Vancouver Mom to Follow: Laura Crawford of Pretty Petunias

This week’s Mom to Follow is Laura Crawford of Pretty Petunias, and are they ever! The petunias are, of course, her photogenic daughters whom she frequently features in her dazzling Instagram feed.

Laura Crawford is a North Vancouver mom with two girls, Peyton and Acacia, and a Top 30 Vancouver Mom Blogger. When she is not busy photographing the locale (or her girls), baking up a storm for neighbours and friends, or taking on an interior design or decorating project, she can be found writing, as the voice behind Pretty Petunias, where she writes about baking, do it yourself, design and her family’s many hilarious kid moments.

Some of Laura’s favourite places to go

The Pier & Shipyards

A definite favourite has got to be the Pier at the foot of Lonsdale (rain or shine). The unobstructed view at the end, the ocean and the history (not to mention a popular filming location in some favourite tv shows…) and the relatively new playground immediately east of the pier on the waterfront. Plus all the shipyards (Friday night market and concerts) to explore and, of course, Tap and Barrel with their incredible patio and great kids menu!

The Shipyards 15 Wallace Mews Rd, North Vancouver
Tap & Barrel Shipyards 8 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver

Lonsdale Quay

Lonsdale Quay is a special place. The only thing better than a sunny day at the bustling quay with the kids, is a rainy day all alone with a piping hot London Fog (or latte) from the All Day Cafe looking across at a grey Vancouver skyline when the place is empty!

123 Carrie Cates Ct, North Vancouver

Deep Cove and Honey’s Doughnuts

It’s hard to beat the photo opportunities of picturesque Deep Cove, the seaside playground, Quarry Rock hike, summer concerts and of course the Honey’s doughnuts! (see banner photo!)

Honey’s Doughnuts 4373 Gallant Ave, North Vancouver

Cates Park

Hands down a family favourite! This is an epic double playground with views galore and plenty of room to run and explore, but the best part might just be the secluded beaches off the trail between Cates Park and Little Cates Park – just perfect for a picnic, wading in the water and searching for sea glass!

Cates Park (Whey-ah-Wichen) 4141 Dollarton Hwy, North Vancouver

Savary Island Pie Company and Ambleside

The Savary Island Pie Company on Marine Drive in Ambleside is terrific. Their pies are gorgeous (the buttermilk pie is a fave) and the veggie sandwich is something to write home about, but it’s their incredible soups, Italian bread and cookies that will have you coming back again and again. With a close proximity to the beaches, playgrounds and the sea wall at Ambleside – getting a sandwich or slice of pie to go for a snack under your beach umbrella is hard to beat.