Well, it’s official. Vancouver has just smashed the 60-year-old record for the sunniest month as well as the driest month ever. It was warm and sunny every single day this July without even a hint of rain.
How about this sun!? This has been one of the
most fantastic summers I can remember. Cloudless skies, the perfect 24 degrees
every day, endless sunshine. Great!
One of the reasons housing prices have quadrupled
in the last ten years is because of the amazing Vancouver summers, and one
spectacular winter. It was an incredibly warm and balmy February in 2010. It
was perfect timing, because the millions of visitors and billions of eyes on
our city saw clear blue skies and California-style winters.
It fuelled a buying spree that has remained
relatively strong.
Simply put, there is no place better than
Vancouver in the summertime.
Here are a few of the best places in the city to
enjoy a cold drink on a sunny day.
Reflections
is an open air patio at the top of the Georgia Hotel. Try their signature,
award-winning fizzy drink and enjoy the sunshine. And if you have time to
spare, the spa is also great!
Joe Fortes
although not one of my favorites this place does offer a beautiful, sunny
rooftop patio. There is no better place to enjoy raw oysters and wine on a
clear afternoon.
The Art Gallery at Robson Square is actually
home to one of the greatest hidden patios in the city, Vancouver
Art Gallery Café. Kick back and enjoy a shandy in the sunshine after paying
a visit to Emily.
Chill Winston
is the undisputed king of Gastown patios. Sit on the elegant cobblestones and
mix with the colourful characters milling through. There's no other outdoor
venue that allows you to enjoy historic Vancouver like Winston's.
The
Cambie is an old favourite. Thanks to the hostel, it has one of the best
patios in town if you want to hear 30 different languages at once. The beer is
cheap and the sun is free….although I have to admit, I have never had a drink
there!
To get a little more upscale, try the Charles Bar next door. You'll pay a premium
to avoid the traveller circuit, but the staff is interesting and the sunny
patio is great! in the heart of Woodwards with the Metal W making for some good
gentrification talk fodder.
If you needed one more reason to buy Vancouver real estate, just consider the joys of living downtown in the sun, and making the most of places like these every day.
