GET TO KNOW THE NEIGHBOURHOODS:

Vancouver is a city of neighbourhoods, each with its own personality, vibe, and local culture. Have a good pair of sneakers and get ready to explore. Here’s a guide to just a few of the interesting areas in Vancouver.

Commercial Drive (aka The Drive) is a vibrant, inclusive stretch known for its Italian heritage, indie shops, cafes, dive bars, and vegan eats. It feels Bohemian with vintage stores and independently owned establishments. You’ll find multi-generational families alongside skateboarders just hanging out on a nice day in parks.

Kitsilano, aka “Kits”: is very wellness driven. It has a laid-back beach culture with yoga studios, organic cafes, and beautiful heritage homes. Kitsilano Beach is has a chill vibe with views of the Mountains and Ocean.

Mount Pleasant/ South Main: is an area that has a growing art scene. Find street art and murals everywhere. Lots of options for cool indie cafes, thrift shops and record stores. Loads of casual eats.

Yaletown: was the former warehouse district now turning over with condos and waterfront views, fancy restaurants, cocktail lounges, and boutique gyms.

Gastown: is a historic part of the city with cobblestone streets, vintage lampposts, and the iconic steam clock that still works. It’s very touristy with the souvenir shops, restaurants, cafes and boutiques. You’ll find favourites West Coast retailers here including Kit & Ace and Oak + Fort.

Chinatown: the neighbourhood continues to evolve as the locals revitalize the destination with museums, restaurants, bars and shops attracting more tourists. Dr. Sun Yan-Sen Gardens offers a great space to wander and explore. You can still see original buildings and structures that date back to the late 1800s.

West End: close to Stanley Park and English Bay. This part of the city offers tons of casual dining options for whatever you crave.

WHERE TO EAT: 

We tapped into the locals to find out where they eat and recommend for visiting food lovers. From the freshest seafood to cool modern eateries, there’s something for a wide range of budgets in many different neighbourhoods.

Selene Aegean Bistro: 360 Penticton Street (Hastings-Sunrise)

From the team that brings us Loula’s, Nammos, and Ama is this elevated Mediterranean coastal restaurant. The vibe is casual but sophisticated. The menu is influenced by the flavours of Greece, Turkey, and Levantine cuisine. Our server, whose Greek heritage tells us she fell in love with the menu items including the lamb as it reminisced of her own father’s blend of homemade spices and grilling techniques. The name, Selene, was inspired by the Greek Goddess of the Moon. Every dish is made intentionally with meticulous details but with a modern twist. Even the Horiataki (Greek Salad) was created with peeled and marinated tomatoes to add a burst of flavour.

DD Mau: 145 East Pender Avenue (Chinatown)

Casual Vietnamese “street food” dishes from the Northern and Southern parts of Vietnam are on this exciting menu that came highly recommended by nearly every local we spoke with. The family run-restaurant offers their own takes on dishes from grilled meats to pho to Banh Mi sandwiches. The “Damn Good Chicken & Rice” lives up to its name – reminds us of the popular Hunan Chicken dishes but without the bones. Weekends get busy with DJs.

Osteria Elio Volpe: 540 West 17th Avenue (Cambie Village)

This airy, casual Italian restaurant celebrates fresh food with a casual upscale feel. It celebrates easy coastal living that’s a little bit carefree yet feels intentional. Dishes feel classic yet modern. Rigatoni Cacio e Pepe made with 10 year aged cheddar and roasted jalapeño is an instant favourite. The stone pizza oven is busy – we had the thinly crusted  Manila Clam, Italian Sausage, and Salsa Bianco variation that is deliciously unforgettable. Elio is the newest sibling under the umbrella of the Banda Volpi Family (Salvio, Pepino’s, Cafe La Tãna).

Harbour Oyster & Bar: 1408 Commercial Drive (The Drive)

Considered the “perfect” spot for Happy Hour. Recently launched a new seasonal menu. Summer patio is hopping on sunny days and warmer nights at this casual eatery. Enjoy fresh shucked oysters and other seafood fare. A great spot to get your lobster roll fix, too!

Hello Nori: 1165 Robson Street (and other locations)

When we were first introduced to Hello Nori we knew we had to visit when we craved sushi. This premium hand roll bar’s focus is offering the freshest and made-to-order rolls. Diners are served one roll at a time ensuring optimum freshness. Nori (seaweed) has a perfect crunch and seasoning. Rice is also seasoned to perfection – you won’t need soy sauce. Some must tries include the Truffle Lobster, Ora King Salmon, and Unagi (Eel) hand rolls. Aburi Oishi Salmon is a must-have. Enjoy their overflowing sake ritual that is meant to offer you an abundance of happiness. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, the White Peach Nectar is refreshing!

