visit north vancouver

North Vancouver Neighbourhood Guide

North Vancouver is the Lower Mainland’s very own year round mountain playground . This beautiful Vancouver suburb is a hiking and biking paradise that houses three world-class skiing and snowboarding resorts.

But it’s about much more than just the mountains. You’ll find a booming foodie and craft beer scene, a vibrant arts and culture community and several of Vancouver’s top attractions .

And crucially for visitors, this destination where city and nature collide isn’t located hours down the highway. It’s just 20 minutes from Downtown Vancouver .

So you can head from city to gritty in no time!

• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• How to Get There

North Vancouver

North Vancouver is a picturesque waterfront municipality nestled comfortably between Burrard Inlet in the South and the North Shore Mountains in the North.

Together with neighbouring West Vancouver this suburb makes up what is colloquially known as Vancouver’s North Shore . An area renowned for its beauty and bountiful outdoor recreational opportunities . 

However, it’s also home to the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain . These iconic sites represent two of the Lower Mainland’s most popular tourist attractions.

Furthermore, the revamped LoLo (Lower Lonsdale) area has quickly become one of Vancouver’s foodie hotspots featuring exciting bars and restaurants of every shape and stripe.

There is no doubt that a day trip to North Vancouver should be a major part of any Vancouver itinerary . 

Things to Do in North Vancouver 

Explore lonsdale quay.

Lonsdale Quay is a waterfront market located just steps from the Seabus terminal at which you’ll arrive from Downtown Vancouver. So if you’re visiting the North Shore on the ferry it’s a perfect place to stop in for a quick bite.

The market is home to over 60 specialty shops and restaurants serving the finest local delicacies. Furthermore, the area is home to an eclectic variety of artists, vendors and crafters that further amplify the market experience.

Go for a Hike

Vancouver is home to some of the best hiking opportunities of any urban centre in the world. However, it’s on the city’s North Shore where the magic truly happens.

Hikers of all skill levels are blessed with a sheer abundance of choice. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely seaside stroll or a heart pumping climb through steep mountain terrain , there’s bound to be a trail just for you.

The granddaddy of them all is the famous Grouse Grind , a 2.9 kilometre hike that transports you 850 metres up the face of Grouse Mountain. Nicknamed “mother nature’s stairmaster”, the Grind is definitely no ordinary walk in the park.

If you’d like something a little less strenuous the 44 kilometre Baden Powell Trail has something for everyone. Stretching from Howe Sound through the foothills of the North Shore Mountains to Deep Cove , it’s perhaps the regions penultimate trail.

Be sure to check out Quarry Rock on the trail’s Eastern edge. This scenic hiking area with several waterfalls is easily one of the Vancouver area’s most photographed sites.

Climb to the Peak of Vancouver

Located just 20 minutes from Downtown Vancouver, Grouse Mountain is Vancouver’s outdoor alpine playground.

You’ll climb 1,250 metres (4,100 feet) up the iconic Skyride enjoying panoramic views of Vancouver, the Salish Sea and the North Shore Mountains at every turn. Once you arrive you’ll have access to a whole host of cultural , educational and outdoor recreational opportunities . 

The area is home to a wildlife refuge, lumberjack shows, a movie theatre and a variety of restaurants. you can also take part in a zipline adventure , try your hand at paragliding or visit the Eye of the Wind observation pod.

Grouse is one of the top things do in winter in Vancouver as it becomes a popular ski resort that offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, as well as a popular Christmas festival .

Grab My Ticket Now

Traverse the Famous Capilano Suspension Bridge

If you’re looking to take a walk on the wild side then a visit to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park should be at the top of your Vancouver itinerary.

The star attraction is the 137 metre (450 foot) long Capilano Suspension Bridge . Built in 1889, this iconic attraction dangles perilously above the stunning Capilano River below.

The bridge is part of a 27-acre park which includes the popular Treetops Adventure , the Cliffwalks Walkway and a number of totem poles from local First Nations.

There is a year-round free shuttle available from downtown. So what are you waiting for?

Buy My Tickets Now

Hit the Local Slopes

The North Shore is home to Vancouver’s best ski hills – also known as ‘The Local Mountains’.

Located just 20 minutes from Downtown Vancouver: Cypress Mountain , Grouse Mountain and Seymour Mountain each offer a wide variety of runs targeted at all skill levels.

With a season that usually runs from late November-to-early April , Vancouverites enjoy access to some of North America’s best downhill and cross country ski hills just minutes from their doorsteps.

So why not join them?

Grab My Lift Ticket Now

Visit the Polygon Gallery

Just because the North Shore is famous for its stunning natural beauty doesn’t mean that the area is lacking in culture. My favourite spot when the mood strikes is the stunning waterfront Polygon Gallery . This brand new museum is now the largest non-profit photographic gallery in Western Canada.

The Polygon features 25,000 square feet of exhibition space divided over two levels, a store and a fabulous cafe. The eclectic mixture of exhibitions aim to inspire and provoke cultural insight.

The best part is this waterfront museum is located just a stones throw from the Lonsdale Quay Seabus Terminal . This makes it a great option for those who’ve spent a morning exploring the mountains.

Navigate the Shipyards District

The Lower Lonsdale area was formerly the heart of BC’s vibrant shipbuilding industry , launching almost 500 ships during the 20th century. As the industry began to fall into decline city planners began to look for an alternative. 

As a result, the waterfront area immediately adjacent to Lonsdale Quay was repurposed into a vibrant urban neighbourhood , while still maintaining much of its former infrastructure.

You can now find bustling seaside pubs and restaurants , cafes and independent shops located in the former home of dry docks and machine shops.

Walk out onto 700 foot long Burrard Dry Dock Pier , enjoy a cold drink on a patio or even skate on an outdoor ice rink in the Wintertime. The Shipyards is also home to a variety of festivals in the Summer, such as the Shipyards Night Market, Philippine Day, Caribbean Day and the Shipyards Festival.

North Vancouver Restaurants

$$$| Category: Seafood| 25 Wallace Mews Rd. | Website

If you’re looking for a waterfront seafood restaurant with spectacular views of Downtown Vancouver then look no further.

Located in the Shipyards District, Pier 7 is renown for their great happy hour specials, fresh local seafood and perhaps the best patio in North Vancouver .

I like to come here for their spectacular seafood boils on Thursdays and Sundays. Served family style, these authentic cajun-style boils pair fresh local seafood with grilled chorizo and corn on the cob. Add a crisp patio wine and some good company and you’re night is sorted.

Anatoli Souvlaki

$$| Category: Greek| 5 Lonsdale Ave. | Website

There is just something about the rustic simplicity of Greek cuisine that always seems to hit the spot when travelling. For this reason, I highly recommend this North Shore Hellenic hotspot that’s been slanging souvlaki since 1984.

Anatoli aims to pair their award-winning mezze-style Greek cuisine with North American service and hospitality and casual LoLo sensibilities. At this goal they’ve most definitely succeeded, even expanding to two additional locations.

The mezze platter is my go to here, offering calamari, homous and pita, spanakopita, keftedes, tzatziki and Greek salad. These are paired with your choice of entrees (lamb chops, souvlaki or braised lamb) and Greek potatoes. It’s hard to find a better deal for a couple or family.

Jägerhof Restaurant

$$$| Category:  German| 71 Lonsdale Ave. | Website

What could possibly be better after a day spent in the mountains than some hearty German, Austrian and Swiss cuisine that sticks firmly to your ribs.

Jägerhof has been showcasing their take on the delicious regional specialties of the Alpine region of Europe for over 33 years. They readily admit that they aren’t hip, fancy or pretentious. But with history like that they don’t need to be.

Try a selection from their schnitzel menu, which contains five different takes on this central European classic. Or try their delectable roasted pork hock with roasted potatoes and sauerkraut. One bite of this dish immediately transported me right back to an Austrian Christmas market.

Live music is available on weekends.

$$$| Category:  Seafood| 91 Lonsdale Ave. | Website

This neighbourhood institution claims to be “a local celebration of sustainable seafood and wine”. And trust me, this is one party you don’t want to miss.

All of the seafood on the menu is certified Oceanwise. This means it was caught or raised using sustainable practices. Favourites include the local ponzu honey glazed sablefish and a salmon wellington that I assure you Gordon Ramsey himself would be proud of.

Fishworks’ support for local business, passion for quality and firm commitment to delivering environmentally responsible seafood make for a winning combination.

North Vancouver Bars

Tap and Barrel

$$| Category: Taphouse| 8 Lonsdale Ave. | Website

This local chain’s massive Shipyards location contains a large dining room with two mezzanines that overlook a lively lounge. However, it’s the stunning seasonal patio that is the major draw, offering breathtaking views of Burrard Inlet and the Vancouver skyline.   

Tap and Barrel’s unparalleled drink selection features 36 local craft beers and 16 BC wines on tap. And their menu features contemporary pub-fare such as salads, burgers and hand-stretched pizzas.

If you can’t find something to your liking it likely doesn’t exist!

? Big on beer? Check out the best brewery tours in Vancouver .

$$| Category:  Bar & Grill| 2100 Dollarton Hwy. | Website

The simple ethos of this casual neighbourhood bar is to “keep good company”.  And that’s just what you’ll do in this relaxed Northwoods room with a Southern-style menu and great drink specials.

The third edition of this Vancouver area chain was tasked to become the ultimate post-hike hangout in Vancouver in the summer and après-ski spot in the Winter. And with its close vicinity to Mt. Seymour and Deep Cove it has become just that.

Toss in the fantastic happy hour and daily drink specials ($3 taps, highballs and Jameson on Tuesday anyone!) and you’ve got a true winner.

Sailor Hagar’s Brew Pub

$$| Category:  Pub| 86 Semisch Ave. | Website

If you’re simply looking for a cold beer, some decent pub grub and a friendly face then this un-pretentious LoLo brewpub is just what the doctor ordered.

Sailor Hagar’s offers 18 beers on tap, including 6 which are brewed in-house using their own special recipe. Locals love the fabulous food and drink specials , including $4 cocktails everyday and $13 roast beef dinner on Sunday.

Sailor’s will never become a trendy chain, and their customers prefer it that way. However, they do offer friendly service and great beer at fantastic prices . And that never goes out of style.

North Vancouver Festivals

Shipyards Festival

Date:  September 28th (2019)

The Shipyards Festival is a one day family friendly street party that takes place in the last weekend of September. Formerly known as the “Shipped Waterfront Festival”, the party was kicked up a notch in 2019 when it changed into its current iteration.

The popular event is full of music, adventure, food and fun! There are 4 stages featuring over 40 performers that are augmented by a family fun zone, axe throwing, a beer garden and an eclectic variety of local food vendors.

The party takes up the entirety of the Shipyards area, including Boatbuilders’ Square and the Pipe Shop all the way to Lonsdale Quay.

