North Vancouver is quickly becoming one of the most desirable places to live in the Lower Mainland. Nestled between Grouse Mountain and the Burrard Inlet, North Van offers an idyllic West Coast lifestyle – as one of the rare places in the world where you can visit the mountains and the beach in the same day.
Known for its accessibility to outdoor adventure and passion for health and wellness, North Vancouver is a community where you can live, work, and play outside.
Here are the Top 5 Things to Do in North Vancouver
1. Explore the Local Trails
From novice to advanced, whatever your skill level, the North Shore trails are calling! Mount Fromme is a mecca for mountain bikers. While Lynn Headwaters Regional Park is a destination for avid trail runners. Looking for a more low-key spot to connect with nature? North Vancouver is full of peaceful parks, calming creeks and forested escapes to keep you grounded. The best part? They’re all easy to get to by car or public transit and generally within 10-minutes from the city’s center.
Note: North Vancouverites are no fair-weather folk! A little rain won’t stop these outdoor enthusiasts from hitting the trails.
2. Visit the Shipyards
The Shipyards is North Vancouver’s trendiest spot, and with over 12,000sqft the venue has quickly become the new place to be. It’s where families, friends, and visitors gather for good eats and local fair. Located at the water’s edge, the Shipyards offers a beautiful backdrop of Downtown, Vancouver, too. Spend the morning at the Skate Plaza, North America’s largest outdoor skating rink (which becomes a family-friendly waterpark in the summertime!) Stop for a Lebanese lunch at Jam Jar Canteen, and stroll along the scenic North Shore Spirit Trail in the afternoon. Ready for dinner? Snag a spot at Joey Shipyards – but make a reso first! – even with nearly 400-seats and 6,000sqft of dining space, it’s a popular place with a great happy hour.
3. Drink Craft Beer
Grab your crew for a brew! North Vancouver has become a haven for craft beer and the Brewery District makes it easy (maybe even too easy) to try them all! Within steps from each other, an afternoon spent brewery hopping is a regular weekend activity for North Van locals. Here’s our recommendation for the best route: Start at 1) House of Funk Brewing Co. for some tasty sours. Next, grab a flight at 2) Beere Brewing Co., a father-son operation – yes, Beere is their real last name! Take a pit stop at 3) Streetcar Brewing and end the day with a cozy cabin vibe at 4) North Point Brewing. Cheers!
4. Shop Lonsdale Quay Market
A must-stop when in North Vancouver. Lonsdale Quay Market is a local hot spot where you can taste the world at the international food court, de-stress with a 15-minute massage from the Japan Shiatsu Clinic, or stock up on essential oils at Saje Natural Wellness. When you’re there, make sure to pick yourself up a bouquet of fresh cut flowers from Flowers by May, too! The view from the Q at the Quay, showcases an unmatched view of Vancouver, the Lions Gate Bridge, and even parts of Burnaby.
5. Discover Grouse Mountain
Grouse Mountain is an iconic North Vancouver spot. All seasons, there’s something for everyone. In the winter, skiers and snowboarders flock here to shred the Cut, families enjoy the skating rink, and experienced snow-shoers get their sweat on hiking the Snowshoe Grind. In the summertime, the Grouse Grind is a popular challenge, well-known as Mother Nature’s stair master. Once you reach the top, be sure say hi to Grinder and Coola, the resident grizzlies at the Wildlife Refuge!
The Lonsdale is Hollyburn’s newest purpose-built rental development, located at 13th Street and Lonsdale Ave – the gateway to North Vancouver. Designed to reflect its West Coast setting through amazing amenities, breath-taking views, and an emphasis on convenience. Move in June 2020, register today! RentLonsdale.com.
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