The Lunch Lady: 1046 Commercial Drive (The Drive)

Since we’ve been highly anticipating the opening of The Lunch Lady in Toronto, we had to pay a visit to this OG in Canada. The world famous Vietnamese street food chef Nguyen Thi Thanh was made famous by the late Anthony Bourdain on his travels to the country. He was actually the one who named her “The Lunch Lady”. Her noodle soups are famous and quite literally people travel all over the world for taste in Saigon and Vancouver. And so much more is worth trying. Not only are the dishes vibrant and flavourful, but the hospitality is exceptional. Chef Thanh’s legacy continues through her dishes and with her loyal following.

Kissa Tanto: 263 East Pender Street (Chinatown)

This one Michelin-star Japanese-Italian hotspot is like you’re transported to the nostalgic Tokyo jazz clubs of the 60s. Tucked away on the second floor of a faded building in Chinatown they call “The House of Plenty”. It’s where the delicate Japanese flavours merge with Italian warmth. Considered one of the best date night restaurants in Vancouver. Bar Manager Fraser Crawford was also named the 2024 Michelin Guide Vancouver Exceptional Cocktails Award Winner.

Chinatown BBQ: 130 East Pender Street (Chinatown)

When I’m craving comfort food I immediately think of authentic Cantonese style BBQ. The iconic Chinatown BBQ delivers exactly that. Consistently fresh and plentiful are rice and soup noodle dishes teeming with juicy in-house BBQ’d meats. Order up Soy Chicken BBQ Pork, and Roasted Pork – option to enjoy with rice noodles. Quick and popular for dine-in our take-out.

Beaucoup Bakery & Café: St. Regis Hotel

For ten years, Beaucoup has raised the bar for the fine art of French pastry and café culture in Vancouver and built its reputation as a beloved, award-winning destination by way of its delicate pastries, viennoiseries and innovative creations that mingle sweet with savoury, marry East and West, and meld passion with precision. Opened by celebrated pastry chef Jackie Kai Ellis in 2012 she brought on board Betty Hung on an internship that led to a scholarship at the renowned École Gastronomique Bellouet Conseil in Paris. Then, she took on the role as Beaucoup’s Head Pastry Chef, and eventually, Co-Owner with her brother Jacky. This second, and now flagship location opened in 2023. They tell us a third location is coming. Visit for her Peking Duck Croissants, Kouign Amann, Roasted Corn XL Egg Tart (seriously can feed 2 to 3 people), and Cookie Bun (Valrhona chocolate chip cookie baked in a soft and pillowy cinnamon bun). Some seasonal items as well.

New Town Bakery & Restaurant: 148 East Pender, Chinatown (also location in Surrey)

This walk-in only and counter-serve family-run bakery and restaurant serves up delicious Chinese and Filipino baked goods as well as dim sum and other popular Cantonese comfort foods. Definitely try their famous Siopau (steamed buns)

Arcana Food + Spirits: 238 Abbott Street (Gastown)

For something unique and highly spirited bar from the same people that brought us Toronto’s Storm Crow Manor and the Grizzly Bar. In Vancouver’s historic Gastown, look up and find the”Pet Psychic” storefront that conceals an otherworldly speakeasy. Step past the facade into a candlelit sanctuary where European fusion cuisine and hand-crafted cocktails pay tribute to the Major Arcana of the Tarot. This spot is intoxicating and enticingly wicked at heart.

WHAT TO SEE:

“Monsters in My Head” Otani Workshop at the Vancouver Art Museum: until November 9

This is the first solo presentation in North America of work by Japanese artist Otani Workshop. The exhibition invites visitors into an enchanted dreamworld. This is where myths, memories and materials come together. It’s whimsical yet may feel strange,  but deeply familiar. His work evokes wonder, longing, solitude,  and hope. 

Chinese Canadian Museum: 51 East Pender Street

This unique museum dedicated to preserving Chinese Canadian history, arts & culture, and heritage spans three floors of the historical Yip Sang Building. Considered the first Chinese family to plant their roots here and established Vancouver’s Chinatown. Today, the Chinese Canadian Museum is the custodian of the landmark building. First floor offers insight to the Chinese Railroad Workers Canada and the Chinese Head Tax & Exclusion Act presented in an artistic way in the exhibition “Reshaping Collections: Where History Meets Art”. Second floor currently offers a glimpse at the icons of Canto Pop and Mando-pop stars, their style, and influences from three golden eras (and yes there’s a karaoke room!). Third floor pays homage and tells the stories of Chinese Canadians Military heroes in their newest exhibition “A Soldier for All Seasons: Chinese Canadians in the Second World War“. Visitors will also step back in time in the recreated Period Rooms and feel immersed in years of the past Chinatown.

Chinese Storytelling Centre: 168 East Pender Street

This gallery space shares the stories about the rich past, present, future, and living heritage of Vancouver’s Chinatown. Current photo exhibition is “Vitality: Iconic Images Hidden Stories” with images by Fred Herzog.  Explore the vitality of Chinatown and historic Hastings—two of Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhoods—between the 1950s and 1970s.

