Steveston's city sidewalks are busy sidewalks these
days and walking through the village during Christmas time is a particularly joyful experience as there's lots to see, buy and eat.
It's an opportunity to get away from the overly crowded city centre malls, while still getting in some holiday shopping.
But there's more than just shops to visit. Simply taking in the atmosphere - which remains rather tranquil - is as refreshing as the crisp salty ocean breeze that passes through Moncton Street. We suggest an early evening stroll in order to visit enough stores to window shop by day and enjoy the holiday lights throughout the village by night.
It will be cold. Bring your mitts. There will be hot chocolate.
Start by parking your car at the Steveston Community Centre around 4 p.m. If you take transit, bus 402 will take you to the front door.
Walking along Moncton, you'll reach the corner at No. 1 Road and you may just hear the silver bells emanating from the old Steveston interurban tram resting in its house.
Take a moment to gather your thoughts. Experience the scramble crosswalk of Moncton and No. 1 as the stop lights blink red and green as shoppers rush home with their treasures.
Before walking down Moncton you may want to consider taking a detour a block north to Sinfully the Best chocolatier for a treat or two.
Otherwise, just down the street is Candy Dish where you can get some fudge - much needed energy for the stroll.
For the pet of the family, right across the street from Candy Dish is the Meow and Bark Avenue pet supply and treat shop.
It's going to be about 4:45 p.m. by the time you visit a few of the many boutique shops along Moncton and down its side avenues.
Pieces, Nikaido, Serenity and A Monkey Tree are just a few within a small radius.
At Splash Toys you'll hear children laughing with some of the newest and classic toys on the market.
If you seek more handy gifts, Nikka Fishing Marine and Steveston Marine and Hardware are more than enough to inspire the handyman. And if you need a really handy gift, there's always Rod's Building Supplies.
Not to be rushed, but you'll want to consider walking to Garry Point Park for sunset. You can always come back to the shops before they close.
You'll soon reach the Steveston Hotel, marking the end of Moncton Street, where those who aren't used to such a conticent evening will be compelled to stop in at the Buck & Ear for a craft winter ale. Again, this can be done on the way back or, perhaps you'll have to schedule another visit to the village.
Take note of the 30-foot Christmas tree in front of the Gulf of Georgia Cannery museum, which itself is lit up with Santared lights.
At 5 p.m., when you reach Garry Point, silence encircles you, save for the hum of the city and the gentle ripple of the Fraser River. These days, at this time, the moon is a waxing crescent and Venus is shining brilliantly in the west sky as the sun sets behind Vancouver Island, blackening its mountains and radiating a red hue that slowly turns to midnight blue as the minutes pass.
A tugboat horn goes ring-a-ling and wakes you from your awe, and, at this point, you'll probably be a bit cold after noticing that hot chocolate you bought at the iconic Cannery Cafe on Moncton has emptied. Time to turn around.
Walk down the path behind the cannery and listen to frost crunch beneath your feet. When you reach the big Christmas tree again it's about 5:30 p.m. and you'll have to make a choice on where to eat. Along Moncton and its now-glowing strings of holiday street lights Kisamos greek restaurant and its neighbour Dave's Fish and Chips have seemingly got into a friendly battle of who can best decorate their window with Christmas-inspired pictures. So, if it comes down to fish or souvlaki, let the kids choose.
For a more formal meal inspired by local food and fusion creations, visit Gudrun, which sets its menu daily depending on what the chef is inspired by at the local butcher and produce shops. There are a number of over-reviewed, but nonetheless satisfying, seafood restaurants along Bayview Street as well.
After dinner stop into a coffee shop for another hot drink and stroll down Bayview toward Imperial Landing boardwalk where you can take in the river views at night. Many of the nearby condo owners have started to dress their balconies with lights giving the neighbourhood a more welcoming vibe.
As you return to the community centre, you'll save the best for last and pass under the many trees dressed in holiday style. But before turning the corner on Moncton peer into the windows of the Prickly Pear garden centre and seek out a green Christmas decoration that you can put on your wish list for Santa. Because soon, it will be Christmas Day.
