We asked cool Vancouverites for their go-to summer spots and secrets. Sharla Farrell, is the founder of Easy Consulting Studio.

Favourite part of summer in Vancouver

My favourite part of summer in Vancouver is that, with the longer days, you’re truly able to do so many things in one day. You can wake up and get an early morning workout in; for lunch, I’ll pack up a cooler with snacks and drinks and head to my favourite local beach (which is in a sort of secret spot that I simply can’t tell you about). I’ll spend the day there swimming and laying in the sun, reading a book or listening to music, then pack up at a respectable time, head home for an outfit change, and spend the evening with friends for dinner and drinks. If we can catch the sunset over the city, that’s my perfect summer day in Vancouver. 

Go-to takeout spot

​​Either Superbaba or Baby Dhal. I’m obsessed with both!

Best watering hole

Gary’s!

Summer event you’re looking forward to the most

Maude Sips in June! This one will be on a rooftop patio in Mount Pleasant. It’s my favourite event in the city—I get to try new wines while meeting new people.

Best outdoor concert venue

I have to say PNE Amphitheatre [note: it’s currently under construction] because you can’t beat those stunning views of the North Shore Mountains behind your favourite artist on the stage. 

Favourite hike

Lynn Canyon. 

Favourite patio

Dachi! It reminds me of patios in Los Angeles or Toronto, where I’m originally from. It’s so cool, and there’s honestly nothing like it. 

Most refreshing cocktail

The Guanajuato from Chupito. Its looks are very unassuming, but it tastes amazing. 

Go-to summer potluck dish

My favourite thing to make for a potluck is a mushroom risotto or an arugula, fennel, and orange salad with a lemony Parmesan dressing. I never gravitate towards ordering risotto if it’s on the menu at a restaurant because I love homemade risotto so much more! 

Go-to beach

It’s a secret, but my favourite non-secret beach is Spanish Banks.

Best place to avoid tourists

My hood: the Drive. Sometimes I feel like it’s too far away for folks caught up in all the downtown touristy activities that they don’t think about coming there.

Best place for air conditioning

I don’t like to hide from the heat because I love high temperatures (I know…global warming), but if I had to choose a sneaky spot, I’d say Fifth Avenue Cinemas. I love summer blockbusters and matinees, plus there’s a lounge, so you can get a glass of wine and cool down for a few hours during the day.

Weekend getaway spot

The Sunshine Coast. You get on a ferry for 40 minutes, and once you get to the coast, the vibes are so relaxed that you feel like you’re in a totally different part of the world. 

Favourite park to linger in

Jonathan Rogers Park.

Best place for watching the sunset

Sunset Beach.

Favourite cold treat

Earnest Ice Cream.

Favourite summer accessory

My film camera! There’s something so nostalgic about immortalizing every summer memory on film.