North Vancouver is where Vancouver’s city-and-nature lifestyle really comes alive. Sitting across Burrard Inlet from downtown, this part of the North Shore BC combines waterfront markets, mountain trails, suspension bridges, ski hills, forest parks, breweries, beaches and some of the best outdoor access in Metro Vancouver.

After spending the last year living in Lower Lonsdale, I’ve come to see North Vancouver and the wider North Shore as much more than a quick day trip from downtown. The SeaBus makes it easy to reach Lonsdale Quay and The Shipyards from Waterfront Station, while the mountains behind the city open up routes towards Grouse Mountain, Lynn Canyon, Mount Seymour, Deep Cove, Cypress and West Vancouver. Destination Vancouver notes that North Vancouver is popular for outdoor adventure and mountain experiences, with access by a 15-minute SeaBus ride from downtown Vancouver. [destinatio…couver.com]

This guide covers the best things to do in North Vancouver, plus nearby West Vancouver highlights that belong in any proper North Shore itinerary. Expect Lower Lonsdale, The Shipyards, Deep Cove, Lynn Canyon, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mountain, Mount Seymour, Cypress, Ambleside, Lighthouse Park, Bowen Island ideas and local food stops.

If you are visiting Vancouver and only stay downtown, you are missing one of the best parts of the region. The North Shore is where you’ll find rainforest trails, mountain views, waterfront neighbourhoods and the everyday outdoor lifestyle that makes Vancouver so special.

North Vancouver

If downtown Vancouver gives you the skyline, beaches and classic city attractions, the North Shore gives you the mountains. Sitting across Burrard Inlet from downtown, North Vancouver and West Vancouver are where the city’s outdoor lifestyle becomes impossible to ignore: rainforest trails, suspension bridges, ski hills, waterfront markets, breweries, beaches, mountain viewpoints and some of the best day trips from Vancouver.

The easiest way to reach North Vancouver from downtown is by taking the SeaBus from Waterfront Station to Lonsdale Quay. The Shipyards are less than a five-minute walk from Lonsdale Quay Transit Exchange, making Lower Lonsdale one of the easiest North Shore areas to explore without a car.

After spending the last year living around Lower Lonsdale, this side of Vancouver has become one of my favourite areas in the whole city. It feels close to downtown, but the pace is different: more mountain views, more waterfront walks, easier access to hikes, and a better sense of daily local life.

The North Shore is where Vancouver’s city-and-nature promise really comes alive. Destination Vancouver notes that North Vancouver is popular with visitors looking for outdoor adventure and mountain experiences, and can be reached from downtown by a 15-minute SeaBus ride from Waterfront Station to Lonsdale Quay. After a year living in Lower Lonsdale, this is where your guide can become much more personal than a standard visitor article.

Lower & Central Lonsdale

Lower Lonsdale is the best introduction to North Vancouver. It is easy to reach by SeaBus, walkable once you arrive, and gives you one of the best skyline views back towards downtown Vancouver. The City of North Vancouver describes The Shipyards as an active waterfront public space with year-round events, shops, dining and places to play.

The Shipyards area has been massively revitalised and now feels like one of the best public waterfront spaces in Metro Vancouver. There are restaurants, cafés, breweries, patios, public plazas, views across Burrard Inlet and easy access to the Spirit Trail. In summer, the Shipyards Night Market brings food trucks, live music, vendors and a beer garden to the North Vancouver waterfront, with the 2026 season listed from May 15 to September 11.

This is the area I’d recommend for a first North Vancouver evening. Take the SeaBus over, walk the waterfront, grab food or a drink, and stay for the city lights. It is especially good at golden hour when downtown starts glowing across the water. The views of the Downtown Vancouver Skyline are the best in the city and particularly beautiful at sunset.