Caribbean Days

Date:  Last weekend of July

Every July in Vancouver the city’s Waterfront Park is home to BC’s biggest Caribbean party . The spicy Caribbean food, lively music and beautiful waterfront setting attract tens of thousands of visitors every year.

The North side of the park is home to a large concession area where you can find carib classics like jerk chicken and Jamaican Patties. And of course there’s a beer Garden to cool you down after all that spice!

The park’s Southside is where you’ll find the riddim, with an outdoor music festival featuring reggae, calypso, Latin and other international sounds. So don’t forget your dancing shoes!

Shipyards Night Market

Dates:  Every Friday night (May-September)

Every Friday night throughout the Summer the Shipyards Night Market attracts over ten thousand visitors with its array of food, live music, beer garden and artisan vendors.

You’ll have your pick from over 40 food trucks that offer flavours from all over the world. So be sure to skip dinner before you come! The 350-person capacity Garden Beer Market features beverages from all of the top local brewers and distilleries.

But its not just about eating and drinking. The market features entertainment for people of all ages, including a rotating cast of some of BC’s best up and coming musicians and a children’s’ play area to enhance the casual and welcoming community vibe.

Philippine Days

Dates: Second weekend of June

North Vancouver also houses BC’s biggest celebration of Philippine arts and cultural heritage . Every June Filipinos from all over the province gather at Waterfront Park to celebrate the declaration of Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898. 

The two day festival’s unique “Barrio Fiesta” atmosphere celebrates the diversity of Filipino food, music and dance . If you haven’t tried this delicious cuisine then what better time!

Over 75 vendors can be found hawking their wares alongside a children’s play area and tens of thousands of visitors of all ethnicities. 

Related : Things to Do in Vancouver in June

How to Get to North Vancouver

North Vancouver is located about 10 kilometres or a 20 minute drive across Burrard Inlet from Downtown Vancouver . The area is easily accessible by car, bus or the Seabus commuter ferry from Waterfront Station.

Getting to the city’s North Shore is a fairly simple proposition. However, keep in mind that the Stanley Park Causeway’s notorious congestion can significantly increase travel time.

Nevertheless, if you manage to time your trip outside of peak hours you’ll be presented with one of the most beautiful urban drives in the world.

For directions from your downtown hotel visit Google Maps .

Public Transit

The most efficient way to get to North Van via public transit is the 400-passenger Seabus commuter ferry. Departing from Waterfront Station, this scenic 12 minute journey transports you across Burrard Inlet to Lonsdale Quay .

Once you arrive the Lonsdale Bus Loop awaits to transport you to more distant attractions, such as Grouse Mountain and the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Make sure to have your camera handy, as the journey offers spectacular views of Burrard Inlet, the North Shore Mountains and the Vancouver skyline.

Alternatively, the Coast Mountain Bus Company also provides service to the North Shore from Downtown Vancouver. The following routes can be snagged from the North side of Georgia Street :

• #240-Lynn Valley
• #241-Upper Lonsdale
• #246-Highlands (serves Grouse Mountain/Capilano Suspension Bridge)

West Vancouver

• #250-Horsehoe Bay
• #257 Express-Horseshoe Bay

Before you attempt to navigate Vancouver’s public transportation system be sure to take a look at our Vancouver Public Transport Mega Guide.

North Vancouver History

Prior to the arrival of European settlers the Squamish , Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam peoples had numerous settlements around the plentiful waters of Burrard Inlet. The fish, shellfish and seaweed that made up the bulk of their diet was the main draw. However, they’d also venture into the mountains to hunt, practice spiritual pursuits, and gather local plants.

After the arrival of Captain Vancouver in 1792 settlers began to arrive in order to exploit the regions virgin old-growth forests. A sawmill was eventually setup and the adjacent settlement of Moodyville became only the second in the Lower Mainland, predating Vancouver. 

Development was slow due to the rugged mountain terrain, numerous fast moving rivers and streams and marshy ocean foreshore. But by WWI Wallace Shipyards and the Great Eastern Railroad began to diversify the region’s industrial base.

Now divided from neighbouring West Vancouver by the Capilano River, North Vancouver’s development began to centre around the Lower Lonsdale area. The shipbuilding boom of the war years created a building boom and the population began to skyrocket.

The 1938 construction of the Lions Gate Bridge (in large part by the Guinness family of Irish stout fame) cemented North Van’s position as a viable home for commuters to neighbouring Vancouver.

Ski areas were constructed at Grouse, Seymour and Cypress Bowl. An extensive system of trails was also carved out of the North Shore Mountains turning the area into the Lower Mainland’s year-round outdoor recreational playground . While the Capilano Suspension Bridge became one of Metro Vancouver’s most visited tourist attractions.

Today North Vancouver has become an affluent suburb of Vancouver that attracts locals and tourists alike with its rugged beauty and charming small-town spirit .

FAQ on Visiting North Vancouver

Where is North Vancouver?

North Vancouver is located about 10 kilometres or a 20 minute drive across Burrard Inlet from Downtown Vancouver.

What is there to do in North Vancouver?

North Vancouver is home to a variety of trails, ski hills and parks that provide host to a whole host of outdoor activities. Grouse Mountain and the Capilano Suspension Bridge are two of the most popular attractions in Metro Vancouver.

The Lower Lonsdale area is home to an eclectic variety of dining options, the Lonsdale Quay market and numerous cultural events and festivals.

How do I get to North Vancouver?

North Van can be easily in as little as 20 minutes reached from Downtown Vancouver by car, the Seabus commuter ferry or via the Coast Mountain Bus system. 

Looking to Visit North Vancouver?

The sun is about to set on our North Vancouver neighbourhood guide. I hope I’ve managed to peak your interest in a visit to the most beautiful of Vancouver’s suburbs.

Is there anything else you’d like to know? Or did I forgot to mention something?Well don’t be afraid to hit me up on the Vancouver Planner Facebook page or in the comment section below .

We’re always here for all of your Vancouver-based travel needs.

Enjoy North Vancouver,

I've used online guides on five continents to find the world's greatest travel spots and this is my chance to give back - with insider info on my home, the mighty Vancouver BC!

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14 Unique & Fun Things to do in North Vancouver

From leg-melting hikes to celebrity-endorsed donuts, those seeking fun things to do in North Vancouver have a ton of varied options.

After all, there’s a reason Lower Mainlanders flock to North Van in droves any time the weather’s nice. It’s the perfect place to enjoy unspoiled nature a stone’s throw away from the chaos of downtown, with lots of options for food, drink, and culture mixed in too.

So, below, we’re rounding up our top unique and fun things to do in North Vancouver. Let us know in the comments if we’ve missed any of your favourites!

Relax and enjoy the views at Deep Cove

Hands down, one of the best things to do in North Vancouver is visit the quaint wonder that is Deep Cove.

This picturesque village by the sea was once a popular resort area filled with cottages, and today it continues to be a huge draw for visitors, whether for its pristine views, adventurous outdoors, or abundance of cute cafés and restaurants.

Paddling, hikes, and delicious baked goods are just a few of the things you can enjoy here, but we’ll get to those a bit later in the list.

Stop by the Capilano Suspension Bridge (and its park)

Is it probably THE most touristy thing to do in North Vancouver? Yes.

Is it also worth visiting at least once, whether you’re a local or just visiting? … You bet.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is a scenic slice of North Van nestled in Capilano Canyon. Newcomers to Vancouver are often shocked to hear that there’s a rainforest only 15 minutes away from the downtown core, and here is where you’ll get to experience it… for a rather steep entry fee of about $60.

Its star attraction is of course the 140m suspension bridge that hangs 70m above Capilano River, but there are also beautiful walkways among the trees (Treetop Adventures), an interesting Story Centre and a thrilling Cliffwalk experience.

Our main tip? Go at off-peak periods if possible. Huge crowds can really diminish the charm of this place!

NOTE: If you are a BC resident (with valid ID), you get a complimentary annual pass when you purchase one regular entry… which definitely helps to justify the high price tag.

Explore Lynn Canyon Park

For stubborn locals who refuse to give into Capilano’s hefty price tag, Lynn Canyon’s Suspension Bridge is often touted as a worthy alternative. 

And while the bridge itself is admittedly less impressive than its Capilano counterpart, there’s far more to Lynn Canyon Park than just its suspended bridge. 

Exploring this park is one of the best outdoorsy things you can do in North Vancouver, with plentiful opportunities for hiking and swimming.

There are several wonderful trails to choose from which take you past waterfalls, lush greenery, and even a 30 ft pool where the water practically glows green in the right lighting. If you’re looking for a free North Vancouver activity, coming here is always a great bet. 

Enjoy some celebrity-endorsed donuts

Honey Doughnuts & Goodies have been a beloved fixture of the Deep Cove community for years, with donut lovers from across the Lower Mainland in agreement that they’re some of the best donuts that Vancouver has to offer.

… but it wasn’t until A-Lister Kate Winslet publicly declared her love for Honey’s (on the red carpet, no less!) that Honey’s mouthwatering baked goods became an internationally known sensation.

It’s hard to explain the wonder of a Honey’s doughnut. They’re crispy yet soft, dense yet fluffy, and they ooze with honey goodness in every bite… The original honey is our go-to, because truthfully we’ve never tried any others! Don’t mess with perfection as they say…

Brave the Grouse Grind

Of all the (many) hikes in North Vancouver, the notorious Grouse Grind is perhaps the city’s most famous. 

While it doesn’t sound too terrible at first, with the trail being only 2.9km total, the true challenge of this trail is its elevation. Complete the Grouse Grind, and you will have literally climbed straight up a mountain, with total elevation gain at 853 metres (2,800 feet).

… They don’t call it Nature’s Stairmaster for nothing.

Take note: just because you’ve climbed all that way doesn’t mean your ride down is free! If you choose to take the Skyride down (which, for the sake of your knees, you really should), the one-way ride will set you back twenty bucks… but hey, the bragging rights are for life.

Enjoy one of the Lower Mainland’s “best value” hikes

If scrambling up a mountain sounds like your personal worst nightmare, then allow us to recommend a much easier hike that yields glorious views for a fraction of the work.

Deep Cove’s Quarry Rock hike is known among locals as one of the ‘best value’ hikes that the Lower Mainland has to offer. 

At less than 2 hours roundtrip (long lunch break not included), it’s way more doable than some of the other hikes in the area, and the Quarry Rock lookout itself is the perfect spot to enjoy some lunch while taking in views of Indian Arm.

The downside to this one? It’s probably also one of the busiest hikes in the area, so go early to find a spot. Crowds or not though, this is one North Vancouver activity you have to do at least once!

Browse around Lonsdale Quay Market

Another great North Vancouver activity is stopping by the Lonsdale Quay Market, conveniently located steps away from the Seabus stop that links North Van with the downtown core.

Many consider it to be a less touristy version of the famous Granville Island Public Market, and while it’s definitely a fair bit smaller, we still love stopping here for a quick bite to eat, especially on a nice day when you can sit outside and admire the downtown skyline from afar.

