5 Under-the-Radar Neighbourhood Gems Found in Fairview
Its “fair” name details the expansive views of the North Shore and the city’s core, but there’s much more to explore.
Nestled between the Burrard and Granville bridges, the amenity-rich neighbourhood of Fairview boasts treasures like Granville Island and the shops of South Granville. While many of its charms are well-known to long-time residents, we highlight five lesser-known favourites for visitors below.
1. Laurel Landbridge
West 7th Avenue at Laurel Street
The picturesque urban greenway is a tranquil oasis in the middle of the city. Its purpose: leading dog-walkers, runners, cyclists, and strollers from Fairview across the hurried traffic of West 6th Avenue below, and onwards to Charleson Park and the False Creek Seawall. Enter the park at West 7th Ave and Laurel Street to see for yourself.
2. Skipper Otto
1505 West 1st Ave (Granville Island)
Visit website for schedule
The family-operated “Community Supported Fishery” connects seafood lovers with local, small-scale fishing companies. Members pre-purchase their annual catch (everything from salmon to shrimp to prawns), guaranteeing both fair wages for fishermen and a market for sustainable catch. Pick-up takes place at one of 12 convenient locations, including one at Granville Island. It’s a good way to get to know your food source—and the people who fish for it (each label has a fishermen photo + bio!).
3. Café Salade de Fruits
1555 West 7th Ave
Tuesday to Friday Lunch from 11 a.m.; Dinner from 5 p.m.
Saturday Brunch from 10 a.m.; Dinner from 5 p.m.
Moules et frites! Rillette! Escargots! This small eatery serves up fanciful French fare inside Fairview’s Centre Culturel Francophone de Vancouver along West 7th. Flavours are rich, but prices are reasonable. The patio brunch will have you feeling as if you’ve flown straight to joli Paris.
4. Grapes & Soda
1541 West 6th Ave
Tuesday to Saturday Happy Hour 5-6:30 p.m.; Dinner 5:30-11 p.m.
No reservations
Perhaps this locale at West 6th and Granville isn’t so secret—after all, Vancouver Magazine named it the city’s Best Bar last year (and the year before that) thanks to bar manager-owner Satoshi Yonemori’s deeply revered daily concoctions. But the cozy 30-seat spot provides the perfect ingredients for a special speakeasy-feel: dim lighting, foggy windows, locally sourced charcuterie, and a soft playlist.
5. The Wild Bunch
1525 W 6th Ave
Tuesday to Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
The Wild Bunch celebrates five months at its new West 6th Avenue outpost (just a few doors down from Grapes & Soda). The popular purveyor of beautiful wildflower bouquets—made of quince branch, cherry plum, and poppies—has Fairview foliage fans rejoicing. Try the dried bouquet for a lovely (and long-lasting) home décor addition.
Photography by Jeremy Wong