The City of North Vancouver is a vibrant community of around 50,000 residents, and is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. North Vancouver is know for its thriving arts community and abundance of recreational activities. From shopping and dining, cycling and hiking, to the vibrant arts and culture scene, North Vancouver is well worth the visit.
Things to do in North Vancouver
Capilano Bridge & Park/Big House
Today you will find the First Nations carvers at Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park working on-site in the Big House. They explain their techniques, skills and heritage to visitors. Recent poles in the Park include a memorial pole to Mary Capilano, the Human Peace Pole, the Salmon Creek Pole, Wolf Guardian Pole and a pole depicting the legend, “How the Raven Stole the Sun”, all placed along the cliff edge of Capilano River at the south end of the Park. The central house post for the Big House is an honour pole, recognizing carvers past, present and future at Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park and commemorating the Next Generation. Call 604-985-7474 for more information.
Capilano Bridge & Park/Living Forest
The flora and fauna of this West Coast rain forest is always of interest to visitors. While the forest itself remains untouched, the Living Forest at the west landing provides panels with interactive displays, fun facts and "what's that tree?" identification clues. Bug boxes show creepy crawlies at work in the soil. The giant "Naturalist's Notebook" panels illustrate life in the ponds and the world of a fallen tree. Visitors are well informed for their stroll through the rain forest, past tranquil trout ponds and majestic evergreens. Call 604-985-7474 for more information.
Capilano Bridge & Park/Story Centre
Today visitors to Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park can pose with the Tramps, (early adventurers who made the long "tramp" to Capilano Suspension Bridge), before they begin their walk through the Story Centre. Life-size photomurals, artifacts and antiques together with "voices from the past" and informative flipbooks chronicle the early history of the Bridge and the development of Vancouver. Call 604-985-7474 for more information.
Capilano Bridge & Park/Totem Park
Part of Capilano's captivating story involves the tradition of placing totem poles on the grounds at Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park. In the 1930's local natives were invited to place their totem poles in the park, adding a native theme. Those colourful poles are maintained in the exact condition in which they were received and are on display in the Totem Park. Call 604-985-7474 for more information.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Vancouver’s oldest attraction has thrilled visitors since 1889. Cross the swaying planks of this bridge that is suspended above the Capilano River. You can wander among the towering evergreens in a West Coast rainforest or join a guided nature walk. At Treetops Adventure you will get a great view of the seven suspension bridges through the trees, taking you high above the forest floor. Watch First Nations carvers chisel legend into cedar at the Big House; stroll through history at the Story Centre; enjoy river and canyon views, and gorgeous gardens. Live entertainment includes First Nations dance performances May – October. The Visitor Centre is open daily except Christmas Day. Call 604-985-7474 for more information.
Centennial Theatre
The Centennial Theatre is a performing arts centre featuring 705 seats, a proscenium arch, a 25-musician orchestra pit, fabulous live acoustics, a spacious, modern lobby and a colourful, vibrant, neon art piece flowing from the fly tower. Home to a variety of local and international performing artists, as well as host to seminars, film festivals, awards ceremonies, corporate workshops and movie productions. Call 604-984-4484 for more information.
2300 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver, BC
Chiba Garden
The Garden was completed in 1986. This traditional Japanese garden was designed to commemorate the friendship between the City of North Vancouver and its Japanese sister city Chiba. In the garden you will find two streams originating from one source represent the friendship between these two cities. Chiba Garden is located in Waterfront Park in the 200 block of West Esplanade; open daily 9am - sunset.
200 block of West Esplanade, North Vancouver, BC
Grouse Mountain
A year-round peak experience just 15 minutes from downtown. The Skyride tram whisks visitors 1.6 kilometres (one mile) up to the mountaintop plateau and superb views. A high-definition theatre presentation, Born to Fly, screens at the Theatre in the Sky. The Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife shelters two orphaned grizzly cubs. Summer activities include lumberjack shows, guided downhill mountain bike tours, tandem paragliding, helicopter tours and Birds in Motion falconry demonstrations. Share an evening of Pacific Northwest Native storytelling, dancing and traditional cuisine at the hiwus feast house. In winter December – April, Grouse is popular for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice-skating and sleigh rides. Open daily, 365 days a year from 9am - 10pm. Call 604-984-0661 for more information.
Lonsdale Quay Market & Shops
Discover one of Vancouver's most popular destinations, located on the shore of North Vancouver with a fabulous view of Vancouver's skyline and harbour. The area features a multi-level complex that is home to more than 90 shops and services. Lonsdale Quay Market boasts a market with abundantly fresh produce, beautiful boutique shops, international cuisine to eat-in or take-out, a play area for kids, specialty kid's only shops, and a first class hotel. Call 604-985-6261 for more information.
123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver, BC
Maplewood Farm
This two-hectare (5-acre) park and farm specializes in nearly 200 domestic farm animals and birds. Small children can get acquainted with goat kids and bunnies. The meandering stream, the pond and the surrounding park are ideal for a picnic lunch. Daily milking demonstrations. Pony rides available seasonally. Open year round. September-March open Tuesday - Sunday 10am-4pm and holidays (except Christmas Day). April-August open daily.
Call 604-929-5610 for more information.
405 Seymour River Place, North Vancouver, BC
North Vancouver Museum & Archives
This community museum houses exhibits that celebrate the social, industrial and cultural development of North Vancouver. Logging, shipbuilding, ferry and streetcar systems and outdoor recreation, which define the North Van experience, are highlighted at the Museum. Open Tuesday - Sunday 12noon - 5pm; admission is free. Call 604-987-5618 for more information.
209 W. 4th Street, North Vancouver, BC
Park & Tilford Gardens
The Park & Tilford Gardens consists of eight European styled theme gardens set on 8 hectares. You will find the gardens are beautifully landscaped with various floral displays, water fountains and bridges, the gardens are a spectacular retreat for visitors. Call 604-984-8200 for more information.
440 333 Brooksbank Avenue, North Vancouver, BC
Presentation House Gallery
Described as the largest non-profit photographic gallery in Western Canada, the Presentation House Gallery has offered a variety of contemporary and historical photographic and media exhibitions since 1981. Operated by The British Columbia Photography and Media Arts Society, the Gallery's mandate is to exhibit and disseminate photography and media art emphasizing contemporary Canadian work within a context of historical and international art. Call 604-986-1351 for more information.
333 Chesterfield Avenue, North Vancouver, BC