Deep Cove is a saltwater inlet located in the easternmost part of the District of North Vancouver. It also refers to a small namesake bay and a waterfront neighbourhood that’s locally known as “The Cove”.
Traditionally, the territory belonged to the Tsleil-Waututh and Squamish Coast Salish First Nations. Today, Deep Cove has transformed into a sprawling seaside tourist area chock full of boutique shops, outdoor activities, and plenty of cottages dominating the shoreline.
This picturesque seaside community is only a 20-minute-drive from Vancouver, attracting thousands of visitors every week to seek out a scenic walk, take on a hike, shop in the village, go kayaking, and paddleboarding up the Indian Arm.
Where Is Deep Cove?
Deep Cove is tucked at the base of Mount Seymour, facing the Seymour community to the west and the Indian Arm to the east. The Deep Cove area is home to the Cove Cliff, Deep Cove Village, Dollarton, and Indian Arm neighbourhoods.
Inheriting the thriving wilderness forests of the North Shore mountains and the scenic Indian Arm, Deep Cove has become one of the most scenic spots in the Lower Mainland for outdoorsy people and nature enthusiasts.
What Is Deep Cove Known For?
Deep Cove is famous for a wide range of outdoor activities surrounding its gorgeous shoreline. Thanks to a sheltered harbor vista, a bustling downtown village filled with local galleries and cultural events, Deep Cove is known as a fabulous shooting location for TV and film productions.
People who love the relaxing atmosphere of a coastal community move here to visit and stay. It’s a fabulous place to chill out and reflect with plenty of expensive real estate as well.
Top Things to Do in Deep Cove
Deep Cove is a laid-back town, so everything about it is to help you reflect, boost your mental health, and find your inner peace.
A lazy day in Deep Cove can be as easy as watching the slugs and beetles, feeling the green moss, or sitting on a log by the beach. But there’s so much more to do in Deep Cove that keeps you occupied for a long weekend.
Here are eleven of our favorite leisure things to do in Deep Cove to stretch the muscles, cleanse the mind, and chow down on tasty bites.
Work Out on a Scenic Hike
There are plenty of beautiful hiking trails in Deep Cove. From a short stroll to an epic hike, here are our three favorite trails to work out under the shades.
Quarry Rock Hike
Inarguably the most talked-about hiking trail in Deep Cove, Quarry Rock is a four-kilometer long trail with a gorgeous view at the top. Quarry Rock Hike is friendly to beginners as it’s easy on the core with an elevation gain of 160 meters.
It’s also known as the Grey Rock, or Indian Arm Lookout Trail, and intertwined with the Baden Powell Trail during the first two kilometers. At the end of the trail, you will emerge on the large Quarry Rock outcrop that opens out to the Indian Arm, Burnaby Mountain, Deep Cove, and the Eagle Ridge and Belcarra mountains.
Starting Point: Baden Powell Trail Head – 1V4, Baden Powell Trail, North Vancouver, BC.
Baden Powell Trail
Baden Powell is a top call for experienced hikers to game up their skills on a more challenging and epic hike. It has a 1200-meter change in elevation and stretches over 42 kilometers from Horseshoe Bay on Howe Sound to Deep Cove on the Indian Arm.
The Baden Powell Trail is a mashup of different smaller sections. While spending two to four days hiking seems intimidating, you can break it down into different access points such as the eastern section from Deep Cove to Lynn Canyon or Horseshoe Bay to Deep Cove.
The first leg out of Horseshoe Bay is one of the most challenging trails surprising you with a quick change in elevation and a scramble.
Starting Point: Baden Powell Trail Head – 1V4, Baden Powell Trail, North Vancouver, BC.
Panorama Park Loop
Short and easy on the core, the loop trail around Panorama Park only has 41 meters in elevation gain with under two kilometers in length. The loop runs along the shoreline with smooth walking paths and paved sections to fit all ages and abilities.
