VC09 - Cambie Village

Walrus’s philosophy is based on the interactive atmosphere of small European shops, where items aren’t just purchased, they’re adopted. In addition to art and design pieces for the home, there’s jewellery from Broken English, Swiss Velo-re belts (made from recycled bike tires), and whimsical ceramics inspired by takeout containers from NYC designer Lorena Barrezueta. 3408 Cambie St., 604-874-9770.

Cambie Cycles has the city’s best selection of recumbents, plus futuristic-looking velomobiles and old-fashioned urban bikes. Rent a bike for the day (from $20) and ride up Cambie Street to view-friendly Queen Elizabeth Park. 3317 Cambie St., 604-874-3616.

Shop Cocoon is an innovative retail collective showcasing clothing, jewellery, and crafts from up-and-coming locals. It’s a fine place to snag a unique gift (kids’ tees from co+lab2, West Coast-inspired pendant necklaces from Janae Chiu) or browse tomorrow’s trend-setters. 3345 Cambie St., 778-232-8532.

The neighbourhood revolves around Douglas Park, a lively community centre and 13-acre city park with three jungle gyms (the smallest one ideal for toddlers), a basketball court, soccer pitches, baseball diamonds, and a running trail around the perimeter. 801 W. 22nd Ave., 604-257-8130.

The stunning (if name-challenged) Vancouver Olympic/Paralympic Centre will host curling events during the 2010 Games, and if you’re not into our national pastime, go to check out the brilliant architecture by local firm Hughes Condon Marler. 4601 Ontario St.

EiO! stocks a fun mix of children’s toys at a variety of price points — we love the beautifully made lacquered wooden toys by Maya Organic, a sustainable initiative benefitting micro-entrepreneurs in India. 3404 Cambie St., 604-873-4543.

The intersection of Broadway and Cambie is poised to become Vancouver’s version of Toronto’s Yonge and Bloor, connected to two subway lines (one completed this fall; a second in the planning stages), and a series of urban-scale big-box stores. Whole Foods (shown) opened its massive new location here in the spring, joining Save-On-Foods, Canadian Tire, Best Buy, Home Depot, and London Drugs.

Finally! A beer and wine store that organizes its inventory the way most of us actually think — not by varietal or country, but by adjective: spicy, sweet, fruity, even “black teeth.” Still lost? The friendly staff at Firefly Fine Wines and Ales are happy to lend their expertise. 2857 Cambie St., 604-875-3325.

An intimate 30-seat room, gracious service, and classic dishes like steak frites, coq au vin, and cassoulet — noted chef and restaurateur Andrey Durbach has created the quintessential French bistro in Pied-à-Terre. Lovely selection of French wines available by the glass. 3369 Cambie St., 604-873-3131.

Once a month, the historic Park Theatre screens films before they premiere in Vancouver. Complimentary breakfast (bagels, muffins, juices, coffee, and tea), and Q&As with guest speakers are included in the price of admission. Check the website for upcoming events. 3440 Cambie St., 604-709-3456.

At Mount Pleasant Cheese, the city’s first all-Canadian fromagerie, look for Carmelis goat cheese from the Okanagan — tangy and gamey, made in the traditional European style — as well as a large selection of raw-milk and other hard-to-source cheeses like Mi-Carême and Hercule de Charlevoix. 3432 Cambie St., 604-875-6363.

STATISTICS

Average age - 37
Residents per block - 106
Percentage of renters - 45
Median household income - 81,246
Typical household - Families

REAL ESTATE MARKET PLACE

661 W. 20th Ave.
$879,000
{Specs} 2227 sq. ft., 5 bed/2 bath home, on the edge of Douglas Park. Coved ceilings, refinished oak and fir floors, and new cedar deck