Blog
5 Things Vancouver: kc Dyer
by Dan
Travel + Vancouver / February 09, 2010
kc dyer lives with her children (and other animals) in the wilds north of Vancouver, BC, where she works as a freelance writer, speaker and educator. She is a director and long-time participant at the Surrey International Writers’ Conference, and a mentor with Creative Writing for Children in Vancouver. Her most recent novel is A Walk Through A Window, and the sequel will be published by Doubleday in fall, 2010. This year, she has been writer-in-residence at New Westminster Secondary School, and will be a featured presenter at writing conferences in Penticton, Victoria, Surrey, and Washington State. kc is an unrepentant tech geek, and can be found on-line at www.kcdyer.com, blogging at leftwriter and sweetly tweeting @kcdyer.
What’s the one place everyone should visit?
I've lived here for more than 15 years, now, and the one place that I try to take everyone who visits me is the Art Gallery. So many reasons... Cool old building—looks haunted at night. Right downtown—the heart of any protest action in the city, so something's always going down on the steps. Close to lots of public transit. The exhibits never fail to intrigue...daVinci is starting tomorrow! But what brings me back every time is the food. Hands down THE best cafeteria food you'll ever eat. Great prices for gourmet fare. The Vancouver Art Gallery will be moving house soon—they need to shift to a larger location. I don't think I'll be the only one mourning the change. So get there while you still can!
Where do you look for books in Vancouver?
Vancouver Kidsbooks, man. Their Kitsilano location is the most central, but they have a fantastic location in Edgemont Village on the North Shore and have recently opened a new location in White Rock. They have always supported me as a writer, and are the first to bring in great authors to introduce to their public. They foster an environment where books and stories are a part of life, and they are a huge part of the cultural scene in the city. You can't walk in the door without a crowd—people love shopping there because the folks who work at Kidsbooks are all huge readers and can make a recommendation under any circumstance.
What is the best thing to do with kids in Vancouver?
This is a city made for kids. So much to do, from the bike trails on the North Shore to Second Beach at Stanley Park. But my favourite thing to do with kids [or without them!] is Science World. The big golf ball on the shores of False Creek never fails to enchant, with the combination of new and well-loved exhibits, and great movies in the I-Max theatre. And when you're tired? White Spot burgers downstairs. Kid Heaven. Decent parking, but also right by the skytrain, AND on the seawall bike path.
What is your favourite building in Vancouver?
Loads of decent architecture in this town, of course, as the stomping grounds of Arthur Erikson. My favourite of all the buildings, though, is the downtown main branch of the Vancouver Public Library. Sweeping columns, skylights, beautiful use of stone—it's design by Moshe Safdie is unparalleled. I've had loads of happy times here, which doesn't hurt. Library Square has a huge indoor atrium [a must in this Rain City] and is the scene of Word on the Street here every year, among other gatherings. It's right across from the CBC, has got some decent parking downstairs—and hey, any building that shows up in Battlestar Galactica deserves a place on this list. It's downtown, so easy bike, bus, Skytrain access.
Where’s a good spot for Wi-Fi downtown?
We're lucky here as there are so many techie/enlightened shop owners -- it's pretty easy to find free Wi-fi. [Easier than loads of other cities in the world; I've struggled in both New York and London to find decent wifi]. My favourite place here, though, is Blenz coffee. Homegrown chain, great treats and THE best hot chocolate in town—made from actual dark belgian chocolate chips. Lots of plugs for weak batteries, and caffeine for slow brains. Great combo. Loads of locations around the Lower Mainland.
Thanks kc!