Vancouver tends to have tourists flocking its streets and coastline throughout the year, mostly crowding the same handful of go-to attractions.
We, the locals, are extremely accustomed to seeing people from around the world taking in the beauty that Vancouver has to offer. They're often wandering through downtown with their maps unfolded and backpacks strapped to the front of their bodies. The summertime, as you can well imagine, is the peak season for vacationers, and downtown is their preferred place to sightsee thanks to countless walkable attractions and sights. As in every city, locals generally don't think about these famed tourist destinations, and almost certainly don't visit them.
That's great! We Vancouverites have our favourite low-key places that are only locally known, and visitors have their publicized hotspots, and everyone is happy. Tourists have no idea of the hidden gems dotted throughout our stunning coastal city, and we want to keep it that way.
Frankly, it would be treasonous for me to share any of them with out-of-towners...
The Vancouver Central Library Rooftop Garden
The secret rooftop garden of Vancouver Public Library.
This is one of my personal favourite unseen spots in Vancouver, and that's why I don't like out-of-town guests to know about it.
The downtown public library on Robson and Homer Streets has a wonderful design based on the Roman Colosseum, with eight floors ideal for studying, reading, or browsing the internet. However, it's the little-known ninth floor that is the real treat, with a square garden, plenty of seating, and a terrific city view looking east.
On a nice day, I love to grab a coffee or some lunch and enjoy the tranquillity, which is almost impossible to find downtown.
Steveston Village
This adorable seaside village is actually located outside of Vancouver in Richmond, a city that is just far enough away from our coastal metropolis to escape its hectic pace, but close enough to easily access by public transit.
Steveston is considered a heritage site, meaning that it's well-protected from development and retains its quaint nature. However, it's also a completely functional fishing village, and that's what makes this not only an enjoyable place to take a quiet stroll but also the perfect place to devour some of the best seafood you'll ever eat.
Vancouver Rowing Club
This Vancouver institution is well over 100 years old and is located at the Stanley Park entrance of our famed Seawall. Most tourists love to walk the ten-kilometre stretch around the park and absorb the dazzling sights of the ocean and mountainous backdrop, yet completely bypass the club, believing it to be solely the domain of boat owners and dedicated rowers.
What they don't know is that this is not only a vintage sports club, but a near-perfect venue for those who want to host events and have a scenic and unique wedding day. The photo opportunities on the various decks are limitless, the catering is included with the price, and the rooms within are beautifully designed with huge windows and the club's original wooden structure.
The Granville Bridge Spinning Chandelier
Vancouver's Spinning Chandelier.
In 2019, this public art piece was installed beneath the Granville Street Bridge, as commissioned by the city.
It isn't exactly admired by locals as we consider it entirely bizarre, but we do like to stop and gawk at it if we happen to be at the intersection of Beach Avenue and Howe Street. That's why we wouldn't want any tourists to come and take pictures; it would just get in the way of our own fascination with this sculpture that brings a fresh eccentricity to Vancouver.
Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge
Located in the luscious forests of the North Shore mountains, heading out to Lynn Canyon is a favourite activity for locals. It's free, it's beyond photo-worthy, and once you've held your breath and crossed the bridge (overlooking rushing water and evergreens), you get the opportunity to hike the trails and play in some natural pools of water if it's a hot day.
I don't think this is anything that tourists would be interested in, as there is another suspension bridge located elsewhere on the North Shore where they can experience the same Instagram-ready views of the same greenery and rivers, except they get to pay for the experience!
The Really Gay History Tour
Despite having the word "tour" in its colourful title, this likely isn't something that sight-seers would be interested in. After all, it's a delightful walking tour of Vancouver during June Pride Month, where you get to learn about the heritage of Vancouver's LGBTQ2+ community. Residents actually enjoy coming downtown to visit historical landmarks and have a gifted storyteller guide them through little-known gay Vancouver facts, while also getting an authentic on-foot look at parts of the city.
Since it's very easy to sign up for in advance, this is a hidden gem we definitely don't want visitors to know about.
Bowen Lookout
This place really needs to remain a hidden gem, so it's a good thing that very few visitors know about it. While tourists can eagerly keep themselves occupied by walking around Canada Place or hitting up Science World, locals love to take a break from the city and head on up to West Vancouver (not to be confused with the West End or the West Side). Located in Cypress Provincial Park, this has one of the most jaw-dropping views in British Columbia and has to be seen to be believed. It can only really be accessed by car, which is what makes it a favourite of Vancouverites.
The best thing about this city is its close proximity to so much beautiful nature, and we definitely take advantage of it wherever possible.
It's a good thing I know how to keep secrets!
This article has been updated since it was originally published on July 22, 2024.
