Discover our locals' 192 hidden gems in 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.

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City guides by those who know Vancouver best!

Get to know our Spotters from Vancouver

Check out our latest hidden gems in Vancouver

Things to do in Vancouver

Ngon-Cafe
rebeccaheggs

Ngon Cafe – A piece of Vietnam in Vancouver

Ngon Cafe offers authentic & affordable Vietnamese delights like banh mi and fresh salad rolls. Here my favorites are the coconut and salted cheese coffee!

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Coffee & tea
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Restaurants
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Snacks

By

Rebecca

Heggs

Dec 10, 2024
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rebeccaheggs

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

Dec 9, 2024
Roosters-Ice-Cream-Bar
adelinawong

Rooster's Ice Cream Bar – Artisanal ice cream

"Rooster's Ice Cream Bar" is Vancouver's new gourmet ice cream bar! It makes artisanal ice cream with natural ingredients - I love trying their experiments

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Snacks

By

Adelina

Wong

Dec 8, 2024
Longs-Noodle-House
adelinawong

Long's Noodle House – Amazing soup dumplings

"Long's Noodle House" Vancouver is a hole-in-the-wall restaurant serving up fantastic Shanghaiese food. I'm a fan of their soup dumplings and wine chicken.

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Restaurants

By

Adelina

Wong

Dec 8, 2024
Annys-Dairy-Bar
adelinawong

Anny’s Dairy Bar – Quebecois comfort food

"Anny’s Dairy Bar" in Vancouver serves more than dairy products, despite its name. The real draw, at least for me, is its maple twist cones...

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Snacks

By

Adelina

Wong

Dec 8, 2024
Superbaba
samanthacheng

Superbaba – Mouth-watering falafel food truck

Food truck "Superbaba" in Vancouver, simply has the best falafel I've ever tasted. I'll often 'forget' my lunch just to go there and indulge...

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Snacks

By

Samantha

Cheng

Dec 4, 2024
Loafe-Cafe
samanthacheng

Loafe Cafe – Artsy university cafe

"Loafe Cafe" in University of British Columbia in Vancouver is a favorite among students. It's one of my favorite places to catch up with friends...

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Coffee & tea
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Snacks

By

Samantha

Cheng

Dec 4, 2024
Reflections-Garden-Terrace
samanthacheng

Reflections Garden Terrace – Rooftop patio downtown

The "Reflections Garden Terrace" in Vancouver is on Hotel Georgia. This cozy garden bar is a favourite among locals year round. Remember: ask for a blanket

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Bars

By

Samantha

Cheng

Dec 4, 2024
MeeT-on-Main
samanthacheng

MeeT on Main – Vegan comfort food

"MeeT on Main" in Vancouver makes amazing vegan comfort food, no mater whether you're plant-based or not! Pro-tip: just go earlier rather than later...

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Restaurants
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Snacks

By

Samantha

Cheng

Dec 4, 2024
Sun-Sushi
samanthacheng

Sun Sushi – Cheap but delicious sushi

"Sun Sushi" in Vancouver is perfect if you're looking for a fast & delicious meal, plus incredibly quick service and cheap prices! Try the agedashi tofu...

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Restaurants

By

Samantha

Cheng

Dec 4, 2024
The-Orpheum
samanthacheng

The Orpheum – Historical theatre from 1927

"The Orpheum" in Vancouver is home to the city's symphony orchestra. It's truly a sight to see and a must-visit for an evening show in the city...

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Art & culture
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Music
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Theaters

By

Samantha

Cheng

Dec 4, 2024
La-Casa-Gelato
samanthacheng

La Casa Gelato – Locally owned ice cream shop

"La Casa Gelato" is Vancouver's queen of ice cream, with almost as many flavors of ice cream as there are days in the year.

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Snacks

By

Samantha

Cheng

Dec 4, 2024

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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?

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Experience the vibrant culture of Vancouver with Spotted by Locals. Explore the historic streets of Gastown, the trendy neighborhoods of South Main and Yaletown, and the scenic beauty of Stanley Park. Our app offers insider recommendations on local attractions, dining spots, and cultural events, ensuring you experience the best of Canada’s west coast gem like a true local. Download now and start exploring!

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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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