Since moving to Vancouver, I began making a mental checklist of everything I wanted to do each season. With countable warm days at our fingertips, people will want to make the most of being outdoors. Vancouver is known for its rewarding hikes, marvellous mountain views, vast expanses of blue bodies of water, and sandy beaches. What better time to explore these than the golden days of summer? And better yet, what if you could have all these attributes in one place?
Deep Cove in North Vancouver’s district is a small, waterfront-oriented village with a bucket list of activities that could easily fit in as a day trip if you’re looking for a change in scenery. Since it is engulfed by gorgeous mountains, lush forest, and the Burrard Inlet, it is a popular spot during summer.
Despite visiting it twice, Covid’s restrictions prevented me from fully exploring Deep Cove in all its beauty. It was on my third visit that I got lucky enough to hike Quarry Rock, though I have yet to kayak in the waters of the Burrard Inlet. That’s the kind of magnetic pull this place has. You’ll want to keep coming back to make sure you tick everything the cove offers.
Getting there
The easiest and fastest way to reach Deep Cove would be via a private vehicle. However, bear in mind that limited parking spots are available on busy days such as weekends or statutory holidays. If you’re someone like me without access to a car, there are plenty of buses to take you around. If you live in and around Downtown Vancouver or prefer transiting from there, bus #211 (Seymour) from Burrard Skytrain Station drops you off at Badger Road, which is just a 5-minute walk to the heart of Deep Cove. Alternatively, bus #212 (Deep Cove) from Phibbs Exchange is also a direct route for those who live closer to Burnaby. Buses such as #211 and #212 have limited services, so their frequency is every 25-30 minutes, with the average travel time being between 60-90 minutes.
Things to do in Deep Cove
Before you find a spot to get comfortable in, or decide to begin your hike or kayaking adventure, don’t forget to head to Honey’s Donuts. Approved and endorsed by celebrities like Kate Winslet and John Cena, the donuts are worth waiting in line for. Different from the ones you get at Tim Hortons or McDonald’s, these delicious treats are hand-baked. They include classic flavours such as maple, cinnamon sugar, chocolate, and honey (of course). Donuts are priced at $3.50, with a box of 6 priced at about $21, and a pack of 12 priced at about $42. Prices vary depending on the flavour chosen.
If you’re looking for a place to dine out after a long day basking in the sun, the Arms Reach Bistro is an eatery worth visiting. The restaurant offers Pacific Northwest cuisine with Mediterranean flavours that you can enjoy while overlooking the blue cove.
What’s the hype about?
You must wonder how some freshly baked donuts and a fancy eatery constitute an entire day’s visit. You’re right. It doesn’t. But that’s not all Deep Cove has to offer. Gallant Avenue, the village’s main street, is lined with cafes, restaurants, ice cream parlours, and a performing arts centre. However, if you enjoy walks amid greenery and fresh air, Deep Cove’s Quarry Rock hike is not one to miss. With its difficulty level rated as easy by Vancouver Trails, the hike takes an average of 1.5 hours to complete. It is a roundtrip distance of 3.8 km beginning at Baden Powell Trail along Panorama Drive. The reward at the end is a scenic view of the Indian Arm and the mountains around the Belcarra region.
Besides enjoying the warmth of summer during these golden months, the stretch of blue below simultaneously offers exhilarating activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding. The Deep Cove Kayak Centre provides kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards for rent. But beware: bookings for rentals sell out days in advance. Due to their popularity, and since they’re the only rental centre in the area, be sure to reserve ahead of time. If you have experience operating powered motor vessels, you could even rent a pontoon boat from Deep Cove Marina with rates starting at $699, excluding gas and taxes.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more relaxing, Panorama Park is an ideal spot to sunbathe, dip your feet into cool water or lay back and read a book. You could even have a barbecue party with your friends and family. Deep Cove truly has a little something for everyone!
