniments you can buy in shop, like handmade, small-batch Kansas-style barbecue sauce, his new smoky (with a hint of citrus) Charcoal Rub (as publicized in our Food Editor’s recent article, “The Greatest Steak Rub in the History of Grilling is Made in West Van?“), extra-hot horseradish, and herb-infused grilling salt. 2425 Marine Dr., sebastianandco.ca

2. Glassy Casual

Bella Ceramica art studio offers “express” glass-fusing workshops (from $35) where you can learn how to fuse your masterpiece in a 15-minute, hands-on demonstration. Glass is a tricky medium, but with a bit of patience, you can make your very own gorgeous trivet. Or platter. Or paperweight. Bella Ceramica also has more than 100 pieces of pre-fired pottery on the shelves, so you can walk in and paint your own ($4 for studio time; pottery pieces start at $5). 1475 Marine Dr., bellaceramicastudio.com

3. Design Destination

It’s high-end luxe decor at a level you’d expect for West Van, but the interior of Da Vinci’s Home feels very hand-picked and accessible, with you-can-see-it-in-your-home pieces like Jonathan Adler pottery and vibrant hand-dyed ombre pillows from Kevin O’Brien. Plus they do custom benches, ottomans and stools—from white leather with Lucite legs to grey fur with an antique brass base. 1461 Bellevue Ave., davincishome.ca

4. Give Bacio

Sit on the south-facing patio at Mangia E Bevi Ristorante and soak up the sunshine with some freshly baked bread. This cozy space is great for kids and adults alike, with menu items ranging from spaghetti to veal scallopini with marsala reduction and truffle noodles. A bonus: the family-run restaurant is committed to giving back—they have raised more than $300,000 to benefit oncology research. Do some good and get dessert, too. 2222 Marine Dr., mangiaebevi.ca

5. Decorated Dining

Chef Faizal Kassam’s tapas-style rustic fare won him Best North Shore in VanMagʼs 2018 Restaurant Awards. The menu at Terroir Kitchen is local and completely seasonal, so diehard foodies can expect a different dish made up of fresh seafood, meats and produce at every visit. 2232 Marine Dr., terroirkitchen.com

6. Your Healthy Kickstart

Need an energy boost for your afternoon hike? From poke bowls to crunchy Squirrel Balls (made with gluten-free rice cereal, seeds and peanut butter), the Anchor Eatery will feed your stomach and your Instagram. Ask for a kombucha from their walk-in cooler, which is actually an old train boxcar. 1520 Marine Dr., anchoreatery .com