• The Shipyards: The Shipyards is one of the best places to start exploring North Vancouver. The City of North Vancouver describes it as an active waterfront public space with year-round events, shops, dining and places to play. It is also less than a five-minute walk from Lonsdale Quay Transit Exchange, making it one of the easiest North Shore areas to reach from downtown by SeaBus
• Lonsdale Quay Market: Lonsdale Quay is the practical gateway to North Vancouver and a good first stop after stepping off the SeaBus. It has market-style food, waterfront views, quick access to The Shipyards and easy transit links deeper into the North Shore. For visitors without a car, this is one of the simplest ways to experience a different side of Vancouver. Open from 9am-7pm and later for some food and drink places, this local market offers a range of cuisines and products to browse.
• The Polygon Gallery is one of the best cultural stops on the North Shore, located directly in Lower Lonsdale beside The Shipyards waterfront. The gallery focuses on photography and media-based art, and its official site notes that admission is always by donation, making it an easy add-on before coffee at Nemesis, a waterfront walk or drinks in the Shipyards Brewery District.
• Museum of North Vancouver: A modern, interactive museum that dives into the history, culture, and Indigenous heritage of the North Shore. A great stop for context before heading into the mountains.
• Waterfront Park: Located next to the Quay and Seabus, the Waterfornt park is the hot spot to chill with a stunning view of Downtown Vancouver across the harbour.
• Shipyards Night Markets and Christmas Markets: One of the main events is the popular Shipyards market in the summer months every Friday night, including food and drink trucks. These seasonal markets bring the Shipyards to life with food trucks, local vendors, and live entertainment. In winter, the Christmas markets are free and always busy with festive lights, global Christmas food stalls and Xmas decorations.

Best Food & Drink Places in North Vancouver (Local Picks)

Best Brunch, Lunch & Cafes in Lower & Central Lonsdale

• Nemesis Coffee is one of Vancouver’s best speciality coffee names, with a North Vancouver location beside The Polygon Gallery in Lower Lonsdale. It works perfectly as a coffee stop before exploring The Shipyards, Lonsdale Quay or the waterfront. Nemesis Coffee was named the 15th best coffee shop globally and the #1 highest-ranked cafe in Canada on the prestigious World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops list.
• Catch 122 – A popular brunch spot with creative dishes and fresh ingredients, located right by the Quay Market. Expect elevated classics and a busy weekend vibe. Catch-122 can do it all with amazing lunch sandwiches, high-quality dinners and mouth-watering pastries to go! I regularly enjoy their Caramel Cinnamon Bun after a run or cycle.
• Delaney’s Coffee – A cosy, local favourite offering reliable coffee and a relaxed atmosphere. Great for a quick stop before exploring nearby trails. Their Chai latte and Cinnamon Bun combo are top of my Vancouver favourites, with the new cafe on 3rd Street modern and already bustling with locals!
• Jam Cafe is one of the strongest brunch options in Lower Lonsdale, known for big West Coast breakfast plates, Southern-inspired comfort food, pancakes, French toast, hearty bowls and a lively brunch atmosphere. The Lonsdale location serves breakfast, brunch and lunch, with weekday reservations available and weekend service more walk-in focused.
• Pararell 49th – Known for bold flavours and a creative take on café culture, blending strong coffee with relaxed, social energy. They serve Lucky’s doughnuts along with a wide range of hot and cold beverages. I tend to choose 49th Parallel for a blogging session.
• Bean on 5th – A laid-back neighbourhood café perfect for casual coffee breaks. Simple, reliable, and great for people-watching in a residential area. A short walk for me and escapes the business of the Shipyards.
• Thomas Haas – Thomas Haas is the North Shore’s go-to stop for polished pastries, chocolates, cakes, coffee and sweet treats. The North Vancouver café is on Harbourside Drive and works best as a morning pastry stop, coffee break or place to pick up high-end desserts and to-die-for hot chocolate!!

Best Restaurants in North Vancouver (Local Picks)