WHERE TO STAY:

The Fairmont Waterfront is a great location and easy access to many points of interest within the city whether you choose to walk, take public transit, cabs or ride shares. Opt for the water and mountain view for epic sunsets. The property also has an outdoor terrace pool and gym area – you can even start the morning with a guided yoga session or a run with local instructors as part of their integrated wellness program (free for guests). By the way, if you don’t want to pack your workout wear – they do have complimentary athletic wear and shoes to borrow!

Another highlight is their roof garden and bee hive tour (yes, they have a “Bee and Bee” Pollinator hotel on site) to learn more about their “buzziest” guests. Here guests can learn all about their sustainable practices. Great for all ages.

Fairmont Hotels recently launched their “Make Special Happen” campaign where their staff will take thoughtful and personal touches to make the stay in the city even more memorable.

The post Rediscovering Vancouver ~ What to See & Eat this Summer appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

I recently visited the city to explore its many offerings including its food, its attractions and its accommodations. This was my first visit to the city in many years having lived there from 2002-2012. The city changed a lot in my years there and even more so in the time since I left. Some of those biggest changes were to its transit. First when I was there with the adding of the Skytrain line to the airport and more recently the Broadway Skytrain/Subway line that is currently under construction.

This leads to the first part of my trip, the travelling.

I have always flown from Toronto into Vancouver’s main airport YVR. Situated just south of the city, the airport is easily accessible by the Skytrain that was built for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. The train is a direct line to downtown which then connects to the older Skytrain lines that head East out of the city and into neighbouring suburbs. The problem most recently with this airport is the surging costs of air travel. This is why I chose to try a new option, flying Swoop airlines to Abbotsford. Although the trip into the city can be an extra hour of travel after you arrive, the saving were enormous, saving me roughly $500 each way.

Once you are in the city, there is not much need for a car. Because I wanted to do some roadtrips while I was there, we were lucky to work with Nissan who set us up with their press fleet and loaned us the 2022 Nissan Armada, a beast of a vehicle that is more tank than car. The large vehicle would be great for a family trip, equipped with TV screens in the headrests along with personal headsets for the ones in the back. As we did some light off-roading, the vehicle fit our purposes. Some of which I will get to later in the post.

Where to Stay in Vancouver?

Vancouver has a wide selection of places to stay depending on what you are looking to do during your trip. There are motels, hotels, resorts and lodges at a wide range of prices available. You can also find this wide variety in many different locations of the city and its suburbs. Here are a few that I visited on my most recent stay.

Holiday Inn Vancouver-Centre (Broadway), an IHG Hotel

Located on Broadway (the city’s main east-west street) and in between two main streets (Main and Granville), The Holiday Inn Vancouver-Centre Hotel keeps you in the centre of the city without being in the busy downtown core. Vancouver’s downtown is on an island, well more of a peninsula, connected by bridges to the land just south of it. This hotel is just south of the downtown core and because of that has some of the best views of the city you will find. North-West looking balconies will capture amazing sunsets while viewing the downtown core and the mountain ranges that lay behind it.

In terms of amenities, the hotel has a parking lot for your vehicle. If you are driving, the area is much easier to get in and out of than if you were in the downtown core. The Hotel also has a restaurant called Stages that has great buffet breakfasts with all of your favourites as well as menu items throughout the day for every meal. If you are looking to keep active in your downtime, the hotel has a gym and a pool.

The area is very accessible for those looking to take transit or walk. The Broadway buses run east west and can take you to Commercial Drive in the East or to UBC campus in the west. If you are looking to explore the area, Main Street is a bustling area with tons of shopping and restaurants to visit. If you are looking to head downtown, you can grab the Skytrain/Subway at Cambie and Broadway just steps away and be downtown in minutes.

Fairmont Waterfront

If you are looking to scale up your trip and be in the heart of it all, the Fairmont Waterfront may be the spot for you. Located on the waterfront across from the Olympic Torch and Canada Place, this 4-star hotel boasts incredible views of both the city and the water with its mountain backdrop. If you have a car, you will want to park it in the nearby parking lot because everything is accessible by foot here.

The hotel has a great restaurant in its lobby called ARC, menu items can be delivered via room service. During my stay, I had their delicious burger and fries as well as their cod fish ‘n chips. The hotel also has an outdoor pool and a gym that can be accessed with your room key.

The area is very walkable, from Stanley Park to Gastown, you will not run out of things to do in a single visit. The hotel actually offers some add-ons to your stay that include tours with Talaysay Tours, an authentic Aboriginal cultural and eco-tourism experiences in and around Vancouver, Squamish and the Sunshine Coast, that invited me to tag along for one of their Talking Trees tours in the beautiful Stanley Park. During the tour, their guide taught us the history of the Squamish people, including the history of the trees of the park and how different plants and trees were used over thousands of years. A must do experience whether staying with the hotel or not.

