Even though I’ve lived in Vancouver on and off for over a year, I still feel like a newcomer, and one of my favourite things to do is explore random little pockets of the city. For this new series, I’ll be sharing some of my adventures in Vancouver…and I can tell there will be a lot of them! Seriously, this city is crammed with the most intriguing, eclectic little neighbourhoods, and I can’t wait to discover them all. 

Vicky and I went for a stroll around the charming Nicola Street in the West End a few weeks ago — just a stone’s throw from where we live, but somehow a street we’d never ventured to before. The West End, in my humble opinion, is one of the most interesting places in the city to walk around, for the simple reason that it’s so architecturally diverse: shabby, ’60s apartment buildings stand alongside gorgeous, turn-of-the-century ones, and you’re bound to stumble across the odd beautiful little church or of-another-era corner store. 

{The intriguing-looking Niloo Hair Salon and House of Jewels}

We had lunch at the Greenhorn, a hipstery little place with delicious soups, salads, sandwiches, and a daily special (a mouthwateringly tasty truffled mac and cheese the day we were there). The exterior was under renovation when we went, and didn’t make for a terribly photogenic picture, but here are some interior shots…

{Bottles of soda and the menu written on rolls of brown paper}

{Wall of records on the second floor, where we sat. While seating isn’t exactly limited (it’s a fairly capacious place as far as cafes go), it gets super busy on weekends/holidays. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!}

After all that rich food, it was time to walk off some calories…

{The West End is beautiful in autumn (preferably on a sunny day, but hey, we’ll take a grey one too!)}

And then, wonder of wonders, we found a secret little tucked-away park…

{As Vicky aptly noted, the place felt very “Blair Witch.” Eeeeek! }

{The eerie vibe was definitely accentuated by the dark trees and this lone, forlorn-looking see-saw}

So those were our adventures on Nicola. Definitely an interesting little area to check out if you’re in the vicinity. Hard to believe it’s literally a block away from the bustle of Robson Street!