Stephen Curry chose British Columbia’s secluded coast for a family getaway, the province’s premier urged residents to boycott trips to the United States, and our editors highlighted three of Vancouver’s best waterfront restaurants. Here are the region’s top stories.
Celebrity getaway: Stephen Curry chooses B.C.’s secluded coast
Four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry and his wife, Ayesha, decided to spend their August vacation in a rather unexpected place: the picturesque Desolation Sound region near Vancouver. For someone accustomed to constant public attention and camera flashes in every arena, the choice was anything but random. The family was looking less for luxury than for peace and the chance to be alone with nature, far from intrusive fans and paparazzi. As it turns out, even global basketball superstars can find places where they can forget about fame and simply enjoy life.
Curry, widely regarded as one of the greatest shooters in league history, is currently the NBA’s highest-paid player, earning an impressive $62.59 million per year, according to Basketball Reference. Despite their enormous wealth and the couple’s status as sports icons, they chose not the resorts of Malibu or Caribbean villas, but a remote corner of British Columbia known for its pristine air and rugged northern beauty. Desolation Sound is more than a scenic destination: it is a genuine natural preserve with a marine park whose coastline stretches for more than 60 kilometres. Getting there is not easy—you have to transfer to water transportation—but it was precisely this seclusion that attracted the celebrity couple.
On her blog, Ayesha Curry described the trip as a “big blue water road.” Judging by the photos she posted, the vacation was perfect: the family went kayaking, fishing and even gathered oysters, while also joking around and enjoying one another’s company. Such time together is a true luxury for a couple who have been together for 18 years, ever since they met as teenagers in a church youth group. Interestingly, privacy holds special meaning for Curry. In an interview with The Athletic, he admitted that one of his first flights with his wife and newborn child was one of the worst experiences of his life because of the relentless attention from those around him. That is why being able to take a quiet walk without worrying about crowds of fans is priceless to him.
The choice of Desolation Sound is also a tribute to Canada’s unique natural environment, which attracts not only tourists but also global celebrities seeking harmony with the world around them. For Curry, who is used to the frantic pace of games and constant travel, the vacation served as a genuine reset. In this context, his decision to spend his holiday in British Columbia looks less like the whim of a millionaire and more like a conscious desire for simplicity and authenticity—a reminder that even beyond the basketball court, there are things money cannot buy: silence, peace and time spent with loved ones. Fans following their idol’s life on social media received further confirmation that behind the image of an impenetrable champion is an ordinary person who values comfort and family happiness.
British Columbia vs. America: Eby urges residents to boycott U.S. trips
A serious economic and political conflict is brewing between British Columbia and its southern neighbour. Speaking at a news conference in a Vancouver liquor store, B.C. Premier David Eby made a series of sharp comments about U.S. President Donald Trump and his trade policies. His message to provincial residents was clear: if possible, avoid travelling to the United States and choose Canadian products over American ones. This was more than a recommendation—it was a call for economic patriotism that, in the politician’s view, is now essential to protecting Canadian jobs.
Eby did not mince words when describing either the trade war or its instigator. He called Trump a “thug and bully” and expressed deep doubts about the reliability of any agreements with the American leader. According to Eby, even if a deal were signed, it would end faster than the ink could dry on the document, since the U.S. president could reconsider his commitments at any moment and call the agreement the worst in history. This idea became a recurring theme of his remarks, highlighting a fundamental distrust of the predictability of the American administration.
The premier’s logic is simple and easy to understand: in response to the introduction of 50-per-cent tariffs on many categories of goods, Canadians should demonstrate unity and solidarity. The best way to resist the pressure is to become one another’s best customers, thereby supporting the domestic economy. “The very best thing we can do in response to these tariffs is to strengthen our workers, build out our trade infrastructure and become less dependent on the United States,” Eby said. He also expressed support for Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who promised to do everything possible, for as long as necessary, to support Canadian workers.
