Edgemont Village, North Vancouver

Here's a spot that invites you to park your car and wander. The pretty village of Edgemont is only a few blocks long, but its relaxed ambience lures visitors from all over the North Shore.

Only minutes away from Highway 1 and down the road from Grouse Mountain on Capilano Road, Edgemont Village feels like a mountain resort town. Its cosy coffee shops and restaurants beckon you to sit down and enjoy a freshly made piece of pie or a warm cinnamon bun.

There are almost 100 family-owned shops here. Among them is Giftworks, which specializes in the work of B.C. artisans - potters, candle-makers and a host of others. If there's a child in your party, don't miss BC Playthings, which features toys, art supplies, puppets, games and puzzles made locally and all over the world. Visit the curiously named 32 Books, its shelves packed with Canadian fiction, books about B.C., book club selections and kids' reading.

Oenophiles and wine dabblers alike will savour a few minutes at Village VQA Wines. During July and August, you can catch the summer live concert series on Friday evenings.

Even if you have only a few minutes before a visit to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, the Salmon Hatchery or after huffing and puffing up the Grouse Grind, Edgemont Village is worth a quick visit.