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Isabelle Vauclair

Multimedia journalist, writer, and nature-lover, currently based in Vancouver. Well-versed in writing for the lifestyle beat across a variety of topics, from local travel to food and drink, to city news. 

My ~four-year coverage of local lifestyle topics in Vancouver (and beyond) can be found at Curiocity Vancouver, and occasionally Curiocity Seattle.

Curiocity •

Cozy fall date ideas to try in and around Vancouver that aren't grabbing coffee

Let’s face it, the “let’s grab coffee” line is overused and not always an effective way to get to know a person. Sure, you have a chance to flex your coffee aficionado muscles if that’s your thing, but there are only so many coffee dates you can go on before they all start blending together — and before your body starts rejecting caffeine altogether. So this fall, we challenge you to mix it up, be daring, and come up with some date ideas that push you out of your comfort zone.
Curiocity •

These ancient trees might just be the oldest in Canada

From B.C.’s towering old-growth forests to the knarled burls of the prairies, Canada is home to some seriously spectacular trees that have been around for hundreds of years, if not millennia. The fact that these ancient trees are still standing today is a testament to nature’s resilience as well as the environmental stewardship efforts on a provincial level and by grassroots organizations like Ancient Forest Alliance.
Curiocity •

You can buy a tree for $15 or less from the City and contribute to Vancouver's urban forest

Part of Vancouver’s allure as a city and destination for nature lovers is its dedication to growing its urban forest canopy. It’s what makes every stroll memorable and every lungful of air fresh, whether it’s on a shaded trail in the summer, a coffee run in the fall, or a cherry blossom picnic in the spring. None of it would be possible without the urban forest, and the Vancouver Park Board is offering residents the chance to help make it flourish. The annual fall tree sale is a chance for Vancouver resid...
Curiocity •

These enchanting B.C. parks have vibrant fall colours without the crowds

Fall is officially underway, and Raincouver is back in full swing. But it won’t be long before sunnier days are back in the forecast, which means it's an opportune time to visit some of the most vibrant provincial parks for fall colours. We talked to a representative from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and BC Parks to uncover where to find the most striking autumn colours, from the most popular destinations to the hidden gems.
Curiocity •

A complete guide to Vancouver's Gastown neighbourhood

Gastown is more than just cobblestone streets and a landmark steam clock. It’s Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood, lined with historic pubs, hidden galleries, trinket shops, cafes, boutiques, and sprawling patios that are perfect for the upcoming season. So if your goal is to roam the city and discover some new spots, consider hitting up Gastown first.The origins of the neighbourhood as we know it can be traced back to the days of “Gassy Jack” and a single tavern, in what was then known as the Cit...
Daily Hive •

Where to get the best iced strawberry matcha in Vancouver | Food & Drink

Sunnier days are on the horizon, and no beverage has a stronger chokehold on the city during the warmer months than the coveted iced strawberry matcha — and for good reason. Refreshing, dark green matcha atop a delicious layer of milk and fresh strawberry purée. What’s not to love?
These Vancouver spots not only offer some of the most eye-catching iced matcha lattes we’ve seen, but also incorporate high-quality matcha powder, some imported directly from Japan. So while some of these menus might...
Curiocity •

A family of owls now resides at this Vancouver park & here are the best viewing tips and etiquette

The nesting Barred owls at Vancouver’s Douglas Park (801 W. 22nd Ave.) have been making headlines over the past couple of weeks for drawing dozens upon dozens of visitors to the neighbourhood park, situated in the heart of Cambie Village. What started as a couple of neighbours and birders stopping to admire the birds in mid-April has turned into an outpouring of spectators over a month later. In fact, the City of Vancouver has put up cautionary signs due to the influx of park-goers.“Shhhh… owls...
Curiocity •

The world’s largest island-in-a-lake-on-an-island-in-a-lake-on-an-island is in Canada

Here’s a wild, fun fact to pull out of your pocket during your next social event. The world’s largest island-in-a-lake-on-an-island-in-a-lake-on-an-island is a real place, and it’s located in Canada. With a population of just over 41,000 people, Nunavut has the smallest population of any province or territory, and it’s home to this fascinating geological marvel — sometimes referred to on the internet as “Inception Island.”
Curiocity •

