Oakwyn's Neighbourhood Guide: The North Shore

“Scratch Kitchen is a little hidden gem that most residents closer to the Cove know. They only use fresh, locally sourced ingredients and are known for their unique artisan pizzas & more. They also cater to plant lovers and have lots of flavourful options available. Furthermore, they support local craft breweries and BC wines that pair perfectly with their seasonal menu.”

Julia Beeger

“Our new go to spot for THE BEST fried chicken dinner is Douce Diner at 1490 Pemberton Ave. My family loves their chicken and biscuits and whenever my wife and I suggest it for dinner it always gets a resounding “yes” from the kids. You can order it online and they do curbside pickup. The chicken and waffle breakfast is also a must have.”

Gavin Hughes

“I strongly recommend Lift Breakfast Bakery – Great coffee and pastries as well as a very nice dinner menu. The baking is what makes this place special. Whether I grab a milk loaf to take home or pop in for a nice dinner, it has always been exceptional. Lately my lunch favourite has been the ‘Cut Chicken club’ and for dinner the ‘Fungi’.”

Paul Fraser

“Farina a Legna is incredible. Chef Alex (Alessandro Vianello) is the exec chef and created an amazing casual and intimate Italian menu experience all catered around a wood-fired oven. Go enjoy the house-made bread, pastas, and pizzas. My favourite drink is the bicicletta or the spritz. Having dinner here is always a great evening out.”

Brian Young

“I love Seaside Provisions at the new Seaside Hotel in the Shipyards. It’s a little secret hideaway, small, beautiful room in a boutique hotel with the most amazing food and the delicious cocktails. Chris, who runs the bar, has some beautiful and inventive creations. Currently, I’m obsessed with his Bourbon sours. They are so delicate and perfect. Everything on their food menu has been outstanding as well. We usually start with Kushi oysters, and some of my obsessions there are the grilled calamari, tuna poke cigar, wagyu appetizer and halibut if they have it on the menu.”

Bernadette Dunnigan

“United Strangers are a new locally-owned coffee shop located off of the Seymour Parkway. They have wonderful caffeinated beverages, artisanal pastries & delicious vegan ice cream squares (I am not a vegan, but they are delicious!). They are a wonderful addition to the Blueridge community and they also support many local & Canadian businesses by featuring their various products in their shop. In a rush – not a problem, because they now have online ordering!”

Julia Beeger

“The Corner Stone Bistro in Pemberton Heights located at 1096 W22nd is a true hidden gem of the North Shore. If you’re looking for a delicious latte in the morning, or you want a gourmet meal on the patio at night with a cold beverage, the Corner Stone has it all. The Corner Stone also serves as a neighborhood hub and meeting place and if you ask anybody who’s been there they will tell you just how special this place is. Try their great selection of gourmet frozen foods when you’re too tired to make dinner.”

Gavin Hughes

“Blitz Auto Spa has been a regular visit for me over the past few years. I love cars and so do they. I like their attention to detail and they are consistent in their service and punctuality.”

Paul Fraser

“Megan who owns the shop is a long-time Deep Cove local and advocate in the community. She worked to limit the number of tour bus companies that can drive to the Cove as well as eliminating single-use plastic bags for all local shops in the Cove. Room 6 is often where I can find great house warming gifts for my amazing clients. They have an excellent selection of children’s books, handmade ceramic planting pots as well as mugs. Megan is also working to turn the store into a non-profit. Next time you go hike Quarry Rock, grab a donut from Honey’s and walk down to Room 6 and you won’t be disappointed.”

Brian Young

“Still on the topic of food, I love Buddha-ful, which is vegan organic food. Smoothies and their bowls are exactly what I crave after working out.”

Bernadette Dunnigan

“I like to cruise slow and admire all the beautiful boat access homes before beelining it to Granit Falls. It’s truly an experience to see the raging waterfall up close. No boat? No problem, Deep Cove Marina rents pontoon boats, so you too can experience beautiful BC from the water.”

Julia beeger

“Located just off the highway in North Vancouver, Murdo Frazer Park has 6 newly surfaced tennis courts and pickle ball courts now too. These hidden courts are mostly known by locals and are tucked away in a beautiful park like setting. My wife and I have been playing there for years and are always love playing in the summer as some of the courts are hidden from the sun. We’ve even managed to drag our teenage son with us a couple of times.”

Gavin Hughes

“When we first moved over to Lower Lonsdale from downtown we were pleasantly surprised by the night market. We looked forward to it every week during the spring and summer. The food trucks all parked right down on the water, some tacos, a lemonade and maybe a pocket pie to finish, perfect! It was routine for us.”

Paul Fraser

“A very scenic 11km hike from the top of Cypress Mountain parking lot. Dog friendly and if you have friends in from out of town they won’t believe the view! Overlooking Bowen, Gambier, and Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast. I could also go on and on about the mountain biking, gravel riding, and road riding we love to do all over the North Shore… we currently have 14 bikes hanging in the garage!”

Brian Young

“You can walk into the Capilano Fish Hatchery to see Salmon rush up the fish ladders and it’s especially cool during the salmon runs. It’s quite amazing to see. We took our kids there all the time when they were younger and they loved it.”

Bernadette Dunnigan