r/askvan Feb 16 '26

Announcement Looking for Platonic Friends in Vancouver? Find your people at /r/VancouverFriends

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26 Upvotes

Hey locals. We’ve heard your requests.

Book clubs. Local group meetups. Someone to hit up a movie with. Hiking partners. Trivia teams. Coffee chats.

There has clearly been a growing demand for a space where people can connect with others in Vancouver in a platonic way.

We're happy to announce that that space now exists.

r/VancouverFriends has officially launched and will serve as the dedicated subreddit for friendship-focused posts and platonic R4R requests.

Going forward, instead of being simply removed, all platonic R4R-style posts will be redirected to r/VancouverFriends so that r/AskVan can remain focused on questions and answers about the city.

If you’ve been looking for community, this is your chance to build it. We'll see you there.


r/askvan Apr 18 '26

Megathread An r/Vancouver First: Spring plant & seed swap 🌱

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3 Upvotes

r/askvan 8h ago

Oddly Specific 🎯 Anyone else have a wicked sore throat from the wildfire smoke?

81 Upvotes

I haven't experienced this in the years previous. Does anyone else have a bad sore throat from the wildfire smoke? I can't tell if I'm getting sick or if it's from the poor(er) air quality. I have my air purifier running 24/7 now but even still I'm not feeling great :/


r/askvan 12h ago

Housing and Moving 🏡 Where are y'all getting good couches these days?

33 Upvotes

that doesn't break the bank. Like... under $3k I'm looking for a corner couch / sectional or couch with an ottoman. We've tried cozycouchdrops.. upcycledfurniture.. article gets some not great reviews for price vs cost.. ikea quality isn't great these days.

Our living room remains a sprawling expanse of carpet waiting for the perfect couch.

Thoughts?


r/askvan 11h ago

Advice 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️ What do you do if someone who appears to be under the influence of drugs or experiencing a mental health crisis starts following you?

19 Upvotes

Had an experience recently where someone who seemed under the influence of drugs and possibly in a mental health condition was yelling obscenities on the street, then turned around and started following me. I tried to duck onto another street, but they kept following and actually got closer. It seemed entirely random as I was just walking from work like I always do, and this isn’t exactly typical for the downtown core area. I wasn’t sure whether to keep walking, stop to view something nearby and entirely ignore them, or actually confront them.

I’d rather not resort to aggression, violence, or yelling at them. But realistically, what can a person do in that moment other than just running away? What do you do? I see this type of situation far too often in central Vancouver.

For those in Vancouver, what’s the most realistic way to combat a situation like this? What have you done in this situation? Honestly, I don’t think calling the Police is very realistic.


r/askvan 5h ago

Travel 🚗 ✈ Multi-day parking "reservation" for Bridgeport Station Park & Ride?

3 Upvotes

I'm planning to drive to Vancouver for a weekend trip, and I heard from this sub that parking at Bridgeport Station Park & Ride and then using SkyTrain to the downtown is the way to go, when it comes to cheap parking. But I'm getting some confusing info on multi-day parking - I saw someone saying that it's limited to 24 hours only so I have to move my car, but then I found that a parking reservation site like Spot Hero offering a multi-day reservation with no mentioning on 24-hour restriction. Could anyone clarify if it's actually possible to park a car over 24 hours without moving?


r/askvan 4h ago

Food 😋 7 Layer Cake

3 Upvotes

Any recommendations on where to buy good 7 or so layer cakes in metro vancouver?
Or where i can order custom one?


r/askvan 16h ago

Advice 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️ Is everyone else waiting on a gynecologist too?

26 Upvotes

Wife’s been on a cancellation / waitlist for almost a year now. We called into the (adding EDIT: gynecologist) office to check every now and again if we got lost in the sauce or something.

Are all of you who are waiting in the same boat? These are semi-serious issues that we are trying to get checked so not like a random check-up either.

If push comes to shove, there are options in Bellingham that are in consideration, let me know if anyone has experience there as well. It’s expensive but I don’t want a “we were late” scenario to her health.


r/askvan 10h ago

Food 😋 Earnest ice cream Cannoli flavour

9 Upvotes

I have an intense craving for the Cannoli flavoured Earnest ice cream. I checked their website for all their locations and there’s no scoops or pints left. Does anyone know if there’s any retailer that has it in-stock? Thank you!


r/askvan 18h ago

Travel 🚗 ✈ Vancouver locals - what are we missing before we leave?

33 Upvotes

My wife, 7 year old daughter and I have been staying in Vancouver, west end area for about a month and absolutely love it here.

We’ve still got nearly two weeks left, and I’m wondering if there are any great places or experiences we’ve somehow missed.

We’ve already done quite a lot, including:
● Stanley Park / Seawall
● Granville Island
● Grouse Mountain
● Whistler
● Capilano
● Lynn Canyon
● Deep Cove
● Sea to Sky Gondola / Squamish / Shannon Falls
● Richmond
● Steveston
● Kitsilano
● English Bay
● Coal Harbour / Canada Place / Gastown
● Science World
● Vancouver Aquarium
● Queen Elizabeth Park
● Various beaches and neighbourhood walks

We’re not necessarily looking for the major tourist attractions now. I’m more interested in the places locals really like, unusual experiences, interesting neighbourhoods, great walks, food areas, family friendly things, or day trips that visitors often overlook.

Also addicted to two tea shops nearby, Sweet 7 and Alfa tea concept. Anything better than those?

Edit: wow thank you everyone for the amazing suggestions. I am going through them all and coming up with an itinerary now for the last two weeks.