Loon Lake Lodge

Loon Lake Lodge is actually a part of UBC and is located about 40 minutes east of Vancouver in Maple Ridge. I attended a Wellness Retreat while on my trip and wrote about that more in full HERE. If you want to relax and get out to a beautiful lake in a forest, this place may be what you are looking for. The prices are very reasonable and there is an option to have your meals included. Going with a group of friends would be a lot of fun. Swim, kayak, canoe, standup paddleboard or hang out by the fire while you leave the city stress behind you.

What to do in Vancouver?

There are so many amazing things to do in and around Vancouver but I will talk about some of my favourites and some of the more uniques things to see and do.

Steveston and Pajo’s Fish and Chips

Steveston is a cute area just south of Vancouver located along the water that reminds me a lot of the east coast of Canada. Single story buildings with coastal decor, seafood galore and a lot of boats. One of the top destinations here has always been Pajo’s Fish and Chips. Make your selection of Cod, Halibut or Salmon and get a cone filled with fries to go along with your choice of one or two pieces. The tables here are even designed for the cones so you can slot them into the holes in the tabletop.

Museum of Anthropology

The Museum of Anthropology is located on the UBC campus and actually has classes for the school there as well. I myself had my Anthro-101 class there and visited the museum often. The museum houses nearly 50,000 ethnographic objects, carvings, weavings and contemporary artworks from around world, including the South Pacific, Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and First Nations of the Pacific NorthWest. For more information about the MoA, check out our article HERE.

Stanley Park and Talaysay Tours

I already mentioned the Talaysay Tours through the park but more info on the park itself is always good to include. Explore the site’s 400-hectare natural West Coast rainforest and enjoy scenic views of the water and the mountains while walking or biking amongst its majestic trees or along the Stanley Park’s Seawall which encircles the entire park. You can visit the Vancouver aquarium while also checking out its famous totem poles. The park also has a few restaurants like the Tea House, Waterfall Cafe and Prospect Point Cafe. The 20 gauge, 2 km Stanley Park Railway track is a great 15-minute ride aboard their miniature trains. The park also has several beaches you can visit.

Wreck Beach

Located on the UBC campus, Wreck Beach is arguably Canada’s best beach. The west facing sandy beach is accessible by bussing to UBC and then walking west through the campus and then down their 300+ stairs through a rainforest that looks like a Jurassic Park set. Arriving at the clothing optional beach, you will see many stalls that are set up daily selling clothing, beach blankets, food and even massages. Lucy’s Peruvian food is delicious and a must try and Stormin’ Norman’s grill will have you a burger and fries stat. Be sure to grab one of the amazing tapestries or clothing items which are very reasonably priced. Vendors on the beach sell everything from beer, coolers, ciders, and adult freezies to chocolate mushrooms and pot products.  The community down there is like no other. People are friendly, welcoming and protect each other and the guests from those that may interrupt their peaceful and self governed way of life.

Hidden Locations

Hidden or secret locations can be trails, rivers or waterfalls that the locals wish to keep a secret. If you are lucky enough to know someone, like I was, who can take you to one, be sure to visit them. I was able to visit one of the famed hidden saunas located on a glacial river that included waterfalls and a beautiful rocky landscape. We brought our own wood to use as well as some to leave for future visitors and hiked to a barrel sauna that we pumped fire-wood into and spent hours going back and forth from the cold dip to the hot sauna. These locations can be found anywhere from North-Vancouver to Squamish.

Arcade Bars

The arcade bars scene has also arrived in Vancouver. Similar to our venues here like Tilt and Zed*80, Vancouver has a number of places to visit to have a drink, listen to music and gather with friends all while playing your favourite retro arcade game, console game or sports game. I visited Glitch myself but was surprised that they charged for the games, and quite a lot at that, while our arcade bars are free to play. There was one in Vancouver called GRETA in Gastown that apparently was free to play.

Where to Eat in Vancouver?

Every time I visit the city of Vancouver I make the longest of lists of places to eat and am then disappointed that I can not attend them all. On my latest visit I was able to try three of those listed restaurants I can write about but will also leave you with my list so you can explore further if you wish.

Say Mercy!

Say Mercy! refers to itself as an Italian restaurant seen through the lens of Southern BBQ. Many of the dishes are Italian in nature but with a twist of southern flavours mixed in. The restaurant is located at Fraser and 27th in the central-eastern part of the city.

Items on their menu include things like BBQ TARTARE with Bradner Farms Beef, Smoked Emulsion, Hickory Sticks, Pickles, Bra Duro; NASHVILLE HOT CORNISH HEN with Fra Diavolo Sauce, Pickled Zucchini, Braised Fennel, Cayenne, Peanuts; and CREOLE CACCIUCCO with Louisiana Popcorn Rice, Shrimp, Mussels, Clams, Cod. Prices range from $15-$19 for appetizers and $15-$27 for mains. They also offer a tasting menu for $55.

