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Located across the Burrard Inlet from the city of Vancouver is the beautiful mountainous region of North Vancouver, British Columbia, known for its wonderful mountains, sandy beaches and challenging hiking trails, as well as historical points of interest and tourist attractions.
North Vancouver is a veritable playground for sports enthusiasts. If you are a skier, the North Shore offers three mountains to choose from. Ride the air tram to the top of Grouse Mountain for a taste of downhill skiing or in the summer you can hop aboard the air tram for a starlight view of the city as you dine in the Grouse Nest restaurant. Phone (604) 984-0661 General information and restaurant. Or (604)986-6262 for snow and information line. Seymour Mountain offers downhill and cross country skiing as well as toboggan runs and snowshoeing. Call (604) 986-2261 for Guest Services. Heading West of North Vancouver is Cypress Mountain. Boasting tobogganing, downhill and cross-country skiing as well as snowshoe rentals, this mountain also has a fantastic view point where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Vancouver's Lower Mainland. For the guest services line call (604) 926-5612.
If you are a hiker, you must experience the Baden Powel Trail, a hikers' trail that winds it's way across the mountainside from west to east, joining the two communities of North and West Vancouver, stretching over 42 km. If you are looking for a more challenging hike, the Grouse Grind is a rough-cut trail running straight up Grouse Mountain. Other popular spots for hiking are The Lynn Headwaters trail, and the Seymour Demonstration Forest that has a trail that leads 5 km up to the local watershed.
If you are into boating, sailing or fishing, there are boat launches in Deep Cove's Cates Park, Deep Cove Marina, and in West Vancouver there is a boat launch at Ambleside or Dundarave. You can also hit the beach and go for a swim at Cate's Park, Ambleside and Dundarave beaches.
For the sightseeing and tourist attraction bunch, North Vancouver has several points of interest. Receiving international fame is the Capilano Suspension Bridge, a free floating cable suspension bridge that dangles 230 feet above the turbulent Capilano River and spans 450ft across. For more information contact their office at (604) 985-7474.
For a peek at North Vancouver's history come and visit the North Vancouver Museum and archives located at 209 West 4th St. (604) 987-5618. Located in the same building is the gallery and presentation house, a local theatre supporting community talent.
Along North Vancouver's waterfront is a farmer's market. The Lonsdale Quay is guarenteed to appeal to your senses with promises of fresh fish, oven fresh bakeries, a candy shop, ethnic food kiosks, fresh fruit stands, artisan's tables, European deli's, wine stores, heath food stores, a magazine stand, a popcorn stand and flower shops. On the second floor is a varied selection of gift stores, toy stores, woman's clothing and jewelry stores. The top floor of the Quay is taken up by a two- story hotel with wonderful views of Vancouver's harbor and city lights.
For the stargazer's North Vancouver has it's own Hollywood studio located on Brooksbank Avenue. If you are alert it is not uncommon to see movie sets set up with North Vancouver as their backdrop. With such movies being filmed here as "Reindeer Games", "Jumanji", "First Blood" and "Roxanne", it's no wonder that Vancouver has earned the title of "Hollywood North".
For all the reason's above and more, North Vancouver has earned the reputation of being one of the most exciting and diverse communities in the Lower Mainland. Why not pop over one of the two bridges that separate North Vancouver from the big city and experience all it has to offer.
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