Welcome back to the Vancouver Group Chat, a weekly catch-up session with us, the city, the internet, and any pals you may choose to send this to. Last week, we dove into underrated cherry blossom spots, the start of wine tour season, and fun, quirky things to check out near you, including a green roof tour and a letter-writing club.
This week, we’re back at it with some of the city’s hottest updates, and of course, some top-notch ways to take advantage of all this warm, sunny weather while it lasts.
Let’s dive in!
What’s new, Vancouver?
Summer markets are on their way
If anything has felt abundantly clear these past few days, it’s that summer weather is on its way. And so are the city’s Summer Farmers Markets!
Vancouver’s Winter Farmers Markets run until the end of the month, but the Saturday summer markets at Riley Park and Trout Lake have already kicked off. So if you’re out and about this weekend, it’s worth stopping by a market for some fresh produce and some locally-grown tulips.
Our policy is typically two small bouquets: one for yourself and one for a loved one, because the only thing better than receiving flowers is watching the appreciation pour out of someone who wasn’t expecting to receive any.
Looking for a spring retreat?
Aetherhaus in the West End is hosting a three-day yoga retreat and reset on the Sunshine Coast this May that you won’t want to miss, and early bird pricing (15 per cent off) is available until this Friday, April 10, 2026.
UBC engineering strikes again
In other news, UBC’s engineering students—notorious for executing nonsensical pranks—have done it again. They’ve taken yet another hallowed-out Volkswagen Beetle with a giant red “E,” and somehow hung it off the Stawamus Chief, though many are unimpressed with this show of school pride.
The prank has sparked backlash from the Squamish Nation as well as the climbing community, as the mountain is considered sacred, and it will now be closed to climbers until the Bug can be safely removed.
Patio season starts now
Vancouver has transformed into its finest form. Fresh spring air, cherry blossoms galore, and trees starting to turn green again. As one Reddit user put it, the city looks straight out of a 19th-century oil painting right now. As such, this week absolutely calls for some quality patio-hopping, and we’re here to nudge you towards some of the best outdoor hangs in the city.
- Okini: For romanticizing your life over share plates and inventive cocktails (1864 West 57th Ave.)
- Mount Pleasant Vintage and Provisions: For the ultimate group hangout vibes, bleacher seating, and vibrant murals (67 W 6th Ave.)
- Chupito: For the complimentary welcome chupitos and every award-winning, agave-forward sip that comes next (2450 Yukon St.)
- Mercato di Luigi: For a quiet neighbourhood bistro vibe, a cappuccino, and a pastry or daily feature pasta (580 East 12th Ave.)
- Caffe Barney on Granville: For an afternoon on an underrated, sunny patio at the back of an otherwise unsuspecting neighbourhood pub (2975 Granville St.)
- Dachi: For natural wine lovers, pals with dogs, and anyone craving a seasonal tasting menu (2297 East Hastings St.)
- The upper levels at the Vancouver Public Library (Central Branch): For a free-to-access rooftop patio with sweeping views (350 West Georgia St.)
Finally, this spot hasn’t opened just yet, but it’s worth putting on your radar. We’re inching ever closer towards the opening of Burdy’s first-ever permanent location on Granville Island, and counting the days to our next chicken parm!
Your sign to do something random
It’s only right. Whether you’re keen on finding your people or want to take yourself out on a solo adventure, there are plenty of fun things to check out around town this week. Start “thinking like a tree,” go on a Tantra Speed Date, or learn to bartend. The city is your oyster.
- Play/build with Legos and meet new friends at Slice of Life Gallery from 5 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
- Start “thinking like a tree” at this VPL-hosted conversation between bestselling author Robert Moor and award-winning environmental journalist Arno Kopecky on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
- Loosen up on a Tantra Speed Date session at STRETCH Studios on Friday, April 10, 2026.
- Explore the hidden history and writing of one of the most significant Chinese writers of the 20th century (Xiao Hong) on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
- Start writing the screenplay of your dreams at the VPL at this hands-on workshop on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
- Join a group sing-(and drink)-a-long at North Vancouver’s Thee Wallace Venue on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
- Take a quiz and get matched for a dinner with strangers on a Friday or Saturday night of your choosing.
- Learn to bartend behind a 30-foot bar and make five-star cocktails from home at Fine Art Bartending School this Saturday, April 11, 2026.
- Make a travel mug or a coffee pourover with Pomelo Pottery Club at Slice of Life on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
That’s all for now, Vancouver. We’ll be back next week with more updates!
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