It was cottage country in 1910, and 100 years later Deep Cove in the District of North Vancouver is still a tranquil, family-friendly neighbourhood with a small-town feel. The western boundary of Deep Cove extends to Cliffwood Road curving northward along Panorama Drive. The southern edge runs along Cliffmont and Cove Cliff roads to the water. Its eastern boundary is the waterfront.
The ocean dominates the seaside community of Deep Cove — many homes sit perched in the hilly community overlooking the water. A small bay on Indian Arm, Deep Cove is known as a destination for maritime activities. Dozens of sailboats are moored in the harbour at the Deep Cove Yacht Club and, in good weather, kayakers and paddle boarders can be seen exploring Indian Arm.
Deep Cove has a unique blend of cultural and recreational activities — a theatre, art gallery and cultural centre feature prominently on its main street among the shops, cafes and restaurants and summertime outdoor concerts are regular events. But just minutes away, you will find the beach where locals and tourists go kayaking, sailing and swimming.
The 2011 Census shows that the District of North Vancouver hasn’t yet attracted the number of immigrants that many Lower Mainland communities have. Most North Vancouver residents, 74 per cent, speak English as their first language. The area also attracts the outdoorsy types who enjoy water sports and taking strolls along the beach.
The Village of Deep Cove is not known as a retail shopping mecca — and local residents are probably happy to keep it that way. But the main street of this neighbourhood offers a wide variety of stores and services all within walking distance. Not far away, the Dollarton Village offers groceries and other services.
Deep Cove, at the farthest eastern end of North Vancouver, is a bit out of the way for getting around, but buses run regularly in and out of the community, and Highway One is a short 10-minute drive away. Visitors from across the Lower Mainland and farther afield seek out Deep Cove as a destination causing some traffic headaches in summer.
Deep Cove residents don’t have many complaints about their quaint village on the eastern edges of the District of North Vancouver, but if they’re going to gripe, it’s about the parking problems brought by tourists during the summer months. This idyllic neighbourhood with its spectacular waterfront is a popular destination and on summer evenings it is bustling with activity.
As a destination for tourists, Deep Cove isn’t a cheap place to shop at — many of the small stores, boutiques and gift stores offer unique items that can be pricey. But the cafes, restaurants and ice cream shops cater to all wallets, and anyone on a budget can hop into their car and drive to one of the nearby shopping centres to do their shopping.
Home to two theatre companies, the Deep Cove Heritage Society and the Seymour Art Gallery, this community-oriented cultural centre is where locals go to take in a show or be entertained.
more infoLocated in the Deep Cove Cultural Centre, this local art gallery holds several shows a year and offers programs for all ages. The Gallery Shop features work by 60 local artists.
more infoDeep Cove Canoe & Kayak has dozens of kayaks, canoes, surfskis, paddleboards and dragon boats for rent and offers lessons and tours. Special events include women’s paddling and cheap date nights on Fridays.
more infoThis waterfront park is the perfect place for a summer picnic or a quick dip in the sea. This city park has a playground and grassy areas as well a place to hold barbecues.
more infoThis 48-kilometre starts in Horsheshoe Bay and its tail end is in Deep Cove. Many hikers access it from Deep Cove to walk the last four kilometres to Quarry Rock overlooking Indian Arm.
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