Like most of BC, Vancouver is getting some serious heat this summer and we spent five days finding the best ways to enjoy it. Here are our favorite things to do in North Vancouver.
Lonsdale Quay is the place to be on a hot summer day. Cool down in the market with local shops and tasty treats like fudge or fancy pickles. Scout for yachts moored by the shipyard and take a walk down the beautiful boardwalk while you wait for a table at one of the many restaurants to choose from.
A splash park is nestled in here along with interesting architectural features and of course, you can watch the sea bus go back and forth from North Van to Waterfront Station.
Deep Cove is best visited in the late afternoon in my opinion. Most of the morning crowd has thinned, making finding parking possible, and it’ll be less crowded for an after dinner swim out to the floating dock. The beach here is rocky and best enjoyed with water shoes and a floatie.
If you do come early enough, Honey’s Doughnuts are a must! No matter what the line-up looks like, you’ll want to wait for these diet-busting treats, they are worth it! Note that the popular Quarry Rock hike remains closed as damages from the January storms are being repaired.
Grouse Mountain is a place that holds a special memory for me, my parents got married on the way up in that gondola almost 30 years ago! This summer we wanted to take the boys up to meet Grinder and Coola, Grouse Mountain’s rescued grizzly bears.
Ranger talks are included in your ticket and tell the story of how these big cuties came to thrive in this wildlife sanctuary. Other fun things to do on Grouse Mountain include ziplining, owl talks, lumberjack show, disc golf and more. Simply enjoying the view is enough to attract visitors from all over. Try hiking to the top on the Grouse Grind for a butt-kicking trek!
Another great way to beat the heat in North Vancouver is a visit to the sheltering canopy of Capilano Suspension Bridge’s Treetops Adventure. Pro tip: We arrived at opening and headed straight for the Cliffwalk.
While everyone else went straight to the suspension bridge, we had the stunning Cliffwalk completely to ourselves! The Cliffwalk and the suspension bridge, which careens 70 meters above the river, aren’t the only spectacular attractions.
Treetops Adventure takes you on a sky-high trip through the Douglas Firs, along 7 suspension bridges and viewing platforms. The summer evening rate saves you 20% off all admissions after 5 pm.
Ambleside Beach is our favorite North Shore beach due to the stunning views of Lions Gate Bridge, abundance of amenities and proximity to the Spirit Trail bike path. Ambleside has plenty of walking options with a pier, the Centennial Seawalk, and a beautiful stroll through Ambleside Park which is home to swans.
A pretty walk from Ambleside to John Lawson Park will take you to an awesome playground and splash park for the kids! Parking at both parks is free.
Though not being held in North Vancouver, during our stay in the North Shore, we went to an amazing Vancouver experience, a candlelight concert. Ours was a tribute to Jazz legends like Frank Sinatra but you can find a variety of genres to enjoy at the Beaumont Theatre such as a tribute to Abba, Taylor Swift, or Adele. Bathed in candlelight, sipping cocktails to the talents of a string quartet, it’s a night of romance you will not want to miss. Find concert dates and tickets here.
Other favorites spots of ours to enjoy on the North Shore are Whytecliff Park, 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters, Lynn Canyon Park and Suspension Bridge, and of course, ride the Seabus.
For more BC Bucket List Family travel inspiration, follow us on Instagram @loewenlifestyle. This week we head to Bowen Island to explore Nectar Yoga!