Originally built for Expo ’86, the market is home today to over 60 boutique vendors, selling everything from leather goods and artisanal wine to fresh fruits and vegetables. 

In the past few years, the market has also been joined by a slew of new spots that have popped up as part of the Shipyards District, making the neighbourhood a real must-see spot in North Van!

Go for a skate (or splash) at Shipyards

As we alluded to before, the Shipyards neighbourhood in Lower Lonsdale is one of the best places to visit in North Vancouver, and one seasonal highlight can be found at the Shipyards Commons, which becomes the largest outdoor skating rink in the Lower Mainland during the winter, and a fun splash park during the summer.

Go brewery hopping

Vancouver’s obsession with craft brewing is no secret, but did you know that North Van has jumped in on the craze too?

While once upon a time, North Vancouver was probably best known for its unspoiled nature, today it’s quickly developing a reputation for its excellent craft breweries, many of which are within walking distance of each other in the Shipyards District!

So yes, you do have our full permission to spend a day sampling several all in the name of “research”.

Visit the Polygon Gallery

Another highlight of the Shipyards District is the Polygon Gallery, the largest non-profit photographic gallery in Western Canada.

Visiting this public art gallery is one of the best things to do in North Vancouver for culture lovers, with exhibitions committed to inclusivity and work that reflects the diversity of the local community.

In line with its commitment to inclusivity, admission here is by donation, making it a great budget-friendly activity in North Van to enjoy.

Grab a photo at Fun Alley

There are a lot of Instagrammable places in Vancouver, but this colourful alley in North Van ranks among the most colourful.

Created by artist Lukas Kasper with a goal of “[bringing] people together through a display of vibrant colours”, this alley is painted with cheery and blobs in pink, blue, green, yellow, and orange, with some wooden benches installed to encourage passerbyers to sit down and enjoy the view.

While there’s not much to do here besides take a seat and enjoy the surroundings, we still think a photo here is a fun thing to do in North Vancouver if you happen to be in the area.

Hike (parts) of the Baden-Powell Trail 

The Baden Powell Trail was established in 1971 by the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides of Canada to commemorate 100 years after BC officially became a province… and today it’s one of the most popular hiking trails that BC has to offer. 

The full trail spans over 45km, and takes you from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver to Deep Cove. Don’t worry though – if you don’t want to tackle it in a single day (few do!), it’s quite easy to divide the journey up into individual legs, like from Horseshoe Bay to Cleveland Dam, from Cleveland Dam to Lynn Canyon, or Lynn Canyon to Deep Cove.

If you’re looking for one of the most physically challenging things to do in North Vancouver, be sure to add this one to your list.

Admire the views at Cates Park

North Vancouver has no shortage of amazing parks to visit, but one ever-popular pick is Cates Park, which is home to trails, beaches, and plenty of recreational amenities like tennis courts and picnic rentals.

Besides all those perks, the star of the show here is the view. Cates Park is well known for its stunning views over Indian Arm and the Burrard Inlet, so be sure to come on a gorgeous day to make the most of it!

Go kayaking or paddling

Last but not least, it’s worth mentioning that North Vancouver is a city best admired from the water… when weather permits, anyway.

Luckily, both Deep Cove and Cates Park have paddling centres where you can rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and even surfskis for a fun day out seeing North Van from a new perspective.

Here are some rental centres you can look into:

• Deep Cove Kayak
• Cates Park Paddling Centre

Did we miss any of your favourite things to do in North Vancouver?

Let us know in the comments so we can add more recommendations to our list!

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Traveling Canucks

Canada Family Travel Blog

Best Things to do in North Vancouver, British Columbia

03/14/2024 By Traveling Canucks 4 Comments Categories: British Columbia Canada North Vancouver Travel Stories Vancouver

Things to do in North Vancouver

Most visitors to Vancouver will end up spending time in North Vancouver at some point during their trip. It’s where the city meets the mountains, rainforest and Pacific Ocean. There are so many fun things to do in North Vancouver for visitors and residents of the Lower Mainland. 

North Vancouver is actually a separate city, not just a direction from downtown Vancouver.

We’ve lived in North Vancouver for several years, so we know a thing or two about how to enjoy this little slice of paradise. Over the years, we’ve explored North Vancouver’s mountains and hiking trails, walked along its beaches and waterfront parks, and enjoyed at its many restaurants, cafes and breweries. 

In this post, we share our favourite things to do in North Vancouver.

Whether you’re visiting North Vancouver for the first time, or you’re a resident looking for weekend inspiration, this post was written with you in mind.  

A few things to note before we get started. The focus of these activities and recommendations is for the City of North Vancouver and District of North Vancouver ( here’s a map ). Technically they are two separate municipalities. However, for the purpose of this post, we’re blending the two regions together. Most visitors don’t know (or care) about the boundary lines between the two.

We also did not include West Vancouver in this post. It is also a separate city, not just a direction from Vancouver . Collectively, these 3 municipalities are often referenced as ‘The North Shore’. 

This is a long and detailed post. Skip ahead using the Table of Contents below.

Table of Contents

1. Lonsdale Quay Market 

We begin the journey in Lower Lonsdale, the heart of North Vancouver. You can’t miss this iconic North Vancouver landmark; just look for the giant spinning Q on the waterfront. 

Lonsdale Quay Market has long been one of North Vancouver’s top tourist attractions. Although the shops and merchants inside the public market have changed over the years, the incredible views of Vancouver’s skyline continue to attract visitors year round.

The SeaBus ferry terminal is conveniently located beside the Lonsdale Quay Market, offering quick and easy access from downtown Vancouver . And vice versa. If you’re staying in Vancouver, a visit to the Lonsdale Quay Market is the perfect start to your North Vancouver adventures. 

2. The Shipyards District

Located directly beside Lonsdale Quay Market is The Shipyards District. Over the past decade, this waterfront space has transformed into one of North Vancouver’s premier destinations. 

The Shipyards has several restaurants, cafes and shops to explore. Grab a fresh coffee and pastry at Cafe Artigiano and find a seat on the pier to soak up the fantastic views of Vancouver and Burrard Inlet.  

You can’t go wrong with any of the restaurants here. However, our favourite is Pier 7 Restaurant + Bar . We love seafood, so we come here for fresh oysters, fish tacos and craft beer. It has two levels of patio space that offers unobstructed views of the Vancouver skyline. 

Many festivals, concerts and community events are hosted here. If you’re visiting The Shipyards on a weekend, you might be treated to live performances. 

The Shipyards is a great spot for families any time of the year. 

In the winter, The Shipyards offers the largest outdoor skating rink in the region (see photo below). In the summer, the same space is converted into a splash park for kids.

And… it’s home to Welcome Parlour Ice Cream Shop . Everything is better with ice cream, right? 

Fresh oysters, fried calamari and fish tacos at Pier & restaurant at The Shipyards. 

Outdoor skating rink in the winter. It’s covered, so even if it’s raining (which tends to happen in North Vancouver), you’re protected from the elements.

Don’t have equipment? No problem. You can rent skates and helmets here. 

Outdoor patio at Tap and Barrel Shipyards restaurant , another local favourite. 

The Burrard Dry Dock Pier at The Shipyards

The North Vancouver waterfront is arguably the best place in Vancouver to watch the sunset. 

3. Grouse Mountain 

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Vancouver is Grouse Mountain. The self-described Peak of Vancouver  attracts more than 1.3 million visitors each year, so it’s kind of a big deal in these parts. 

Grouse Mountain offers year-round operations, so there are plenty of things to do regardless when you visit.

There are multiple restaurants and cafes inside Peak Chalet, including Altitudes Bistro and The Observatory. Both restaurants offer incredible views of Vancouver, Pacific Ocean and the Gulf Islands. 

Summer activities on Grouse Mountain include hiking the infamous Grouse Grind (aka Mother Nature’s Stair Climber), hiking trails, chairlift rides, mountain ropes adventure and zip lines course, kids tree canopy adventure, wild life refuge with grizzly bears, lumberjack show, and self guided eco walks. 

Winter activities on Grouse Mountain include skiing and snowboarding (33 ski and snowboard runs, 15 night runs, 4 chairlifts, 6 terrain parks), snowshoe trails (9 km of trails), mountaintop ice skating, snow sliding zone, and the magical Light Walk. 

The Grouse Mountain Skyride is an attraction all on its own. It’s North America’s largest aerial tramway system, transporting guests from base to summit in less than 15 minutes. 

You can book a tour that includes Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge (see below) and round-trip transportation from your hotel. 

4. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is arguably the most popular attraction in North Vancouver. Although it’s become quite touristy over the past decade, it delivers a truly unique West Coast experience unlike anywhere else. 

The star attraction is the wobbly suspension bridge. It stretches 450 feet from end-to-end and 230 feet above the Capilano River. 

However, there’s much more to this North Vancouver icon. In recent years, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park has expanded attractions with the Cliffwalk and Treetop Adventures, along with Raptors Ridge, Kai’Palano education centre, informative forest trails and Story Centre exhibit. 

If you’re short on time and need help deciding what to do in North Vancouver, we recommend you visit both Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge . It will be a full day, but you’ll experience the two best North Vancouver tourist attractions.

Book your tickets to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park here .

During the pandemic, guests were required to walk across the bridge in one direction only.

I’m not sure if park organizers will continue with this one-way approach, but we prefer this system. It does create wait times to cross the bridge, but the one-way crossing limits congestion on the bridge and allows for better photo opportunities. 

We’ve visited Capilano Suspension Bridge several times over the years. The above photo is the first, and only, time we’ve witnessed the bridge completely empty. Not one person walking across it!

This was during a global pandemic on a rainy Sunday, which is a highly unique circumstance.

Do NOT expect to have the bridge all to yourself. This park gets busy. But, if you’re patient, you might capture that perfect Instagram photo . 

Cliffwalk adventure at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Cliffwalk is the newest activity at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. The cliffside walk takes guests through a series of suspended walkways that extend out from the granite cliff. It’s an adrenaline pumping walk, especially if you don’t like heights. 

Arial views of the Cliffwalk bridge stretching over the Capilano River below. 

Treetops Adventure at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Treetops Adventure is the first venue of its kind in North America. It’s a series of seven suspension bridges, attached to viewing platforms connected to 250+ year old Douglas-firs. This unique canopy walk guides you through the temperate rainforest with a squirrels-eye view.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park also has several totem poles and the Kia’palano educational centre. The word Kia’palano means “beautiful river” in the Skwxwú7mesh language.

Canyon Lights runs during the winter months, from November to January. The suspension bridge is lit from end to end with multi-colour changing lights. The Cliffwalk and Treetops Adventure bridges are also lit up with sparkling lights, creating a magical rainforest experience. 

Book tickets to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park here .

5. Walk across Cleveland Dam

Built in 1954, the Cleveland Dam holds back the man-made Capilano Lake, also known as the Capilano Reservoir. It supplies fresh drinking water to the residents of the Lower Mainland. 

