Discovering the 14 Hidden Gems of Vancouver: A Guide to Secretive Spots (2024)

Vancouver is a stunning Canadian city located on its west coast. This vibrant and diverse city boasts stunning natural beauty, a cosmopolitan atmosphere, vibrant urban culture, and a rich cultural heritage. Vancouver offers everything from towering mountains to sparkling waterfronts, along with popular tourist attractions. Places like Granville Island and Stanley Park are the must-check out in the city. But if you are someone who prefers off-beat traveling, Vancouver has a lot of hidden gems and secretive spots to explore.

A lot of landmarks in Vancouver are often overlooked by visitors, and that’s how they become hidden gems. Whether it is a simple swing on a beach, a secluded beach, a section inside a popular garden, or more, options are many. Every single hidden gem like this displays a unique character and offers an unforgettable experience.

Join us in this article, and we will introduce you to some of the best-kept secrets of Vancouver. Whether you are a long-time Vancouver resident or a first-time visitor, you will love exploring these places.

Discovering the 14 Hidden Gems of Vancouver: A Guide to Secretive Spots

Let’s get started to discover the magic of this vibrant metropolis.

1. Vancouver Beach Swing

Visiting the secretive swing on the West of Kits beach in Vancouver is like walking down memory lane. This hidden gem is a handmade wooden swing that hangs from a tree.

Instagrammers and nature lovers gather here to enjoy stunning views of the ocean and the city skyline. However, the swing somehow manages to stay a secret, and not everyone knows about it. The swing near Kits beach can be reached via hiking through a trail, and this experience adds to its exclusivity and allure. It is best to visit here during low or mid tides.

2. Stanley Park’s Lost Lagoon

The 16.6-hectare captivating Lost Lagoon in Stanley Park isn’t a secretive spot, but it is still hidden from the crowd. When Stanley Park often stays crowded, visitors often overlook Lost Lagoon. It is a perfect place to take a peaceful stroll or enjoy a quiet picnic. Sit beside the calm waters and enjoy your serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Individuals can also spot wildlife like beavers, ducks, and herons along the Lagoon. 

3. Dude Chilling Park

Dude Chilling Park is a lesser-known spot amongst tourists, but the Vancouver locals know well about it. This small, community-run park is nestled in Mount Pleasant neighborhood and is home to a unique sculpture, ‘Reclining Figure .’Its official name is Guelph Park, whereas the unofficial one came from a tongue-in-cheek sign posted in 2012 by a local artist. The park isn’t a secret but is very less often visited by people other than from the neighborhood. One can check out this place for picnics, BBQs, and community events. The laid-back, relaxed vibe here is enjoyable.

4. Hastings-Sunrise Neighborhood

Hastings-Sunrise is a residential area in Vancouver on the east side of the city. The neighborhood boasts a busy mix of Asian shops, bakeries, and eateries. It also boasts culturally diverse residential homes and small businesses. The area is home to the Japanese-style Momiji Gardens, a lesser-known landmark amongst locals and tourists. While not a secretive spot, Hastings-Sunrise isn’t as well known as other localities in Vancouver. Individuals can check out this place during Pacific National Exhibition or check out Playland amusement park.

5. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden isn’t secretive, but since it is tucked away from the main streets, it can be an easy miss. The garden, though, is a popular tourist spot, but until you are here after a dedicated internet surfing, you may overlook it. This Chinese Garden is a serene and hidden oasis built back in 1986 using traditional methods and materials. It is a must-visit place for individuals seeking a moment of tranquility in the city. A visit to the garden allows individuals to check out winding paths, beautiful rock formations, and a peaceful pond.

6. Strathcona

Strathcona is the oldest residential neighborhood in Vancouver today, known for its historical value. Today is widely recognized within the city, but in the past, Strathcona was a well-kept secret due to its reputation as a rough area. In the recent few years, Strathcona started boasting a diverse community and beautiful architecture. It is now home to parks and community organizations and hosts several cultural events bringing residents together. For its rich history, welcoming porches, restored row houses, and overflowing flower gardens, Strathcona is well worth exploring.

