Madelyn Grace
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Articles by Madelyn Grace
I moved to Toronto and locals don't realize these 9 things about their own city
Growing up somewhere, the weird bits often just become wallpaper — you don't really notice them. Arrive from the other side of the country, though, and suddenly everything feels either aspirational, absurd, or actively threatening. I'm from B.C. and was dropped into the not-so-organized chaos of Toronto, quickly realizing that locals are blind to some of this city's most unique traits. I've since moved back West, but still have lots of thoughts and takeaways from my time in Toronto.
I ranked these 8 popular Vancouver attractions by school grades and one failed miserably Original
There's nothing more humbling than visiting a city, doing your research (yes, you read all the "must-see" blogs), then showing up to something painfully lacklustre. You build it up in your head, plan your outfit, mentally prepare to be wowed, and then… nothing. (Like the time I went to Paris and saw the Mona Lisa because, obviously… only to find a tiny painting behind thick glass that is solely viewable from 20 feet away over a sea of selfie sticks.
I moved to Toronto and here's what locals don't realize about their own city
There are certain things you only notice when you move to a city with fresh eyes. When you grow up somewhere, the weird bits often just become wallpaper. But arrive from the other side of the country, and suddenly everything feels either aspirational, absurd, or actively threatening. As a B.C native dropped into the not-so-organized chaos of Toronto, I quickly realized locals are blind to some of this city's most unique traits. Some of it is great. Some of it is cursed.
7 of the best Vancouver restaurants local foodies don't want you to know about
Ok, so you've already heard some of my instinctive go-tos when it comes to the best Vancouver restaurants. As a self-proclaimed terrible cook (which is really just an excellent excuse to eat out more), I've been hesitant to share these. But my editor asked nicely, and aside from a few questionable comments in the Facebook section, I do like you guys. So, against my better judgment, here it is — 7 Vancouver restaurants us local foodies really don't want you to know about.
What the Vancouver neighbourhood you live in says about your personality (sorry Yaletown) Original
Vancouver is like a collection of micro-identities loosely connected by rain clouds and that one Nikki Yanofsky song called "I Believe" that plagued the 2010 Winter Olympics. If you were here and wore the red mittens, you know what I'm talking about. The Vancouver neighbourhoods each have their own vibe and distinct personalities.
9 Canadian stereotypes that are simply not true, according to a Canuck herself
If you've never been to Canada, I regret to inform you that a shocking amount of what you think you know about us is either wildly outdated, geographically confused, or based entirely on one guy from rural Alberta in a plaid jacket. For reasons I cannot fully explain, people seem to imagine Canadians as flannel-clad forest/igloo dwellers who drink Timmies double-doubles every morning, say "eh" every six seconds, and chat with their neighbour, Gord, while they shovel snow 365 days a year.
14 Vancouver restaurants that big-name celebrities have visited and loved Original
On the hunt for the best restaurants in Vancouver? Well, take it from these celebs — we have lots to choose from. If you're new here, it's important to preface that Vancouver is colloquially, and rather adoringly, known as Hollywood North. And with good reason. We've served as the backdrop for cult classics like Happy Gilmore, John Tucker Must Die, She's the Man, Deadpool, Juno, and, for my "hoa hoa hoa" season Zillennial girls, Twilight: New Moon.
I ranked Canadian cities on how long I'd survive living there and here's how Montreal did
There are two types of people: those who think they'll stay in a city forever, and those who believe the grass is always greener. Both are valid. Both are, at times, a little delusional. Canadian cities, in particular, have a way of testing you. They lure you in with promises of lifestyle, opportunity, or (most suspiciously) the chance to own "land" (to which we must always ask — at what cost?). But, like anything, the shine wears off. The quirks reveal themselves. Some you can live with.
I cancelled these 10 subscriptions and saved almost $150 a month without feeling a difference Original
It's a tale as old as time: you sign up for a free trial, forget about it completely, and three months later, you're staring at your credit card bill and wondering why it's higher than usual. Ignorance is bliss — right up until you check your bank account. It turns out (I'm speaking from experience), many people wildly underestimate how many subscriptions they actually have So I did a little financial housekeeping and cancelled a handful of things. The result?
If you're new to Vancouver, please stop doing these 9 annoying things Original
Welcome to Vancouver! We're so happy to have you visiting, relocating, soft-launching a new more earthy personality, or running away from an evil man that lives in "the 6ix" (we've all been there). Truly. We love fresh energy. We love curiosity. We love it when you discover English Bay at golden hour and act like you've uncovered a secret no one else knows about. It is a true joy to see Vancouver through new, awe-struck eyes — a reminder of how lucky we are to live here.