The 300 foot concrete dam is a part of the Capilano River Regional Park. It’s free to walk across the dam and access the surrounding forest trails. 

You may recognize the iconic green floating boathouse in these photos. It’s one of the most photographed locations on the North Shore. The mountain in the backdrop above is Grouse Mountain. 

The floating green house on Capilano Lake. This photo was captured in late Spring. 

Capilano Lake and the little green hut covered under a blanket of snow.

Cleveland Dam in the winter with only a trickle of water being released into the Capilano River. Can you spot the heart shaped pool of water?

Different scene in the spring! The Cleveland Dam releases more water in the spring because of the snow melt from the mountains. The water was raging that morning! 

6. Explore Capilano Canyon 

There are several hiking trails inside Capilano River Regional Park . You can start from the top of Cleveland Dam and walk down towards the river, or vice versa. We often hike these trails with our young boys and they are fine with the terrain. The trails are wide and well-marked.

Can you see Cleveland Dam in the backdrop of the above photo?

The  Capilano Salmon Hatchery is another popular free attraction inside Capilano Regional Park. The hatchery is open year round, but late August through to November is a good time to view salmon swimming up the river.

It’s a short walk from the Cleveland Dam to the Salmon Hatchery. Or you can enter from Capilano Road. It’s easy to miss the entrance, so drive slow. There’s parking at the Cleveland Dam on Capilano Road.

You can also take public transit from the Lonsdale Quay Market. More transit info here .

Hiking around Capilano Canyon is one of our favourite things to do in North Vancouver. 

Views of the Capilano River. You’ll notice a small dam in the backdrop – that’s the Capilano Salmon Hatchery. 

7. Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge

Not to be confused with Capilano Suspension Bridge mentioned above, the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is another popular North Vancouver attraction. The park and suspension bridge are free to enter and explore.

This 160 feet long (50 m) narrow pedestrian bridge can get bouncy when you reach the middle, which adds to the experience. The views of the canyon from the suspension bridge are spectacular. 

While the actual bridge is not as impressive as Capilano Suspension Bridge, the surrounding hiking trails, forest and swimming holes make this park worth a visit. If you’re looking for more nature, this bridge is a better option than Capilano.

Check out The Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre, open most days between 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  

Connor is not a fan of the bouncy Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge. It can be intimidating for little ones because the bridge is quite high from the steep canyon below.

8. Lynn Canyon Park

While the main attraction at Lynn Canyon Park is the suspension bridge, this expansive park has several hiking trails through the temperate rainforest that surrounds the canyon. The park has over 600 acres of rainforest and trails to explore. 

The Baden Powell Trail splits through Lynn Canyon Park, passing across Twin Falls Bridge, which is located at south of Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge. More info about this trail here .  

North of the suspension bridge, the trail leads down to the river (Lynn Creek) and natural swimming pools (30 foot pool). This is a popular spot in hot summer months. 

Lynn Canyon trails are well maintained with wooden stairs, boardwalks and bridges. 

Read more posts about British Columbia here .

Swimming at Lynn Canyon Park

When it’s hot outside, we like to spent time in the shade along the river. The water is fairly shallow in most areas, so it’s nice to soak in the natural pools that form along the rocky shore. 

We prefer swimming in fresh water rivers, instead of the salty ocean. 

It’s not usually this busy. In fact, it’s rarely this busy. We captured this photo at the 30 Foot Pool  during a heat dome last summer (July 2021), when temperatures exceeded 41 degrees Celsius. 

9. Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve

Looking to get outdoors and enjoy North Vancouver’s easy access to nature and wilderness? We recommend you visit the Lower Seymour Conservation Area. We can easily dedicate an entire blog post about the best hiking trails in North Vancouver. 

Here’s a great resource that highlights the best trails in Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve for an adventurous hike or a family trip.

The Seymour Valley Trailway is a 10 km paved path through the forest. It features several picnic sites with outhouses. Here’s a map of the trail .

Here is an overview (directions and map) of how to get to Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve. Parking is free (at the time of publishing) and there are washrooms. 

Hiking the lush trails in Lower Seymour Conservation Area. 

10. Fishing at Rice Lake

Are you an angler looking for a quiet place to cast your line? If so, Rice Lake is where you want to be.

Located within Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve, Rice Lake is stocked annually with rainbow trout. It’s a calm lake with several spots to cast from, including a floating bridge (pictured below).

To reach the lake, drive to the Lower Seymour Conservation Area parking lot. It’s about a 1 km forest walk from the parking lot to the lake. The Rice Lake path is well-marked and mostly flat.  

Reminder, provincial fresh water fishing regulations apply here.

11. Mount Seymour – skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowshoeing

Mount Seymour is a popular winter destination located in Mount Seymour Provincial Park . The Mount Seymour ski area has four lifts, 40 ski/snowboard runs, 4 terrain parks, 330 meters of vertical drop, and 200+ acres of skiable terrain. Here’s a trail map of Mount Seymour .

Mount Seymour has several snowshoe trails with varying difficulty. Here’s the snowshoe trail map . Snowshoes are required on the Discovery Snowshoe Trails and can be rented at the lodge. 

Tubing and tobogganing are also available at Mount Seymore. More info here .

12. Mountain biking in North Vancouver

The North Shore mountains offer world-class mountain bike trials for all skill levels. It has everything from easy cross-country trails to advanced technical trails with obstacles like bridges, ladders, and teeter-totters.

Mount Seymour has the most extensive network of trails in North Vancouver. One of the most popular mountain biking trails is the CBC trail . This 2 km trail begins at the top of Seymour Parkway and concludes at the parking lot at the base of the mountain, near Northlands Golf Course.

Here’s a trail map of Mount Seymour Biking Trails .

Don’t have a mountain bike? Rent one at Lynn Valley Bikes  or  Endless Biking .

13. Deep Cove

Deep Cove a small community in the easternmost part of North Vancouver. It’s a cute village with a restaurants, shops and the popular Honey’s Doughnuts . Be careful – these donuts are highly addictive.

The Cove is known for its picturesque marina, kayaking and standup paddle boarding, hiking and beach park. The popular Quarry Rock hike is a relatively easy hike that takes about 1.5 hours round trip (at a moderate pace). The views from the top of Quarry Rock are fantastic.

If you don’t have your own equipment, you can rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and surf-skis from Deep Cove Kayak . Or, you can join a Deep Cove Kayaking and Hiking Tour .

The rental shop gets very busy in the summer, especially on weekends. It’s wise to make a reservation ahead of time, just in case. We’ve made the mistake of assuming we could just walk up and rent a kayak, only to be disappointed because all of the kayaks were in use. 

Another unique North Vancouver adventure is boating the ancient glacial fjord of Indian Arm on a private boat tour that departs from Deep Cove . 

Parking at Deep Cove is challenging. It’s best to arrive early (before 8:30 AM), otherwise you might have to park a few km’s away and walk into the village. You can also take public transit from Lonsdale Quay Market to Deep Cove.

14. Cates Park

Looking to spend the day at the beach? We recommend you spend time at Cates Park. This seaside park has washroom facilities, kids’ playground, easy forest walking trails, picnic areas and boat launch. 

In the summer months, from May to September, you can rent kayaks, surfskis and stand-up paddleboards from Cates Park Paddling Centre . It’s recommended to make reservations for equipment rentals. Here’s a map with paddling locations to explore.

Access to the park is off Dollarton Highway, the same road that leads to Deep Cove. Cates Park is only 5 minutes from Deep Cove. 

We spotted these purple starfish on the beach at Cates Park during low tide. 

Pier, dock and boat launch at Cates Park in North Vancouver. 

15. Lynn Headwaters Regional Park

Lynn Headwaters Regional Park is located close to Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve and Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge. If you’ve got the time, you can visit all of these parks in the same day. 

Lynn Headwaters Park is is the largest of twenty-two regional parks in Metro Vancouver. It has over 9,216 acres of forest and offers a variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty. Trails are colour-coded and range from 3 km (2 miles) to 21 km (13 miles). 

Popular hiking trails include the Varley Trail, Lynn Loop Trail, Cedars Mill and Lynn Headwaters Trail Loop, Lynn Lake trail, Coliseum Mountain Trail and the challenging Lynn Peak Trail (9 km to the summit).

Here’s a map of Lynn Headwaters Park .

Lynn Headwaters Park is known for it’s giant boulders that line the river, creating several natural pools for soaking your feet or taking a refreshing dip. 

16. Waterfront Park 

Waterfront Park is located west of Lonsdale Quay Market. It’s only a 5 minute walk from the market and SeaBus terminal. The Spirit Trail pathway crosses through this green space. You can grab food and drinks from the nearby market and enjoy a waterfront picnic with outstanding views of the city. 

As you can see below, Waterfront Park is one of the best spots to watch Vancouver sunsets. 

17. North Shore Spirit Trail 

After you’ve spent some time at the Lonsdale Quay and/or Shipyards District, take a walk along the North Shore Spirit Trail. This is a long city trail that passes along the North Shore waterfront. 

You can go east or west from the Lonsdale Quay. It’s an easy paved pathway, so you can do this trail with a stroller, bike or scooter. 

If you go west, you will pass Waterfront Park before reaching Mosquito Creek Marina, where you’ll see the floating homes pictured above. Continue walking west and you’ll come to Kings Mill Walk Park, a waterfront beach park with views of downtown Vancouver. 

See North Shore Spirit Trail map here . 

Colourful floating homes at Mosquito Creek Marina, views from Spirit Trail pathway.

Kings Mill Walk Park

If you continue walking west along the Spirit Trail, from Lonsdale Quay Market, you’ll reach Kings Mill Park. This park has a sandy stretch of beach at low tide.

It’s a nice spot to enjoy the city views and watch the sunset, as you can see in the above photo. 

Moodyville Park

Located on the Spirit Trial, east of Lonsdale Quay Market, is the newly updated Moodyville Park. This is a fun park for kids because it has a pump track, zipline, playground, picnic area and forest trails with a suspension bridge (above). 

18. Brewery District – North Shore Ale Trail

The North Shore Ale Trail is relatively new to North Vancouver. Over the past few years, several craft micro-breweries have popped up in the Lower Lonsdale Shipyards area. 

Also known as The Brewery District , this is THE place to grab a craft beer sampler of North Vancouver’s finest. The first micro-brewery to open in the Lower Lonsdale area is Green Leaf Brewing, located inside the Lonsdale Quay Market. 

Within a 3 blocks of Lonsdale Quay Market, you can visit several breweries, a cidery, a distillery and multiple brewpubs. And, there are more coming!