• Catch 122 – Transforms from brunch hotspot into a refined dinner spot with creative seasonal dishes. Great balance of casual and upscale, which is surprisingly quiet compared to the queues out the door for brunch and lunch. Honestly, a hidden gem in LoLo and North Vancouver.
• Fishworks is a Lower Lonsdale seafood restaurant focused on fresh West Coast seafood, including local fish, oysters, mussels, clams and globally influenced dishes like ceviche, paella and chowder. It is a good dinner choice if you want something more refined but still relaxed near the waterfront.
• Catch 122 is my most underrated place in the Shipyards District and works across brunch, pastries, dinner, happy hour and high tea. It is a versatile Lower Lonsdale option, especially useful if you want something close to Lonsdale Quay and The Shipyards. It’s incredibly busy for breakfast, brunch and lunch, usually with a wait list showing it’s popalarity!
• Earnest Ice Cream is one of the best dessert stops to add after eating in Lower Lonsdale or around the waterfront. The North Vancouver location is part of a local brand known for carefully made ice cream and a sustainability-focused reusable jar system
• Akbarjoojeh is a Persian restaurant on Lonsdale known for traditional Persian flavours, grilled kebabs, rice dishes, stews and its signature Akbar Joojeh-style chicken. It is a strong pick if you want something hearty and local away from the more tourist-facing waterfront restaurants.
• Scratch Kitchen is a casual North Vancouver spot for artisan pizza, bowls, salads and comfort food made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. It has both Lonsdale and Deep Cove locations, making it useful whether you are staying central or heading east towards Deep Cove.
• Joey – A stylish waterfront restaurant offering global dishes and cocktails in a lively setting. Ideal for sunset dinners and a menu to suit everyone. Joey is a Vancouver Chain with spots around the city, and I’ve enjoyed their dishes on several occasions.
• King Taps – A casual, energetic spot known for craft beer and gourmet pizzas. Great for groups and relaxed evenings with waterfront views. A great happy hour, outdoor patio and wide, accommodating menu. There is usually a waiting list since King Taps opened in summer 20205.
• The Gull – A trendy, relaxed space serving modern comfort food with a creative edge. A good mix of atmosphere and quality on 1st Street. They have the best Guinness in North Vancouver, and their burgers are exceptional!
• Phonatic Social Restaurant – Simple, flavorful Vietnamese spot specialising in pho and comfort dishes. Perfect for something quick and satisfying in a vibrant and authentic place.
• Green Leaf Sushi is a reliable North Vancouver sushi option on West 1st Street in Lonsdale. It is a casual, easy stop for sushi, rolls and Japanese comfort dishes close to Lower Lonsdale. Known for the aburri style Suhi, the LoLo platter is amazing value.
• Nicli Pizza – located in Edgemount, slightly further out but serves authentic Neapolitan pizza made with traditional techniques and quality ingredients. A reliable crowd favourite in Edgemount and for takeaways.
• Nook – Right in the North Vancouver Shipyards, this cosy Italian-inspired spot serves simple, well-executed pasta and pizza in a warm setting. It has one of the best Pizza and drink Happy hour deals in LoLo.

Best North Vancouver Breweries and Bars

• Beere Brewing is one of the key Lower Lonsdale craft breweries and part of the North Vancouver brewery district. It is a good stop for local beer lovers, especially if you are building a self-guided brewery crawl around East Esplanade and the Shipyards area.
• La Cerveceria Astilleros brings Mexican-inspired craft beer, food and colour to the Shipyards Brewery District. Expect Mexican-influenced beers, tacos, tostadas, nachos, churros and a lively taproom feel on East Esplanade.
• North Point Brewing is a Shipyards District craft brewery with a cosy cabin-style atmosphere. It is a good choice if you want a warm, casual brewery setting close to Lower Lonsdale’s main food and drink area.
• Copperpenny Distilling is a Lower Lonsdale distillery and cocktail lounge known for gin, creative cocktails, tasting flights, bottle sales and private experiences. It is only a short walk from the SeaBus and makes a good alternative if you want cocktails instead of another brewery stop.
• Lonsdale Bridgedeck Brewing is one of the original North Shore craft beer names, with a brewery and tasting room on Charlotte Road plus additional North Vancouver locations. The Lonsdale Bridgedeck on Central Ave offers great burgers, an attractive happy hour and refreshing beers.
• Tap & Barrell – A Vancouver favourite with many spots dotted around the city where affordable and laid-back food & drink can be enjoyed. Located in the Shipyards, this bustling waterfront bar has a huge selection of BC craft beers, with the best patio offering an incredible view of Downtown Vancouver.
• Brocante – Upstairs of La Cerveceria, Brocante is a stylish, intimate wine bar offering curated wine selections and small plates. Great for a slower evening that isn’t a brewery or a restaurant chain.
• Shaketown – A small, character-filled brewery with creative beer options and a community feel. Popular with cyclists with its large glass windows and lively atmosphere.
• Stratchona North – A brewery taproom inside the Quay Market bringing East Van beer culture to the North Shore. Casual and social with italian styled interior and a great selection of craft beers and food.
• Street Car Brewing – A laid-back and hidden brewery offering a mix of classic and experimental brews. Great stop on a casual beer crawl in North Vancouver.

