If you're looking for things to do in Vancouver this summer, why not add some of the city's hidden gems to your travel itinerary?
Vancouver has many stunning parks, cafes and other areas that are tucked away in places in and around the city and you can get to many of them via the Canada Line or Translink bus.
Whether you want to go for a hike with epic views and a hidden waterfall, travel to a charming small town or check out a cute cafe in a residential neighbourhood, there are a lot of options via public transit.
Here are nine hidden gems near Vancouver you can get to without a car.
Swimming hole in Lynn Canyon Park
Price: Starts at $3.15 (one-way) to take the sea bus from downtown to the Lonsdale Quay bus loop and then take #228 or #229, $11.25 for a Translink day pas
Address: 3663 Park Rd, North Vancouver
Why You Need To Go: Lynn Canyon Park is full of hidden treasures and it's only about 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver.
You'll find a 30-foot pool with green-blue water at the park and it's the perfect spot to cool off after a hike during the summer. There's also a pebble beach near the pool where you can have a picnic.
Don't forget to check out the suspension bridge when you're there. It towers over 50 metres over the canyon and offers great views.
Norvan Falls
Price: Starts at $3.15 (one-way) to take the sea bus from downtown to the Lonsdale Quay bus loop and then take #228 or #229, $11.25 for a Translink day pas
Address: Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, North Vancouver, BC
Why You Need To Go: Also near Lynn Valley, which is about 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver, is Norvan Falls.
This stunning waterfall is located among lush green trees in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park.
It is a bit of a hike to get to the falls with the Vancouver Trails website listing it at about 14 kilometres there and back so be prepared to make this a day-trip. However, based on the looks of the photos it seems worth it!
Bunker at Lighthouse Park
Price: $3.15 for the #250 TransLink bus ticket from downtown Vancouver to Marine Drive or Beacon Lane (one-way)
Address: 4902 Beacon Ln, West Vancouver
Why You Need To Go: Lighthouse Park is a popular park in West Vancouver and the lighthouse located there is a national historic site.
However, there is a hidden spot inside the park which not everyone knows about.
It's an abandoned bunker right next to the water. To find it, head east of the Point Atkinson Lighthouse station and follow the main path. When you arrive at the public bathrooms, take a left down to the beach. You'll spot the graffiti-covered structure not far from the lighthouse.
Le Marché St. George
Price: About $3.15 for the Canada Line (one-way)
Address: 4393 St George St, Vancouver
Why You Need To Go: Le Marché St. George is a beautiful rustic cafe that is also a general store.
It's located in a residential neighbourhood in Vancouver and offers everything from coffee to baked goods, crepes and gourmet foods.
So grab your besties or your favourite book and go check out the adorable spot!
Cleveland Dam
Price: About $3.15 to take the #247 bus (one-way)
Address: Cleveland Dam, North Vancouver
Why You Need To Go: About 30 minutes outside of Vancouver's downtown you'll find the Cleveland Dam.
Built in 1954, the dam is an impressive sight to see as it's about 300 feet and holds back Capilano Lake, according to Vancouver's North Shore website.
Several short hikes and trails lead to the incredible views of the dam. Once you're done checking that out, head to the Capilano Salmon Hatchery which is nearby.
Honey Doughnuts & Goodies
Price: About $3.15 by TransLink bus (one-way)
Address: 4373 Gallant Ave, North Vancouver
Why You Need To Go: Deep Cove is a small waterfront community in North Vancouver, about 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver.
This charming spot has many great attractions to do during your visit, including checking out an amazing cafe.
Honey Doughnuts & Goodies is a beloved donut shop by the locals and celebrities, with the most recent being Harry Styles who visited in 2023 with his then-girlfriend and Vancouver-native Taylor Russell.
Next time you're in Deep Dove go grab a doughnut, and a cup of coffee and enjoy it by the water. You can follow that up with a hike on the Quarry Rock Trail.
Whistler Train Wreck
Price: From $35 via YVR Skylynx to Whistler (one-way) and then either walk from Whistler Village or take the #10 or #20 bus to the stop on Legacy Way at the HI Whistler Hostel
Address: Whistler, BC
Why You Need To Go: A quick hike through a Whistler forest will lead you to an abandoned train wreck that has been there since the 1950s.
According to the blog Whistorical, a train was speeding down the railway in 1956 when it crashed and ended up blocking the line. The railway company eventually had to call a local family to help with moving the boxcars and they have been there ever since.
Those boxcars, which are now covered in graffiti, have become a popular tourist destination.
Cypress Falls
Price: About $3.15 for the #253 TransLink bus that will take you to Woodgreen Rd which is close to Cypress Falls Park
Address: Woodgreen Pl, West Vancouver
Why You Need To Go: About 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver you can head on an easy 3-kilometre trail that will lead you to the stunning Cypress Falls.
This hike is a great option to do year-round and takes about 1.5 hours to complete.
Breka Bakery and Cafe
Price: About $3.15 for a TransLink bus
Address: 4554 Main St., Vancouver, BC
Why You Need To Go: Breka Bakery & Cafe has several locations in Vancouver and this hidden gem is open 24 hours a day, meaning you can satisfy your sweet craving at any time.
The bakery has drool-worthy desserts like strawberry cream doughnuts, pina colada cheesecake, strudels, cookies, sandwiches and more.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