List of breweries in North Vancouver’s Brewery District

• North Point Brewing – located on 1st Street, between St George and St Andrew Ave
• Streetcar Brewing – entrance in the alley between Esplanade and 1st Street, east of Lonsdale Ave 
• La Cerveceria Astilleros – located on Esplanade and St George Ave
• Beere Brewing – located on Esplande and St Andrew Ave
• House of Funk Brewing – located on Esplanade, a few steps east of Beere Brewing
• Shaketown Brewing – the newest brewery to open on Esplanade Ave
• Copperpenny Distilling (Gin Distilery with cocktails) – located beside Shaketown on Esplanade 
• Windfall Cider & Co. (Cidery) – located on Esplanade, beside La Cerveceria

More things to do in North Vancouver

If you made it this far, congratulations! That was a LOT if information. However, there are still MORE things to do in North Vancouver that didn’t make this post. 

• The Polygon Gallery – Art Museum at Lonsdale Quay (picture above)
• Museum of North Vancouver – located near Lonsdale Quay
• Northlands Golf Course – near Mount Seymour
• King Pins Bowling Alley – central Lonsdale Avenue
• InterRiver Park – near Lynn Canyon Park
• Park and Tilford Gardens 
• Maplewood Farm

We will update this post in the future with more detail about each of these spots.

Our favourite restaurants in North Vancouver

There are so many great restaurants in North Vancouver, so it’s hard to narrow the list to just a few.

Restaurants in Lower Lonsdale within walking distance to Lonsdale Quay Market: 

• Pier 7 Restaurant and Bar – fresh seafood with waterfront patio
• Nook – Italian cuisine with outdoor seating
• Joeys Shipyards – waterfront bistro, see menu here .
• Fishworks – sustainably sourced seafood with British Columbia wine selections
• Jamjar Canteen – Lebanese food. Get take-out order and eat outdoors on the pier or Shipyards 
• Farina a Legna – Italian restaurant serving pasta and neapolitan pizza
• Anatoli Souvlaki – Greek cuisine with Happy Hour menu

Other North Vancouver restaurants on our rotation:

• Cazba Restaurant – Persian cuisine, located 16th Street West and Lonsdale 
• Sushi Umi Japanese Restaurant – located Lonsdale and 19th Street
• Smoke and Bones – Southern Style Barbecue, located on Marine Drive 
• Tequila Cocina Lonsdale – Mexican cuisine, located Lonsdale and 20th Street
• Palki Restaurant – arguably the best Indian restaurant in North Vancouver
• Kinton Ramen – small ramen joint located on Lonsdale and 13th street

Where to stay in North Vancouver 

It’s best to stay in the Lower Lonsdale area because this is where the action is. Many of the attractions and restaurants mentioned here are within walking distance to the Lonsdale Quay Market.

The best hotels in North Vancouver are:

• Lonsdale Quay Hotel  
• Seaside Hotel North Vancouver
• Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier

Another good option is the Holiday Inn Hotel . It’s located just of the highway, so it’s an ideal hotel if you’re taking a British Columbia road trip from Vancouver . 

Read more posts about British Columbia:

• Best things to do in Victoria, British Columbia
• 20 Things to do in Whistler this Summer
• Top Things to do along Sea to Sky Highway
• Things to do at Harrison Hot Springs with kids
• Best Road Trip from Vancouver for first time visitors
• Salmon fishing at Painter’s Lodge in Campbell River

Have you visited any of these North Vancouver attractions?

Share you tips and recommendations in the comments below. Our readers thank you!

Related posts:

09/22/2022 at 2:52 am

What a great article! We’re currently dreaming of going to Canada again – we’ve been there before and we love, love love it! Here’s to a year with loads of travel plans and new experiences!

– Veronika

09/04/2023 at 9:14 pm

If you haven’t had the chance to visit yet, I really recommend North Shore Bike Park in Capilano Mall. It’s perfect for rainy days, smokey days or just really hot ones. Riders of all ages can enjoy fun bike terrain indoors.

09/05/2023 at 12:59 pm

We have not been there yet. Thanks for the recommendation. We will check it out soon and add to this post.

09/30/2023 at 4:26 pm

Excellent article and fantastic pictures! We just returned from a trip to Vancouver and Whistler. We loved it! Thank you for the great info. We will we be returning soon. -The Californians

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Home » Travel Guides » Canada » 15 Best Things to Do in North Vancouver (Brits-Columbia, Canada)

15 Best Things to Do in North Vancouver (Brits-Columbia, Canada)

Sitting along the north shore of Burrard Inlet, North Vancouver is just what its name suggests; north of the city of Vancouver. In fact, it’s considered a suburb of the large metropolis, while still having its own city vibe. It’s an urbanised waterfront community that dates back to 1907, with parts of it now being filled with modern residential buildings.

North Vancouver has so much to offer and makes for a great holiday destination. Visit as a side trip of the larger city of Vancouver, or visit North Vancouver all on its own and enjoy its numerous year round outdoor activities. Mountains, canyons, parks and the quay are just a few of the things that the city has to offer. If you are planning a vacation here, these are the 15 best things to do in North Vancouver.

1. Explore the quay

The main transport hub of the city, Lonsdale Quay is also a fantastic place to explore, as it has so much going on at all times of the day. Watch ships coming and going, yachts sailing by and people floating around.

Walk along the quay and enjoy the views across Vancouver Harbour, where you can snap photos of the Vancouver skyline and Canada Place; an iconic boat-shaped convention centre. Stop and grab a bite at one of its many eateries or enjoy a beer at Green Leaf Brewing.

While here, don’t forget to stop in at the Lonsdale Quay Market to stimulate your senses. The market is not only a great place to pick up fresh fruit, but also for shopping for souvenirs from one of the many local venders that offer everything from clothing to artisan wine.

2. Walk along the waterfront

Or jog, cycle or inline skate. The 35 kilometre North Shore Spirit Trail stretches from Lions Gate Bridge Road in West Vancouver all the way to the very east end of North Vancouver, ending at Lynn Creek.

The trail is a well-signed pathway that’s separated from traffic, making it safe for people of all ages. It’s a stunning trial that has so many things to enjoy along the way, including beaches, parks and quant communities.

The North Shore Spirit Trail also passes by many city attractions, including Waterfront Park, Lonsdale Quay, and the Park and Tilford Gardens. There’s also many places to stop along the way for a rest, a meal and to enjoy the scenery.

3. Stop and smell the flowers

The Park & Tilford Gardens is the place to do this, which is a complex at the very east end of North Vancouver close to Lynn Creek. The complex was established in 1969 as a community project and consisted of eight areas.

Today, the garden has shrunk to half its original size, but is just as magnificent as ever. It still has eight themed gardens to wander around, including a herb garden, Oriental garden and rock pool.

Be sure to check out the Native garden and its totem exhibit, with carvings done by Cody Mathias; a member of the Squamish Nation. Also found in the gardens are busts of famous botanists Carl Linnaeus, Douglas and Menzies.

4. Go shopping….at night

Every summer between May and October is the Friday night Shipyards Night Market, which is arguably the best spot in all of North Vancouver to spend a Friday night. The market opens at 5pm and closes at 10pm.

This is by far the best place to eat, shop and be merry, as there are fabulous food trucks, local artisans and local bands set up each and every week. It all happens in the historic Shipyards District right along the harbour.

There are over 100 farmers, artisans and bakers from all over British Columbia that come to sell their homemade goods, which includes clothing, jewellery, soaps, preserves and chocolate. As well, there are over 40 food trucks that serve amazing food that’s made with love.

5. Stare at photographs

The Polygon Gallery does display more than just photographs, although this is what it’s most known for. In fact, it’s the largest non-profit photographic gallery in all of Western Canada!

The gallery has been operating since 1981, but in 2017 it moved to its new location along the waterfront between the Lonsdale Quay Market and Shipyards Night Market. The new gallery consists of over 2,300 square metres of exhibit space.

The Polygon Gallery has a collection of pieces from Vancouver photographers Stan Douglas and Fred Herzog, as well as from international names like Andy Warhol and Ansel Adams. It also often hosts exhibitions featuring some great photographers from all over the world, so be sure to check what’s on when you’re in town.

6. Cross a bridge

If you’re not acrophobic, then a walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge is a must. The 140 metre long bridge crosses the Capilano River just west of the city in the District of North Vancouver.

The bridge sits 70 metres above the river and attracts over 800,000 visitors each year! It’s also so much more than just a suspension bridge, as there are many things waiting for you on the other side.

Treetops Adventures sits on the west side of the bridge, which boasts seven footbridges that are suspended 30 metres above the floor of a stunning Douglas fir tree forest. There are also nature trails, gardens and the largest private collection of First Nations totem poles in all of North America.

7. Enjoy a picnic

Or a swim, a hike or spectacular views. All of this and more can be enjoyed at Stanley Park; a massive 405 hectare park that’s surrounded by Vancouver Harbour and English Bay.

The park is was created purely by nature thanks to the evolution of a forest, with most manmade structures being built between 1911 and 1937. It has a lot of history, is home to loads of attractions and is a lot of fun.

There are picnic areas, beaches, forests, trails and lakes, as well as swimming pools, tennis courts and an 18-hole mini golf course. If that’s not enough, the park is also home to one of North America’s largest urban great blue heron colonies.

8. Go nose-to-nose with a sea lion

The Vancouver Aquarium is also home to dolphins, sea otter, penguins and beluga whales. In fact, the aquarium houses over 50,000 animals that live in 30 different native settings.

Steller’s Bay is where you will find the beluga whales, sea lions, fur seals and walruses, while the Wild Coast is home to a Pacific white-sided dolphin, harbour seals and British Columbian invertebrates. If its fish that you want to stare at, head to the Tropics to see clownfish, black tip reef sharks, pajamafish and an endangered Asian turtle.

The Vancouver Aquarium is more than just a place to look at marine life, it’s also a rescue centre. There are a number of animals living here that have been rescued, and, when possible, are sent back into the wild once healed.

9. Hit the slopes

The mountains are literally in your backyard in North Vancouver, which means skiing, snowboarding and anything else that you want to enjoy on the slopes is an easy endeavour. Grouse Mountain is the closest, which is part of the Pacific Ranges and boasts an elevation of 1,200 metres!

The mountain is an alpine ski area that’s home to 33 runs that are served by four chairlifts and one magic carpet. There are runs for all levels, ranging from beginner to expert.

Visit in the warmer months and go hiking along 2.9 kilometres of trails, one of which climbs to 853 metres. Grouse Mountain also features a wildlife refuge, a 100-seat mountaintop theatre, an aerial tramway, a zip line and a disc golf course.

10. Feed ducks and rabbits

If you’re travelling with the kids, a visit to Maplewood Farm is a must. The kids can not only see farm animals, but also feed them.

There are over 200 birds and animals that call the farm home, including donkeys, goats, rabbits, chickens, pigs, ducks and rabbits. Plus, feeding the ducks and rabbits it not only allowed, but encouraged, so be sure to bring some food along for them.

The farm has plenty of places to enjoy a picnic, some of which are completely covered. There’s also a playground, a petting area and tractors that can hired to go on a fun little ride.

