 Lonsdale Quay, North Vancouver, Tourism BC photo Most North Vancouver attractions are just a 20-minute drive from downtown Vancouver across the Lions Gate Bridge or the Second Narrows Bridge. The area known as Vancouver's North Shore (also encompassing wealthy neighbouring West Vancouver) is home to nearly 180,000 active, green-minded citizens.
Learn more about Outdoor Activities found in North Vancouver by clicking on Field Reporter Simon's video below.
Outdoor Attractions of the North Shore
Suspension BridgesOriginally constructed in 1889, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is Vancouver's oldest tourist attraction. Teeter thrillingly across the 137m/450ft span above a frothing river, and then check out the totem poles, trout ponds, and gift shop. Nearby, check out the huge Cleveland Dam and the Capilano Salmon Hatchery, both free of charge. The Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is another freebie, tucked away amid firs and cedars in a hikers' paradise.
Grouse Mountain Enjoy the varied activities at Grouse Mountain, which can be reached by public transit This 1,250m/4,100ft peak offers amazing views of Vancouver and the Pacific Ocean, both from the Skyride gondola tram and at the summit. Ziplining, paragliding and heli-jet tours spice up the summer, and skiing, sleigh rides, and ice skating grace the winter.
Grouse GrindThe Grouse Grind is Vancouver's best-known and most challenging mountainside hike, and the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife with grizzly bears and wolves is open year-round.
Cypress Mountain and the Winter Games The North Shore's other great skiing mountains include Cypress Mountain, the huge official West Vancouver venue for 2010 Olympic freestyle skiing and snowboarding, and Mount Seymour, which has more than 20 downhill runs and welcomes young families on a budget.
Mount SeymourMount Seymour also offers access to some of the North Shore's world-class hiking and mountain biking trails. The Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve, the Baden-Powell Trail, and the emerging North Shore Spirit Trail are names to remember.
Deep Cove & Horseshoe Bay Nearby Deep Cove is a kayaking mecca, with tranquil waters extending up the fjord of Indian Arm. Watch out for eagles, cougars, seals, and anemones. Wildlife can also be spotted while fishing or enjoying a high-speed "sea safari" in a Zodiac boat out of the family-operated Sewell's Marina in Horseshoe Bay.
Even at signature North Shore golf courses like Northlands Golf Course, it's not uncommon to spot deer or black bears on the greens.
ShoppingThose who prefer to relax with shopping, culture, and dining are in luck too. Lonsdale Quay, the waterfront heartbeat of North Vancouver, is loaded with quaint galleries, gift shops, and delicious-smelling vendors of fresh produce and deli goods. Canada's oldest shopping centre, Park Royal Shopping Centre, has been a North Shore mainstay since 1950, and boasts more than 300 stores today. Boutique shopping abounds in neighbourhood centres like Edgemont Village, Dundarave, Deep Cove and Lynn Valley.
Theatre & ArtFor theatre-goers and arts lovers, the North Shore has a bit of everything, from symphony concerts and plays for kids at Centennial Theatre to eclectic exhibitions at Deep Cove's Seymour Art Gallery. Totem poles, masks, and paintings that express First Nations culture can be found at galleries such as Khot La Cha Art Gallery and Spirit Gallery.
DiningDining in North Vancouver is a delight due to the focus on local, seasonal, and organic ingredients. Sample acclaimed West Coast cuisine at The Salmon House, Crave, The Beach House at Dundarave Pier, and Saltaire. Alternatively, fuel up on pub fare at Taylor's Crossing or fresh-ground coffee at Delany's, or at a range of French, Indian, Persian, and Greek restaurants.
History of North Vancouver The North Shore was originally inhabited by First Nations such as the Squamish, the Tseil-Waututh, and the Musqueam. European explorers first entered Howe Sound in the late 18th Century, and by the 1860s, logging was an emerging industry. Mills, churches, and postal service followed, and North Vancouver was first incorporated as a district in 1891.
Bridging the Burrard InletIn the pre-World War II era, the building of the Second Narrows Bridge and Lions Gate Bridge across Burrard Inlet tightened North Vancouver's ties with downtown Vancouver. Despite suffering economically during the Great Depression, North Vancouver rebounded.
Where to StartFor more information on activities, directions, guided tours, and rentals, pick up a copy of the North Shore Visitors' Guide, or contact the main Visitor Centre (#102-124 West 1st St). There are also two seasonal Visitor Centres (open all week, late May to early September): one at Capilano Road and Marine Drive, and the other at Lonsdale Quay.
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