With milder spring temps on the way and (hopefully) a little less rain in the forecast ahead, it’s the perfect time to get out and explore areas around YVR. One of our favourite mini-escapes is North Vancouver’s Deep Cove area, tucked off the beaten track and about a 20-minute drive out of downtown and a perfect day trip.

Take either the Lion’s Gate Bridge over to Hwy 1 or venture across the Second Narrows Bridge and you’ll have no trouble finding your way toward Dollarton Hwy or Mt. Seymour Pkwy (and our suggested destination).

Deep Cove offers up a quaint, village-style setting and just happens to be surrounded by lush, emerald green old-growth trees, rocky beaches, sprawling park space and a waterfront inlet. When you get there, park the car and take in the serenity of the scene – relishing the fact that it took under 30 minutes to get there.

Grab your camera and pair of running shoes and make your way over to the head of the Baden Powell Trail for a relatively quick hike up to Quarry Rock (about an hour). This easy-to-do walk has a pretty stable climb in elevation, doable for most – just watch your footing. At the top, you’ll likely run into other hikers sprawled out on the rock, taking in the incredible view of Burrard Inlet. You might even see some bald eagles, so keep your eyes peeled.

Post trek, head to Arm’s Reach Bistro for a rewarding plate of mussels with frites, a glass of chilled BC wine, a pint of local craft beer, and one of their signature pasta dishes. Open weekends for lunch too, if the sun permits score a patio seat (cozy blankets included) and enjoy the scene.

You might want to meander your way across the street to do a bit of window-shopping (there are a handful of cool boutiques we’re fans of). Be sure to duck into Room6 and A’hoy next door to peruse their latest offerings. Both boutiques offer an eclectic mix of stylish accessories, locally made décor items, the latest Herschel bags, cool clothing, beauty care products, and more… guaranteed your wallet will leave feeling lighter.

Later in spring and throughout summer all the action is at the area’s oceanfront with kayaks and SUP boards available for rent from Deep Cove Kayak (and you can even score an SUP yoga lesson if you’re feeling limber).

No visit to Deep Cove is complete without a stop in at Honey Doughnuts & Goodies. Simply put, they are amazing and we’re not massive fans of donuts (sorry Tim Horton’s). Honey’s makes an assortment of old fashioned, glazed, chocolate and maple doughnuts that are sweet and perfectly sticky (and consistently sell out).