7. Vancouver Mural Festival

Vancouver Mural Festival is a well-known annual event that brings art lovers and creators together. This annual event gathers local, national, and international artists, and they together create large-scale murals throughout the city. Vancouver Mural Festival isn’t secretive in any form, but finding murals is more throughout the city is more like a game. Since some of the locations of the murals aren’t widely publicized in advance, they add a surprising element. Discovering those murals is a fun experience on its own.

8. Le Marché St. George

Le Marché St. George isn’t dedicatedly a hidden gem but an unexpected location in the middle of a quiet residential area. This charming little market and café are nestled in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood. It is housed inside a quaint green heritage building featuring rustic-chic décor with a unique blend of old-world charm and modern sensibilities. The café offers a beautifully curated selection of artisanal goods and freshly baked treats. Le Marché St. George is more profoundly known amongst locals who are seeking a delightful and authentic experience in Vancouver.

9. The Bloedel Conservatory

The Bloedel Conservatory is a domed botanical garden nestled atop the highest point of Vancouver. The conservatory has been sitting inside Queen Elizabeth Park since 1969. Its dome is built using acrylic panels and measures 140 feet in diameter and 70 feet high. Inside the dome is a range of exotic plants and birds from around the world. Visitors can observe some free-flying tropical birds, and that sight is definitely to be seen. It boasts three different climate zones and is a must-visit tourist attraction for nature lovers. While Bloedel Conservatory isn’t a well-kept secret while tourists often overlook it due to its location. The conservatory is nestled in a lush corner of the park and is overlooked.

10. The Secret Garden at UBC

This garden space on the University of British Columbia campus is hidden and you definitely need to check it out. This beautiful garden has been present here since 1916 and is often visited by science and forestry students. Its secluded location and serene atmosphere certainly make it feel like a hidden oasis. Whether you are a tourist or a local, you may have often failed to notice the garden. However, a visit here is a must, especially for observing the plant species native to the Pacific Northwest. The winding pathways and lush greenery make it a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

11. Cambie Climbing Tree

Easily noticeable due to its massive size, Cambie Climbing Tree isn’t as well known as it may seem. Individuals can find out the tree by walking south from the King Edward Skytrain Station; however, its exact location has been intentionally kept a secret. This massive tree hardly appears ordinary, all thanks to its huge strong trunk and dozens of thick, evenly-spaced. The solid branches growing closely make it easy to climb the tree, and the view of Vancouver’s skyline and the famous North Shore mountains are truly mesmerizing. However, do take precautions since the tree is secluded, and in case of a mishappening, you may fail to find help.

12. Wreck Beach

Wreck Beach is a clothing-optional beach amongst a lot of beaches in Vancouver. It isn’t a secret, but due to being a nudist-friendly destination, it isn’t as frequently visited as other beaches in the city. The beach is where visitors can spend relaxing time without worrying about clothes and crowds since people here are always fewer. The Wreck Beach is easily accessible through a steep trail that leads down from the cliffs above. Even if the beach is visible to you from above, it is easy to miss due to its secluded setting. Wreck Beach welcomes visitors of all ages as long as you are respectful of the clothing-optional policy.

13. Mystery Picnic by Amazingco.

Mystery Picnic by Amazingco. Is it an experience to live in Vancouver, featuring a lot of secrets along the way? Participants receive a mysterious picnic basket that is full of clues and delicious treats. Until the participants don’t understand the cues, the hidden destination of their picnic will stay a secret. Solving puzzles, decoding messages, and discovering the hidden gems in Vancouver is an amazing experience for Amazingco. After solving all the cues, participants get to enjoy an adventurous yet delicious picnic from local producers.

14. Horseshoe Bay Lookout

The Horseshoe Bay Lookout is the best-kept secret of Vancouver, and you need to check it out. This scenic viewpoint cannot be seen from the road, and that is why it has been hidden for a long. The lookout can be reached near a ferry terminal close to a small parking lot. When here, individuals can enjoy panoramic views of the bay, marina, islands, and mountains around. However, the most popular thing to do here is watching the sunset. Visiting this gem of a location on a busy evening is a very beautiful experience.