My tried and true best Vancouver restaurants for a great meal under $20
The list of the best restaurants in Vancouver goes on and on — but the list of cheap eats? A lot smaller. Still, if you know where to look (as locals do), you can find some solid meals for under $20. Sure, splurge on those big events — birthdays, breakup celebrations, graduations, girls' nights out and everything in between.
11 reasons why I won't return to Toronto after leaving the city 5 years ago
I moved away from Toronto five years ago and (despite my occasional pangs of nostalgia), I haven't once seriously considered moving back to the Canadian city. Part of me misses the zillion wine bars to choose from, the thrifting, and even the claustrophobic downtown chaos that often made you fear for your life (but sometimes made you feel alive). But the other part of me quickly steps in to remind me why I left. I recall the time my hair froze and quite literally snapped off in February of 2018.
If you move to Vancouver you will inevitably develop these 5 personality traits Original
You said you'd never be like this. You arrived in Vancouver bright-eyed, optimistic, and determined to remain true to yourself. You looked around at the locals, judged their behaviours (which they absolutely deserved), and promised internally you would never fall into the same traps. You'd repeat mantras like: I will not wear head-to-toe athletic gear while doing uniquely non-athletic things. I will not avoid eye contact with other human beings like it's a competitive sport.
I ranked Canadian cities on how long I'd survive living there and one didn't last 24 hours Original
There are two types of people: those who think they'll stay in a city forever, and those who believe the grass is always greener. Both are valid. Both are, at times, a little delusional. Canadian cities, in particular, have a way of testing you. They lure you in with promises of lifestyle, opportunity, or (most suspiciously) the chance to own "land" (to which we must always ask — at what cost?). But, like anything, the shine wears off. The quirks reveal themselves. Some you can live with.
My Eyelashes are Railings From Which I Climb to See
Ana Vallejo. “Splitting,” 2023. 27 x 36 inch. 1/3 Pigment print in custom blue maple frame. Courtesy of Counter Collective. Tis’ the season for relationships. For the month of February, Counter Collective presented Seeing Desire, an exhibition of portrait photography featuring eight different artists—Elinor Carucci, Maria Catalan, Marisa Chafetz, Hannah Edelman, Ashley McLean, Martha Naranjo Sandoval, Sophie Joseph Schwartz, and Ana Vallejo—at All Street Gallery in New York.
7 of the best indoor activities that keep the winter blues away, from an experienced local
Winter in Vancouver hits in a particularly miserable way. To survive, you simply must find (actually fun) indoor things to do in Vancouver. Every year, I tell myself this will be the season I embrace it. I'll romanticize the rain. I'll do all the obvious things: become an avid reader, drink lots of tea, always light a candle, take yoga classes, make sourdough, do puzzles, and finally, attempt to finish all the Lord of the Rings movies (they're just so long).
I can deal with Vancouver's rain — here's the actual worst parts about living in this city
Rain gets blamed for a lot in Vancouver. And sure, it's adequately miserable and grey half the year. But here's the thing: rain comes and goes. Some days it pours, some days it randomly stops and gives way to a winter sunset where everyone sprints outside to post an Instagram story like vitamin-D-deprived houseplants. The rain is brutal, yes. But I wouldn't say it's the worst part of living here.
I asked 12 Vancouver men what a good first date is and 7.5 of the answers are so worrying
You know how at the beginning of horror movies there's a disclaimer that says "based on true events"? This is that. If you're currently in the trenches and dating in Vancouver, consider this your trigger warning. Recently, I asked 12 men what they think makes a good first date. I should make an important clarification: this was not a scientific poll. I did not stop random people with a clipboard.
I asked 12 Vancouver men what a good first date is and 7.5 of the answers are so worrying
You know how at the beginning of horror movies there's a disclaimer that says "based on true events"? This is that. If you're currently in the trenches and dating in Vancouver, consider this your trigger warning. Recently, I asked 12 men what they think makes a good first date. I should make an important clarification: this was not a scientific poll. I did not stop random people with a clipboard.
I took a last-minute BC Ferries ride and found this dreamy coastal town (PHOTOS)
This tiny town in B.C. is the peaceful escape everyone needs in their life, and one trip on BC Ferries got me there. I've always romanticized the idea of getting in a car, driving, and not looking back. Realistically, I would never actually do this. I'd last about two hours before the small yet demanding Type A portion of my personality required a plan. But recently, I attempted the most responsible version of this fantasy: driving to the very end of Highway 101.
