The hub of Vancouver’s North Shore

There is more than great scenery on Vancouver’s North Shore, where activity, shopping and authentic West Coast lifestyle come together for an unforgettable experience

Diversity is the spice of vacation—at least when the destination is Vancouver’s North Shore, where an exciting confluence of wilderness and urban lifestyle create appeal for visitors and residents alike. You can visit the vibrant, thriving rainforest, seek out cozy coves along the curving coastline and take in a round of golf—all in the same day.
Visitors who want to “do as the locals do” should head to Deep Cove and be prepared to get moving, said Jane Ince, public and media relations representative for Vancouver’s North Shore Tourism.

“On Vancouver’s North Shore we are all pretty active,” she said. “We walk, bike ride, ski, snowshoe—we do all of them, pretty much without exception, and you can get most of them in Deep Cove.”

The area offers something for ever obsession—on land or sea—including great hiking, stand-up paddling, kayaking, mountain biking and every winter activity there is.

“This is really the place to get the essence of an active, West Coast lifestyle,” said Ince.

Another, more urban bustling hub is Lonsdale Quay Market & Shops, a year-round, full-service market with enough fresh fish, produce, baked goods and interesting specialty shops to draw regular shoppers from Vancouver—and enough colour and ambience to make it a must-stop for those just passing through.

Just steps outside the Quay is Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver’s original street. It runs from the harbour right up to Grouse Mountain—with a few jogs.

“Straight up in the heart of Lonsdale are phenomenal food (establishments), a bakery, and a whole bunch of skateboard and longboard stores,” said Ince. “In Canada, the hub for skateboarding, longboarding and mountain biking is in North Vancouver.”

Everything on the North Shore is accessible by public transportation, including Cypress, Seymour and Grouse mountains, which offer endless hours of skiing, snowshoeing, tubing and mountain biking.

“Deep Cove is a quaint community where you can experience West Coast lifestyle,” said Ince. “The hub of transportation, activity and festivals is Lonsdale Quay.”