Fat Mao Noodles

Fat Mao Noodles has two locations. One in Chinatown on Georgia and one downtown on Helmcken. Fat Mao means “prosperous cat” in Cantonese. The restaurant is a modern noodle bar by Chef Angus that focusses on Thai-style noodle soups. The locations focus on lunch and early dining experiences, closing at around 9pm, or when they run out of noodles.

Dishes include Braised Duck Noodles which features Braised duck leg in an aromatic soy broth. Asian celery and bok choy; Khao Soi Chicken Curry Noodles which includes Braised chicken leg in a creamy northern Thai curry. Pickled mustard greens. Served with flat egg noodles and crispy noodles; and Hot and Sour Pork Noodles which include Hot and sour pork soup with BBQ pork, minced pork, and Vietnamese ham. Asian celery, peanuts, and crispy shallots. Prices are around $22 for each dish. Sister restaurants of this place include Maenam Restaurant, Sen Pad Thai, Longtail Kitchen and Freebird Chicken Shack.

¿CóMO? Taperia

¿CóMO? Taperia is a Spanish tapas bar and restaurant inspired by the owners several trips to Spain. It is located in the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood of Vancouver at 201 E 7th Avenue. Here you will want to order several small to medium sized dishes to be shared with the table. The place is unique as it is a standing style restaurant with some high tables and seating with a European feel. Football (soccer) is on the television while grocery products imported from Spain line the windows and walls. One can also purchase loose items like olives from the bar.

Items on the menu include olives, Goats Cheese Stuffed Peppers, Croquetas, Iberico Salchichon, Truffle Manchego, and their house bread to name a few. This was one of my favourite places I ate on the trip. Prices range from $3-$54.

There were so many places that sounded amazing so I will leave you with my list offered to me by several restauranteurs and those in the industry. In no particular order, they suggested Published, Burdock and Co., Acorn, Kissa Tanto, Osteria Salvio Polpe, AnnaLena, Maenam, Pidgin, Oca Pastificio, Saint Lawrence, Superbaba, Barbara, Boulevard and Soyu.

Whatever your fancy when visiting a city, Vancouver will have something for your tastes. I hope you visit soon and enjoy the city as much as I did. If you have any suggestions for our readers, please let us know in the comments on social media.

The post What to do and see in Vancouver, BC appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Let’s be honest, Canadian comedy is every bit as much of a talent farm as it is an industry – but, we’re working on that. Bit by bit, the powers that be and the independents that dream, are coming up with new ways and avenues to foster comedy talent here on the home soil. I mean, it only makes sense. Comedy is in our blood. It’s who we are. From standup and sketch to improv and our absurd ability to self deprecate and self reflect – comedy is every bit as vital to the Canadian identity as Tim Hortons, hockey, and free health care.

From SCTV to SNL. Second City to Just for Laughs. From Gilda Radner to Seth Rogan. And for every Russell Peters, Jim Carrey and Mike Myers who went out there and struck it rich on the big screen, there are comedy clubs in cities across Canada teeming with untapped new talent that Canadians should know about. For whatever reason, Canada has a habit of producing some of the brightest, boldest and most original voices in comedy. But we’ve always had a nasty habit of ignoring them and underfeeding them until they’re forced to make their way stateside. And if they do make it there, then we’re all to proud to pretend that we, as an industry, had something to do with it.

For every Canadian comic who stayed here at home and landed a writing gig or a CBC sitcom, there are dozens more of their contemporaries struggling to swim against the current. But the tides, they are a-changin’ (see what I did there?)

Comedy “competitions” maybe aren’t always the automatic answer – but then again, Top Comic isn’t exactly your average competition. Every year, Sirius XM (and specifically, Canada Laughs) pits some of the best and brightest young comics and seasoned headliners from coast to coast, against each other for a grand prize of $25k – no small purse in Canadian comedy, believe me. In fact, that’s basically an entire year’s salary and then some, for comics who have been at this for a long time. The concept is simple, and the rewards are multiple. Aside from selecting one ‘Top Comic’ across Canada to take home a cool 25-grand, the comedian who rises to the top of the heap will also appear on this year’s circuit of major Canadian festivals – namely, the iconic Just for Laughs that famously takes over Montreal each year, and it’s Toronto counterpart #JFL42 which has been blowing up Canada’s comedy hub since 2012.