11. Learn about North Vancouver’s fascinating history

The city has a rich history, all of which can be learned about at the North Vancouver Museum & Archives (NVMA). The museum is home to over 10,000 historic artefacts that are important locally and across the region.

There are historic pictures of the indigenous communities, as well as of the city’s industrial past. The museum also displays artwork, ship models, carvings, textiles and a model float plane.

The MVMA also stores thousands of private records, business document and archival documents that are not seen by the public. There are special exhibits that take place throughout the year, so be sure to check their website to see what’s on while you are visiting the city.

12. Visit a park

There are many in North Vancouver, varying from parks along the water to small neighbourhood parks. Visit a park along a creek complete with trails, a park in a plaza or a park in a cemetery.

If you want to go on a picnic, try Waterfront Park, Cloverley Park or Victoria Park, while Mahon Park, Heywood Park and Tempe Heights Park are great for the kids. If you want to relax on a beach, head to Kings Mill Walk Park.

Eastview Park at the northeast corner of the city boasts a disc golf course, while Ray Perrault Park features bocce courts, tennis courts and a sports field. No matter what facilities you’re looking for, North Vancouver has a park for you to visit.

13. Climb a rock

There’s nothing more satisfying for an adrenaline junkie than climbing the face of a rock. If you’re visiting North Vancouver, you’re lucky enough to be able to do this.

There are two great places that this can be done, both of which are in West Vancouver; just west of North Vancouver. You should, of course, never go rock climbing alone, and can easily find a guide if you are a lone climber.

Lighthouse Park offers around 12 routes on solid granite overlooking the ocean. Cypress Mountain has even more climbing routes that range from V0 – V10 on the Hueco System

14. Experience a city event

There are a few notable ones that should not be missed when visiting the city. Luckily, events happen year round, so no matter when you visit, there’s probably an event to experience.

Visit in December and enjoy one of many events that take place just in time for the festive season, like live music in Civic Plaza, holiday markets at the Shipyards and the Park & Tilford Holiday Hi-Light Festival. Come for a summer holiday and experience the amazing music at Summer Sessions, Hot Summer Nights and the weekend Fun City Festival.

If you love music, don’t miss Jazz in the Plaza. Nature lovers should visit in September for Rivers Day, where you can plant trees and learn about the nature in the area.

15. Look at art

You don’t have to go into a gallery to do this, as there is plenty of public art displayed throughout the city. It can be found in libraries, parks, along nature trails, in shopping malls and on public walkways, with each piece being one-of-a-kind.

Go on a self-guided tour and look at art throughout the city. There are four different self-guided public art tours that can be enjoyed in North Vancouver; Lower Lonsdale Public Art Walking Tour, Lonsdale Avenue Public Art Walk, Lynn Valley Public Art Experience and VNSTA Public Art Trail.

On these walking tours you will see things like stained glass windows, totem poles, stainless steel sculptures, murals and collages. If you’re with the kids, be sure to also include a visit to Fun Alley.

15 Best Things to Do in North Vancouver (Brits-Columbia, Canada):

• Explore the quay
• Walk along the waterfront
• Stop and smell the flowers
• Go shopping….at night
• Stare at photographs
• Cross a bridge
• Enjoy a picnic
• Go nose-to-nose with a sea lion
• Hit the slopes
• Feed ducks and rabbits
• Learn about North Vancouver’s fascinating history
• Visit a park
• Climb a rock
• Experience a city event
• Look at art

20+ Things To Do in North Vancouver

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read the full disclosure policy here .

Here are my top recommendations for the best things to do in North Vancouver.

When I lived in Vancouver, I ventured over to North Vancouver often. It was easy to see why so many people preferred to live over there, with its stunning natural background and easy access to downtown Vancouver. Admittedly, there are still a few places I have to tick off my North Van bucket list, but here are the best things to do in North Vancouver, British Columbia.

Where to stay in North Vancouver

I’ve previously shared a post with my favourite Vancouver accommodation options . But there aren’t a lot of hotels in North Vancouver. The best options are and . You’ll also find condos on Airbnb.

Things to do in North Vancouver

1. Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge

One of the most popular things to do in North Vancouver is to visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park . In fact, it’s one of Vancouver’s top tourist attractions. It comprises a multitude of attractions, like the Suspension Bridge that takes you over the Capilano River. Then there are the seven suspension footbridges of Treetops Adventure, the Cliffwalk, the Story Centre and Raptors Ridge, an education facility. During Christmas, Capilano Suspension Bridge transforms into Canyon Lights, which is a sight to see. 

2. Walk along the North Shore Spirit Trail

It’s soon going to become obvious that North Vancouver is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. There are so many North Vancouver hikes and walks to conquer and the North Shore Spirit Trail is just one of them. This is a 35-kilometre fully accessible trail extending from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver to Deep Cove. It hugs the coastline as much as possible.

3. Explore Lynn Canyon Park

Now, if you want the thrill of the Capilano Suspension Bridge without the price tag, I suggest heading to Lynn Canyon Park . I visited in my first weeks of moving to Vancouver, and it’s one of my favourite places to visit in North Vancouver. Officially opening in 1912, its suspension bridge towers 50 metres above Lynn Canyon. When you cross to the other side, there are several hiking trails to enjoy that will take you down to the water’s edge and back to the entrance. Fortunately, there are public buses running to Lynn Canyon Park daily.

Check out my Lynn Canyon day trip guide

4. go golfing.

Look, I’m not a golf enthusiast. But apparently, it’s one of the top things to do in North Vancouver. Northlands Golf Course is Vancouver’s premier public golf course. The Les Furber-designed 18-hole golf course is located at the foot of Mount Seymour. The photos alone make it look stunning, as there are towering trees and views of both Burrard Inlet and Burnaby Mountain.

5. See the sunset at Lonsdale Quay

Okay, if you tick only one place off this list of things to do in North Vancouver, please let it be seeing the sunset from Lonsdale Quay. This is home to the SeaBus, which is the ferry service that connects North Van to Vancouver. But it’s also where you’ll find some of the best North Vancouver restaurants and specialty shops at Lonsdale Quay market. If you’re fortunate to visit on a clear day, enjoy watching the sunset make the skyline glow. I recommend heading out to the end of Burrard Dry Dock Pier for the ultimate view.

My favourite places to take photos of the Vancouver skyline

6. shop at park royal.

Ok, technically this is in West Vancouver, but seeing as it’s just over the border, I’m going to let it slide into this post. Park Royal is a massive indoor/outdoor shopping destination and the place to go shopping in North Vancouver. It’s home to all the classics, like Hudson Bay, Zara and Anthropologie, as well as many eateries and a cinema. 

7. Have fun at Mount Seymour

If you’re looking for adventurous things to do in North Vancouver, head up to Mount Seymour. While skiing and snowboarding are the principal activities, you can also enjoy snowshoeing, tubing and tobogganing on Mount Seymour. I’ve been both tobogganing and tubing and they’re SO fun. Fortunately, they have a custom tube tow, so you can easily get back to the start too. I highly recommend checking out Mount Seymour if you’re looking for places to visit in North Vancouver in winter.

8. Enjoy the Shipyards Night Market

Next door to Lonsdale Quay in Lower Lonsdale, you’ll find the Shipyards, which hosts the Shipyards Night Market every Friday night in summer. It’s a free event that draws 10,000 visitors every week and features plenty of food trucks, live music, a beer garden and local vendors too. My food truck used to park here every fortnight, and it was one of my favourite events. 

Check out more of my favourite things to do in Vancouver at night

9. Walk or bike across the Lions Gate Bridge

Western Canada’s longest suspension bridge at over 1.5 kilometres, Lions Gate Bridge crosses the Burrard Inlet and connects North Vancouver to Metro Vancouver. It opened in 1938 and is now a National Historic Site in Canada. There is a pedestrian path on both sides if you want to walk or bike across. Then when you get to Vancouver, you can hop off and immediately explore Stanley Park.

10. Go for a hike in Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve

At the foothills of Mount Seymour, you’ll find the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve. It’s home to 65 kilometres of hiking trails, including a part of the Baden Powel Trail (more on that below). It’s also home to the aforementioned Lynn Canyon Park. Have fun exploring the dense forest landscape and cross off its four bridges: Seymour River Suspension Bridge, Twin Falls Bridge, Pipeline Bridge and Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge. Nearby is Lynn Headwaters Regional Park with even more hikes.

11. Hike the Baden Powell Trail

Looking for adventurous free things to do in North Vancouver? Check out the Baden Powell Trail . Firstly, there’s a 12-kilometre trek that takes you from Deep Cove to the Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge. But all up, it’s a 42-kilometre trail. Unfortunately, there’s no camping along the way. So you can break it up into four day hikes and venture past Eagle Bluff, Black Mountain, Cypress Provincial Park and Cleveland Dam.

12. Have a drink!

Let me let you in on a little secret… North Vancouver is overflowing with breweries. The only one I’ve been to so far is Deep Cove Brewers & Distillers . This was another food truck destination and where I discovered that I, in fact, don’t mind certain types of beer! But if beer isn’t your thing, spirits are also their thing.

Ok, I won’t list them all, but here are some other options: Black Kettle Brewing , Wildeye Brewing , Sons of Vancouver Distillery (their website states they’re a “really, really small batch distillery”), North Point Brewing Co , Beere Brewing Company and Bridge Brewing Company . The latter also owns the Lonsdale Bridgedeck, a new North Vancouver restaurant. I just had a look at the menu and it’s good.

13. Eat some ice cream

If you’re on the hunt for things to do in Vancouver in summer, I highly suggest eating ice cream. My recommendation is the locally-owned Earnest Ice Cream , as they usually have 20 delicious flavours to choose from. Another option at The Shipyards is Welcome Parlour Ice Cream .

14. Take the kids to Maplewood Farm

One of the best places to go in North Vancouver with kids is Maplewood Farm . It’s a five-acre farm in the heart of the North Shore that’s home to over 200 friendly domestic animals and birds, including horses, cattle, goats, pigs and sheep. You can do pony rides, feed the chicken and ducks, and feed the bunnies ( BYO bunny food ).

15. Spend a leisurely afternoon in Deep Cove

I actually have a separate blog post on my visit to Deep Cove many moons ago. But it’s such a cute waterfront neighbourhood that I highly recommend checking it out when visiting North Vancouver. There are public buses to Deep Cove available.

While you’re in Deep Cove, one of the most popular things to do is the Quarry Rock hike. It takes about 1.5 hours and can get very busy in summer, so it’s best to start early so you can spend time enjoying the beautiful water views at the end. The second most popular thing to do in Deep Cove is kayaking. Visit Deep Cove Kayak for kayak rentals, tours and SUP rentals.

16. Conquer the Grouse Grind

Grouse Grind is one of the most popular things to do in North Vancouver, but it’s not for the faint of heart (literally). It’s called Mother Nature’s Stairmaster and is a 2.5-kilometre trail up Grouse Mountain. 2830 steps from the bottom to the top. I never attempted it because I’m a chicken, but many of my friends have. Visit the official website to book a Download Ticket for the Skyride gondola trip down as you’re not allowed to hike back.