I grew up in Vancouver - here's what other Canadians will never understand about us
Canadians like to believe we're united by a few sacred institutions: Tim Hortons (fair), politeness (debatable), and a shared, blood-deep obsession with hockey (not really). The reality? We are wildly different depending on where you grew up — and nowhere exposes that faster than Vancouver. A real none-of-these-things-is-quite-like-the-other situation. Because, despite technically being part of the same country, Vancouver operates on its own, slightly damp frequency. The culture is different.
I took a 30-minute drive from Vancouver and spent the day in this quiet coastal paradise
Much to our collective dismay, we can't all jet off to Hawaii or Bali on a whim. Some of us can't even swing a full weekend away — yet the horrors of daily life (buying toilet paper, figuring out what to have for dinner, a missed call from the CRA) persist nonetheless. If you're one "as per my last email" away from making a scene at the office and find yourself low on PTO, do not crash out. Do not panic. And do not, under any circumstances, feel the need to take up running.
I tracked what a weekend hanging out in Vancouver actually cost me and I'm not okay
Living in Vancouver, I'm no stranger to $20 cocktails and workout classes that I have to rationalize paying for. Still, even I was shocked at how much a normal weekend in Vancouver actually put me out, when I tracked every penny I spent. I decided to do the brave, winter-defying thing. I left the house. I said yes to plans in the name of "touching grass". I attempted to participate in society like a well-adjusted adult. Turns out... It's not cheap.
Want to move to Vancouver? These 8 realities you'll face as a newcomer may change your mind
Moving to Vancouver is guaranteed to put you face-to-face with some tough realities, and surviving your first year in the city means getting comfortable with all that makes the West Coast *unique* from the rest of the country.
Sorry - I judged your entire personality based on the Vancouver neighbourhood you live in Original
Vancouver likes to pretend it's one cohesive city. A place that hikes, eats kale, wears lulu yoga pants, and adopts a "clean girl" aesthetic while also supposedly being marijuana-obsessed thanks to our one resident famous person that isn't Ryan Reynolds: Seth Rogen. This, of course, is a painfully stereotypical misconception of a place.
When Worlds Collide: A Marriage, Two Truths, and a Lie, Oh My!
The two couples and their officiator. Photographed by the community. My 2025 finished on a few noteworthy notes, one of which was covering what I thought was a wedding, and what I would come to find out would not just be one, but two, and more. The pairs of fiancées were introduced with a game of two truths and a lie, a prompt I hate being asked of because I can never think clever enough on my feet.
7 experiences you'll only truly understand if you've lived through winter in Vancouver
Buckle in, pop your umbrella, turn on the fireplace you swore you'd never use, and prepare yourself for the very real chaos that is winter in Vancouver. Have you noticed how all the Ontario transplants (aside from when they're in Whistler at Longhorns) suddenly stop posting between the months of October and May? The daily sunset pics. The "can't believe I live here!" and "my backyard" and "west coast best coast" captions slowly fade away… just like the sun.
5 hidden-gem small towns in BC to visit in 2026, recommended by a local
If you've ever fantasized about escaping the city â not in a nervous breakdown "sell everything and move to the woods" way, but in a "I want to sip a too-hot latte on a rainy Tuesday in a town where time moves slower" kind of way â this one's for you. There's something undeniably romantic about small towns in B.C. The kind where it rains (a lot), but somehow the rain feels welcome, like an aesthetic choice.
This tiny town in BC is my perfect winter escape with cozy streets and storybook shops Original
I love winter⊠in theory. In practice, winter in the city feels like damp socks, confusion as to whether you have seasonal depression or depression-depression, and panic-Googling "remote jobs" in tandem with "Airbnbs in Costa Rica." So, when I say I found a B.C. winter escape that actually made me like winter â not just tolerate it, not romanticize it after the fact, but genuinely get that warm and cozy hot-chocolate-by-the-fire-rewatching-a-nostalgic-TV-show bliss â I mean it.
9 must-know things if you're considering a move to Vancouver, according to a local
So you're thinking of moving to Vancouver. Fun! (Or, if you're from Calgary or Edmonton â necessary!) You already know the basics: it's stunning, it's surrounded by mountains and ocean, the sushi is elite, and the rain is relentless. You've also heard the clichĂ©s (all true) about the housing prices, citywide lululemon uniform, and smug pride that comes from drinking tap water that tastes like it was filtered through a glacier personally blessed by Mother Nature.