The way Top Comic works is, a first round of “auditions” are held on club stages in Toronto and Vancouver, featuring some of the top tier talent and newer standups with a lot of buzz, from hubs across Canada. The first wave of showcases took place at the end of May in Toronto – on the Yuk Yuks flagship stage, the Drake Underground and Absolute Comedy. And in early June at Vancouver’s Comedy Mix and Yuk Yuks. So aside from an opportunity for some of our own industry’s favourite talent to share the stage and deliver their best performance for a shot at some truly game-changing dough, Top Comic also offers up a chance for more Canadian audiences to see and hear about who’s who coming up in Canadian comedy today. And the more opportunities like this that exist out there, then maybe… just maybe… we can keep more of these comedians working and creating in Canada. And build our own industry in the hopes that they (ie, YOU!) will come

At least that’s what Ben Miner has been banking on. A near 20-year veteran standup and the host/producer behind homegrown Canadian comedy content on Sirius XM’s Canada Laughs network (channel 167, FYI) Miner is a man after my own heart – a curator and tireless promoter of comedy in Canada. An insider who believes wholeheartedly that the more opportunities we create to feed our own, the less of an exodus we’ll see to the U.S. After all if the U.K, Australia, New Zealand and even our own microcosm of entertainment culture in Quebec, can do it, why can’t we teach Canadians to recognize and consume the massive amount of comedy talent being created every night on stages and in bars, clubs and coffee shops from coast to coast. The more we promote and highlight this in our own media (in magazines like this, I don’t mind saying) then we can give our own comics the platform they need to be discovered. Besides, who the hell wants to work in the U.S right now?

I’ve known Ben since I first landed on the Toronto standup scene, after ping-ponging around the Canadian radio landscape for the first 5 years of my career. I’ve gigged with him here and there over the years, and occasionally make my rounds over at Sirius XM plugging my own projects, and every summer since the start of Top Comic I talk to him about the contest. When we recently had him on the air at AM640 he spoke at length about this urgent need for Canada’s industry to do more to foster and nurture. When he talks about it, he gets dialled all the way up. And to be honest, I like it.

In the past few years alone there’s been a mass renewed interest in standup (and in fact, thanks to streaming specials like Netflix and content providers like Sirius). We’re seeing a peak period in standup like we haven’t seen since the golden days of the 80s and 90s. And here in Canada, with the rise of the independent producer and the indie content creator more and more stepping outside of the rigid confines of the traditional “industry”, maybe the timing is right to give Canadian audiences more cause to stop and pay attention to what’s happening right here at home.

So, Top Comic was created. To showcase what’s happening and who to watch for a whole new Canadian audience in person and on the satellite airwaves across Canada. And to send one lucky (and yes hard working) comic home with enough money to buy a lifetime worth of 2am pizza slices on the way home from a loosely attended open mic on any given night, in any given city.

The contest is unique in that, some of the comedians on the bill are “amateurs” only a year or so into the game – but with serious chops, they’ve been hand-selected to go joke-to-joke against seasoned pros with major festival credits, Netflix specials and international tours under their belts. And there really isn’t any predicting WHO will fight punchline their way to the top (I mean sure, we all have our own favourites…)

As the contest moves along this summer, comics who make it through the first wave of “audition” shows will be taking to social media to make their please for votes. Ben Miner and the crew over at Sirius XM will be spreading the word on who, when and where the contest is taking us next – and eventually, the final few will compete for their place on stage at the biggest comedy festivals in the world. Right here, in the Great White North.

The post Sirius about finding Canada’s Top Comic appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

It can be the most mundane daily routine, or the most traumatic of life changing events, that we mine for material. A chance incident on public transit. A trip to the corner store for a bag of milk. Divorce. Sex. Car insurance. Cancer. An entire Presidency. The list is endless.

When something big or small happens in a comedian’s life, the very first reaction we have is to hit the stage and work it out. And when needed, it’s medicinal. Which is why I say we’re lucky – because most of us, let’s be honest, can’t afford therapy.

That’s how I first discovered TINDER TALES. Since the fall of 2014, the crème de la crème of Toronto’s parallel standup and storytelling scenes have been taking to the stage to share real stories about online dating – and everything within that universe. Bad dates, awkward hookups, horrible breakups, online encounters. Fetishes, the nefarious “dick pic”, brutal pick-up lines.

As a comic, I’ve always spent a lot of time branching out into Toronto’s storytelling circuit. So a couple of years ago when I first heard the buzz about Tinder Tales, I was desperate to give it a try. For me, the timing was right. I was in a midst of a pretty heavy breakup. Dealing with a broken engagement and a house for sale, I was spending my nights couch surfing all over the city and venting my sorrows on stage. I was in the thick of it all, and the material was flowing out of me twice as fast as I could deal with the implications of my actual life off-stage.

Tinder Tales was a platform for performers to talk about this stuff – openly, honestly, and in a brutally funny light. And there was a massive audience for it. After all, what’s more relatable than the perpetual search for love? In a city with a massive concentration of young, single 20-somethings swiping and dating on a nightly basis, Tinder Tales had an instant built in niche.