Interestingly, judging by the public response, Eby’s calls are already resonating with residents. The province appears not to need much convincing: local people had already been speaking out against trips to the United States, and the trend now has official support at the highest level. For border cities such as Bellingham, Washington, however, this position has become a genuine economic disaster. According to a recent report by the Bellingham Chamber of Commerce and the Border Policy Research Institute, the sharp decline in Canadian visitors is seriously hurting local businesses. The food-service sector has been particularly affected: 91 per cent of surveyed businesses reported critical damage, while 64 per cent were seriously concerned about their survival. In other words, Canadians’ decision to economically “punish” the United States is hurting specific American business owners who depend directly on shoppers from Canada.
The situation exposes a complicated web of contradictions. On the one hand, Eby is acting in his country’s interests by calling for economic independence and solidarity amid external pressure. On the other, his rhetoric, reinforced by the drop in tourism, is creating real economic problems for neighbouring American regions that, ironically, may also become victims of Trump’s policies. The full text of his forceful speech is available in the original Daily Hive article, which provides more details about this complicated situation. The confrontation clearly demonstrates how a trade war between countries extends far beyond tariff agreements, affecting people’s everyday lives on both sides of the border—their habits, plans and livelihoods.
Vancouver’s three best waterfront restaurants: Where to eat and watch the sunset
Summer in Vancouver is a time when people want to spend every free minute outdoors, especially by the water. Although true food lovers are willing to enjoy fine dining even in the smallest windowless room, atmosphere and scenery can sometimes be just as important as the taste of the food. Fortunately, Vancouver offers dozens of options for those hoping to combine a culinary experience with views of passing yachts and seagulls. The editors of Vancouver Is Awesome selected three establishments worth visiting this season, each unique in its own way.
First on the list is Provence Marinaside, located in the prestigious Yaletown neighbourhood. For more than 20 years, the restaurant has delighted guests with authentic French cuisine featuring a Provençal influence and fresh seafood. You can begin the evening with a dozen oysters, continue with grilled Hokkaido scallops or the signature dish of half a lobster, prawns and seasonal vegetables. Those looking for something heartier can choose a tenderloin steak or wild-mushroom risotto. But the main attraction is the view of the marina, which, combined with the elegant atmosphere, creates the feeling that you are on the French Riviera rather than in the heart of a Canadian metropolis.
The second option is one of two Tap and Barrel locations: one in Olympic Village and the other near the Convention Centre. The first stands out for its floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking False Creek, while the second is considered one of the city’s best vantage points because of its location in the heart of downtown. Beer enthusiasts are spoiled for choice, with around two dozen varieties available on tap at any given time, making a tasting flight a must. As for the food, this is neither a classic pub nor a generic chain restaurant: the menu offers a wide selection of pizzas topped with fennel sausage or local mushrooms, along with burgers, tacos and vegan dishes. It is ideal both for a lively group gathering and for a romantic dinner while watching the sunset over the bay.
Finally, the newest entry on the list is Bae Side, which took over the site of the legendary Irish pub Mahony’s on False Creek in early 2025. The change of name brought with it a new philosophy: neon signs, flowers everywhere and cocktails that look more like works of art. You can order a drink served in a matryoshka doll, a smoking cocktail or even a full pitcher to share among four people, presented in the restaurant’s signature tote bag. Such creations are certainly not budget-friendly, but the patio’s waterfront view is so captivating that, as the article’s author writes, it feels as though you are sitting right on the water. It is the perfect place for an unhurried sunset dinner with friends—or alone, when you simply want to savour the moment.
One important thing to know about all three establishments is that they are extremely busy in summer, so it is best to reserve a table in advance, especially if you want a seat on an outdoor terrace. It is also worth remembering that their popularity is based not only on the views but also on consistently good food. Provence Marinaside has maintained its standards for two decades, Tap and Barrel is known for its reliability, and Bae Side is still gaining popularity but has already won over local residents. If you live in Vancouver or are planning a visit, be sure to make time for one of these restaurants. After all, good food with a view of the water is a small piece of summer happiness—and one of the reasons life in this spectacular city is so enjoyable.
