Hidden Gems

A cute red-brick storefront with a black, yellow, red, and green sign reading “The Lion’s Den Cafe.”
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Local Black businesses

Peak Web February 26, 2025

Whether you’re shopping for clothes or dining out with your loved ones, what better way is there to celebrate Black History Month than by supporting local Black-owned businesses? A good thing about Vancouver is that there are many such places — these ones are all accessible by transit! So, put on your jackets and winter boots, and get ready to check out these treasure troves. Miscellany Thrift and Vintage 323 E Broadway, Vancouver Opening hours: Monday–Saturday, 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. and Sundays 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Closest bus stop: WB E Broadway at Scotia St. using bus 009 (Alma) Not to be…

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A hand reaches for a case of thumbtacks resting on a map of the world.
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Travel the world through these local restaurants

Peak Web January 13, 2025

Amay’s House (Burmese) 3293 Kingsway, Vancouver Wednesday–Monday 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.  [caption id="attachment_130391" align="alignnone" width="696"] PHOTO: Emily Le / The Peak[/caption] Amay’s House is one of the only restaurants in the Vancouver area that serves Burmese food, a…

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Chalk lines of blue, pink, white, pink again, and blue again drawn on concrete depicting a trans flag.
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Hidden Gems: Local trans-owned businesses

Peak Web November 21, 2024

Wednesday, November 20, is Trans Day of Remembrance: a day to “honour the memory of transgender people whose lives were lost as a result of anti-transgender violence.” Qmunity is hosting both a gathering at The Birdhouse to hold space for…

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The side of a building holds a red sign reading ‘SFU’. Below it are the words “Simon Fraser University” and Surrey. The tops of tall condominiums are shown in the background.
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Hidden Gems: Surrey campus’ secret snacks

Peak Web October 15, 2024

Potato Corner 10153 King George Blvd. K101 $5–20 per serving Rightfully known as “the world’s best flavoured fries,” this Filipino fry joint is my personal favourite for take-out lunch. What makes Potato Corner special is the amount of detail they…

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A plain white wall decorated with simple black writing that lists a menu that reads “black (espresso),” “white (espresso+milk),” and “green (matcha+milk).”
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Hidden Gems: Vancouver’s best matcha

Peak Web September 11, 2024

cowdog coffee 3720 Oak St., Vancouver Open every day 8:00 a.m.–4:00p.m. With cowdog’s recent rise to social media fame (they truly conquered “brat summer”), this spot may not be a hidden gem, but it’s too good to not shoutout! Their…

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Photo of one of the listed businesses
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Hidden Gems: Bars, breweries, and more for your summer nights out

Peak Web July 4, 2024

Rocky Point Spirits  2805 Murray St., Port Moody  Open Sunday–Thursday 12:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. and Friday–Saturday 12:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m.  Rocky Point Spirits is probably not a hidden gem for those located in the Tri-Cities, but it’s a must-try regardless of where…

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Hidden Gems: Indigenous-owned businesses

Peak Web June 17, 2024

Tradish’s The Ancestor Café 23433 Mavis Ave., Fort Langley Open Wednesday–Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Online: tradishcanada.ca Tradish’s The Ancestor Café is the ideal spot for those looking to try out some delicious delicacies from Indigenous cultures. Their plant medicine jams,…

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one of the businesses included in the piece! For reference.
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Hidden Gems: Dessert spots around the Lower Mainland

Peak Web May 30, 2024

Ninja Bubble Tea x Poké  2972 Glen Drive, Coquitlam  Sunday–Thursday, 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. and Friday–Saturday, 11:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Ninja Bubble Tea x Poké provides an extensive selection of beverages and lunch options to cater to your cravings. Their customizable bowls…

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A collage of photos from some of the cafes and bakeries mentioned in this piece, including sugar-coated donuts on display and a wall in a cafe with fake grass lining it and a drawing on a tiger.
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Spots for your spring studying sessions

Peak Web March 21, 2024

Sweet Talk Donuts  87 Moody St., Port Moody  Open Monday–Sunday from 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.  If you’re planning on visiting Sweet Talk Donuts, beware — their delicious delicacies will blow your mind. Their crème brûlée donut is unlike anything else you…

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The interior of Something Sweet cafe featuring cotton cloud decorations and a sophisticated painting of a panda.
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Metrotown munchies

Peak Web March 6, 2024

Stuffies 4820 Kingsway / $1–10 per person Located inside Metropolis at Metrotown (with locations in Surrey and North Van, too), Stuffies is the perfect place to grab a quick treat, or ten. This modern Korean pastry café offers various animal-shaped…

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