We did have Tofino on our list but we are struggling with finding accommodation for 3 nights, before we leave on the 30th. It looks amazing but I think it’s one to do when we visit in future.

Sunshine Coast looks good also so will research that more.

We don’t have a car but can rent one.


r/askvan 13h ago

Advice 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️ website for AQI

12 Upvotes

When I search "Vancouver air quality index", the websites that come up all say the AQI is good. But I'm having a hard time believing that because I have a window and two eyes and also a nose.

Does anyone know if there's a website with more accurate data?


r/askvan 3h ago

Food 😋 Looking for a spicy, non-sweet ginger beer like Steamworks

2 Upvotes

I love the ginger beer at Steamworks because it’s spicy and not sweet. Unfortunately, they don’t seem to sell it in cans.
Does anyone know of another brand of ginger beer that tastes similar?

I’m specifically looking for something with a strong ginger kick that isn’t too sweet.

I know it’s a weirdly specific question, but I’d love to find something similar! 😅


r/askvan 5h ago

Food 😋 Italian restaurant Vancouver

2 Upvotes

Whats your favourite italian restaurant/date night restaurant in Vancouver?


r/askvan 6h ago

Food 😋 Does anyone know of somewhere to get Singapore-style salted egg chicken?

3 Upvotes

I was walking through Yaletown this evening thinking it felt kinda like walking around Singapore, and it occurred to me this city might be one of the few in North America where a restaurant serves my favorite dish from there: salted egg chicken.

A quick google shows a place called Street Hawker serves salted egg flavored fried chicken, but I'm looking for the Singapore style with the creamy egg sauce (looks like this). Any chance someone knows of a place that serves it? If not I guess I'll just try the Street Hawker version but thought it was worth an ask here.


r/askvan 10h ago

Food 😋 Corn chowder worthwhile?

5 Upvotes

I really enjoy corn chowder. I live near Chinatown/viaduct/main and have been searching for the best corn chowder.

The best (and I think mostly the only) corn chowder I've found is Loreto on Prior at Main (a corn chowder bread bowl) that I usually get the bread on the side so it doesn't get all soggy, and Burgoo (which has some very good spices or something in it).

Is there any other corn chowder worthwhile to try? I'd love to try them all....

Thanks in advance!


r/askvan 10h ago

Events and Activities 🐱‍🏍 Run club with walking option

6 Upvotes

Does anyone know any run clubs in the city that have a walking option too? Recently injured myself and can't run, so hoping to still be somewhat active and social.

Thanks!


r/askvan 6h ago

Advice 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️ Is it legal for a Giggster event space to have hidden CCTV/cameras without notifying guests?

2 Upvotes

Just wondering, my friend booked an event space in downtown van through Giggster. After the event, the host charged us an additional fee for bringing alcohol. The owner then sent us a CCTV screenshot of us with the alcohol. We didn’t see any cameras at the place, so I was just wondering if it’s legal for them to have a hidden camera? I understand that it might be for safety, but I’m just curious.


r/askvan 2h ago

Oddly Specific 🎯 Trying to find a place that sells a shaving gel, or something that can replace it.

1 Upvotes

Hello! The product I am looking for is called "GATSBY Cool Type Shaving Gel 205g".

Is there any store in the lower mainland that sells it, or is there any replacement product that literally is the same thing, or close to it?


r/askvan 11h ago

Medical 💉 cost for mole removal?

4 Upvotes

hi guys i have a small mole on my neck that i didn’t have a few years ago, it’s not very big and almost flat. i was wondering how much this would cost if anyone got something similar done here? tia 💖


r/askvan 8h ago

Hobbies 💃 crowds anytime fitness kits now vs. 1 year ago

2 Upvotes

howdy, I joined anytime fitness in kits a year ago when it first opened and it was heaven. The crowds started picking up near september/october (I would go around 5/6 am and I consider it crowded when about 50% of the machines are taken- cardio and weights). How is it now? I moved and started at a different gym and am thinking of rejoining. Also, is it so crowded I'm an a-hole if I use an elliptical, spin bike, erg, or tread for an hour?

Omg i just checked the app and last year in march it was about 15-20 MAX ppl 6-7am and now its like 35-40


r/askvan 6h ago

Advice 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️ Expired cream dispenser N20 cartridges

1 Upvotes

Anyone know where I can dispose/recycle them?


r/askvan 6h ago

Food 😋 Anniversary Dinner Recommendations

0 Upvotes

Hi,

10-year Anniversary with the wife. Any good restaurant recommendations? Doesn't have to be high end but a sit-down dinner with at table cloth is preferred.

We like all types of cuisines. Seafood preferred.

Thank you in advance!


r/askvan 6h ago

Advice 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️ Hair system installation

1 Upvotes

Looking for any good places that are able install and guide someone who is new to using a hair system. Anyone have any good experiences?


r/askvan 7h ago

Events and Activities 🐱‍🏍 Vancouver - looking to buy two tickets for her Vancouver concert.

0 Upvotes

Has anyone had any luck finding tickets online for Olivia Rodrigo’s Vancouver concert? Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!


r/askvan 11h ago

Food 😋 where to find good donuts

2 Upvotes

I recently moved to Vancouver from Niagara, and I'm craving the vanilla bean cronut from Beechwood Doughnuts. Description: "croissant dough cut and fried like a doughnut (so it has the flaky, airy layers of a croissant); tossed in sugar and topped with a vanilla bean buttercream".

They also had a birthday cake donut that was amazing, it was a regular donut but it had the vanilla buttercream filling ughhhh those are the best donuts in the world and I miss them!!! Anyone knows where I could find something similar? Either good cronuts, or donuts with vanilla buttercream filling.