Cold-remedy ideas in Vancouver
For Vancouverites, there are three certainties in life: death, high rent and an annual cold. If you were to remedy your cold with NeoCitran and Netflix every time you caught one, your other certainty in life would be constantly missing out. Here are a few low-key activities that’ll help you get out of the house and kick a cough, cold or congestion during the winter season.
Float Yaletown
1059 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5L7When I first heard about these sensory-deprivation tanks, I thought the experience sounded more like a form of torture than treatment. Spending 90 minutes in a sealed water-filled pod devoid of light and sound sounds scary, but I can assure you it’s not. While you’re sure to need some time to adjust to the foreign conditions, the payoffs of a session in one of these Epsom salt-packed tubs, warmed to the same temperature, as your skin can be huge. The meditative float pods are great for your immune system, help relieve stress, and encourage healing for mind and body.
Vancouver Soma Therapy
2460 Trafalgar St, Vancouver, BC V6K 3T3Registered massage therapists are easy to come by in Vancouver, but not all are created equal. The skilled team at Soma can help you achieve a state of rest and relaxation, even when you’re feeling under the weather. After all, is there anything nicer than a trained professional kneading your aching muscles like dough? The atmosphere at each location, which flank the east and west sides of the city, is calm, quiet, and welcoming. Bonus: Soma also has TCM if acupuncture and Chinese medicine are your cold cure of choice.
Britannia Community Services Centre
1661 Napier St, Vancouver, BC V5L 4X4I’m a fan of a spa treatment any day of the week, but my bank account doesn’t always feel the same way. The Britannia Pool at the Britannia Community Centre just off Commercial Drive is the perfect antidote when you’re achy and congested and need some medication for cheap. It’s not that swanky one-on-one treatment, but for less than ten bucks you can sweat it out in the steam room, sauna, or hot tub for hours. BYO cucumber water.
Mamie Taylor's
251 Georgia St E, Vancouver, BC V6A 1Z6Take a break from your drug store cough syrup treat yourself to a medicinal cocktail at Mamie Taylor’s. With its taxidermy-laden walls and many-a burly, bearded staff member, this cozy spot in Chinatown feels more like a hunting lodge than a Vancouver restaurant. While the impeccably crafted cocktail menu switches up from time to time, count on the signature sip, the Mamie Taylor, to always be there for you. Because scotch and bitters are the new Nyquil.
Open Door Yoga Inc
4-175 15th Ave E, Vancouver, BC V5T 2P6Neglecting your regular exercise routine because of a cold sucks, but you have to be gentle on yourself. Instead of the all-or-nothing approach, meet your activity needs with a restorative yoga session. This type of yoga involves long, slow, supported movements, many of which are done lying down, which makes it perfect for people with injuries, restricted mobility, and chronic pain – and for those suffering from a head cold!
La Petite Cuillere
55 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5T 3J1Savour a specialty cup at this old-is-new-again Mount Pleasant teahouse that serves a huge variety of black, green, herbal, and iced teas in a room with enough traditional flare to charm your cold away. English bone china cups and saucers and floral tablecloths adorn the homey room, where you can also try an assortment of baked-in-house treats and the signature Huey Blend teas, made by the owner herself. Don’t want to socialize? Pick up a bag of loose tea to take home; it pairs well with tissues and your Snuggie.
