Canada Line

SHOP | EAT & DRINK | PAMPER | GET THERE

The Olympics brought 16 new SkyTrain stations to the city (a steal at $2 billion), and the first downtown stop on the 20-minute ride in from YVR is here in Yaletown. Scout posh shops alongside designer dogs and designer masters in a neighbourhood that’s become synonymous with retail fantasy and fine dining. Nearby BC Place hosts the Olympic opening, closing, and victory ceremonies.

Basquiat stocks impeccably cut classics for men and women (many labels from Italy). 1189 Hamilton St., 604-688-0828

Beauty-product junkies need look no further than BeautyMark for a fix. Shelves are crammed with every high-end skin, hair, and makeup label on the market. 103-1120 Hamilton St., 604-642-2294. Beautymark.ca

Lola Home & Apparel is a vision in lilac. Whitewashed wardrobes hold Burberry’s line for infants and Lil Gaufrette’s line for children; otherwise the racks are stocked with DKNY and local favourite, Jason Matlo. Tocca products (candles and bath) vie for shelf space with eau de toilette sprays from Diptyque. 1076 Hamilton St., 604-633-5017. Lolahomeandapparel.com

It’s got to be Yaletown Brewing Company for big-boned pub fare, a roster of house brews, a wrap-around patio, and sports on the flat-screens; celebrity-magnet Cioppino’s was our Restaurant of the Year in 2009, a culinary powerhouse that serves unforgettable Italian meals; George Ultra Lounge caters to a grownup cocktail crowd in a sexy room with Dale Chihuly’s massive golden-glass chandelier; the lounge at glittering Goldfish Pacific Kitchen hosts happy hour between 4 and 6:30 p.m. weekdays, serving chic amuse-bouches (all under $5); The Keg has a killer rooftop patio (heated and covered) and juicy steaks. Yaletown Brewing Company: 1111 Mainland St., 604-681-2739. Drinkfreshbeer.com. Cioppino’s: 1133 Hamilton St., 604-688-7466. Cioppinosyaletown.com. George: 1137 Hamilton St., 604-628-5555. Georgelounge.com. Goldfish: 1118 Mainland St., 604-689-8318. Goldfishkitchen.com. The Keg: 1011 Mainland St., 604-633-2534. Kegsteakhouse.com

Industrial-Zen spa Skoah boasts downtempo beats and minimalist décor, making it a hipster’s skin-care paradise. Post-facial, they’ll touch up your makeup with in-house cosmetic line Chiiki Munki and ply you with samples of their products. 1011 Hamilton St., 604-642-0200. Skoah.com

Many of Yaletown’s toned bodies are courtesy of The Space, a multi-tasking yoga, pilates, dance, massage, acupuncture, and gyrotonic studio. And what a space: exposed-brick walls, beamed ceilings, and glossy wood floor. 305–1008 Homer St., 604-646-0199. Thespacevancouver.com

The Canada Line stops at Yaletown-Roundhouse Station on the corner of  Davie Street and Mainland Street, just 80 meters northwest of Pacific Boulevard and a short distance from David Lam Park and the docked yachts at Quayside Marina. Click here for a route map.