There’s something about long weekends that fills me with a quiet kind of excitement. Ironically, I tend to wake up earlier on holidays than I do on regular working days. Maybe the thought of having the whole day stretched out in front of me–no deadlines, no rush–just unrestricted time to do the things I love excite me the most.
Today was one of those mornings. Despite the rain, I woke up early in the morning, feeling energized, eager to move, and ready to enjoy the city at my own pace. I geared myself up and went for a run along the False Creek seawall, starting near Science World and heading toward Granville Island. It took me around 20-25 minutes (roughly 3.4 km) to reach the public market. I arrived a little breathless and a lot hungry (still working on my pace! But shh… no pressure).
I didn’t have anything specific in mind to buy—just a small treat or two, something simple, something joyful. As I neared Granville Island, I was greeted by the warm, buttery scent of freshly baked bread drifting through the air. I followed it instinctively and found myself standing in front of A Bread Affair—an artisanal bakery I had heard about, but never actually tried until today.
They’re known for their organic breads, pastries, and sandwiches, all made with local BC ingredients. Their shop was filled with dozens of beautiful, rustic loaves and classic pastries that looked absolutely tempting. I honestly wish I had more room to bring a few loaves home, but I kept it simple today. I went for their classic ham and cheese croissant–warmed just enough to give it that perfect, crunchy flakiness when you bite it. I loved it.
After picking up my croissant, I wandered further into the market. The vibe was calm and cozy, not too busy, with just the right amount of bustle to feel alive. The food stalls were abundant and diverse, offering everything from rich meats to colorful produce. Knowing I needed to rehydrate after the run, I made a quick stop at Fraser Valley Juice and Salad, a stall stand out to me for its wide variety of fresh-pressed juices, smoothies, and vibrant salads. I picked up a refreshing watermelon juice—light, cold, and just sweet enough to pair with my warm croissant.
I had originally planned to grab a Pad Thai from Sen Pad Thai—a tempting choice located not far from the juice stall—but on my way, I turned down another aisle and stumbled upon a vibrant display of fresh fruits and vegetables. The colors were irresistible, and I felt like the berries were calling me. Yes, they were pricier than what I’d find at a regular grocery store, but the quality was unmistakable. Local, seasonal, and beautifully fresh.
As I learn more about our food system, I’ve come to appreciate produce that’s closer to nature. There’s something deeply satisfying about knowing where your food comes from and tasting it in its simplest form. I bought a bucket of mixed berries with the plan to enjoy them as-is (or maybe with a spoonful of plain yogurt later—not bad, right?).
With my snack fix in hand (and yes, I ate the croissant while it was still warm!), I started my journey back. This time, I slowed down. I walked the seawall loop back home, soaking in the beauty of False Creek, my little bucket of berries tucked carefully under my arm.
Before heading in, I made one last stop at Gusto: A Taste of Italy Café in Olympic Village. A small, cozy spot where I picked up a hot cappuccino to sip on my walk home. It was the perfect ending to a slow, mindful day.
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