My Hometown — North Vancouver, British Columbia

Bring your umbrella!

You heard it right, or maybe you’ve experienced it first-hand. It rains A LOT in Vancouver. In North Vancouver, it rains even more. There’s a reason this place is so lush and green, and being surrounded by nature is what I love most about it. But, while North Vancouver is, without a doubt, known for some of the best hiking and mountain biking trails, and skiing and snowboarding, it is also a place steeped in history and culture. There is something for everyone here.

Nestled at the foot of the majestic North Shore mountains and cradled by the waters of Burrard Inlet, lies North Vancouver, the place I call home. While this land has been inhabited by the Indigenous peoples for millennia, the city officially began as a mill town in 1862. Since then, North Vancouver has evolved from its modest roots into a vibrant and thriving urban center. A quick 15-minute ride on the SeaBus across the Inlet from Waterfront Station in Downtown Vancouver, North Vancouver makes the list in every guidebook as it’s home to some of Vancouver’s most famous attractions. While the reputation of these popular sites is well-earned, North Vancouver offers so much more to visitors and locals alike and is a delightful place to spend some time or use as a home base during your visit.

Grouse Mountain

Everybody seems to know about Grouse Mountain, so much that I’m beginning to think it’s the only place to visit in the Vancouver area. But, it’s famous for a reason. Grouse is unique because unlike the other mountains on the North Shore, it’s more fun to get to the top. Here, you squeeze into a gondola with your fellow visitors and let it effortlessly glide you above the towering fir trees to the peak. The views are breathtaking and everyone’s reactions as the gondola sways back and forth, passing the towers, are priceless. At the top, there is so much to do year-round. From skiing and snowshoeing to visiting Grinder and Coola, the two resident grizzly bears, to having a delicious meal at one of the restaurants, it’s very easy to fill a whole day.

But, say you don’t want to pay the steep admission fee for the gondola, do you lose out? No! You can walk up. Really. Leave the flip flops at home and join the locals to take part in “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster”, The Grouse Grind. This 2.9 km (1.8 mile) hike will have you climbing 2,830 stairs to an elevation of 2,800 feet. It’s difficult, but how accomplished will you feel as you relax with an après-Grind drink and a spectacular view?

Seymour Mountain

Like Grouse Mountain, Seymour is wonderful for both winter and summer activities. A short drive from the Second Narrows Bridge, Seymour is an easy mountain to learn to ski and snowboard on or go for a wander through its exceptional snowshoe trails (and they have fondue tours!). Seymour also offers some of the best views of the city, especially at night. Summer offers excellent opportunities for hiking and picnicking and, for the more daring, has some of the best mountain biking trails.

The Suspension Bridges

Even if you’re like me and don’t like heights, a visit to one of North Vancouver’s suspension bridges is a must. So, take a deep breath and I promise you’ll be rewarded with some of the most stunning nature you’ve ever seen.

Built over 130 years ago, the Capilano Suspension Bridge was one of Vancouver’s first attractions. The gem of this extensive park is, of course, the suspension bridge. It spans 450 feet (137 metres) long and sits 230 feet (70 metres) above the rushing Capilano River. Not only is it high and long, but it also sways. A lot. It is enough to make your stomach churn just looking at it. However, once you find your courage and cross it, fabulous adventures await on the other side. Climb through the trees on a series of canopies and small bridges and walk along the boardwalk to learn about the natural habitat of the area. Once you cross back, you can make your heart race even more on the Cliffwalk, a walkway that clings to the side of the granite cliff. If you’re not too keen on that — I find it scarier than the bridge — there is still plenty to explore. Learn about the Indigenous history of the area and how the bridge came to be through a guided tour, enjoy the restaurant, buy a souvenir in the wonderful shop and, my favourite part, eat a piece of homemade fudge…or two.

Just like Grouse Mountain, the Capilano Suspension Bridge comes with a hefty admission fee. However, to experience a suspension bridge for free, head a bit further east to the Lynn Valley neighbourhood where you will find plenty of trails and the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge. This bridge was originally built in 1912 and is about 167 feet (50 metres) above lovely Lynn Creek. It is a public park, so join locals on their morning hikes or take one of the guided tours during the summer months.

Hiking

There is plenty of hiking to be found in North Vancouver. Trails wind through the mountains and alongside the river. The air is beautiful and you completely forget you’re near a big city. However, if the idea of trekking around the forest makes you feel nervous — we do have bears here, after all — the Spirit Trail and Green Necklace are both paved, waymarked paths that take walkers and cyclists on quiet and flat routes through the city.

