The Van Mag Father’s Day guide

Still no plans for Father's Day? Don't panic, we've got you covered

Still no plans for Father’s Day? Don’t panic, we’ve got you covered

Have you hung out with your father lately? Yes? Positive progeny points for you. No? Well, consider amending that because on Sunday, June 19, Canadians partake in the international practice of allowing dads one annual day free of parental commitments, work, and judgment. If you’re reading this from Russia, Defender of the Fatherland Day already occurred back in February and you definitely forgot, tovarishch.Fathers can be inspiring, loving, and delightful pillars of guiding influence that shape us as human beings. They can also be distant, annoying, and out of touch relics that you strive to separate your identity from. Wherever poppa may fall on the spectrum, and no matter his age, he deserves more than questionable, greasy bacon and eggs followed by a few watery mimosas and an awkward half-hug goodbye. To that end, Van Mag is providing you with a few superior options, and we’ve even created generic dad categories to narrow your search (note: consider mix and matching ideas from different categories if you please).

For the foodie/beer ‘expert’ dad

Gift ideas: A filled growler from his favourite brewery. If unsure, try Brassneck Brewery (2148 Main St., 604-259-7686), Bomber Brewing (1488 Adanac St., 604-428-7457), and 33 Acres Brewery (15 W. 8th Ave., 604-620-4589). Don’t forget the requisite beer snacks (cheese, sausage, crackers, pretzels, and a spread of some kind).Brunch is a must for this dad. We suggest Cafe Medina (780 Richards St., 604-879-3114), Homer St. Cafe and Bar (898 Homer St., 604-428-4299), and the newly expanded and reopened Bandidas Taqueria (2781 Commercial Dr., 604-568-8224).Next stop is either the Kitsilano or Mount Pleasant Farmer’s Market (depending on your proximity) to load up on fresh produce, local artisanal goods, and much more.Moving onwards, your stomach-led journey should lead you to one (or more) of the recent local Vancouver Magazine International Craft Beer Awards winning breweries in town, such as Main Street Brewing Co. (261 E. 7th Ave., 604-336-7711), Powell Street Craft Brewery (1357 Powell St., 604-558-2537), or Postmark Brewing (55 Dunlevy Ave., 604-699-1988).After a relaxing afternoon siesta along False Creek, amble your way (you’re not driving at this point) down to Gastown for dinner and drinks at either Wildebeest (120 W. Hastings St., 604-687-6880) or Six Acres (203 Carrall St., 604-488-0110).

For the active/sports dad

Gift ideas: Tickets to one of the upcoming Vancouver Canadians home games, or a gift certificate to MEC (130 W. Broadway, 604-872-7858).A light home cooked breakfast is in order, followed by a stop at one of Vancouver’s many juice bars—try Glory Juice Co. (multiple locations), The Juice Truck (28 W. 5th Ave., 604-719-8861), or Crocodile Pear (multiple locations).The greens are calling. Head to the Queen Elizabeth Pitch & Putt for a round. After dad’s inevitable victory, take him down to the Olympic Museum at the Richmond Olympic Oval to try the sports simulators. Finish your southward trip in Steveston with some protein and omega-3s from any of the myriad fish and chips options along the boardwalk in the historic fishing village.

For the ‘culture’ dad

Gift ideas: Vancouver Folk Fest day pass to his preferred day, or a gift certificate to Pulp Fiction Books (multiple locations).With coffees and baked goods in hand, get to the Museum of Anthropology (to check out the excellent Unceded Territories exhibit) right when they open to beat the crowds.Then it’s time to head east. The bus ride gives you time to discuss your experience at the MOA. You make it to Main Street for Car Free Day. Strolling the length of Main, ducking in and out of stores and following the flow of the crowd, you decide it’s time for a late lunch. Suggestions: Meet on Main (4288 Main St., 604-877-1292), Hawker’s Delight (4127 Main St., 604-709-8188), and The Fish Counter (3825 Main St., 604-876-3474).Spend extra time digging in the crates at Red Cat Records (4332 Main St., 604-708-9422) and Neptoon Records (3651 Main St., 604-324-1229). After a few drinks and appetizers at one of Mount Pleasant’s many establishments, end the night with The Sunday Service at The Fox Cabaret (2321 Main St., www.foxcabaret.com), consistently one of the funniest comedy shows in Vancouver.