A blurry photo but welcome to the Peak of Christmas!

17. Visit Grouse Mountain

When it comes to North Vancouver tourist attractions, Grouse Mountain is a destination in itself. You can visit year-round as there’s always something going on. In summer, you can say hello to the resident grizzly bears, see the Birds in Motion, enjoy the Mountain Ropes Adventure, watch the world-famous Lumberjack Show or go ziplining.

In winter, you can ski, snowboard, snowshoe and visit the Peak of Christmas (my personal favourite). The Skyride gondola is your way up and down Grouse Mountain. Book an admission ticket here . FYI: there are three main North Shore mountains – Grouse Mountain, Mount Seymour and Cypress Mountain. I only visited the first two but Cypress is Vancouver’s biggest ski resort.

18. Swim at Cates Park

Cates Park is North Van’s largest seaside park. It has six kilometres of waterfront trails that’ll take you through the forest and past the beach. While the beach is the natural draw card (if those cool BC waters can tempt you), Cates Park is also home to tennis courts, playgrounds, a concession stand and a canoe hiring station. Other beaches in North Vancouver to check out include Corner Beach in Deep Cove, Dundarave Beach and Ambleside Beach (technically those last ones are in West Vancouver but shhh).

19. The Polygon Gallery

The Polygon Gallery was just opening up when I left Vancouver in 2017, but it’s fast become one of the top North Vancouver attractions. Admission is always by donation and it specialises in contemporary art exhibitions, with a focus on photography.

20. Visit Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park is one of the best places to visit in North Vancouver for views of the stunning Vancouver skyline. It’s located right next to where the SeaBus deposits you and it’s also home to walking trails, picnic tables and a playground.

21. Dine at one of these North Vancouver restaurants

I personally didn’t dine out a lot in North Van, as when I was there I was usually eating from the food trucks! But here are my recommendations:

• Tap & Barrel is one of the most popular Vancouver restaurants and in North Van, it’s located right in the Shipyards. Head here for happy hour and to watch the sunset from the patio.
• Jagerhof is a North Van staple, having been here for 40 years. It specialises in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and South Tyrol cuisine and has fun live entertainment most Friday and Saturday nights.
• Chop and Chew has a specialty and that’s locally sourced sausages. The signature Chop & Chew Platter includes two sausages, mashed potatoes and coleslaw. The pulled pork sandwich is also to die for.

22. Stop by Mo’s General Store

Located in The Shipyards, Mo’s General Store is one of the most popular North Vancouver tourist spots and has something for everyone. You can buy cocktail mixes, boardgames, coffee essentials and MOment boxes to celebrate the most special milestones.

Things to do in North Vancouver on a rainy day

Here are three recommendations for indoor things to do in North Vancouver on a rainy day:

• Visit The Polygon Gallery.
• Do some retail therapy at Park Royal.
• Visit one of North Van’s many breweries.

Things to do in North Vancouver at night

Looking for things to do in North Vancouver at night?

• Enjoy dinner at one of the aforementioned North Vancouver restaurants.
• Visit a brewery.
• See the sunset over Vancouver.

FAQs about North Vancouver

How do i spend a day in north vancouver.

There are so many fun ways to spend one day in North Vancouver. Start with one of the several hikes mentioned. Then if it’s summer, head to the beach. If it’s winter, head to the mountains or Park Royal. In the evening, watch the sunset from Lower Lonsdale and then go for a drink at a brewery or have dinner at Tap & Barrel.

Is North Vancouver worth visiting?

North Vancouver is absolutely worth visiting. It’s home to beautiful beaches, mountains and hiking trails just waiting for you to explore.

What is North Vancouver known for?

North Vancouver is known predominantly for its natural landscape and outdoor adventures.

Is North Vancouver different from Vancouver?

Yes, North Vancouver doesn’t have the bustling metropolis that the City of Vancouver has. It also has more natural attractions compared to Vancouver.

What can you do in North Vancouver for free?

There are several free things to do in North Vancouver:

• Go for a hike.
• Visit a beach in summer.
• Head to Waterfront Park.
• Spend the afternoon in Deep Cove.
• See the sunset from Lonsdale Quay.

Are there cheap things to do in North Vancouver?

Absolutely! Look at all the free activities in North Vancouver mentioned above.

As you can see there are so many fun things to do on the North Shore (another term for North Vancouver). You won’t be bored, especially if you like the outdoors! Remember to visit my Vancouver archive for all of the best things to do in Vancouver.

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The Top Things to See and Do in North Vancouver

Many travelers skip over North Vancouver when touring the region, which is unfortunate, as the city is home to beautiful mountain ranges, picturesque provincial parks and unmatched Vancouver views. If you’re planning to travel over to the North Shore, here are the best things to do.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

Check out Capilano Suspension Bridge

This destination is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Vancouver. The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park does not just include one suspension bridge; it is also home to Cliffwalk, Treetops Adventure (featuring seven more suspension bridges), Story Centre and Kia’Palano, where you can learn more about BC’s First Nations people and the park’s totem poles. It’s particularly beautiful during the holidays when the park sparkles with lights. There is a free shuttle service available to take visitors to the park from downtown Vancouver, plus daily tours that take in the Vancouver sights.

Explore Lynn Canyon Park

Lynn Canyon Park is a beautiful forested park in North Vancouver. It is known for its free suspension bridge, which isn’t as impressive as the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, but it is a narrow structure dangling 50m (165ft) above the water. If you dare, stop in the middle of the bridge to take in the breathtaking views. Other attractions within the park include Twin Falls, the Pipe Bridge and the 30-Foot Pool for a refreshing swim . The Baden Powell Trail also crosses through Lynn Canyon and many other North Shore parks, such as Capilano River and Grouse Mountain.

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Head to Deep Cove

Deep Cove is the easternmost neighborhood in North Vancouver. It’s primarily known for its Quarry Rock hike, which can get busy with locals in the summer and takes about 1.5 hours to complete. There’s a small strip of stores, restaurants and the prerequisite ice cream shop sitting beside the water. Deep Cove is a great place to have a picnic and enjoy the quintessential BC views. Another option is to rent a kayak in the summer and take in the beauty from the water.

Explore Lonsdale Quay

The SeaBus (Vancouver’s public transit ferry) terminal is at Lonsdale Quay, so it’s the area where many people begin and end their North Vancouver experience. Not only does it offer some of the best North Shore views of the Vancouver skyline, but it is also home to Lonsdale Quay Market. There are over 80 locally owned businesses inside the market, including a food court, specialty retail stores and a craft brewery. Experience some of the market’s best flavors through the North Vancouver Walking Food Tour.

Visit Grouse Mountain

Grouse Mountain ties with Capilano Suspension Bridge Park as the most popular North Vancouver attraction. Although people can easily spend a day exploring Grouse Mountain, there is the option to combine both attractions into one North Shore day trip. There are many activities and things to do on Grouse year-round, such as visiting the resident grizzly bears and watching the lumberjack show during the summer and enjoying the magical Peak of Vancouver experience during the holidays. For fitness lovers , instead of taking the Skyride up the mountainside, tackle the Grouse Grind, Mother Nature’s stairmaster that includes 2,830 steps.

Play a round of golf

Golfing is a very popular pastime for North Vancouver locals and visitors. Takaya Golf is the North Shore’s biggest golf range, which is constantly named one of the top 100 golf ranges in North America. Its 78 stalls are open year-round, and it has a happy hour bonus ball time and flood lights for nighttime golfing. There’s also a mini-putt course. Northlands Golf Course is one of British Columbia’s premier golf destinations. The 18-hole golf course features a mix of “challenging holes, friendly scenic downhill vistas, and strategically located natural hazards.”

Enjoy winter on the North Shore Mountains

Besides Grouse, the other two mountain options in North Vancouver are Cypress Mountain and Mount Seymour. Cypress hosted the freestyle skiing and snowboarding events at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, and its runs are the most popular with locals. Meanwhile, Mount Seymour gets the most snow and is more attractive to families and budget-minded people. Although snowboarding and skiing are available, there are also other winter activities such as snowshoeing, tubing and tobogganing. For adventurous winter visitors, there are snowshoe tours from Vancouver, too.

Go to the beach

One of the best things about North Vancouver is its access to the water. Enjoy its waterfront location and head to the beach. One option is going for a swim at Panorama Park in Deep Cove, but the most popular and largest seaside park is Cates Park . The sandy beach stretches out in First Nations Tsleil-Waututh territory, reflected in the park’s totem poles and the canoe on display. Cates Park has waterfront trails, picnic shelters, a playground and tennis courts, and a concession stand in the summertime.

Have a feast at the Shipyards Night Market

During the summer, one of Canada’s best street food markets descends on North Vancouver’s waterfront. The Shipyards Night Market happens every Friday night, next door to Lonsdale Quay. The market has a live band, a beer garden serving local spirits and beers, an artisan market selling handmade jewelry and other products and over 35 food trucks. It’s a perfect date night option and only a short walk from the SeaBus terminal.

Visit Maplewood Farm

A great activity for families visiting North Vancouver, Maplewood Farm allows people to interact with over 200 domestic and farm animals. Some of the animals include goats, chickens, horses, cows, lambs, pigs and rabbits. Children can go on pony rides, go behind the scenes and meet the farmhands and feed some of the animals, too. Families can also bring a picnic to enjoy in the covered picnic area.

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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North Vancouver Visitor Centre

The North Vancouver Visitor Centre provides plenty of information on local activities and events, attractions, local shops, sightseeing tours and accommodations so you can make the most of your visit to Vancouver’s North Shore Where Nature Lives. We are located inside the The Quay Market & Food Hall (Lonsdale Quay Market) (ground floor, north end), just a few steps away from the SeaBus terminal. Our friendly, multilingual and highly-trained Visitor Information Counsellors are looking forward to helping you plan your stay!

North Vancouver travel guide

North vancouver tourism | north vancouver guide, you're going to love north vancouver.

With a population of 48 000, North Vancouver is a must-see destination in British Columbia, Canada. It is one of the most popular cities to visit in the country. We recommend you stay at least 3 days in order to fully appreciate everything North Vancouver has to offer.

Where to Eat in North Vancouver

If you’re looking for affordable options, Arms Reach Bistro (4390 Gallant Avenue) and Catch 122 Cafe & Bistro (128 Carrie Cates Court) are great picks.

When to visit North Vancouver

How to get to north vancouver.

When flying to North Vancouver, you’ll arrive at Vancouver Airport (YVR), which is located 10 miles from the city center.

VIA Rail Canada is the most popular train carrier serving North Vancouver, followed by Amtrak. The train journey from North Vancouver to Seattle takes 4h 00m and costs around $34 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Vancouver, expect to pay about $58 for a 7h 32m trip.

