Top 15 Attractions in North Vancouver, British Columbia

Located along the northern shore of Burrard Inlet, North Vancouver is the name implies; it lies north of the city of Vancouver. A recognized suburb of the urban metropolis, it possesses a unique city atmosphere. This waterfront community has roots dating back to 1907, with various modern residential structures integrated into its landscape.

North Vancouver provides a wealth of experiences and serves as an excellent destination for travel enthusiasts. Whether as a complementary excursion to the larger city or as a standalone visit, the area presents a myriad of year-round outdoor activities. Stunning mountains, scenic canyons, lush parks, and a vibrant quay exemplify what the city has to offer. For those planning a trip, here are the 15 most noteworthy activities in North Vancouver.

1. Explore the Quay

Lonsdale Quay serves as the principal transportation hub of the city, offering a vibrant space for exploration. Visitors can observe ships departing and arriving, yachts gliding by, and locals engaging in daily activities.

Stroll along the quay and take in the panoramic views of Vancouver Harbour, capturing photos of the Vancouver skyline and the iconic Canada Place, a boat-shaped convention center. You can indulge in culinary delights at various eateries or unwind with a craft beer at Green Leaf Brewing.

While visiting, be sure to explore the Lonsdale Quay Market, where a sensory experience awaits. The market is an ideal venue for acquiring fresh produce as well as local souvenirs, including clothing and artisan wines crafted by local vendors.

2. Walk Along the Waterfront

Alternatively, engage in jogging, cycling, or inline skating along the 35-kilometer North Shore Spirit Trail, which stretches from Lions Gate Bridge Road in West Vancouver to the eastern terminus at Lynn Creek in North Vancouver.

This well-marked pathway is segregated from vehicular traffic, ensuring safety for individuals of all ages. The trail showcases stunning scenery with plenty of opportunities to appreciate local beaches, parks, and quaint communities along the route.

Additionally, the North Shore Spirit Trail passes key attractions such as Waterfront Park, Lonsdale Quay, and the Park and Tilford Gardens. Several rest spots and eateries are available for visitors to appreciate the surrounding beauty while enjoying a meal.

3. Stop and Smell the Flowers

The Park & Tilford Gardens, located at the eastern end of North Vancouver near Lynn Creek, is an ideal spot to enjoy the beauty of nature. Established in 1969 as a community initiative, the gardens comprise eight distinct themed areas.

Although the garden has been reduced to half of its original size, it remains splendid. It features eight themed gardens, including a herb garden, Oriental garden, and rock pool.

Do not miss the Native garden, which showcases totem exhibits crafted by Cody Mathias, a member of the Squamish Nation. Additionally, visitors can find busts of renowned botanists Carl Linnaeus, Douglas, and Menzies within the gardens.

4. Go Shopping…At Night

Every summer from May to October, the Friday night Shipyards Night Market transforms into one of the top places in North Vancouver to experience an engaging Friday evening. The market operates from 5 PM to 10 PM.

This vibrant venue is perfect for dining, shopping, and enjoying live entertainment, featuring numerous food trucks, artisans, and local musicians every week. Set in the historic Shipyards District along the waterfront, the atmosphere is lively and inviting.

More than 100 farmers, artisans, and bakers from across British Columbia showcase their homemade products, which include clothing, jewelry, soaps, preserves, and chocolates. Over 40 food trucks serve delightful culinary creations prepared with care.

5. Stare at Photographs

The Polygon Gallery, while best known for its photographic exhibits, showcases a diverse array of visual art. It holds the distinction of being the largest non-profit photographic gallery in Western Canada.

Operational since 1981, the gallery relocated to its new waterfront premises in 2017, strategically positioned between the Lonsdale Quay Market and the Shipyards Night Market. The new facility encompasses over 2,300 square meters of exhibition space.

The gallery’s collection features works by Vancouver photographers Stan Douglas and Fred Herzog, as well as international artists like Andy Warhol and Ansel Adams. Regularly, it hosts exhibitions highlighting renowned photographers from around the globe, so it is advisable to check what exhibitions are available during your visit.

6. Cross a Bridge

For those without acrophobia, traversing the Capilano Suspension Bridge is an essential experience. Spanning 140 meters, this bridge crosses the Capilano River in the District of North Vancouver.

Suspended 70 meters above the river, the bridge captivates over 800,000 visitors annually. However, it offers more than merely a crossing point, as many attractions await upon arrival on the opposite side.

Treetops Adventures is located west of the bridge and features seven footbridges suspended 30 meters above the forest floor, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a breathtaking Douglas fir ecosystem. Additionally, nature trails, gardens, and North America’s largest private collection of First Nations totem poles are accessible in the area.

7. Enjoy a Picnic

Stanley Park offers diverse activities such as swimming, hiking, and enjoying spectacular views. Encompassing an expansive 405-hectare area, the park is surrounded by Vancouver Harbour and English Bay.

This natural wonder evolved organically, with most manmade structures established between 1911 and 1937. The park encompasses rich history, attractions, and an abundance of recreational options.