West Vancouver

• Ambleside Park: Ambleside Park in West Vancouver gives a different angle on the city: Lions Gate Bridge, Stanley Park, downtown towers, harbour traffic and big open water. It is quieter than the downtown beaches and works well for a relaxed walk or sunset view. This is a good recommendation for people who want North Shore scenery without a hard hike. The park has sandy beach areas, a designated summer swimming area, tennis courts, playgrounds, a skatepark, outdoor fitness equipment, walking areas and access to the Spirit Trail.
• Park Royal – A major shopping and lifestyle hub split between indoor and open-air sections (the Village). It’s more than a mall—expect restaurants, cafés, and easy access to nearby parks and the waterfront. Featuring a Cineplex cinema, food court and a wide range of shops for a full-on mall experience.
• Dundarave Seawall Walk – A scenic coastal path that connects Dundarave to Ambleside, offering uninterrupted ocean views and mountain backdrops. It’s one of the best low-effort walks in the area, especially at sunset.
• Lighthouse Park – One of the most iconic parks in West Vancouver, known for rugged coastal trails and dramatic viewpoints over Howe Sound. The short hikes lead to rocky outcrops and the historic lighthouse perched above the water.
• Whytecliff Beach – A peaceful, less crowded beach park with incredible views and access to small islands at low tide towards Horseshoe Bay. It’s also one of the best local spots for picnics, swimming, and sunset views.
• Spirit Trail – The North Shore Spirit Trail is a continuous, fully accessible 35 km multi-use greenway connecting West Vancouver through the City and District of North Vancouver. Featuring waterfront paths, it is heavily used for walking, cycling, and micro-mobility, offering stunning views of the Burrard Inlet and the Vancouver skyline.

Best Restaurants in West Vancouver (Local Picks)

• Crema – A cosy neighbourhood café known for strong coffee, fresh pastries, and a laid-back atmosphere. It’s a great local spot to start your morning before heading down to the beach or seawall.
• Isetta Cafe Bistro – A stylish European-inspired café offering quality coffee, light brunch dishes, and a relaxed outdoor setting. It’s a perfect stop for cyclists exploring West Vancouver.
• Caffè Artigiano (Ambleside) – A well-known local coffee chain with consistently strong espresso and a comfortable sit-down atmosphere. A reliable stop before heading out along the seawall or into the mountains.
• Earls – A polished yet casual chain restaurant with a diverse menu and reliable quality. The Ambleside location stands out for its proximity to the beach, making it a solid option for easy dinners and drinks.
• Mirraas Restaurant – A hidden gem specialising in rich, flavorful Indian cuisine with a homestyle feel. The menu focuses on authentic dishes and bold spices, making it a great alternative to typical West Coast fare.

Lynn Valley & Deep Cove

• Lynn Valley Village & Tilford Gardens – itself has a relaxed, local feel with cafés, small shops, and easy access to surrounding trails. Nearby, Tilford Gardens offers a quieter stop with landscaped green spaces and artful garden sections—an underrated contrast to the rugged forest nearby.
• Lynn Valley (Lynn Canyon + Suspension Bridge) – Lynn Canyon is easily one of the best free nature experiences in North Vancouver. Set within 250 hectares of coastal rainforest, it features a suspension bridge towering 50m above the canyon, alongside waterfalls, swimming holes, and scenic forest trails. Often compared to Capilano, this is the local alternative—less polished, but far more authentic. The lower trails are accessible for most visitors, while longer routes connect into Rice Lake, Lynn Headwaters, and the Baden Powell Trail for a full North Shore hiking day. Expect crowds on summer weekends and slippery conditions after rain.
• Deep Cove feels like a completely different world from downtown Vancouver—a small waterfront village tucked between mountains and Indian Arm. Known for calm waters and dramatic scenery, it’s one of the best places on the North Shore for a slow half-day escape. The highlights of Deep Cove North Vancouver are simple: get on the water or head into the forest. Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular here, while the famous Quarry Rock trail offers a quick hike with big views.
• Quarry Rock – A classic North Shore hike, Quarry Rock is a 3.8 km round trip with minimal elevation (100m), making it accessible and rewarding. The trail winds through dense forest before opening to panoramic views over Deep Cove and Indian Arm.
• Maplewood is one of the quieter corners of North Vancouver, known for its nature reserve and bird sanctuary rather than big hiking trails. The Maplewood Flats Conservation Area is perfect for flat walks, wildlife spotting, and peaceful views across Burrard Inlet toward the city. Nearby, Maplewood Farm adds a more family-friendly stop with local animals and open green space.