9 things I wasn't expecting as a Vancouverite who moved to Toronto Original
Moving from Vancouver to Toronto at the formative age of 18 felt a bit like being catapulted out of a quiet, insulated coastal bubble and dropped into a high-volume, hundred-mile-per-hour city that's been double-shot-espresso'd since the '90s. Toronto doesn't just move faster — it vibrates on an entirely different frequency. I'd genuinely thought I was prepared. I grew up on MuchMusic (meaning I knew everything there was to know about Toronto culture).
9 things I wasn't expecting as a Vancouverite who moved to Toronto
Moving from Vancouver to Toronto at the formative age of 18 felt a bit like being catapulted out of a quiet, insulated coastal bubble and dropped into a high-volume, hundred-mile-per-hour city that's been double-shot-espresso'd since the '90s. Toronto doesn't just move faster — it vibrates on an entirely different frequency. I'd genuinely thought I was prepared. I grew up on MuchMusic (meaning I knew everything there was to know about Toronto culture).
This underrated BC spot is like a storybook with a castle, waterfall & small-town streets
Some places really do get all the hype when it comes to B.C. travel. Vancouver, Tofino, Whistler, Squamish — they famously take up all the oxygen in the room. But for those of us looking for a small town in B.C. that's a little smaller, calmer, and a whole lot more underrated, there's a whole world of West Coast spots that never get their moment in the spotlight.
Yes, Vancouver rent is eye-watering â here are 9 reasons I pay it anyway
If you live in Vancouver, complaining about the rain, restaurant reservations, and sky-high rent is a civic duty. It's how we bond. It's how we cope. There's a strange sense of pride in knowing you've survived another month of offensive prices and soggy commutes â like we're all part of the world's most beautiful, expensive survival club.
8 brutal Vancouver realities that every newcomer must learn in their first year
You've survived your first year in Vancouver. Congratulations! By now, I'm sure you've discovered the anxiety of parallel parking on 4th Avenue, the shocking cost of a Whistler season pass, and the aggressive, slightly obsessive nature of the city's "wellness culture." But there are a few other things you can only really understand after living here for a while — the true ins and outs, trials and tribulations of what it means to be a Vancouverite.
7 overrated Vancouver tourist traps that aren't worth your time and what to do instead
So, you're visiting Vancouver (fun)! You just asked Google "what to do in Vancouver" and the Google AI Overview popped up and regurgitated an outdated Vancouver itinerary that's littered with overpriced tourist traps. Undoubtedly, the little AI robot know-it-all is telling you to hike the Grouse Grind (miserable), take a photo at the Gastown Steam Clock (underwhelming), and grab a coffee from Tim Hortons to feel like a true Canadian (lower your expectations immediately).
7 uniquely West Coast things that would shock people from the rest of Canada Original
For many Canadians, the idea of "Canada" looks something like this: a Tim Hortons drive-thru surrounded by snowbanks, a not-so-polite consensus that Edmonton is the worst city, a few small pockets where people actually say things like "eh" and "aboot," and Quebec doing its own phonetically aggressive French thing while filtering maple syrup.
You're not a true Vancouverite unless you've lived at least 7 of these 12 experiences
People who move to Vancouver from other parts of Canada love to throw on a matching Lulu set, visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge, and take a sunset photo of Kits Beach captioned "can't believe this is my backyard." What do all of these things have in common? They indicate, in bright neon letters, that you are not (I'm sorry to say) a true Vancouverite.
You're not a true Vancouverite unless you've lived at least 7 of these 12 experiences
Madelyn Grace Wed, November 5, 2025 at 10:00 p.m. UTC 6 min read People who move to Vancouver from other parts of Canada love to throw on a matching Lulu set, visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge, and take a sunset photo of Kits Beach captioned "can't believe this is my backyard." What do all of these things have in common? They indicate, in bright neon letters, that you are not (I'm sorry to say) a true Vancouverite.
5 breathtaking small towns in BC that I'll always choose over Tofino
It's not up for debate. Tofino is objectively stunning. The tiny surf town has been crowned one of the world's best islands by small outlets you might've heard of such as Condé Nast and CNN Travel. And yes, if you're chasing moody beaches, the original Tacofino truck, and the surfing capital of Canada, you can stop reading here — this one's not for you.
