Vancouver, off the itinerary
Vancouver is often defined by its postcard attractions: Stanley Park seawall rides, Granville Island markets and mountain views around every corner. But venture beyond the city’s most photographed spots and a different side of the region emerges: one filled with tucked-away gardens, vibrant night markets and coastal communities that locals treasure.
Here are a few off-the-beaten-path experiences worth exploring next time you’re in Vancouver—or extending a conference stay on the West Coast.
Dive into Richmond’s food scene after dark
Richmond has quietly become one of Canada’s most exciting culinary destinations, particularly for Asian cuisine, and nowhere is that more apparent than at the Richmond Night Market. Running seasonally near the River Rock Casino Resort, the sprawling open-air market draws crowds with hundreds of food stalls serving everything from soup dumplings and grilled skewers to Japanese soufflé pancakes, Taiwanese fried chicken and inventive over-the-top desserts. We loved these beignets made fresh to order and served piping hot!
But the experience goes beyond the food itself. Neon lights, live entertainment, arcade games and the constant buzz of people create an atmosphere that feels more akin to an Asian street festival than a traditional North American market. Arriving hungry is essential, as is pacing yourself.
Beyond the night market, Richmond’s everyday food scene is equally compelling. Hidden strip malls and plazas house some of Metro Vancouver’s best regional Chinese restaurants, noodle shops, bakeries and bubble tea cafés. It’s the kind of place where locals will passionately debate the city’s best xiao long bao or barbecue pork buns.
Step back in time in Steveston Village
Just a short drive from central Richmond, Steveston feels worlds away from downtown Vancouver’s glass towers. The historic fishing village is lined with boardwalks, independent cafés, seafood restaurants and working fishing boats that still unload fresh catch along the docks. I’ve never seen fresh sea urchins quite as large!
A stop by the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site is worth a visit to learn about the region’s once-booming salmon canning industry. Steveston is also an ideal place to sample ultra-fresh seafood. Fish-and-chips shops, sushi restaurants and local markets showcase the region’s coastal bounty in a more laid-back setting than Vancouver’s busier tourist districts.
Find quiet culture in Burnaby
About 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver, the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre in Burnaby offers a quieter cultural experience many visitors overlook. The centre explores the history and contributions of Japanese Canadians through exhibitions, events and community programming—including the chance to experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony—while the adjacent Japanese garden provides a peaceful retreat filled with winding pathways, koi ponds and carefully manicured greenery. It’s a perfect place to grab a coffee and sit with a good book for some down time.
Burnaby is often overshadowed by Vancouver’s restaurant reputation, but the suburb has quietly become one of the region’s most interesting food destinations, too. Family-run delis like Cioffi's, contemporary Asian restaurants, craft breweries and multicultural cafés reflect the diversity that defines the city. Increasingly, chefs and entrepreneurs are building businesses there specifically because they can experiment outside Vancouver’s more expensive core.
Take a forest walk above the city
Lynn Canyon Park in North Vancouver offers a more relaxed alternative to the region’s busier suspension bridge attractions. Cross the free suspension bridge to explore temperate rainforest trails and discover swimming holes tucked between moss-covered rocks and towering evergreens. The park feels immersive and remote despite being only a short drive from the city.
Spend an evening outdoors at the theatre
During the summer months, Stanley Park’s Theatre Under the Stars stages open-air musicals surrounded by forest scenery. Watching live performances as daylight fades and the park quiets down offers a distinctly Vancouver experience that blends nature and culture into one memorable evening.
Try BC wine beyond the Okanagon
Most visitors associate British Columbia wine with the Okanagan, but the Fraser Valley—about two hours outside of Vancouver—is developing its own wine identity. Smaller wineries and farm-based tasting rooms offer a more intimate experience, often paired with mountain views and locally sourced food. It’s an ideal day trip for wine-lovers.
Find the sunset without the crowds
Instead of heading to packed English Bay, many locals favour spots like Whytecliff Park in West Vancouver or Barnet Marine Park in Burnaby for quieter waterfront sunset views. Without the same tourist crowds, it’s ideal for unwinding at the end of a long conference day.
Vancouver’s biggest attractions are certainly popular for a reason, but as I discovered, some of the region’s most memorable experiences happened when I stepped away from the obvious itinerary and followed the places locals return to again and again.
For more to do while in BC, go to https://www.supernaturalbc.com. Please share your own Vancouver area gems in the comments below too.
When she's not reporting on health news for Canadian Healthcare Network, Toronto-based journalist Rosalind Stefanac enjoys exploring lesser-known spots as a member of the Travel Media Association of Canada.