Mount Pleasant

Entertainment & Activities

With such a large artistic community filled with young families, Mount Pleasant goes the extra mile in having a wide array of after-work activities to take in.

Start the weekend morning at the Mount Pleasant Community Centre.  With a branch of the Vancouver Public Library there, a gym, fitness centre, dance studio, climbing wall and day care, you’ve got more options than just hopping on the treadmill to start your day.  In the afternoon, head over to Science World at the Telus World of Science.  One of Vancouver’s premier destinations, this icon of the 1986 Expo was build by renowned architect R. Buckminster Fuller, and its geodesic dome is easily spotted as Vancouver’s landmark.  While here, checkout the 5-story highs creek that is the Omnimax Theatre, UBC’s Living Lab, and the ever-popular Science World After Dark which features adult-only programming.

Once the little ones are tucked in for the night and in good care of a local babysitter, check out some of Mount Pleasant’s craft beer microbreweries.  With 33 acres, Main Street Brewing Company, Brassneck Brewery, and Steel Toad Brewery nearby, a walking tour of these fine establishments will get you in the mood for some fine entertainment.  With that in mind, The Fox Cabaret is a popular venue for live bands, DJs, and dance parties, and the Fortune Sound Club hosts up-and-coming and celebrated musicians in a renovated historic venue. 

For the historic part of Mount Pleasant known as Chinatown, take in the Dr. Sun Yet-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.  Built in 1986 by fifty-three master craftsmen from China of 950 cares of traditional material, it serves as a quiet, green oasis in the heart to the city. Visitors to the garden can walk the pathways that wind around the jade green koi ponds, gazebos and miniature trees.  And every February, the Chinese New Year celebration draws more than 50,000 spectators and 3,000 performers to Chinatown. It includes traditional Chinese ceremonies, performances, a parade, fireworks, and is the place to see the largest troupe of traditional Chinese lion dancers in Canada.

Finally, for those who are most outdoor enthusiasts, Hinge Park is a beautiful and striking blend of urban and ecological design.  Its waterfront location features sculptural and play structure elements reminiscent of the area’s industrial heritage.  The Dragon Zone Paddling Club runs off the dock between Creekside Community Centre and Science World. From this stunning location, they offer programs for dragon boat paddling, as well as for kayaking and canoeing. Not only do they run programs for individuals, they also train corporate and school teams.

Things & Places Not to Miss

Visit the The Birds by Myfanwy MacLeod, a public art piece that consists of two giant 16-foot tall, 4,200-pound sparrow sculptures on either side of the Olympic Village Plaza.   While you’re there, take a stroll along the Olympic Village Seawall. You’ll find something new around every corner, like a giant set of stone steps leading into the ocean, an ultra-modern pedestrian bridge, or spinning metal chairs that give you a 360 degree view of the city.

For vinyl lovers, browse one of Main Street’s independent records shops such as Dandelion Records or Neptune Records. Go on an adventure—rent a motorcycle or scooter from Cycle BC on Quebec Street, and while on your scooter, drop in on an indie craft fair at the Heritage Hall on Main Street. And cap off your day by going for a picnic at Dude Chilling Park! Originally the name was a prank, until the City of Vancouver decided to make the name official.

And for serious music enthusiasts, the Jimi Hendrix Shrine is an intriguing destination in Chinatown.  The shrine to the rock star is located at the site of a former restaurant, called Vie’s where Jimi Hendrix’s grandmother, Nora Hendrix, worked. During his visits with his grandmother, Jimi helped to serve musical greats that had performed at the restaurant, like Nat King Cole and Louis Armstrong. A visit will allow you to view memorabilia of Jimi Hendrix’s life, as well as the neighbourhood’s history.