2019

Made in Vancouver Awards: Meet Our Fitness Judge

When he's not tackling the North Shore Mountains, you'll find David Webb at New Brighton Park with his dog—or possibly at the counter at 33 Acres.

By Jennifer Elliott /

When he’s not tackling the North Shore Mountains, you’ll find David Webb at New Brighton Park with his dog—or possibly at the counter at 33 Acres.

As the editor of explore magazine—Canada’s most-read outdoor adventure publication—David Webb is firmly entrenched in the outdoor industry. David has been editing and writing for recreation and lifestyle publications for more than 15 years, and has hundreds of published articles to his credit—and plenty of on-the-ground time assessing equipment in the great outdoors.David will be judging our Fitness category for the Made in Vancouver Awards this year—everything from athletic accessories to outdoor gear. More about this judge—and his favourite takes on our fine city—below. Judge David Webb in his element. (Photo: William Fraser)

Your go-to cocktail

I’m more of a craft beer guy, but I do enjoy a margarita on a hot day—made with top-shelf tequila, fresh lime and on the rocks.

Your local mountain

I’ll likely put more days in at Whistler Blackcomb than any other single hill, but I also enjoy sneaking away to lap the Brockton Chair at Mount Seymour on a powder day.

Your favourite run at Whistler

Flute Bowl at Whistler Blackcomb (Photo: Ruth Hartnup)

When conditions are right, the Flute Bowl stands alone as the best ski experience on the hill. But you have to earn your turns.

Perfect Vancouver spot

On a low tide, my wife and I like to take our dog onto the sand flats at the west end of Spanish Banks. You feel like you’re walking in the middle of the Burrard Inlet—it extends out so far. Dogs frolicking along the shore. A 360-degree view of the area. It’s hard to feel anything other than content during those moments.

Best place for a drink on a Tuesday night

33 Acres (Photo: Ariana Gilrie)

For après work, 33 Acres is a nice spot. But I’m just as likely to brown-bag it at a park somewhere.

Vancouverite you most want to meet

I always find Sam Sullivan interesting. I suppose I could meet him as he cheers on Sun Runners on the Cambie Street Bridge every year, but that would mess up my time.

Best neighbourhood in the city

I’m biased, as it’s my home ’hood, but I think East Village (Hastings–Sunrise) takes the top spot. It has everything—cafes, restaurants, breweries, parks, quick access to the North Shore—but also still feels like it’s on a cusp of something great… a little undiscovered.

A hidden gem more Vancouverites should know about

New Brighton Park (Photo: Ruth Hartnup)

I’m almost hesitant to talk about it—but I think New Brighton Park is Vancouver’s hidden gem. It has the best dog park in the city. It has one of the only beaches in East Van (including a dog-friendly one!). It has a gorgeous outdoor pool that you can actually get into, rather than wait in line for. Vistas of the North Shore mountains, plus the Burrard Inlet and its up-close views of passing ships. And it’s never busy. Or at least it wasn’t.

Perfect hangover food

Hangovers are for kids. But if I’m pressed, I’ll head to the Richmond Public Market and just go to town at one of the food stalls—Xi’an Cuisine being a favourite.

Perfect big night out on the town

Bells and Whistles (Photo Thomas Bullock)

These days, my idea of a big night out is getting friends together at Barney’s Craft and Grill on Main Street, or Bells and Whistles on Fraser, having some laughs and being home by midnight. I’m also excited about catching “Come From Away” at the Queen E this spring. Some friends and I also do a supper club at a different Vancouver restaurant every month—it can go pretty late. By that, I mean 12:30 a.m.

How has Vancouver’s outdoors scene changed over time? 

It has gotten busier. Which, in many ways, is a good thing. More people respectfully enjoying our trails and parks means more people living a healthy lifestyle and connecting with nature. There are some casualties when spots get overrun—Joffre Lakes comes to mind, with Instagram culture being a culprit here—but there is a lot of wild country left to explore. So if you can’t find parking at Quarry Rock, time to research somewhere new. It’s why I love Vancouver—a city next to nature.

Are you a local craftsperson with something cool (and Vancouver-made!) to share? Enter our Made in Vancouver Awards by February 15!