Located at the foot of Mount Seymour, The cove faces due east, fronting on to Indian Arm, itself a branch of Burrard Inlet, which forms Vancouver's inner harbour. The area is the traditional territory of the Tsleil-Waututh and Sḵwxwú7mesh, the Indigenous, of the Coast Salish First Nations. Deep Cove is 13 kilometres (8 miles) from downtown Vancouver.
With its proximity to forests, mountains, skiing, parks and the water, Deep Cove is well known among outdoor recreation enthusiasts. The Deep Cove Bike Shop, a local institution, brought the first mountain bikes to Vancouver in the early 1980s. The "Cove" as it is known hosts a Rowing Club, Deep Cove Canoe Rental, marina as well; it is an increasingly popular small boat centre. The Baden Powell Trail leading up to the lookout point, Quarry rock, has become a popular spot for visitors, especially in the summers. The Community Centre with an art gallery, stage, and archive is also well-visited.