Alternatively, you can stick to the open setting which is open for unrestricted foot traffic throughout. Linger to the public accessible pier and soak up the view over the cove.
The loop around the park is a fun scene to engage in. There are ice cream stores, coffee shops, and restaurants that are close to recharge and unwind after the hike.
Starting Point: 2200 Panorama Dr, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1L2.
Go Kayaking and Paddling Up and Down the Coast of Deep Cove
Hiking takes the crown when it comes to Deep Cove’s most popular activity when you set foot on land, but kayaking and paddling from oceans to streams guarantee the same level of fun!
Venture out from the launch point of Indian Arm and paddle through a tree-lined, finger-shaped fjord northwards and find yourself consumed by the absolute serenity at the mountain’s heart. Kayakers and paddlers can choose from multiple destinations along the Indian Arm and Deep Cove that fill up a 30-minute trip all the way to a full-day paddle.
For first-time visitors, a lesson or a guided tour is highly recommended to avoid the hassle of self-navigation. Deep Cove Kayak Center is one of the most popular operators with a variety of unique guided tours such as Friday Night Lights, Full Moon Evening, or Winter Explorer. Kayak rentals are also available from April to October, starting at $45 if you’d rather set out by yourself.
Address: 2156 Banbury Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7G 2T1
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Aside from Deep Cove Kayak Center, Cates Park Paddling Center is another stellar brand to find rentals and tours.
Address: 4141 Dollarton Hwy, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1A1.
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Conquer These Five Best Food Spots in Deep Cove
Honey Doughnuts & Goodies
When it comes to the best pastries in Deep Cove, Honey Donuts is on top of the list. This classic establishment is the locals’ favorite that’s been around since 1996.
From baked goods to freshly-prepared sandwiches, from specialty coffee to English scones, Honey Donuts gives you mouthwatering bites that delight your taste buds and soothe your soul at the same time.
It’s unarguable that Honey Donuts is a place for all kinds of eaters, and gluten-free pastries are also available. Make sure to grab the Honey Dipped donut, a signature serving beloved by celebrities and film stars who frequent North Vancouver!
Address: 4373 Gallant Ave, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1L1.
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Cafe Orso
This sweet seaside café is a lovely little European-style joint that overlooks a busy street of Deep Cove. It’s a perfect place for a get-together with homemade treats to recharge after a long day kayaking or hiking.
The cute design is the first thing that gets you hooked. It immediately stuns you the moment you walk in with a chilled and laid-back setting flooded with sunlight. Plus, the cute bear design at the front is a showstopper on its own.
Now talk about the menu, it’s simple and effective to help you pick a solid option in no time. Our favorite? Hot Chocolate and Liege Waffle! These two alone will get you planning the next trip to Deep Cove. They also have dairy-free requirements and plant-based alternative milk at hand.
Address: 4316 Gallant Ave, North Vancouver, BC V7J 1C8.
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Arms Reach Bistro
Going strong since 2004, Arms Reach Bistro brings out the best west coast dining experience in a contemporary yet intimate setting. The space is always busy but their service and food quality won’t disappoint.
The epic menu has so many great options to stun even the most demanding customers. You’ll want to start with a serving of tender Calamari, move on with some scrumptious truffle oil mushroom tagliatelle, and pair with the 2016 French white wine.
If you’re a fan of seafood, don’t miss out on the mussel with coconut sauce! Our secret tip is to dunk the fries in the sauce and leave them sitting for a minute to gather all the precious juices then finish with a fork.
Address: 4390 Gallant Ave #107c, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1L2.
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Deep Cove Pizza
This classic, old pizza joint has been around for years. And for the North Shore residents, Deep Cove Pizza is a household name.
There’s nothing fancy about this place. It’s just an intimate setting where you come with your friends, munch on some fresh, warm bites, and sip on some wine. And they serve up more than just a type or two.