Food & Drink Recommendations

• Dip Co. Sandwich & Focabari Bakery is a Deep Cove sandwich spot built around its signature Focabari bread, a house-made fusion of Italian focaccia and Persian barbari. It is a great pre- or post-hike stop if you are heading to Deep Cove, Quarry Rock or the waterfront.
• Scratch Kitchen is a casual North Vancouver spot for artisan pizza, bowls, salads and comfort food made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. It has both Lonsdale and Deep Cove locations, making it useful whether you are staying central or heading east towards Deep Cove.
• Wild Eye Brewing – Wildeye Brewing is one of North Vancouver’s most popular craft breweries, serving small-batch beers. It’s an excellent spot to unwind after exploring the North Shore, with a rotating tap list featuring everything from crisp lagers to hop-forward IPAs, with live music frequently.
• End of the Line General Store – A small, character-filled shop ideal for grabbing quick snacks, sandwiches, and drinks before heading onto the trails. My favourite after doing a cycle or trail run for food, with the samosas, Nanaimo bars and cinnamon buns being great.
• Brown’s Socialhouse (Lynn Valley) – A relaxed, modern restaurant perfect for post-hike meals, with a diverse menu and comfortable sit-down atmosphere near Lynn Canyon.
• Delany’s Coffee House – A long-standing local favourite known for reliable coffee, comfortable interiors, and a classic North Shore café vibe.
• JJ Bean Coffee Roasters (Dollarton) – One of the best coffee spots on the North Shore, known for expertly roasted beans, strong espresso, and quality baked goods.
• Tour de Feast – A casual but elevated spot serving fresh, healthy meals with bold flavours, perfect for takeaway or a relaxed lunch stop.
• Honey’s Doughnuts – An iconic Deep Cove stop, famous for soft, freshly baked doughnuts that are best enjoyed after the Quarry Rock hike.
• Reflections Bistro – A waterfront café and restaurant offering great food, coffee, and scenic patio views overlooking the cove.

Grouse Mountain, Capilano & Mount Fromme

If there’s one area that captures what makes North Vancouver special, it’s the mountains rising directly behind the city. From iconic viewpoints and suspension bridges to challenging hikes, mountain biking trails, and year-round outdoor activities, this section of the North Shore delivers some of the region’s most memorable experiences.

• Grouse Mountain – Known as the “Peak of Vancouver,” Grouse Mountain is one of the city’s most iconic attractions and one of the easiest ways to experience the North Shore mountains. On clear days, the views stretch across Vancouver, Burrard Inlet, Stanley Park, and far into the Fraser Valley. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike, family-friendly attractions, skiing, or simply a scenic gondola ride, Grouse offers something in every season.
• Grouse Grind
  Nicknamed “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster,” the Grouse Grind is a steep 2.5km climb that gains roughly 800m in elevation. The route consists of thousands of steps through dense forest and has become a rite of passage for locals.
  Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views and can download via gondola, as hiking down the trail is not permitted.
• Skyride & Blue Grouse Gondola
  If climbing isn’t your thing, take the gondola directly to the summit. The ride itself is spectacular, offering panoramic views of Vancouver, the harbour, and surrounding mountains as you ascend.
• Skiing & Snowboarding
  During winter, Grouse transforms into a convenient ski area with groomed runs, terrain parks, snowshoe routes, and night skiing. It’s one of the easiest ski destinations to access from downtown Vancouver.
• Mountain Biking
  While Grouse isn’t as famous as nearby Mount Fromme for biking, the mountain provides access to several trails and serves as a gateway to North Shore riding adventures.
• Ziplining
  Experience Grouse from a completely different perspective by flying through the forest on a series of mountain ziplines. It’s one of the area’s most exciting summer attractions.
• Backcountry Hiking
  More experienced hikers can continue beyond the resort area into the surrounding North Shore wilderness. Popular objectives include Crown Mountain, Goat Mountain, Dam Mountain, and routes connecting into the broader backcountry trail network.
  
• Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is one of Vancouver’s most famous tourist attractions. The 137-metre-long suspension bridge stretches high above the Capilano River, while additional attractions include the Treetops Adventure, Cliffwalk, rainforest trails, and numerous canyon viewpoints.
  The experience is polished, photogenic, and extremely visitor-friendly, making it ideal for first-time visitors wanting a classic Vancouver attraction. However, it can be expensive and crowded during peak season.
  If you’re looking for a more natural and budget-friendly experience, Lynn Canyon offers a free alternative. If you want the complete suspension bridge experience with elevated walkways and immersive forest attractions, Capilano is well worth considering.
• Cleveland Dam is located just a few minutes from Grouse Mountain; it offers one of the easiest scenic stops on the North Shore. The viewpoint overlooks the Capilano Reservoir, surrounded by forested mountains and dramatic valley scenery.
  It’s a great place for photography and pairs perfectly with a visit to Grouse Mountain or Capilano Suspension Bridge.
• Mount Fromme is a legendary destination in the mountain biking world and one of the pillars of North Shore riding culture. The mountain is home to technical trails featuring roots, rock slabs, wooden features, and steep descents that have helped define modern mountain biking. Even if you’re not riding, the surrounding forest provides excellent hiking and trail-running opportunities. Fromme also connects into a vast network of trails stretching across the North Shore mountains, making it a favourite playground for outdoor enthusiasts year-round.

Mount Seymour

If you’re looking for a more rugged and less touristy mountain experience than Grouse, Mount Seymour is one of the best outdoor destinations in North Vancouver. Located just 30 minutes from downtown, the mountain offers year-round adventure with hiking trails, alpine viewpoints, skiing, cycling, and access to some of the North Shore’s most beautiful wilderness. Unlike Grouse Mountain, there are no gondolas in summer or major attractions here—just forests, lakes, mountain trails, and spectacular views over Vancouver, Indian Arm, and Mount Baker on clear days. In Winter, the chairlifts open up and create an active ski resort.

• Hiking – Mount Seymour is home to some of the most popular hikes on the North Shore. Shorter trails such as Mystery Lake, Dinkey Peak, and Flower Lake are ideal for casual hikers, while the classic Mount Seymour Summit Trail rewards hikers with panoramic views stretching across the Lower Mainland and Coast Mountains.
• Mountain Biking – While Mount Fromme is the better-known biking destination, Seymour offers access to a network of challenging North Shore trails. Riders will find technical descents, forest singletrack, and classic terrain that has helped define Vancouver’s mountain biking culture.
• Road Cycling – The climb up Mount Seymour Road is a favourite among local cyclists. The steady ascent through dense forest provides a challenging workout and eventually opens up to mountain views near the park entrance.
• Skiing & Snowboarding – During winter, Mt Seymour Resort becomes one of Vancouver’s most accessible ski hills. The mountain offers downhill skiing, snowboarding, terrain parks, tubing, and family-friendly snow play areas, making it a popular option for locals looking for a quick day on the snow.
• Snowshoeing & Winter Adventures – Snowshoe trails are one of Mount Seymour’s biggest winter draws. The area offers a mix of beginner-friendly routes and more challenging backcountry terrain for those seeking a quieter snow experience away from the ski runs.

Cypress Mountain

Cypress Mountain is West Vancouver’s outdoor playground and one of the most versatile adventure destinations on the North Shore. Best known for hosting events during the 2010 Winter Olympics, the mountain transforms throughout the year from a major ski area into a hub for hiking, sightseeing, and exploring some of the most spectacular viewpoints overlooking Vancouver and Howe Sound.

Unlike Grouse Mountain’s tourist attractions or Mount Seymour’s rugged alpine feel, Cypress strikes a balance between accessibility and wilderness. Whether you’re visiting for skiing, a sunset hike, or tackling a section of the Howe Sound Crest Trail, Cypress delivers some of the best mountain scenery near Vancouver.

