Hugging the north shore of Vancouver Harbour, North Vancouver is a suburb of British Columbia’s largest city. It extends from the forested hiking trails and ski slopes of the North Shore Mountains to the industrialised waterfront of the Shipyards with its museums, markets and dining establishments.
Things to do in North Vancouver
Spend an afternoon exploring the Shipyards, a lively waterfront district that offers magnificent views across Vancouver’s city skyline from the Burrard Dry Dock Pier. Nearby is Lonsdale Quay with its vibrant market, where you’ll find everything from clothing to artisan foods and flowers. When it’s time to eat, there are plenty of choices, ranging from laid-back cafes to high-end seafood restaurants.
Nearby is MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver, which shares past, present and future stories related to the area. As you browse the interactive displays and historic artefacts, you can learn about the industries, people and events that make North Vancouver what it is today. Adjacent is the Inuit Gallery of Vancouver, which showcases indigenous artwork and jewellery.
For elevated views of Vancouver, ride the cable car that ascends the forested slopes of Grouse Mountain, which is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding in the winter months. From the North Shore Mountains flows the Capilano River, which is spanned by spectacular suspension bridges that can be explored along a network of hiking trails. Teeter high above the forest floor on the Cliffwalk or get up close to birds of prey at Raptors Ridge.
Getting around North Vancouver
North Vancouver is around 20 minutes’ drive from the centre of Vancouver and just under an hour from Vancouver International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular buses connect to and travel through North Vancouver while ferries make the journey from Vancouver’s Waterfront terminal to Lonsdale Quay.