I shared some of my own experiences, as a suddenly single bachelor in my early 30s, on-stage at the iconic Drake Hotel. I was instantly hooked. It was cathartic and liberating and therapeutic in a level that my comedy hadn’t quite touched on up until that point. In a way, my voice changed that night. I became a regular player on the Tinder Tales stage – and eventually, as of the past year and a half, the host.

But I’m getting ahead of myself here. Before I came along, the show had already established a mass following, on stages across the city (with the Drake and the equally coveted Gladstone Hotel playing the role of Tinder Tales’ rotating home stages). Some of the players were veterans and elites of Toronto storytelling. Names like Elaine Gold, Monica Hamburg, Dave Keystone and Peter Troyer who, to this day, are regular features on the show. But the brainchild behind the whole thing was a Toronto based event planner and indie producer named Adelade Genevieve. Neither a storyteller or standup, Genevieve is more of a socialite on the comedy scene, if there is such a thing. She sort of travels in the same circles, hand-picking performers for each and every show. Curating the lineups and laying out every storyteller’s submission into a particular theme, a certain stage, a particular given night.

I don’t think Adelade could have known, back in 2014, that Tinder Tales would take on such a following. It’s now a branded show, branching out onto stages across southern Ontario and now with a regular west coast edition in Vancouver, run by host/producer Suzy Rawsome. The whole thing started simply because Adelade, like most 20-something singles in this city, had a string of brutally funny dating encounters to share. And she assumed, rightfully so, that she couldn’t have been the only one.
“When I started the show in fall 2014 I was going on a LOT of Tinder dates. At least once a day. I came across a couple doozies that at least made for good stories to tell my friends. My friends also shared their stories and we would exchange ridiculous messages we would receive from single men. I figured we could not be the only ones in Toronto with great stories to tell. I was pretty confident there would be an audience for a show, it was just a matter of finding people with Tinder and online dating stories that were actually willing to share them with a room full of strangers. I started putting up flyers for story submissions, had some coffee and beer dates with willing storytellers, and we hit capacity at our very first show!”

So, some of the best stories originally behind Tinder Tales are ones that even the regular audiences have never had a chance to hear. These were Adelade’s own experiences that launched the show in the first place.

“One very busy weekend one July I agreed to go on a Tinder Date to the Toronto Island. I didn’t realize until we were lost in the massive crowd of people lined up to get on the ferry, that this was a big commitment. There was no quick escape plan (or so I thought). 10 minutes after getting to the island, we started tossing a football between us. I was really confident with my ability to toss around the old pigskin and we moved further and further away from each other, with increasingly forceful throws. Until the last throw. I went to catch it. The ball hit the tip of my pinky and I thought it was just a stubbed finger. I held my hand in between my legs (along with my breath) waiting for the pain to stop. It did not. I looked down and realized my pinky finger was bent entirely outwards at the knuckle. I nearly puked but yelled “I THINK YOU BROKE MY FINGER!” He ran over. I was feeling dizzy and nauseous at the same time but couldn’t help but laugh at the fact this was happening to me on a Tinder date (with tears streaming down my face). We water taxied to the ER where I stayed for 8 hours to find out it was a spiral fracture and I would be in a full arm cast for 6 weeks. And no, it didn’t work out.”

Tinder Tales almost tends to play out like a singles mixer at times. There’s an interaction that happens when you fill a room with a largely unattached audience and a lineup of performers exposing the most raw, intimate and darkly hilarious facets of their love lives – sometimes, there’s a magic that happens. A spark that ignites and the whole room erupts like a powder keg. And of course we’ve all had our favourite moments, especially creator/producer Adelade Genevieve

“There have been a few. I would have to say the time one of our storytellers got up on stage and a young woman in the front row yelled “I SLEPT WITH HIM!” or the time our host (Dean Young) handed one of the Property Brothers a Fleshlight. Yes, those Property Brothers. And the Brother was also on a Tinder date at the time”

Without a doubt, most of us are on the show because our love lives (and personal lives) seem to stay in some sort of chaotic limbo. We are, after all, comedians. We tend to revel in it. But is it just as therapeutic for the audience? Adelade would swipe right on that idea
“I think (audiences relate) for a number of reasons. Mainly because online dating and dating apps are so commonly used nowadays which makes the stories so familiar. Even the most messed up, unbelievable ones. I also think it could be partially due to the fact that misery loves company. “Come to Tinder Tales and you’ll see that your dating life really COULD be worse!”

For nearly 3 years now, Tinder Tales has tapped into something that everyone is experiencing. And as long as online dating apps are de rigour, and Toronto stays significantly single, there’s no signs of the show slowing down. And in fact, it’s poised to keep expanding into more cities across Canada – just ask our sister show in Vancouver.

