Just over the Second Narrows Bridge from Vancouver sits a secluded neighbourhood that is home to a beach, great hiking, fantastic views, and some neat shops. Those who haven’t yet made the trip are sure to have heard of it, or at least seen photos of the view on Instagram. The tiny community of Deep Cove feels a world away from Vancouver, and is packed with a mélange of independent businesses to keep one well fed and entertained.
If the weather is cooperating, a good start to a day in Deep Cove is a hike up to Quarry Rock. The short trek ends with an expansive view of the Indian Arm. It is also worth considering renting kayaks and paddling out to Twin Islands, or taking a stand-up paddleboard for a cruise around the cove.
Post-outdoor activities, the best thing to do is have brunch at Café Orso. In this modern space, nearly every occupied table is punctuated with a serving avocado on toast, made with bread from Nelson the Seagull, or plate of decadently garnished waffles. The kind baristas pull shots of espresso using 49th Parallel beans, and the café stocks wine from Blasted Church, in addition to beer from Deep Cove Brewers and Distillers—both of which partner quite nicely with a charcuterie board.
Belly full, stop in at the Artemis Gallery, where the frequently changing exhibition is housed in a modern space that wouldn’t look out of place in South Granville’s gallery row. Walk a little further down Gallant Avenue and smell all of the candles and soaps at Sunnyside, which also features a few shelves of locally-blended tea.
Just across from Sunnyside is A’hoy Goods, a clothing store that feels incredibly West Coast. The shop is stacked with casual but refined options for men, women, and children, as well as a comprehensive selection of accessories from local Vancouver brand Herschel. Classic terrycloth sweatshirts and sweatpants from Reigning Champ are studded throughout the store, as are A’hoy’s own brand of graphic T-shirts. Next, continue onward to Room6, stationed right beside A’hoy. This hybrid boutique-florist stocks all things precious, including illustrated stationery from Rifle Paper Company.
Post-retail tour, make the necessary pilgrimage to Honey Doughnuts & Goodies. The classic honey glaze will not disappoint, especially paired with the view from a bench at Panorama Park. It’s the perfect place to watch the waves lap onto the pebbled shore while contemplating when to make a return visit.
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