Vancouver’s Fourth Avenue
Kitsilano Neighbourhood: Fourth Avenue
Fourth Avenue is one of the primary shopping areas for Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighborhood. Kits, as locals call it, was hippy central 40 years ago, and it still retains traces of its history. However, today Kits is one of Vancouver’s most desirable neighborhoods. It is especially popular with up-and-comers and hippies who made good.
The atmosphere is laid back and casual. There are many young professionals and young families that live in the area. You will see quite a few people walking around in yoga gear as yoga is popular activity in Kits.
Shopping along 4th Avenue is an eclectic treat. You’ll find coffee places, spas, two of Vancouver’s best high end restaurants, Bishops and Pastis, two great meat markets, two of Vancouver’s best bookstores, three children’s clothing stores and Terra Breads, Vancouver’s best bread bakery where you’ll discover some of Vancouver’s best sandwiches.
Getting There
Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighborhood is easy to find. Go south across the Burrard Street Bridge then go west (right) at the end of the bridge onto Cornwall. Drive west on Cornwall to Balsam Street and turn south (left). Drive four blocks to 4th Avenue and park. You’ll be at the west end of the 4th Avenue shopping area.
To get to Kitsilano’s 4th Avenue strip by public transportation, take the following buses Southbound from the corner of Georgia and Burrard:
– 44 UBC – get off at Burrard and West 3rd Avenue
– 50 False Creek South via Granville Island – get off at Fir Street and West 4th Avenue
– 4 UBC – get off at West 4th Avenue and Burrard Street
– 7 Dunbar – get off at West 4th Avenue and Burrard Street
Here’s a guided tour of some of the best shops, restaurants and cafes on 4th Avenue:
Lululemon (2113 West 4th Avenue) – High quality yoga and running wear for both men and women. Friendly and helpful staff. Offers a complementary yoga class (check the schedule on the website under Kitsilano).
Semperviva – Kits Beach Studio (#110-2201 West 4th Avenue) – Popular yoga studio with a variety of yoga classes.
Gravity Pope (2205 West 4th Avenue) – A unique selection of trendy shoes.
The North Face (2136 West 4th Avenue) – High quality outdoor gear. Stylish designs.
Sitka (1864 West 4th Avenue) – Casual clothing made from natural materials like organic cotton and bamboo.
Pacific Boarder (1793 West 4th Avenue) – A good variety of surf, skateboard and ski/snowboard apparel.
Spank (2066 West 4th Avenue) – The latest fashions for young women.
Zulu Records (1972 West 4th Avenue) www.zulurecords.com – A great independent music store with a large selection of records and CDs.
Briers Home and Gift (2070 West 4th Avenue) – A fun home decor and gift store with the latest designs.
Ming Wo (2170 West 4th Avenue) – A high quality cookware and kitchenware store.
Fourth Avenue has several children’s stores including Babes, a designer children’s store, Hip Baby, a baby emporium with everything for the 0-6 crowd including clothes, toys and furniture and Crocodile Baby, specializing in strollers, car seats, child carriers, car seats, diaper bags and children’s bedding.
We can’t discuss Fourth Avenue without mentioning The Kitchen Corner. The Kitchen Corner, located at 1955 West 4th sells kitchenware, houseware, gifts, toys, and literally thousands of other things. The place is jammed with stuff from floor to ceiling on two floors. It’s a browser’s paradise.
Food in Kitsilano on Fourth Avenue
Whether you’re looking for a great restaurant for a special dinner or a place to stop, rest, refuel and contemplate your purchases, Fourth Avenue has just what you want. Here is a sample of the excellent eateries on 4th Avenue.
Cafes/Snacks:
Terra Breads Cafe (2380 West 4th Avenue) – Perfect for a light lunch or snack. Terra Breads is a Vancouver institution. They make the best bread in the city and their cafe features delicious breads (Italian cheese, green olive and sourdough, to name a few), pastries (try their blueberry bread and Belgian chocolate brownie), soups and sandwiches.
Grounds For Coffee (2565 Alma Street) – The most popular cinnamon bun in town! Many local cafes serve their buns, but be sure to visit this particular cafe to get them fresh. They are soft, gooey and will melt in your mouth.
Viva Fine Foods and Bakery (1555 Yew Street) – Quaint cafe with friendly staff and over-the-counter service. Their sweets look good and taste even better!
Taco Shack (1937 Cornwall Avenue) – Large portions and very fresh ingredients served by personable staff.
Nando’s Flame Grilled Chicken (1955 Cornwall Avenue) – Easily the best chicken in town. It is grilled and served with your choice of sides.
Scoop! Frozen Yogurt (2050 West 4th Avenue) – Tart frozen yogurt served with your choice of toppings and charged by weight. Their most popular topping is their mochi (made from glutinous rice). They are very light and marshmallow like – be warned, it’s addictive!
Fast Casual:
Siegel’s Bagels (1883 Cornwall Avenue) – Authentic Montreal style bagels – boiled and baked
to perfection in a classic wood burning oven. They bring in smoked meat from Montreal every week so don’t miss
their Montreal smoked meat bagel.
Noodle Box (1867 West 4th Avenue) – Tasty Pan-Asian cuisine served in a funky setting. If
you’re looking for something quick and cheap, avoid the regular fast food joints and check this place out.
Vera’s Burger Shack (1925 Cornwall Avenue) – Award-winning burger joint that serves a variety of specialty burgers, hot dogs and sides. Wash it all down with one of their handmade milkshakes. Be forewarned. The portions here are big and you may want so start off with the idea of sharing something.
Casual Dining:
Maenam (1938 West 4th Avenue) – Thai food with a modern twist (and a great cocktail menu!)
Hapa Izakaya (1516 Yew Street) – Unique Japanese izakaya style cuisine
Maria’s Taverna (2324 West 4th Avenue) – Fine Greek cuisine and tapas
Las Margaritas (1999 West 4th Avenue) – Charming Mexican restaurant
The Naam (2724 West 4th Avenue) – Established vegetarian restaurant with a hippy-vibe.
Sophie’s Cosmic Cafe (2095 West 4th Avenue) – Popular retro-diner with an
eclectic interior. Expect a line-up on the weekend.
Fine Dining:
Bishop’s (2183 West 4th Avenue) – Established award-winning fine dining restaurant.
There’s a reason why they have been in business for over 20 years!
Bistro Pastis (2153 West 4th Avenue) – Charming award-winning French bistro
Q4 Ristorante (2611 West 4th Avenue) – Award-winning Italian restaurant with an extensive
wine list
Octopus Garden (1995 Cornwall Avenue) – Higher-end Japanese restaurant with top-
quality sushi and cooked foods.