Equinox Gym in Vancouver

With two established properties already in Toronto, 25-year-old, New York–based Equinox gym opens its third Canadian location—and 84th worldwide—on Vancouver’s West Georgia Street this month. “We knew that we wanted to be in Vancouver, and with the success of Toronto, it was clear that this would be our next Canadian market,” says Equinox CEO Harvey Spevak. The location, adjacent to Vancouver’s new Trump Tower and a stone’s throw from the tony fashion boutiques of Alberni Street, factored into the decision, as well. “This location is central to where our target member lives, works, and plays,” says Spevak, “co-branding in neighbourhoods with other luxury brands in proximity has always been something we like.”

The gym is a natural addition to Vancouver’s fitness-oriented culture.

The new gym’s design has been customized to local preferences as determined through two years of research. “We go through a painstaking process to design and program for the local market. We want to be part of the local community,” says Spevak. For Vancouver, that means the 33,000 square-foot space harbours bleached walnut wood, airy high ceilings with a 24-foot atrium, “natural textures”, and a gloom-combating fireplace lounge. Amenities-wise, Equinox features a spa, saunas, steam rooms, locker rooms stocked with Kiehl’s skin-care products, a clothing boutique, and a café. Not least of all, six studios, including those specific to cycling, yoga, barre, Pilates, and boxing, plus cardio and fitness floors and plenty of original programming help guests “maximize the potential in themselves,” notes Spevak.

Equinox features a spa, saunas, steam rooms, locker rooms stocked with Kiehl’s skin-care products, a clothing boutique, and a café.

And though Equinox seems perfectly suited to Vancouver’s fitness-oriented culture, Spevak is quick to note that in fact the Equinox concept is at home worldwide. “Every major urban city with an educated population—they’re all fitness enthusiasts,” he says.

Photos by Luis Valdizon.