Discover our locals' 195 hidden gems in Vancouver

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City Guide made by Locals from Vancouver.

Let's explore Vancouver’s hidden spots with Spotted by Locals! From scenic parks and cozy cafes to local breweries and historical buildings, our Spotters share the city’s true character. Experience Vancouver through the eyes of true locals.

Our Spotters from Vancouver:

Our Vancouver Cityguide - Made by Locals

Know your way in Vancouver like a local.

Spotted by Locals

✓ Discover Vancouver through the eyes of a local!

✓ Hidden gems that can’t be found in traditional guidebooks

✓ Our locals share their personal favorite spots in Vancouver

Check out our latest hidden gems in Vancouver

Our latest Spots in Vancouver

Fun Alley

A hidden colourful hangout spot

Benches to sit on and watered plants show that Fun Alley was designed as a place for people to hang out, not just a place to glance at and keep going.

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Art & culture
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Relaxing

by

Rebecca

Heggs

Sep 14, 2025

Jingle Bao

Colourful dumplings in the West End

Magnificent Seven — seven soup dumplings with different colours and flavours and their giant soup dumplings, which are served with a straw for easy slurping.

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Restaurants

by

Rebecca

Heggs

Sep 14, 2025

La Grotta del Formaggio

A taste of Italy

La Grotta del Formaggio, a Vancouver classic, offers hefty custom sandwiches, unique pastas, and diverse cheeses in Little Italy since the 1970s. Enjoy!

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Coffee & tea
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Restaurants
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Snacks

by

Rebecca

Heggs

Sep 1, 2025

Grounds for Coffee

Best cinnamon buns in the city

While they are a cafe selling coffee and various baked goods, the main reason people come through the doors is to get one of their delicious cinnamon buns.

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Coffee & tea
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Snacks

by

Rebecca

Heggs

Sep 1, 2025

Fraser River Trail

Unique riverside view

The "Fraser River Trail" in Vancouver is a super relaxing walk with a view of boats in the distance and some planes flying in and out of YVR Airport.

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Relaxing

by

Daniela

Botelho Perotto

Aug 31, 2025

Vancouver Story Slam

2nd longest in the world

"Vancouver Story Slam" runs the second-longest-running story slam in the world! It's very unexpected and underrated treat. Grab a drink, sit back & enjoy!

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Art & culture
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Bars
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Relaxing

by

Daniela

Botelho Perotto

Aug 27, 2025

Rocky Point Park

Nature, food & beer

A popular but out of the way park, Rocky Point Park and its surroundings are a gathering place for families, friends, and couples alike.

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Relaxing

by

Rebecca

Heggs

Aug 24, 2025

CRAFT Beer Market

100+ beers on tap!

"CRAFT Beer Market" in Vancouver is my favourite place to sip a beer, relax and hang out with friends with one of the 140 beers on tap and some Maui ribs.

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Bars

by

Dinesh

Jayabalan

Aug 18, 2025

Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie

Handmade dumplings!

"Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie" is one of the finest Chinese restaurants in Vancouver. I have a whole list of favorites there. Come prepared to share!

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Bars
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Restaurants

by

Daniela

Botelho Perotto

Aug 18, 2025

Green Leaf Brewing Co.

Waterfront brewery!

"Green Leaf Brewing Co." in Vancouver is a small brewery located in a cozy, waterfront market. It was the perfect cure after I came back from Bavaria...

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Bars

by

Dinesh

Jayabalan

Aug 18, 2025

Granville Island Public Market

Fresh market!

"Granville Island Public Market" in Vancouver is very close to where I love, so I come here mostly to get veggies, some good meat and sweet treats!

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Shopping
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Snacks

by

Dinesh

Jayabalan

Aug 18, 2025

The Roxy Cabaret

Dance the night off!

"The Roxy Cabaret" in Vancouver is my favorite club to dance to live music. Every Friday and Saturday there is always a good band playing...

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Bars
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Music

by

Dinesh

Jayabalan

Aug 18, 2025

Heading to Vancouver?

195 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Going to Vancouver?

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

What to expect?

Authentic & Unbiased Content

Our local Spotters share personal tips and secrets about their city. Nothing sponsored! These unique insights can’t be found in traditional guidebooks. Discover the city through the eyes of a local!

Go off the Beaten Path Gems

We focus on hidden gems and unique places that aren’t crowded with tourists. Our Spotters’ tips help you avoid the crowds and have truly special experiences, far from the tourist masses.

Responsible Travel

By visiting our locals’ favorites and lesser-known places, you contribute to a more sustainable way of traveling. You support the local economy and reduce the pressure on popular tourist spots. And in the end, those are the best places right?

Hi! Nice to meet you.

We are Spotted by Locals. An online travel community publishing city guides in 80+ cities. Our hand-picked local writers and photographers create all the content.

Our 488 Spotters (and counting) live in the cities they write about, speak the local language, and regularly update their tips. Their insights help around 1.4 million travelers each year discover the hidden gems of cities.

With insider advice from locals, we offer a unique, sustainable travel experience, allowing travelers to slow down and immerse themselves in the local culture, beyond the tourist hotspots.

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Made with the 💚 of 496 Spotters.
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