• Skiing & Snowboarding – Cypress Mountain is the largest ski area on the North Shore, offering a mix of groomed runs, terrain parks, night skiing, and beginner-friendly slopes. Its varied terrain makes it popular with everyone from first-time skiers to experienced riders.
• Olympic Legacy – Cypress gained international attention during the 2010 Winter Olympics, hosting freestyle skiing and snowboard events. Today, visitors can still experience one of Canada’s most famous Olympic venues while enjoying the mountain’s trails and viewpoints.
• The Shed – One of the most popular places to relax after a day on the mountain, The Shed serves great Pizzas, local beers, and mountain views. It’s an excellent stop after hiking or skiing.
• Eagle Coaster – Cypress isn’t just a winter destination. During the warmer months, the resort operates the Eagle Coaster, a mountain roller-coaster-style ride that twists through the forest and provides a fun alternative to the surrounding hiking trails.
• Other summer activities include scenic chairlift rides, disc golf, mountain events, dining, and family-friendly outdoor recreation. This makes Cypress one of the few North Shore mountains that remains active throughout the year.

Best Cypress Mountain hikes

• St. Mark’s Summit – One of the most rewarding hikes near Vancouver, St. Mark’s Summit follows a section of the famed Howe Sound Crest Trail before reaching a dramatic viewpoint overlooking Howe Sound, Bowen Island, and the surrounding mountains. Despite its popularity, the scenery makes it a must-do for hikers.
• Hollyburn Peak – A North Shore classic offering year-round adventure. In summer, it’s a straightforward hike with incredible views over Vancouver and the Lions. During winter, it becomes one of the area’s most popular snowshoe destinations.
• Eagle Bluffs – A relatively short but incredibly rewarding trail with panoramic views over West Vancouver, downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park, and the Strait of Georgia. It’s one of the best effort-to-reward hikes on the North Shore.
• Tunnel Bluffs – Located just north of Cypress on the Sea-to-Sky corridor, Tunnel Bluffs offers one of the most iconic viewpoints overlooking Howe Sound. The wide-open rock ledge provides breathtaking views of the ocean, islands, and coastal mountains.
• The Lions – The iconic twin peaks visible from Vancouver’s skyline are among the most recognisable mountains in British Columbia. Reaching them is a challenging full-day adventure requiring experience, fitness, and good conditions, but the rewards are unforgettable.
• Mount Strachan -Located directly within Cypress Provincial Park, Mount Strachan offers a quieter alternative to some of the more famous viewpoints. The trail traverses alpine terrain and rewards hikers with expansive views across Howe Sound.
• Black Mountain – One of the park’s most accessible hikes, Black Mountain is ideal for visitors seeking fantastic views without committing to a full-day adventure. Families and casual hikers will enjoy the relatively straightforward trail.

Bowen Island

Bowen Island is one of the best underrated day trips from Vancouver, even though it technically sits just beyond the North Shore rather than on it. Tourism Bowen Island describes Bowen as being just a 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver, making it one of the easiest island escapes from the city.

The ferry arrives in Snug Cove, a compact and walkable village with cafés, shops, galleries and easy access to nearby trails and beaches. Destination Vancouver notes that you do not need a car for a day trip because Snug Cove is walkable, and nearby options include boutiques, galleries, Crippen Regional Park and the Killarney Lake trail. [destinatio…couver.com]

Bowen is ideal if you want a slower day: take the ferry, browse Snug Cove, walk around Crippen Regional Park, hike around Killarney Lake, grab food, and enjoy the feeling of leaving the city without committing to a huge journey. Tourism Bowen Island also recommends using its visitor map because Google is not always accurate on the island, which is a very useful planning note.

Horseshoe Bay & Lions Bay

Howe Sound Crest Trail

The Howe Sound Crest Trail (HSCT) is one of British Columbia’s most legendary backpacking routes. Stretching roughly 30km from Cypress Mountain to Porteau Cove, the trail traverses rugged ridgelines, alpine meadows, rocky summits, and some of the most spectacular viewpoints overlooking Howe Sound. This is not a casual hike. The route involves significant elevation gain, technical terrain, and long days in exposed mountain environments. For experienced hikers and backpackers, however, it offers one of the most rewarding wilderness experiences near Vancouver.