Cleveland Dam

Built in 1954, the Cleveland Dam supplies fresh drinking water to British Columbia’s Lower Mainland. The Capilano River Regional Park, at the foot of Grouse Mountain, is home to the dam and a great place to stop on your way to or from Grouse. The park itself makes for a great photo-op, with Capilano Lake and the peaks of The Lions mountains as its backdrop. Unfortunately, there is no swimming allowed at this lake, but it’s certainly fun to see the dam in action!

The adjacent Capilano River Salmon Hatchery raises and releases over one million salmon each year and is a picturesque spot to learn about one of British Columbia’s main industries.

Edgemont Village

Near Grouse Mountain and the Capilano Suspension Bridge hides quaint Edgemont Village. While mainly residential, it is a lovely little spot with cafes, local shops and restaurants. Make sure to pop into historic Rogers’ Chocolates for a sweet treat.

Lonsdale Quay and The Shipyards

Looking at Lonsdale Quay and The Shipyards now, you wouldn’t believe that only a few short years ago it was somewhere you didn’t really want to hang out for too long, especially at night. As the name would suggest, this area was the beating heart of the shipbuilding industry and nods to this history can be seen everywhere. You might even catch a glimpse of a cruise ship or ferry in for repairs along the waterfront. After a much-needed makeover, Lonsdale Quay and The Shipyards play host to a public market, fantastic restaurants and unique local shops, museums, an outdoor skating rink in the winter and one of the best views in the world. On a nice day, it’s easy to grab lunch or coffee on a patio and completely lose track of time.

The Polygon Gallery

Designed by local, award-winning Patkau Architects, The Polygon became the new home of the Presentation House Gallery, a North Vancouver institution, in 2017. Its distinctive architecture and magnificent windows not only give visitors sweeping views of Burrard Inlet and Downtown Vancouver but this unique building houses ever-changing exhibitions which focus on photography and new media. Thoughtfully curated, the exhibitions always reflect the diversity of the artists and community and focus on inclusion and engagement with Indigenous communities. There is something for everyone at this welcoming and relaxed gallery.

MONOVA

In 2021, the Museum of North Vancouver moved to its gorgeous new digs in the Shipyards District. It is a delightful place to pore over old black and white photos, learn about the characters and industries which shaped the city, and gain an understanding of this land through the eyes of our Indigenous and immigrant communities.

Brewery Row

Craft beer is extremely popular and very trendy in British Columbia. I’m not a beer drinker, so it’s all kind of lost on me, but I still love what has been going on in what was, up until recently, a pretty run-down and dreary area of the city. Just a stone’s throw from The Shipyards is Esplanade, a street that used to be teeming with car repair shops and nondescript industrial buildings. While it hasn’t lost all its old flavour completely, these days, it has become the perfect area to house unique craft breweries, of which new ones seem to pop up every few months. While I can’t appreciate what’s on tap, these places don’t discriminate. They also have different wines and ciders on the menu and often partner with some of Vancouver’s many food trucks to provide eats with your drinks. Everyone feels welcome in these spirited places.

Deep Cove

Deep Cove is definitely one of the most naturally beautiful areas of Vancouver. At the eastern point of North Vancouver. An easy hike up to Quarry Rock offers majestic views of Indian Arm and the charming village below. It is a beautiful place to spend the day picnicking at Panorama Park while basking in the spectacular surroundings of the harbour and Seymour Mountain. For those who want to get on the water, there are kayaks available to rent and boat tours on offer. After a day of outdoor activities, there are plenty of wonderful restaurants to enjoy and shops to browse in. Make sure to pop by Honey’s and indulge in Kate Winslet’s favourite donut!

Hollywood North

Vancouver has earned the nickname “Hollywood North” due to its thriving film industry, and plenty of series and movies are filmed right here in North Vancouver. Series such as Nancy Drew, Riverdale and Virgin River have all been filmed here, as well as movies like 50 Shades of Gray, The Adam Project and To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. Even though it’s a fairly typical sight for me, I still always get excited when I see the trucks and tents set up around my neighbourhood. I have yet to see someone famous though.

What was once a sleepy suburb is now a fantastic place to visit and live. To me, North Vancouver is the most beautiful part of the city with its spectacular views from every corner and vibrant social and cultural scene. I hope you can visit and enjoy my hometown as much as I do.

We respectfully acknowledge that we live and work on the traditional and unceded territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

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