Croww

Hidden gems around Vancouver

Hand-picked places around the Lower Mainland that are worth the trip on any day, and that most visitors miss.

• Lynn Canyon ParkNorth Vancouver · A free suspension bridge and forest trails, without the ticket lines of the bigger bridges.
• Deep Cove and Quarry RockNorth Vancouver · A short forest hike to a viewpoint over Indian Arm, then doughnuts and kayaks back in the village.
• Bloedel ConservatoryQueen Elizabeth Park · A domed tropical garden with free-flying birds, set on one of the best viewpoints in the city.
• Museum of Anthropology at UBCUBC · Towering Northwest Coast carvings inside a glass-and-concrete hall by Arthur Erickson.
• Nitobe Memorial GardenUBC · A quiet, traditional Japanese garden tucked into the edge of the UBC campus.
• Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese GardenChinatown · A Ming-dynasty-style scholars’ garden in the middle of Chinatown, with covered walkways for rainy days.
• Pacific Spirit Regional ParkVancouver Westside · Big forest trails right beside the city, far quieter than Stanley Park.
• Lonsdale Quay MarketNorth Vancouver · Ride the SeaBus across the harbour, then graze a public market with a skyline view behind you.
• Steveston Village and Fisherman’s WharfRichmond · Seafood sold straight off the boats at the wharf, then a walk through a former fishing village.
• Garry Point ParkRichmond · Open grass and driftwood at the mouth of the Fraser River. Good for kites and for sunsets.
• Alexandra Road food streetRichmond · A dense run of restaurants where Richmond’s best-known regional Chinese cooking is a short walk apart.
• River Market at the QuayNew Westminster · A public market on the Fraser River boardwalk, an easy SkyTrain ride from downtown.
• Port Moody craft breweriesPort Moody · A compact cluster of craft breweries and taprooms near the inlet, easy to do on foot.
• Crescent BeachSurrey · A low-key beach town with sunset views over Boundary Bay and wide tidal flats at low tide.
• White Rock PierWhite Rock · The longest pier in Canada, with a seaside promenade and fish and chips at the end of the day.
• Fort LangleyLangley · A preserved fur-trade fort plus a walkable village of antique shops and cafes.

Hours and prices change, so check before you go.