North Vancouver Things To Do
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 Mountainous and laden with forested parks, Vancouver's North Shore bills itself as the place "Where Nature Lives." That's justified by the long list of outdoorsy things to do in North Vancouver and neighbouring West Vancouver: skiing, mountain biking, kayaking, golf, hiking, and suspension bridges figure prominently. Yet for those who prefer a more relaxed pace, this area stretching from Horseshoe Bay to Deep Cove also has great art galleries, shopping, museums, and other cultural amenities. By bridge or catamaran ferry, it's just minutes from downtown Vancouver. Winter Activities Skiing on the North Shore is one of winter's great pleasures, and the three key ski mountains - Grouse Mountain, Cypress Mountain, and Mount Seymour - offer lots of exciting snow sports. Grouse Mountain boasts nearly 30 downhill runs, and is also home to snowboarding, sleigh rides, helicopter tours, a First Nations feast house, three restaurants, and the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife. Cypress Mountain was selected as the official host venue for 2010 Olympic freestyle skiing and snowboarding, and offers more than 50 downhill runs, plus 20km/12.4mi of cross-country trails. With tobogganing and snowtubing, plus affordable ski lesson rates, Mount Seymour appeals to budget-minded families, and gets the most snow of any North Shore mountain. Land Activities Hiking The Grouse Grind, which runs a challenging 2.9km/1.8mi up Grouse Mountain, is Vancouver's single most famous hike. But don't miss the many other hiking opportunities on the North Shore, from the paved wildlife-rich Seymour Valley Trailway (through the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve) to the Baden-Powell Trail, which spans the entire North Shore.
Suspension Bridges  Ready to check out some spectacular suspension bridges? More than a century old, the Capilano Suspension Bridge sways excitingly 70m/230ft above the Capilano River, and the surrounding park includes totem poles, biology exhibits, and the Treetops Adventure circuit above the forest floor. Another free alternative is the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, part of a hike that includes canyons, waterfalls, and second-growth forest.
Mountain Biking Fans of freeride and extreme mountain biking can explore world-class trails ranging from easy to ultra-technical on the North Shore. Contact the North Shore Mountain Bike Association or local dealers like John Henry Bikes to get detailed information on mountain biking at Mount Seymour, Mount Fromme, and Cypress Mountain.
Golf The North Shore also offers superb golfing. Play 18 holes at the elegantly landscaped Northland Golf Course, or practice driving at the Takaya Golf Centre, among other options.
Water Activities Kayaking  Apart from the spectacular homes on the shoreline, kayaking in Deep Cove is much like being in the wilderness. Amid mist or sunshine, paddle up the adjoining Indian Arm fjord, and keep an eye open for seals, anemones, and eagles. Takaya Tours offers authentic First Nations canoe trips.
Sea Safari Craving a more high-speed experience? Take a "sea safari" out of Sewell's Marina in West Vancouver's Horseshoe Bay, exploring the waters of Howe Sound in a Zodiac boat. Bouncing over waves at up to 40 nautical mph/74kph, view nearby communities like Gibsons and Bowen Island, check out birds and seals, and learn about the unique properties of arbutus trees.
Fishing Sewell's Marina is also a great jumping-off point for a fishing charter, and offers limited moorage for boat owners. Government wharfs are available at Horseshoe Bay, Ambleside, and Deep Cove, and there is another marina at Mosquito Creek. Rent boats from Lonsdale Boat Rentals.
Swimming & Beaches Swimming beaches for summertime also exist on the North Shore. Some of the best are at Cates Park, Caulfeild Park, and Ambleside Park.
Arts, Festivals, and Shopping Artists & Art Galleries The North Shore abounds with high-quality art galleries. Check out North Vancouver's CityScape Community Art Space or West Vancouver's Silk Purse Arts Centre for rotating exhibits that feature local artists. The 1981-founded Presentation House Gallery is Western Canada's largest non-profit photo gallery. Aficionados of First Nations art can find wooden carvings, paintings, and jewelry at galleries like Khot-La-Cha Art Gallery or Horseshoe Bay's Spirit Gallery.
Theatre & Performing Arts Seeking live theatre, symphony concerts, or dance performances? Notable venues include the 705-seat Centennial Theatre, featuring everything from The Amazing Kreskin to Peter Pan, and the 130-capacity Deep Cove Shaw Theatre, which stages dramas by the likes of Arthur Miller and Edward Albee.
Festivals & Events Some major North Shore festivals and events include the Canada Day celebrations at Waterfront Park (July 1), Caribbean Days Festival (July), Harmony Arts Festival (August), and the Christmas Carol Ship Festival (December).
Shopping Shoppers can fill their bags at Park Royal Shopping Centre, the largest mall on the North Shore with close to 300 stores. In addition to other shopping centres, there's boutique shopping for books, children's wear, jewelry, and more in neighbourhood centres such as Edgemont Village, Dundarave, and Lonsdale Avenue, not to mention the 90-odd shops and services that pack Lonsdale Quay. Spa buffs can get facials, massages, and pedicures at Absolute Spa Park Royal or La Donna Fina in West Vancouver. To learn more, contact the main North Vancouver 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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