Mount Harvey

Mount Harvey is one of the best viewpoints in North Vancouver BC, and offers a stunning perspective of The Lions that few visitors ever see. Unlike St. Mark’s Summit, Mount Harvey is generally accessed from Lions Bay. The trail climbs steeply through forest before emerging into alpine terrain and reaching a summit with panoramic views over Howe Sound, the Lions, and the surrounding Coast Mountains. While the distance is manageable, the elevation gain is significant, making it a challenging but highly rewarding full-day hike.

Brunswick Mountain

At 1,788m, Brunswick Mountain is the highest peak along the Howe Sound Crest Trail and one of the most sought-after summit hikes near Vancouver. Like Mount Harvey, the most popular route begins from Lions Bay, though experienced hikers can also reach the summit while traversing the Howe Sound Crest Trail from Cypress. The summit delivers incredible 360-degree views over Howe Sound, Vancouver Island, and the surrounding Coast Mountains. This is a serious mountain day and should not be underestimated, particularly in poor weather and technical scrambling sections.

Horseshoe Bay is often treated purely as a ferry terminal, but it is worth building in time to explore before or after a Bowen Island or Sunshine Coast ferry. The village has mountain and water views, ferry movement, casual food spots and a slower coastal feel that is very different from downtown Vancouver.

Whytecliff Park is one of the best coastal spots near West Vancouver if you want rocky shoreline, island views and a wilder feeling than Ambleside. The best-known feature is the small islet just offshore. At lower tides, visitors can sometimes walk across the exposed rocks towards the islet, although you need to be careful with tides, slippery rocks and changing conditions.

North Shore Outdoor Kit

What I Use for North Vancouver Trails

Browse Full Kit Room →

Osprey Hikelite 18/26

Day Pack

Altra Lone Peak 8

Trail Shoes

La Sportiva TX4 GTX

Approach Shoes

Black Diamond Distance FLZ

Trekking Poles

Arc’teryx Beta AR

Rain Shell

Montane Minimus Lite

Light Shell

Arc’teryx Proton LT

Active Insulation

Ciele Cap

Trail Cap

Fujifilm X-T30

Camera

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How to Choose Between the North Shore Highlights

If you are short on time, here is how I’d choose:

• Best easy waterfront area: Lower Lonsdale and The Shipyards
• Best free forest experience: Lynn Canyon
• Best paid forest attraction: Capilano Suspension Bridge
• Best mountain viewpoint: Grouse Mountain
• Best local hiking area: Mount Seymour
• Best West Vancouver walk: Ambleside Park
• Best scenic village escape: Deep Cove
• Best big mountain/ski area: Cypress

North Vancouver Guide: Summary

North Vancouver is one of the best places in Metro Vancouver for travellers who want more than downtown sightseeing. It gives you a different version of the city: slower, greener, more mountain-focused and much closer to the trails, beaches and viewpoints that define the West Coast lifestyle.

The easiest introduction is Lower Lonsdale. Take the SeaBus from downtown, explore Lonsdale Quay, walk The Shipyards, grab food or a drink, and enjoy the skyline views back across Burrard Inlet. The City of North Vancouver describes The Shipyards as an active waterfront public space with year-round events, shops, dining and places to play, and it is less than a five-minute walk from Lonsdale Quay Transit Exchange. [cnv.org]

From there, the North Shore opens up quickly. Choose Lynn Canyon for free forest trails and a suspension bridge, Capilano Suspension Bridge for the polished visitor experience, Grouse Mountain for classic Vancouver views, Deep Cove for kayaking and village atmosphere, Mount Seymour for local hiking, and Cypress / West Vancouver for bigger mountain and ocean viewpoints. Vancouver’s North Shore Tourism lists major attractions including Mt Seymour, Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, Grouse Mountain, Cypress Mountain, The Shipyards and the North Shore Spirit Trail. [vancouvers…hshore.com]

If you have just one day, focus on Lower Lonsdale, Lynn Canyon or Grouse Mountain. If you have a full weekend, add Deep Cove, Ambleside, Lighthouse Park or Cypress. And if you are living in Vancouver or staying longer, this is the side of the city that rewards repeat visits most.

For me, the North Shore is what makes Vancouver feel unique: a place where you can work in the city, cross the water in minutes, and be on a mountain trail before sunset.

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