Suspension Bridges

Originally 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. The Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is another freebie, tucked away amid firs and cedars in a hikers' paradise.

Grouse Mountain

Many visitors 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.

The 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 Seymour

Mount 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. Go fishing or enjoy 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.

Shopping

Those who prefer to relax with shopping are in luck too. Lonsdale Quay is loaded with quaint galleries, gift shops, and delicious-smelling 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 Dundarave, Edgemont, Deep Cove and Lynn Valley.

Theatre & Art

For 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.

Dining

Dining in West 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 fresh-ground coffee at Delany's, or at a range of French, Indian, Persian, and Greek restaurants.

History of Vancouver's North Shore

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 West Vancouver incorporated in 1912.

West Vancouver Today

Since the 1980s, the North Shore has become famed for outdoor recreation and is known as being a fitness-oriented community. Also, movies and TV series from McCabe and Mrs. Miller to The X-Files have been shot here.

Getting Started

For more information on activities, directions, guided tours, and rentals, contact the main Visitor Centre (#102-124 West 1st St). There are also two seasonal Visitor Centres (open late May to early September): one at Capilano Road and Marine Drive, and the other at Lonsdale Quay.

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