if you happen to find yourself in tofino (for 24 hours or less)...

coffee
If you’re passionate enough about coffee to see through fancy drink names and a robust website then you’ll appreciate The Tofitian for all it has to offer - a seriously great cup of Joe, some nifty memorabilia and an authentic Tofino experience. This locally run shop is the place to caffeinate pre-island adventure or to warm up (the mocha hot chocolate comes highly recommended) after a cold day riding the Pacific surf.

trail
If you’re up for a hike, check out Schooners Cove. The moderate trail starts off in the rainforest with a series of wooden platforms and steps and then spits you out on the north end of Long Beach. Insider tip: Go at low tide, keep to the right when you hit the beach and uncover some amazing wildlife like bald eagles and starfish.

surf
It wouldn’t be a successful trip to Tofino without getting your feet a little wet. If you’re looking to catch a wave for the first time check out Surf Sister. Their all-female staff brings a unique flare (and extreme passion) to the surf scene, specializing in instructing with the beginner in mind. Dudes – don’t shy away, these classes are for you too!

a cold brew
Tofino Brewing Company is a great place to crack a cold one. The beers satisfy, the ambiance is cool and the dudes who own it are a pleasure to chat with. Purchase their iconic jug and have it refilled over and over again when you’re back in Vancouver. 

eat
When it comes to grabbing a bite of delicious grub, Tacofino has it dialed. From the staff to the outdoor dining experience at long wooden communal tables this taco truck is the epitome of cool. The fish tacos are a must and wash down quite nicely with a Lime-Mint Freshie – oh, and don’t forget to grab a Chocolate Diablo Cookie for dessert.

Ever been? What are some of your favourite pitstops in Tofino?

meet andrea

what are you up to now on the design team?

I am the colour designer and trim hardware designer at lululemon. (But in the past eight years I have done everything from garment design, to material design, to leading the design team at lululemon.)

why do you love working at lululemon?

I love working at lululemon because it is a place that inspires greatness. It is an environment that encourages you to think outside the box and create without limitations. Everyone at lululemon wants to be there and therefore is an inspiration to work with. It is also a company that supports not only your work goals but your personal life goals as well.

why call Vancouver home?

Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is lush and green and energetic yet laid back. The proximity to world class mountains for snowboarding & amazing surf along the Vancouver Island coastline is what has kept me on this coast thus far - and will keep me here for many years to come!

meet janine

how would you describe your role?

I am hiring and building the best athletic apparel team in the world. Finding rad people who are athletes and passionate about the brand and letting them shine, create and do what they are great at! I heart my job.

why do you choose to live in Vancouver?

It's a beautiful, west coast city with green mountains to play in and lots of people to play with. You are engulfed in ocean air with surfing and skiing close by and an awesome yoga community. Every band passes through Vancouver at some point. It’s a foodie city. An international hub connecting us to great cities easily.

meet shannon

what's your role at lululemon?

I am the lead designer of womens running and outerwear. I am responsible for the development of the lines from inception of ideas to the retail floor. This involves everything from identifying trends and technologies, to creating beautiful designs with colour, fabrics and textures, to leading and inspiring greatness in others. I lead a team of incredible people who help bring my ideas to life — we make magic together! Ultimately, I get to work with athletes, solve their athletic problems and make their lives better – it’s incredible!

why do you love working at lululemon?

Because I can elevate the world one running short at a time! The product is so inspiring, the people are so amazing. I have ultimate freedom, inspiration and support. lululemon is as much a lifestyle as it is workplace and it supports this in its employees. There isn’t a divide between how I work and how I live. And, change is the only constant at lululemon – its the most dynamic, challenging place I’ve ever worked – I love it.

why out of the whole world do you choose to live and love vancouver?

It’s a city that offers everything an active healthy person wants – beautiful mountains, breathtaking views, ocean, fresh air, incredible restaurants, clean beaches and trails to run on. In one day you can ski a world-class mountain, go mountain biking, go for a hike and go surfing. I live near my favourite beach and go for a run every morning surrounded by glassy water and huge mountains and not even notice that I’m in a city. It’s a spectacular place to live.

Interested in joining the lululemon design team? Check out the possibilities on our careers website.

Meet Kristy with her family above, our new Area Manager for Canada.

Keep an eye out for this lovely face in stores across Canada, and if you see her, make sure to say hello and get to know her! Until then, learn more about Kristy:

what was your best olympics experience?

Saturday, February 13 – livin’ it up at the Robson store, educating to people from all over the world and taking part in my first flashmob amongst 3000 other people – exhilarating!

what are you most passionate about?

Hands down most passionate about two things: my kids and travel.

I have two boys: Tyson who is a born leader and risk taker, even at the ripe old age of four. He can download an app and launch off the bouncy castle while delegating recycling duties to his little brother with ease! Zack is one year old and much more chill… so far. While just starting to find his voice, Zack has an opinion on everything. Can’t wait to understand what he is actually saying!

The little guys, Tyson and Zack, who keep Kristy grounded.

When I am not chasing the kids around, my favorite place to go is the beach. Greece, south of France, and Maui are my faves so far.

what is your favourite guilty pleasure?

Celebrity gossip mags - terrible, I know - I just can’t walk away.

what quote/book/advice has made the biggest impact on you?

“Life is short,
Break the rules,
Forgive quickly,
Kiss slowly,
Laugh uncontrollably,
And never regret anything that made you smile.”
-Mark Twain

or

“Fashion fades, only style remains the same”
~Coco Chanel

what has been the biggest surprise working at lululemon so far?

The level of engagement from all the people working in the stores and the Store Support Centre is unbelievable. I had always heard what a great place lululemon was to work at, and it is beyond true. We are walking the walk and talking the talk – I love it. I am thrilled to be part of such a dynamic and committed team. I have never been so excited about life’s possibilities!

Say hi to Kristy when you see her in your local yoga studio or gym!

There you have it... another new lululemon face and another new world of possibilities opening up! Is it just me, or is it super exciting to see what the rest of 2010 will have in store for us? - both literally or figuratively!

If you are interested in being a part of Kristy’s growing Canadian team, visit our careers section and search for “store management”, “store operations” or “educators” to find the next possibility for your life and career!

Originally called the Oliver Oldtimers, this team renamed themselves the lululemons.  Our lovely Online Community Manager, Carolyn's dad is on the left in the first row. The team loves the Hockey Helmut and are rocking the blacked out teeth on the ice!

*Please note: You must wear real hockey helmets while playing hockey!