Thinking about moving to North Vancouver?
North Vancouver, also known as the North Shore, is on the traditional territory of several Coast Salish people such as the Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam nations. North Vancouver has a population of 57,325 as of 2019, and is renowned for its proximity to nature.
The North Shore is home for the outdoorsy types who enjoy activities such as skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking and watersports. There are a number of popular hiking mountains and scenic foot trails to explore here.
The city’s waterfront is an asset to the community as it overlooks the Burrard Inlet, downtown Vancouver’s cityscape, and the North Shore mountains. This is the city where you can fully escape into nature and enjoy those scenic quiet morning strolls.
The North Shore is best known for the North Shore Mountains which includes Britannia, Cypress, Grouse, Lynn, Fannin, and Lions. These mountains range together and can be seen throughout most areas in Vancouver which forms a beautiful backdrop for the city.
We have done our research and have included all the key places to visit when you move to North Vancouver. Let’s get back into nature and explore together.
1. Discover Nature’s Paradise When You Move To The North Shore
North Vancouver is a nature’s paradise!
With over 42 trails, we have included a few of the most popular trails to explore. These trails offer some of the most scenic views and you can fully emerge yourself into nature.
The Grouse Grind, known as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster” is one of the most popular trails in North Vancouver and is renowned for its challenge. When you reach the top, there is much to enjoy, one being the accomplishment of completing ‘The Grind Challenge‘. You can also explore the Grouse Mountain village before taking the much deserved scenic Gondola ride down.
The second most popular trail just off the shores of scenic Deep Cove is Quarry Rock. This hiking trail is great for beginners and families to try upon moving to North Vancouver.
When you reach the top you can also sit for hours and enjoy the scenic view of Indian Arm and mountains around Belcarra.
Rice Lake provides a pocket of serenity away from the busy Vancouver life in North Vancouver
Third most popular trail is Rice Lake in Lynn Headwater Regional Park. This trail is perfect for families with children as it is a nice and easy walk that offers several viewpoints around the lake with plenty of benches to sit down, relax and take in the natural beauty of the area while the kids explore!
It’s hard to miss the North Shore Mountains when you first arrive in Vancouver. Their southernmost peaks are visible from most areas in the city and give us that scenic backdrop view across Vancouver. There are 6 mountains in the North Shore Mountains which are Britannia Range,Cypress Group, Grouse area, Cathedral/Lynn, Fannin Range, and Lions Area,
Each of these mountains have their own ski resort, and links up to trails for hiking adventures.
Grouse Mountain is the most famous of the North Shore Mountains. You can easily spot it from the city. This is a great local mountain to explore with your family when just moving to North Vancouver as it is open all year round offering a number of activities.
During the winter, you and your family can enjoy activities such as skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, skating at the skating-pond, and the sliding zone. In the summer visiting Grouse Mountain still offers a ton of activities for yourself and family including: ziplining, mountain ropes, hiking the Grouse Grind, and breakfast with bears.
The mountain skyride is open all year round as well as the shops and dining where you can enjoy the food and views of Vancouver.
Mount Seymour which is known as the Third Peak, is considered one of North Vancouver’s most local areas to ski, go tubing, snowshoe and hike during the winter and summer. It is a great mountain to bring your family to during the winter months. During the summer the mountain is open for hiking which gives you a panoramic view of the city when you reach the top. You can also access Dog Mountain which is a shorter and easier hike that offers a spectacular view of Vancouver on a clear day.
Enjoy a picnic and the beautiful view at Cates Park in Deep Cove in North Vancouver.
A few other places to check out when you move to North Vancouver are below:
Deep Cove
Deep Cove is a beautiful seaside village that gives you that quiet small town vibe that is surrounded by nature. It’s a quiet and beautiful place to enjoy walks, hikes, kayaking, and paddle boarding. There are also a ton of local shops to check out such as Honey’s Doughnuts. Kate Winslet has said a donut from Honey’s Doughnuts was the best she has ever had and she was not lying! Surrounding Deep Cove is a number of parks and beaches, the most popular to the locals being Cates Park. This park is also a beach which is a perfect place to have a family day.
2. The Shipyards District – Lower Lonsdale
The Lonsdale Quay
The Lonsdale Quay is where you can find the Seabus terminal and the Lonsdale Quay Public Market. The public market is full of many different kinds of vendors, including restaurants, bakeries and breweries. Once started as a carnival-style marketplace for the Expo ‘86 Vancouver, The Lonsdale Quay Public Market has become a vibrant place of community.
The Shipyards District
The Shipyards District, also known as Lower Lonsdale, is North Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood. Located on the city’s waterfront you can access on the 700- foot long Burrard Dry Dock Pier and enjoy the stunning Downtown Vancouver Skyline.
The Shipyards features a ton of restaurants, cafes, shops, hotels, concerts and markets. During the winter there is an outdoor skating rink and a splash park in the summer.
The Polygon Gallery, formerly known as Presentation House Gallery is located on Lower Lonsdale in North Vancouver and is one of the largest non-profit photographic galleries in Western Canada.
The gallery focuses on photography and media-based art, and admission is based on donations. This goes with the gallery’s philosophy that art should be accessible to all.
Have we convinced you to move to North Vancouver yet? If you are looking for professional North Vancouver movers, don’t hesitate to contact us, Kleiner Services. And if you enjoyed this article, please comment and share!