On Tuesday June 6th at the Royal Theatre in Toronto, Tinder Tales presents a live-to-tape showcase featuring some of the top, audience favourite stories and performers who’ve appeared on the show since 2014. Tickets are available right here

And you can catch regular monthly shows at the Gladstone Hotel and I’ll Be Seeing You, and regular rotating shows on stages throughout the city on their website.

The post The Six Swipes Right on Tinder Tales appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Canadians are notorious for not seeing much of our vast, beautiful country. But since we’re all bursting with pride celebrating Canada 150, there’s no better time to explore. Here are the top five destinations that are worth spending your vacation days on.

Vancouver

Canada’s largest western city is a spot every Canadian should visit at some point in their lives. That mix of urban, mountains and ocean is a triple threat. And during this big year for Canada, the city that recently hosted the Olympics will shine again.

Vancouver is unquestionably home to the country’s best sushi. Miku, and the Blue Water Cafe are a few of the many spots that should be on your bucket list.

Along with visiting Van-City staples like Granville Island market, and the top of Grouse Mountain for a spectacular view, Vancouver’s Larwill Park (home to Live City celebrations during the 2010 Olympics) is certainly worth a visit during the summer months. The 2.7 acre park will be home to one of Vancouver’s many anniversary celebrations, the Drum is Calling Festival, a nine-day celebration of live music, entertainment to acknowledge and celebrate Canada’s Indigenous history prior to colonization.

Finally take in all that Stanley Park has to offer. It’s Vancouver’s oldest park, a National Historic site, and to be honest, the vast green space is the true gem of the coastal city. No wonder it’s Vancouver’s most popular destination.

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Banff/Lake Louise

If you haven’t ventured out to Alberta to see this natural wonder yet, now is the year to do it. It’s all about nature in this Instagrammable part of the country.

Reason number one? Free National Park access. That means you can access Banff, Canada’s first National Park, for free all year long.

It’s also home to one of the most beautiful drives in the world (not just Canada), the Icefield Parkway, running from Banff up to Jasper. It’s awe-inspiring, photo op worthy and will make you appreciate the natural beauty that Canada has to offer. Give yourself extra travelling time, because you most definitely will be making lots of stops along the way.

Two stops not to miss, the Athabasca Glacier (who doesn’t want to walk on the thick ice of a glacier?), and arguably the most Instagrammable spot in the country, the Fairmont Hotel and Lake Louise.

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Ottawa

The nation’s capital will be buzzing all year long, so don’t think you just need to go to ring in the big birthday on July 1st.

For the remainder of winter, really take some time to enjoy Canada’s cold weather and skate the Rideau Canal a.k.a the world’s largest skating rink. An added bonus are the views of Parliament Hill, which are also worth a visit (try to catch the changing of the guard ceremony) given such a historic year.

Post skate, head over to the ByWard Market–a foodie’s dream with a maze of market stalls, restaurants, and quaint boutiques. And don’t forget to hit up some of the nation’s best museums. The National Gallery of Canada will be kicking off its Canada 150 celebrations in May with Canada’s Masterpieces: Our Stories. It will be the largest display of Canadian art in the world (with over 1,000 pieces). The chronological presentation will tell Canada’s amazing history from the start to present day. 

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Newfoundland

Go east… as far east as you can. The untouched landscapes, colourful towns and rugged coastline will make you wish you had that Newfoundland accent.

Leave it to Gwyneth Paltrow to make Newfoundland irresistibly cool. Her visit to the architectural dream Fogo Island Inn, got the whole world talking. But aside from the power of Gwyneth the hotel located just outside Notre Dame Bay, on a rocky perch is home to some amazing food, local arts, diverse geology and impressive views.

Speaking of views, Newfoundland is world-famous for Iceberg Alley. See the 10,000 year-old glacial masterpieces from a drive along the shoreline, or book a kayak or boat tour.

Take in Newfoundland’s local arts scene too and hit up the Gros Morne Theatre Festival.

Think of it as dinner theatre set against the backdrop of Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Charlottetown

When it comes to marking Canada’s 150th birthday, there’s no better place to do it than in what is known as the birthplace of Canada, Charlottetown, P.E.I. The island capital is the spot where confederation was signed and Confederation House is home to all that history.

Surrounded by stunning red sand shores, a bike ride along Prince Edward Island’s gorgeous 47 kilometre confederation trail (400km of trails to be hiked or biked) of refurbished Canadian National railway lines is the perfect destination for nature lovers.

For a sweet ending after a long day cycling the trail, COWS creamery is a famous treat – among locals and tourists alike – that only uses milk from P.E.I cows for their 32 flavours of deliciously creamy ice cream.

And not to be missed for all Anne of Green Gables lovers, find the perfect Anne souvenir at the Anne of Green Gables store in downtown Charlottetown before heading out to the famous Green Gables house in Cavendish, P.E.I.

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The post Canada 150: The Top Five Canadian Destinations to Visit in 2017 appeared first on Toronto Guardian.