Vancouver's rarest and most popular cherry blossoms were cultivated over hundreds of years

There’s still time to enjoy Vancouver’s stunning cherry blossom season – undoubtedly one of the most beautiful times of year – and one we always wish lasted longer. Hailing from Japan and symbolizing spring renewal, flowering cherry trees (also known as cherry blossoms) are considered the ornamental versions of the fruit-bearing trees, cultivated by humans over hundreds of years.We spoke with naturalist, author, and local cherry blossom guide Nina Shoroplova about the logistics of cultivating Va...
Curiocity •

The next Canadians in space include the first crewed mission to the moon since 1972

In case you missed it, pop singer Katy Perry was one of six people launched into space on Monday, April 14, 2025, via Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin. The all-female crew went to space for 11 minutes aboard the fully automated New Shepard rocket, “Blue Origin’s fully reusable, suborbital rocket system built for human flight.” According to its website, the experience included several minutes of weightlessness and “life-changing views of Earth,” marking a new chapter in space tourism.But when it comes to...
Curiocity •

This tiny Vancouver park is at the site of a former chocolate factory & its views are as sweet as its name

One of the best views in the city is tucked away in Fairview Slopes on a neighbourhood street once occupied by Vancouver’s own Purdys Chocolatier, which dates back more than a century. Today, it’s home to a tiny city park with a delicious name and origin story: Choklit Park. It all started when Vancouver’s own Willy Wonka, Richard Carmon Purdy, arrived on the candy-making scene. A newcomer to the city, Purdy quickly became known for his homemade confections at the turn of the 20th century, accord...
Curiocity •

This tiny Vancouver park is at the site of a former chocolate factory & its views are as sweet as its name

One of the best views in the city is tucked away in Fairview Slopes on a neighbourhood street once occupied by Vancouver’s own Purdys Chocolatier, which dates back more than a century. Today, it’s home to a tiny city park with a delicious name and origin story: Choklit Park.It all started when Vancouver’s own Willy Wonka, Richard Carmon Purdy, arrived on the candy-making scene. A newcomer to the city, Purdy quickly became known for his homemade confections at the turn of the 20th century, accord...
Curiocity •

Vancouver has a new place for cold plunging with the largest sauna in the city

Kolm Kontrast is the newest addition to Vancouver’s cold plunging scene, providing a relaxing space for guests to unwind after a busy day, regulate their nervous systems, and take advantage of all the health benefits that hot and cold cycling has to offer. Translating to “three” in Estonian, Kolm (pronounced ‘calm’) is all about achieving community connection and personal growth through its three pillars of “relax,” “recover,” and “reconnect.”The studio’s science-based approach to the ancient pr...
Curiocity •

Vancouver's oldest surviving building is a treasure trove of the city's early history

You might know it as that tiny museum by Jericho Beach with beautiful marina views, but the Old Hastings Mill Store Museum is much more than that. The homey structure you see standing at the foot of Alma Street today started out as a two-floor wooden building on the other side of the city in 1865 – making it Vancouver’s oldest surviving building.Starting out on the south shore of Burrard Inlet, the pioneer store was originally British Captain Edward Stamp’s Lumber and Sawmill Company, according...
Curiocity •

I cold plunged for the first time at one of the world's oldest Polar Bear Clubs in Vancouver

When my Croc-clad feet hit the water at English Bay at 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 1, 2025, I knew there was no going back, literally. Hundreds of Vancouver cold plungers awaited behind me for their turn to dive into the freezing water At English Bay. And I wasn’t about to be the only one to chicken out. After cheering on countless friends from under the comfort of my puffer coat over the years, it was finally time to take the plunge myself.
Curiocity •

Vancouver's oldest pub has a fascinating history & it will soon celebrate 100 years

If you’ve had a night out in Gastown, chances are you’ve stumbled across Lamplighter at some point or another – AKA Vancouver’s oldest pub. After decades of serving up tasty brews and memorable nights out on the town, the establishment is putting on its centennial birthday hats this month in honour of the bar’s 100 years of service. And in case you’re curious, we’re here to delve into the building’s extensive, ‘spooky’ history.

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