Let’s take “It’s Amore” for example! It’s loaded with lean beef, fresh tomato, pepperoni, ham, and feta cheese full-on to fill up your empty stomach in a good way.
Fungi pizza is another great call catered to fungi worshippers. It concentrates on locally grown mushrooms and roasted garlic that’s generously flavored.
And of course, how can they forget to round it up with a whole dedicated page for a classic Italian flare. From Napoletana to Margherita, from Siciliana to Capri – you name it!
Address: 4385 Gallant Ave, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1L2.
Deep Cove Brewers & Distillers
We have pastries, we have pizza, we have coffee, now it’s time to tick some craft beers off our bucket list! And when it comes to craft beers, Deep Cove Brewers & Distillers is a star in town! It’s one of the few places serving both beers, spirits, and cocktails to delight everyone’s palate.
The moment you step into this casual industrial environment, you instantly go “Oh wow!”. They have great seating inside out that makes you feel like you’re in a forest. And because you’re in a forest, you wanna go for a glass of Pineapple Mango Sour with a surprisingly sour twist but so delicate that leaves you craving for the next sip.
Alternatively, go for their Specialty Beer selection like an IPA Grapefruit Radler and Deep Cove Shandy if you’re looking for something truly special to the region.
Deep Cove Brewery’s rise to fame goes hand in hand with its locally-focused manner, by using the finest sustainable BC ingredients in every small-batch spirit to resonate with craft lovers.
Address: 2270 Dollarton Hwy Unit 170, North Vancouver, BC V7H 1A8.
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Where to Park in Deep Cove?
Parking has a bad rap in Deep Cove. On-street parking lots are highly limited. Plus, they fill up quickly in the morning and usually remain full throughout the day, especially in the summer. If you can’t opt for public transit or bicycle, we still have some off-street parking options:
Panorama Park Parking: Panorama Drive, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1L2.
Three-hour parking and is strictly enforced.
Deep Cove Beach parking: Rockcliff Rd., North Vancouver, BC V7G 1W5.
Four-hour free parking.
Myrtle Park overflow parking:
- Caledonia Ave, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1Z3.
- 1661 Banbury Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1W2.
Cove Cliff Elementary School: 1818 Banbury Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1W4.
To avoid unwanted hassle and time-consuming situations, consider opting for an alternate form of transportation such as public transit or bicycle.
Car and tour bus traffic in the village are regulated to protect the surrounding trail ecosystem in summer.
Where To Stay In Deep Cove
FAQ
What Is There to Do in Deep Cove?
The main happenings take place in the bustling commercial core in the heart of Deep Cove that’s full of galleries, unique boutiques, and quaint bistros.
If you like to have fun in the water, paddling or kayaking up and down The Cove into Indian Arm is the best thing to do in Deep Cove. If you’d rather take it easy, then sit on the beach and gaze or soak up the sheltered harbor vista.
Meanwhile, fans of forest bathing and hiking can take on the majestic Quarry Rock Hike or Baden Powell Trail and Panorama Park.
Is Deep Cove Safe to Swim in?
Deep Cove is a perfect place to take a dip on the beach. However, you’re advised to double-check with Vancouver Coastal Health for the latest E. Coli count report and no swim advisory before setting out.
Is Deep Cove a Good Neighborhood?
Yes, Deep Cove is a gorgeous seaside neighborhood with an absolute sense of peace that goes beyond everyone’s imagination. The lush greenery helps you reconnect to the wilderness, while the sheltered body of water is to submerge yourself and relieve stress. With easy access to downtown Vancouver, Deep Cove is one of the best weekend getaways in the area.
Does Deep Cove Have a Beach?
The beautiful beach in Deep Cove can be found at Panorama Park, at the very end of Deep Cove Road. This quaint, serene beach has gravelly shores and a grassy knoll where you can throw a picnic, a BBQ, launch a boat or kayak. You may find the beach a tad smaller than its counterparts in the region but it guarantees a scenic spot for swimming and soaking in the view.
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