5 breathtaking small towns in BC that I'll always choose over Tofino
Madelyn Grace Tue, October 21, 2025 at 4:03 p.m. UTC 5 min read It's not up for debate. Tofino is objectively stunning. The tiny surf town has been crowned one of the world's best islands by small outlets you might've heard of such as Condé Nast and CNN Travel. And yes, if you're chasing moody beaches, the original Tacofino truck, and the surfing capital of Canada, you can stop reading here — this one's not for you.
6 things to know before moving to Vancouver from Toronto, as someone who has lived in both
So, you're thinking of leaving Toronto for Vancouver. Maybe you're craving a more peaceful life in the mountains. Maybe you've had one too many near-death experiences on the TTC. Maybe you just want to see what life's like in January without blizzards, driveway shovelling, permanent wind tears, tights under your jeans, and ice storms. No matter what your reason for leaving is, I'm here to advise you to take a beat before you up and move your entire life.
9 aesthetic coffee shops in Vancouver that everyone needs to visit, according to a local
Madelyn Grace Sat, September 20, 2025 at 12:00 a.m. UTC 4 min read It's September, which means we are officially entering my absolute, without a doubt, favourite time of year — coffee shop season. If you're visiting Vancouver (or are a creature of habit and choose to only frequent your neighbourhood Starbucks), don't worry, I've done the tour de caffeine so you don't have to. These spots are equal parts aesthetic and delicious, perfect for your wistful girl fall.
9 aesthetic coffee shops in Vancouver that everyone needs to visit, according to a local
It's September, which means we are officially entering my absolute, without a doubt, favourite time of year — coffee shop season. If you're visiting Vancouver (or are a creature of habit and choose to only frequent your neighbourhood Starbucks), don't worry, I've done the tour de caffeine so you don't have to. These spots are equal parts aesthetic and delicious, perfect for your wistful girl fall.
This enchanting little island near Vancouver with cozy vibes is my favourite fall escape
Madelyn Grace Sun, September 14, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. UTC 6 min read In honour of Gilmore Girls season being upon us, I figured it was time to talk about Fall. Moreover, the ultimate fall escape. A cozy, slightly whimsical getaway where you can romanticize the crunch of leaves, chunky cable-knit sweaters, nut-sweetened lattes, and the idea of back-to-school season that somehow, no matter our age, always makes us feel like we can start over again.
This enchanting little island near Vancouver with cozy vibes is my favourite fall escape
In honour of Gilmore Girls season being upon us, I figured it was time to talk about Fall. Moreover, the ultimate fall escape. A cozy, slightly whimsical getaway where you can romanticize the crunch of leaves, chunky cable-knit sweaters, nut-sweetened lattes, and the idea of back-to-school season that somehow, no matter our age, always makes us feel like we can start over again.
7 things I secretly miss about Toronto life after moving back to Vancouver
Madelyn Grace Sat, September 13, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. UTC 6 min read I’ll be the first annoying person at a dinner party to argue for Vancouver over Toronto. The ocean! The air quality! The "life is just so much more grounding when you have a view of snow-capped mountains every day"! Cue a laundry list of other insufferable things like better tap water, fitness culture, and forest bathing (a thing I seem to talk about a lot but never actually do).
7 things I secretly miss about Toronto life after moving back to Vancouver
I’ll be the first annoying person at a dinner party to argue for Vancouver over Toronto. The ocean! The air quality! The "life is just so much more grounding when you have a view of snow-capped mountains every day"! Cue a laundry list of other insufferable things like better tap water, fitness culture, and forest bathing (a thing I seem to talk about a lot but never actually do). Nobody can deny that Vancouver is objectively beautiful in a way Toronto can't really compare.
9 delicious and cheap restaurants in Vancouver that are my go-tos as a local Original
I know what you're thinking: "cheap restaurants in Vancouver" is right up there with "ample street parking" and "affordable housing" on the list of things that don't exist. But after years of eating my way around the city, I've tracked down the best Vancouver restaurants where you can still get a solid meal without needing to refinance your condo. We're not talking white tablecloths or food foams.
In the Library: On the Experience of Wolfgang Tillmans
While I still can’t say I know Wolfgang Tillmans, I feel as though I’ve dragged the organ of my tongue across that of his brain. I didn’t know who he was before seeing his exhibition in Paris by accident this August. I was a Tillmans virgin, as Louise Darblay put it rightly in ArtReview, but I’ll remember this show like a first oyster. Scattered like New York City at night through an airplane window—that’s what some of the work feels like.
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