Our recent travel restrictions have kept us all close to home. Lucky for us, home is a pretty spectacular place, with an abundance of adventuresome excursions right outside our door. A short 20-30 minute drive from Vancouver, tucked between the Fraser River and its southernly seaside neighbor Tsawwassen, Ladner is one of those places.
A designated heritage community, Ladner offers a unique, rich history within South Delta. An old fishing village dating back to 1873, farmers used to ship fresh produce and livestock by ferry across the Fraser to the city and Vancouver Island, long before the tunnel was constructed connecting Ladner to Vancouver by land. The original Wharf has remained intact, and on most days while strolling the boardwalk, you’ll find fishing boats still hard at work or paddlers cruising by taking in the wildlife and sights.
Today, Ladner is a burgeoning suburban community with local shops, cafes, and breweries ripe to explore. With so much to take in, we’ve created a one-day itinerary to ensure you hit all the stops.
For starters, hit the road early. Why? Ladner’s Boca Grande Donut Shop is quickly and deservingly, attracting a cult following. Since opening in September 2019, Boca consistently sells out well before noon, so plan to get there for their 10 am opening if you want the best selection. Grab a coffee-to-go and be sure to add local favorites Emma Lee Strawberry Cheesecake, Nanaimo Bar, and Oreo donut creations to your six-pack. And for those of you that need to know, gluten-free and vegan options are available.
Next, take a stroll down Delta Street in the heart of Ladner Village. As far as main streets go, this one fits the bill perfectly. It's a spot where heritage storefronts reminiscent of Hallmark movie townships offer a line-up of local shops, eateries, and open cafes along boulevard sidewalks, perfect for afternoon browsing. Keep your eye out for heritage buildings dating back to 1890, including St. Andrews Presbyterian Church (1890), McKee House (1895), and the Old Ladner Baptist Church (1903). Keep strolling and continue on 48th Street, as great shops await.
A highlight among Ladner's local shops is Hygge Bath. As the name suggests, Hygge’s products are designed for achieving coziness, contentment, and well-being in all aspects of life. It's fair to say, coming out of 2020, that we can all use a little lift in that area! Their bath bombs and Hygge bars are a wonderful addition to a relaxing soak, and their organic beauty selection is extensive. Browsing around, you're sure to find unique brand names and artisan wellness goods to gift or keep for yourself. Other notables include their cozy throw blankets, scented candles, and natural hand sanitizers, as well as fun bath and beauty products that are sure to add spunk to your daily routine.
If all this home cooking of late has brought out your inner chef, be sure to pop in to Vinca’s Kitchen just a few steps down from Hygge on 48th Street. An expansive storefront, Vinca's offers a grand selection of culinary tools for chefs of all expertise and is perfect for browsing kitchen must-haves. tableware and inspiration.
Whether you're looking for a big-ticket buy like Le Corset cookery, or jumping on the Instant Pot bandwagon, Vinca's will get you started with everything from the appliance itself to pro tips and recipes. Vinca's is also packed with Sunday market-worthy linens, gadgets, colorful dishes, handy utensils, and organization tools that would make Maria Kondo smile with joy.
More relaxing lies ahead, as you head down a few scenic farm roads in East Ladner towards Delta’s newest craft brewery, Barnside. Sample farm-to-table fresh seasonal and staple brews on the patio, taking in views of the very hops and cranberries that make their beer so darn fresh. Alternatively, sit tank-side in the tasting room, constructed from old century beams gathered from surrounding heritage barns. May we suggest local hits like the Ladner Clay IPA or Honey Comb Pale Ale alongside charcuterie or a signature grilled cheese? Kids are welcome in any spot, and leashed dogs can enjoy the patio. Before heading out, fill up a Growler with your favorite - it will also serve as a great souvenir from your day.
Boca Grande
106-4841 Delta St, Ladner
Hours of Operation: Friday - Sunday, 10 AM to 3 PM
Hygge Bath
5046 48th Avenue, Ladner
Hours of Operation: Monday - Saturday 10 to 5 / Sunday 11 to 4
Vinca’s Kitchen 5042 48th Avenue, Ladner Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 10 to 6 / Saturday 10 - 5 / Sunday 11 - 5
Barnside Brewery 6655 60th Avenue, Delta Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 12 to 7 / Saturday 11 to 7 / Sunday 11 to 5
This shrimp shop is a treasure! The selection is vast, and the quality aquarium shrimp for sale of the shrimp is top-notch. The staff were incredibly helpful, taking the time to explain everything I needed to know about shrimp care. I’m so happy with my new shrimp and highly recommend this place to others.
Chiropractic care has been a game-changer for our baby’s colic and neuro physiotherapy toronto fussiness. The adjustments are so gentle, and the results were noticeable almost immediately. It’s such a comfort to know our baby is in capable and caring hands. We couldn’t be more pleased with the care we received.
I had a wonderful experience shopping here. The team is passionate about music and genuinely cares about helping you find the right instrument. I was able to test different mapex tornado guitars and get detailed advice before purchasing. The quality of their products and their service is unmatched. It’s always a pleasure to visit this store.
I had an incredible time on the wine tour in Kelowna. The guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and made the experience unforgettable. The wineries we visited were beautiful, vernon winery and the wine tastings were excellent. I learned so much about the wine-making process and discovered some fantastic local wines. Highly recommend this tour!
The hairstylist at this salon is a true genius! I showed her a picture of the haircut I wanted, and she replicated it perfectly. The service is always top-notch, and the salon dermacos facial kit has such a relaxing vibe. I’m so happy with how my hair turned out and can’t wait to come back.