Vancouver

North Vancouver

From downtown Vancouver, much of the spectacular mountain view is part of North Vancouver. Made up of two municipalities, the City of North Vancouver and the District of North Vancouver, the area is popular among visitors looking for outdoor adventure and mountain experiences.

To get there, you’ll need to cross Burrard Inlet, either via a 15-minute SeaBus ride from Waterfront Station to Lonsdale Quay, or via one of the two bridges that link Vancouver to the North Shore—the Lions Gate Bridge from Stanley Park, or the Second Narrows Bridge at the end of Vancouver’s eastside.

Take the SeaBus over to Lonsdale Quay and you'll discover a vibrant public market, waterfront parks, working ship yards and some of the best views of downtown Vancouver’s skyline. This neighbourhood, known as Lower Lonsdale, is home to early commercial buildings that now contain a nifty collection of shops. Those looking to dine are spoilt for choice, from tiny bistros and excellent ethnic eats, through to craft beers and high-end waterfront restaurants.

The mountain backdrop to North Vancouver is the setting for spectacular attractions and parks. The regions oldest attraction, the Capilano Suspension Bridge, high above the Capilano canyon, is sure to give you a thrill, while Grouse Mountain Resort's Skyride will whisk you 1,200 metres (3,960 feet) up the mountain for stunning views, a Grizzly bear refuge, and in season, hiking and skiing. You might even be tempted to hike the "Grouse Grind," a strenuous 2.9 kilometre (1.8 mile) trail with an elevation gain of 853 metres (2,800 feet).

The area is extremely popular for those looking for outdoor adventure with numerous parks, including Deep Cove Park and Mount Seymour Provincial Park offering activities ranging from sea kayaking, to hiking to downhill skiing. Lynn Canyon Park's 250 hectares (615 acres) of coastal rainforest includes a popular ecology centre and a host of easily accessible trails.

The community's active arts and cultural life is evident in a number of galleries, while amateur theatre groups perform regularly in local theatres. Nearby residential areas have interesting examples of architecture ranging from simple cottages built to house wartime shipyard employees, through to grand Tudor Revival homes.

For more information, visit the Vancouver’s North Shore Tourism Association online, or call 604.960.0785.