A New Year brings with it wonderful opportunities for change. To let go of or to embrace, Gastown is a neighbourhood of possibilities. A ‘choose your own adventure’ sort of place that can allow you to try new things, break up the routine and explore the unknown.
Clear Your Mind
There is nothing like a proper internal reset. The cached emotional files of yesteryear, junky thoughts and monkey mind ramblings, all need to go.
Check yourself into the Float House for some serious sensory deprivation and relaxation. The tanks are filled with 10” of warm water with 800 lbs of dissolved Epsom salts. Free from light and sound, you float for up to 90 minutes and sail away into blissful nothingness.
If you’re feeling lumpy and out of alignment after the holidays, a good massage will do the trick. Vancouver School of Bodywork & Massage offers some of the city’s most affordable massage services. Students of all levels perform a thorough assessment and practice various techniques including shiatsu, hot stone massage, and reflexology.
Alternative Exercise Anyone?
There are plenty of gyms around and just as many yoga studios. Exercise is vital for a healthy life but so is spontaneity. And getting fit should also be fun. For those who want to try something totally different from the norm and from the almost clichéd: “Yeah….so for my New Year’s resolution I joined a gym” check out Gastown’s Tantra Fitness. Known as the Best Pole Studio in Greater Vancouver, Tantra offers a diverse range of classes in Pole Fitness, Dance Fitness and Aerial Arts.
Peek Into The Future
Perhaps while setting goals for 2017 you need a little hint, a nudge into what might be, a forecast ahead into your future. The Good Spirit offers tarot card readings. Set within a bright, warm and uplifting space, book 10-30 minutes with a number of intuitive readers, each different in their clairvoyance of the metaphysical realm.
Update Your Look
It’s a New Year and maybe time for a new hairstyle? The tried, tested and true can be your old faithful but why not try something bold, daring and different! Gastown is blessed with an abundance of professional salons and barbershops. Choose from such salons as Brush Salon, Colourbox, Pony Salon, Strands, Studio 38 and Sugar Skull Studio.
For the gentlemen, Gastown’s barbershops include Barber & Co, FortKnight Barbers, JD’s Barbershop, Gastown Grooming Room and Victory Barber & Brand.
For an affordable makeover, John Casablancas Institute and Aveda Institute offer salon services done at a fraction of the cost.
Love The Skin You’re In
Whether it be uncharted territory or you find yourself running out of uninked space on your body, a fresh tattoo can be a great way to kick off the New Year. Gastown’s tattoo parlours are open and inviting to everyone. The artists will help you with every step of the process and answer all your questions and concerns. Check out the mostly female run Liquid Amber Tattoo Parlour or the place with all the cool taxidermy and collectibles, The Gastown Tattoo Parlour.