Another option to get to North Vancouver is to pick up a car rental from Vancouver, which is about 3 miles from North Vancouver. You’ll find branches of Routes Car & Truck Rentals and Hertz, among others, in Vancouver.

Several bus lines operate bus routes to North Vancouver, including Quick Shuttle, BC Ferries Connector and Amtrak. From Bellingham, the bus ride to North Vancouver takes 80 miles and will cost you around $16. From Seattle, the ticket costs about $32 for a journey of 195 miles.

Airports near North Vancouver

Airlines serving north vancouver, where to stay in popular areas of north vancouver, most booked hotels in north vancouver, renting a car in north vancouver.

Renting a car in North Vancouver costs $26 per day, on average, or $79 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 96% cheaper than airport locations in North Vancouver.

Expect to pay $5.19 per gallon in North Vancouver (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $62.23 and $82.98. The most frequently booked car type in North Vancouver is Mini (Dodge Grand Caravan or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Ford Focus or similar) are, on average, 62% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

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Lower Lonsdale

If you're spending some time in Lower Lonsdale, Lonsdale Quay Market and Lonsdale Quay Seabus Terminal are top sights worth seeing.

Central Lonsdale

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Central Lonsdale and surrounding area, you can visit Lonsdale Quay Market and Lonsdale Quay Seabus Terminal.

Grand Boulevard

Grand Boulevard might not have many top sights, but Lonsdale Quay Market and Lonsdale Quay Seabus Terminal are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

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• Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal

Explore the waterfront in Vancouver with a trip to Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal. Discover the beautiful sunsets and top-notch restaurants in this vibrant area.

• Canada Place

Fly above Canada’s stunning scenery aboard a flight simulator and watch a movie in the open-air cinema at this expansive entertainment complex.

• Stanley Park

Check out this local favorite since Victorian times for its forested walking trails, beachside activities, attractive gardens and wildlife.

• University of British Columbia

Walk around the campus of University of British Columbia, a top college in Vancouver. Discover the beautiful sunsets and shops in this vibrant area.

• Vancouver Waterfront

Explore the waterfront in Vancouver with a trip to Vancouver Waterfront. Stroll along the seaside or visit the shops in this vibrant area.

• Rogers Arena

Catch an event at Rogers Arena during your trip to Vancouver. Discover the top-notch restaurants and acclaimed art scene in this vibrant area.

Things to do

Capilano suspension bridge park & vancouver city tour, victoria & butchart gardens tour from vancouver, whistler adventure & sea to sky gondola tour, reviews of north vancouver, 5/5 - excellent.

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I love the city

Seabus is super easy and fun to take! Awesome coffee options and wonderful service everywhere

Love all of Vancouver. Mountains to sea.

Transportation great. Right near Sea Bus. Capilano Bridge a must see.

Lots of excellent options for foodies. Beautiful views of the harbor.

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• Weatherhood Local

Here are all the ways you can view the 2024 solar eclipse in Metro Vancouver

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APRIL 8 UPDATE : Rain and clouds will dampen Metro Vancouver's chances of seeing the eclipse in local skies. Live streaming events will offer the best viewing of the exciting event. Original story follows below.

Skywatchers in cities across North America will see the sky go completely dark during the day on Monday, April 8 during a total solar eclipse. 

But Metro Vancouverites won't see the full scope of the rare event. Locally, only about 17 per cent of the sun will be covered, according to H.R. MacMillan Space Centre astronomer Marley Leacock.

Locals are more likely to see a "crescent 'cut out'" move across the sun when the eclipse reaches its peak. In other parts of the continent, the moon will block out the light from the sun, creating an eerie mid-day darkness.  

Since the moon will never completely block the sun in Vancouver, it is unsafe for locals to observe the event without protective eyewear at any point during the eclipse.

NASA advises using a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope with a  special-purpose solar filter  secured over the front of the optics to view and/or photograph the event.

Regular glasses or sunglasses will not protect your eyes from sun damage. Use solar viewing glasses (eclipse glasses) or a safe handheld solar viewer. NASA notes that " safe solar viewers  are thousands of times darker and must comply with the  ISO 12312-2  international standard."

If the weather cooperates, people along the "path of totality will see the sun’s corona , or outer atmosphere, which is usually obscured by the bright face of the sun," according to NASA.

What time is the solar eclipse in Vancouver?

In Vancouver, the partial solar eclipse will start at 10:43 a.m. on April 8 and reach its maximum coverage (17 per cent) at 11:30 a.m. The event will finish at 12:20 p.m. (view slide two for viewing details).

The total event will last one hour and 37 minutes.

The eclipse will start over the Pacific Ocean and then pass across continental North America. The first place that will  experience totality is Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. The path of totality will then enter the United States through Texas, making its way into numerous states including Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, New York, and Maine, as well as Canadian provinces including Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia.

The eclipse will "exit continental North America on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m.," according to NASA.

NASA has a map that shows what areas will see the eclipse in totality. Anyone in the path of totality will have a chance to see the total eclipse, weather permitting (see slide three).

Can I view the solar eclipse in Vancouver if the weather is poor? 

Outdoor viewing opportunities are also weather-dependent; the event won't be visible in Vancouver if it rains or there is significant cloud coverage. 

Environment Canada's  online cloud prediction tool  for astronomical purposes shows how clear the sky might be throughout the day.

Weatherhood also offers neighbourhood-specific forecasts for over 50 locations across the Lower Mainland to help plan your eclipse viewing.

NASA will be streaming the total solar eclipse on its website for people who want to see it pass through the path of totality.

Solar eclipse public viewing at the University of British Columbia (UBC)

Researchers at the UBC Department of Physics and Astronomy will host a public solar eclipse viewing event outside the university's bookstore on Monday, April 8, weather permitting. If the weather is bad, the event will be held in the UBC Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre lobby.

To safely view the eclipse, attendees can borrow eclipse-viewing glasses. The event will also feature two solar telescopes, edible pin-hole cameras for children and a live feed of NASA’s eclipse coverage.

When : Monday, April 8 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m

Where:  UBC Bookstore exterior - 6200 University Blvd. If the weather is bad, the event will be held at the Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre lobby (6163 University Blvd)

Solar eclipse event at the Trottier Observatory

Simon Fraser University (SFU) will host a solar eclipse viewing party at the Trottier Observatory on Monday, April 8. The institution will provide solar telescopes for attendees and some solar eclipse eyeglasses for people to use.

The free event is open to people of all ages and no pre-registration is required. However, the event is weather-permitting. 

When: Monday, April 8 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Where:  SFU Trottier Observatory - 643A Science Rd, Burnaby

Cost: Free.

The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre eclipse viewing party

The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre will host a by-donation viewing event and have eclipse glasses available at the front desk. Weather permitting, it will have the viewing outside.

If the weather does not cooperate, the space centre will have a livestream of the event in the auditorium that will show the total solar eclipse in other parts of North America.

If you would like to watch a show in the planetarium after the eclipse tickets will be required.

Where: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre - 1100 Chestnut St, Vancouver

Cost: Free, by-donation for viewing glasses.

Stay up-to-date with hyperlocal forecasts across  50 neighbourhoods in the Lower Mainland  with V.I.A.'s Weatherhood. 

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Solar eclipse maps show 2024 totality path, peak times and how much of the eclipse people could see across the U.S.

By Aliza Chasan

Updated on: April 9, 2024 / 5:00 AM EDT / CBS News

A total solar eclipse  crossed North America Monday with parts of 15 U.S. states within the path of totality. Maps show  where and when astronomy fans could see the big event  as skies darkened in the middle of the day Monday, April 8.

The total eclipse first appeared along Mexico's Pacific Coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT, then traveled across a swath of the U.S., from Texas to Maine, and into Canada.

About 31.6 million people live in the path of totality , the area where the moon fully blocked out the sun , according to NASA. The path ranged between 108 and 122 miles wide. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path of totality.

Solar eclipse path of totality map for 2024

The total solar eclipse started over the Pacific Ocean, and the first location in continental North America that experienced totality was Mexico's Pacific Coast, around 11:07 a.m. PDT, according to NASA. From there, the path continued into Texas, crossing more than a dozen states before the eclipse enters Canada in southern Ontario. The eclipse exited continental North America at around 5:16 p.m. NDT from Newfoundland, Canada.

The path of totality included portions of the following states:

• Pennsylvania
• New Hampshire

Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan also experienced the total solar eclipse.

Several major cities across the U.S. were included in the eclipse's path of totality, while many others saw a partial eclipse. These were some of the best major cities for eclipse viewing — though the weather was a factor :

• San Antonio, Texas (partially under the path)
• Austin, Texas
• Waco, Texas
• Dallas, Texas
• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Dayton, Ohio
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Buffalo, New York
• Rochester, New York
• Syracuse, New York
• Burlington, Vermont

Map of when the solar eclipse reached totality across its path

The eclipse began in the U.S. as a partial eclipse beginning at 12:06 p.m. CDT near Eagle Pass, Texas, before progressing to totality by about 1:27 p.m. CDT and then moving along its path to the northeast over the following few hours.

NASA shared times for several cities in the path of totality across the U.S. People could have also  checked their ZIP code on NASA's map  to see when the eclipse was to reach them if they were on, or near, the path of totality — or if they saw a partial eclipse instead.

How much of the eclipse did people see if they live outside the totality path?

While the April 8 eclipse covered a wide swath of the U.S., outside the path of totality observers may have spotted a partial eclipse, where the moon covers some, but not all, of the sun, according to NASA. The closer they were to the path of totality, the larger the portion of the sun that was hidden.

NASA allowed viewers to input a ZIP code and see how much of the sun was to be covered in their locations.

Could there be cloud cover be during the solar eclipse?

Some areas along the path of totality had a higher likelihood of cloud cover that could interfere with viewing the eclipse. Here is a map showing the historical trends in cloud cover this time of year. 

You could have checked the latest forecast for your location with our partners at The Weather Channel .

Where did the solar eclipse reach totality for the longest?

Eclipse viewers near Torreón, Mexico, got to experience totality for the longest. Totality there lasted 4 minutes, 28 seconds, according to NASA. 

Most places along the centerline of the path of totality saw a totality duration of between 3.5 and 4 minutes, according to NASA. Some places in the U.S. came close to the maximum; Kerrville, Texas, had a totality duration of 4 minutes, 24 seconds.

What is the path of totality for the 2044 solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse that will be visible from the contiguous U.S. will be on Aug. 23, 2044.

Astronomy fans in the U.S. will have far fewer opportunities to see the 2044 eclipse they had on April 8. NASA has not yet made maps available for the 2044 eclipse but, according to The Planetary Society , the path of totality will only touch three states.

The 2024 eclipse will start in Greenland, pass over Canada and end as the sun sets in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota, according to the Planetary Society.

Aliza Chasan is a digital producer at 60 Minutes and CBSNews.com. She has previously written for outlets including PIX11 News, The New York Daily News, Inside Edition and DNAinfo. Aliza covers trending news, often focusing on crime and politics.

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