We asked cool Vancouverites for their go-to summer spots and secrets. Dandy is a drag artist and the host of Dandy & Friends.

Favourite part of summer in Vancouver

The entire tone of the city is shifted in summertime, and the denizens of Vancouver become lighter. The world-class beauty of the city is in full force and most people are smiling! And why shan’t they—’tis summertime in Vancouver and anything is possible (for four months, cav).

Go-to takeout spot

The cost of living is far too high for takeout. Visit a delicatessen and stroll to a beach or a park—and take some friends.

Best watering hole

Now, if you mean a place to whet a whistle, I love to be around the elder gay men of PumpJack on Davie. ‘Tis the least pretentious place for a pint, and that says a lot for a gay bar. There’s typically never any cover charge, but when there is, it is for what is called a “shower show” and I shan’t elaborate. Tell them Dandy “sent ya,” as long as you tip the coat check boy Nico. Now, if by watering hole you mean a small body of water to soak in, avoid the crowd at Second Beach. I adore the Westin Bayshore’s pool in Coal Harbour. One must technically have a room to saturate there, but the day I went, nobody stopped me. Likely intimidated or confused by my custom swimming costume.

Summer event you’re looking forward to the most

I can’t wait for Vancouver Pride—‘tis always the gayest time of the summer, and I’ll be performing on the new Youth Stage this year! Now, June is the month that is internationally recognized as Pride Month, and it’s OUR month. In Vancouver, the festival is held at the 11th hour of summer, the latest of the season, in the first week of August. It’s a brilliant bait-and-switch where “Surprise, dahlings, the queers are taking over the streets and your hearts” one last time.

Best outdoor concert venue

I absolutely adore the vibe of the concerts at City Centre Artist Lodge for Mural Fest. I know the twink who helps run the venue for the festival and it’s truly one of the most delightful spaces to spend a summer afternoon. A hodgepodge or creativity, and you’ll see all sorts of different people! There’s something for everyone!

Favourite hike

I love a stroll. The best strolling hike is Capilano Pacific Trail. You start behind the Capilano Suspension Bridge (take a peek at the whimsy), then journey to a dam! You may have to catch your breath, so save any imbibements for the dam. Keep in mind ‘tis summertime, and the aforementioned trail is wonderful even in rain. And so I’ll say, in summertime you MUST stroll up to Quarry Rock in Deep Cove. Such a breathtaking view, so many happy people. Do not be fooled into paddle boarding, thorough, ‘tis most dangerous. Highly underrated danger in a recreation. Although I did see a jellyfish there once while paddle boarding. It truly is the gayest of all nautical biodiversity, no?

Favourite patio

Bridges on Granville Island. Gorgeous view, wonderful barkeeps, loads of craft beer, and you get to take one of those charming little water taxis to get there. Plus when you’re sunkissed and buzzing, you can stroll through Granville Island. No notes.

Most refreshing cocktail

A bottle of rosé.

Go-to summer potluck dish

A bottle of rosé.

Go-to beach

Oh I do love how campy the giant diamond rings are at English Bay. It’s a great place to perch before doing something else in the vibrant West End. However, the best beach is certainly Wreck Beach—that’s just a misleading name. Perhaps it’s the payoff of the perilous journey to get there: there are over six thousand steps, so ‘tis not for the faint-hearted darlings. Perhaps a bit crowded on the nicest days, there’s something for everyone at Wreck. A gem in Vancouver’s summer crown.

Best place to avoid tourists

The Drive! Have any of you ever been to East Van? It’s got everything, and it’s not even its own city—’tis but a burrow of the city of Vancouver. Commercial Drive is vibrant! Locals will know where to go (world-class burlesque at the Rio), where to eat (The Dime, unreasonably low prices and the loveliest staff), and where to drink (Flamingo Room—I just checked it out after it was renovated into a paradise-themed cocktail bar. I hosted a drag show, it’s giving iconic vibes, go try a libation!).

Best place for air conditioning

The traffic on the Lions Gate Bridge is a wonderful place to get 25 to 90 minutes of private air conditioning.

Weekend getaway spot

One of the small islands! When I first arrived in Vancouver, I was whisked away to one of the smaller islands, and it was a perfect getaway. It was something like Cherrychickle Island, I can’t remember specifically. There was one pub and one lighthouse and one winery! Plus more, so charming. Let me know if you go. However! If you don’t have access to a boat yourself, you could travel by land to Squamish. It’s got some of the same wild Canadian beauty by day, and the burlesque shows there keep you warm at night. Also, Crash is a self-serve hotel with the absolute best themed rooms, thoroughly tickled by it.

Best camping spot

Deep in Harrison Hot Springs is a gay oasis called Shadow Falls. Aptly neighboured with the Sasquatch Mountain Resort (yes, the real one!), at Shadow Falls you can expect a different sort of hairy man: bears (no, not real ones)! I know what you’re thinking and yes, they are fully nude, dahling—‘tis a clothing-optional LGBT campground…and a raucous good time. Grab your closest lesbian friends and book a weekend, the hidden gully is magical! 

Favourite park to linger in

I linger everywhere, dahling, so when I can linger in nature, I pick the best—and the best spot to linger is in the gardens around Queen Elizabeth Park. However, if you’re in the mood for a jaunt through a park, Stanley Park is premium jaunting—there’s so much to explore. And for resting in a park, well, go to the beach to rest, dahling.

Best place for watching the sunset

I had the fortune of being atop Grouse Mountain one beautiful clear sunset. I highly recommend it. Did you know Grouse is the latin word for goose? Strange to name a mountain that, but Canadians love their geese.

Favourite cold treat

It’s hard to beat the refreshing nature of gelato from Italian Day on the Drive. Or a milk tea from the Bubble Tea Festival. It seems I may only get my cold treats at festivals.

Favourite summer accessory

Sunscreen.