Facilities include picnic areas, beaches, forest trails, lakes, swimming pools, tennis courts, and an 18-hole mini golf course. Moreover, it is home to one of North America’s largest colonies of great blue herons.

8. Go Nose-to-Nose with a Sea Lion

The Vancouver Aquarium hosts dolphins, sea otters, penguins, and beluga whales, showcasing a rich diversity of marine life. Home to over 50,000 animals representing 30 different native environments, it offers insights into aquatic ecosystems.

Steller’s Bay features beluga whales, sea lions, fur seals, and walruses, while the Wild Coast showcases Pacific white-sided dolphins, harbor seals, and various British Columbian invertebrates. For those captivated by fish, the Tropics area displays clownfish, blacktip reef sharks, pajama fish, and endangered Asian turtles.

Beyond serving as an aquarium, this venue functions as a rescue center for marine creatures. Many residents have been rescued and are rehabilitated for eventual return to their natural habitats whenever feasible.

9. Hit the Slopes

North Vancouver boasts proximity to skiable mountains, rendering skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports easily accessible. Grouse Mountain, part of the Pacific Ranges, rises to an elevation of 1,200 meters and is one of the closest alpine ski areas.

The mountain features 33 ski runs serviced by four chairlifts and one magic carpet, catering to all skill levels from novice to expert. During the warmer months, visitors can trek along 2.9 kilometers of trails, one of which ascends to 853 meters.

Additonally, Grouse Mountain encompasses a wildlife refuge, a 100-seat mountaintop theater, an aerial tramway, a zip line, and a disc golf course, making it a year-round recreational hub.

10. Feed Ducks and Rabbits

For families traveling with children, a trip to Maplewood Farm is a delightful experience. Children have the opportunity to observe and feed various farm animals.

The farm is home to over 200 birds and animals, including donkeys, goats, rabbits, chickens, pigs, and ducks. Feeding the ducks and rabbits is both permissible and encouraged, so be sure to bring along food for these friendly creatures.

Ample picnic areas are available, some of which are sheltered. The farm also features a playground, a petting area, and tractors available for a fun ride.

11. Learn About North Vancouver’s Fascinating History

The city’s rich history is well-documented at the North Vancouver Museum & Archives (NVMA). This museum houses over 10,000 historical artifacts reflecting local and regional significance.

Visitors will find historic photographs depicting Indigenous communities and the city’s industrial heritage, alongside displays of artwork, ship models, carvings, textiles, and a model floatplane.

The NVMA also preserves thousands of private records and archival documents that remain confidential. Special exhibitions are hosted throughout the year, so check for current offerings while in town.

12. Visit a Park

North Vancouver is home to numerous parks, ranging from waterfront locations to charming neighborhood greenspaces. Some parks are situated along creeks with trails, while others occupy a plaza or cemetery.

For picnics, consider Waterfront Park, Cloverley Park, or Victoria Park, whereas Mahon Park, Heywood Park, and Tempe Heights Park are ideal for children. For a beach experience, visit Kings Mill Walk Park.

Eastview Park, located in the city’s northeast corner, features a disc golf course, while Ray Perrault Park includes bocce courts, tennis courts, and a sports field. Regardless of your recreational interests, North Vancouver has a park waiting to be explored.

13. Climb a Rock

For thrill-seekers, rock climbing represents a rewarding challenge, and North Vancouver offers excellent opportunities in this regard.

Two remarkable locations for rock climbing are situated just west of North Vancouver in West Vancouver. It is essential to never climb alone, and finding a guide is straightforward for those new to the activity.

Lighthouse Park features approximately 12 routes on solid granite overlooking the ocean, while Cypress Mountain offers an even broader range of climbing routes that vary from V0 to V10 on the Hueco System.

14. Experience a City Event

North Vancouver hosts several notable events throughout the year that visitors should not overlook. Regardless of the time of year you visit, exciting events are likely to occur.

Visiting in December affords access to various festive events, including live music in Civic Plaza, holiday markets at the Shipyards, and the Park & Tilford Holiday Hi-Light Festival. Summer travelers can enjoy events such as Summer Sessions, Hot Summer Nights, and the Fun City Festival on weekends.

Music enthusiasts should seek out Jazz in the Plaza, while nature lovers should explore Rivers Day in September, an event focused on tree planting and learning about the local ecosystem.

15. Look at Art

Art enthusiasts need not confine themselves to galleries, as public art is abundantly displayed throughout the city. Unique artworks can be found in libraries, parks, along nature trails, in shopping centers, and on walkways.

Consider embarking on a self-guided art tour to appreciate the artistic diversity across North Vancouver. Four distinct public art tours are available: Lower Lonsdale Public Art Walking Tour, Lonsdale Avenue Public Art Walk, Lynn Valley Public Art Experience, and VNSTA Public Art Trail.

These tours showcase various artistic expressions, including stained glass windows, totem poles, stainless steel sculptures, murals, and collages. Additionally, if traveling with children, include a visit to Fun Alley to enhance their experience.