Comedian, Actor and Honourary Vancouverite Vic Michaelis Shares Their Perfect Vancouver Day

If you spend any time marinating in the world of online comedy, you know that Vic Michaelis is one of Dropout’s breakout stars—the comedian hosts the online comedy streamer’s extremely popular Very Important People show (interviewing improvisors dressed in outrageous disguises), which is now in its third wild-and-weird season. They’re also a recurring performer on the platform’s other big hit shows (Make Some Noise, Game Changer). Or, you might recognize them from their role on the new Peacock spy thriller, Ponies, as prim U.S. embassy office manager Cheryl. In other words: you’re well aware that they’re very funny and talented. But what you might not know is that they spent their formative young-adult years in Vancouver—including doing comedy training with cult-fave comedy school Blind Tiger—and still split their time between L.A. and B.C. So, in the proud tradition of claiming anyone who has ever passed through here as one of our own, we’re declaring Michaelis to be an official Vancouverite, and invited them to embrace this title by sharing their perfect Vancouver day.

Vic Michaelis’s Perfect Vancouver Day

Take Nine Improv Classes, Or Build a Time Machine Back to 2014 for a Hot Dog at Besties

“Do you remember this place? It was the best. Why did it go away?”

Hit up the China Cloud or Little Mountain Gallery

“If you want to see local indie comedy, China Cloud or Little Mountain Gallery is the spot. The scene is so strong here. Hot take? Better than Toronto. The Hero Show and Taskmaster and Weird Owl Karaoke are easy on-ramps for people too. Try. This is where I started doing improv and the ability to hop on shows and get that stage time is everything.” 524 Main St.; 110 Water St.

Ride the Ferry to Gibsons

“I call it the People’s Cruise. Head to Horseshoe Bay, watch the islands go past, get some White Spot. The fries here are the best snack you can get. Everything just tastes better on a boat.”

READ MORE: How Did We Get to the Island(s) Before B.C. Ferries?

Get a Second Helping of Fries at the Naam

“I’m really just here for the gravy.” 2724 W 4th Ave.

Try to Understand How Published Made Those Carrots So Delicious

“Published on Main is so good. I have been trying for years to replicate their coffee carrots and I’m just getting farther away every time.” 3593 Main St.

Commune with the People at Dude Chilling Park

“We’ll meet up with friends at Dude Chilling, because we have to take a picture with the sign. And then we’ll see where the wind takes us! We’ll walk up Kingsway, look at Grouse mountain, talk to people we meet, try to find an after-hours rave.” 2390 Brunswick St.

Take Another Boat Over to North Van

“I love Shipyards. Let’s take the Seabus over and see what’s happening there. If there’s a gift shop for something carved, I have to have it. Traditional Squamish art? That’s what we want. It’s the most frequently spotted kind of art around my house.” 125 Victory Ship Way

Win the International Village Mall Escape Room

“When you don’t drink, you wind up doing a lot of escape rooms. I like the International Village Mall one [Find and Seek]—the rooms are half technical, half practical, so they’re interesting puzzles. And while you’re at the mall, you can pop into Ardene’s for some socks. Then we’ll hop on the Skytrain and go to Richmond for some bubble tea and more escape rooms.” 2075-88 W Pender St.

READ MORE: Why Is International Village Mall so Empty?