The locals’ guide to summer in Vancouver: Jeff Hamada

by The Georgia Straight Staff on June 7th, 2024 at 1:48 AM

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We asked cool Vancouverites for their go-to summer spots and secrets. Jeff Hamada is the editor-in-chief of Booooooom.

Favourite part of summer in Vancouver

Riding bikes to a park with a blanket and some food (and also golfing).

Go-to takeout spot

Carp Sushi + Bowl. I always get some tuna nigiri, the tuna macaroni, and the kale goma-ae, unless they have a special like the miso black cod.

Best watering hole

La Fabrique St-George. It’s a short walk from our place and always a nice vibe.

Summer event you’re looking forward to the most

The Canucks’ Stanley Cup parade. If they’ve lost by the time this is published, then I’ll spend this summer thinking about next summer (and then next summer I’ll think about the next next summer, and so on until I die or we win).

Best outdoor concert venue

It’s hard to top watching a good show from the lawn at Deer Lake.

Favourite hike

This is a basic answer, but I’ve gotta pick the Chief. I haven’t been for a few years now, though, so I don’t know what it’s like now with the gondola and everything else they have going on beside it, but I’ve always loved the hike to the second peak (at least the top half of it).

Favourite patio

It’s hard to pick just one so I’m going to shout out an unsung hero: the back patio of the Drive Canteen, with its extensive hot dog menu and non-alc drink options.

Most refreshing cocktail

Oolong-Hai. Shochu, oolong tea, and ice.

Go-to summer potluck dish

I only make one thing—my sister’s tuna noodle casserole recipe. Honestly, though, it’s more likely I buy a giant bag of veggie samosas from New Bahia Sweets on Fraser.

Go-to beach

Spanish Banks. It’s just a classic beach BBQ spot for our group of friends.

Best place to avoid tourists

I like people-watching, especially when I have my camera—so I actually don’t mind tourists at all.

Weekend getaway spot

Bowen Island. I didn’t know how close it was to the city until fairly recently. It really is the perfect mini vacation.

Best camping spot

My family used to always camp at Birkenhead Lake, so it’ll always be a top pick for me. Loved fishing out there.

Favourite park to linger in

Memorial South always has happy energy. Good spot to sit and eat your tortas from Duffin’s.

Best place for watching the sunset

English Bay, literally anywhere.