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If you're coming from [wiki=38278119f2c41ca7aedcbc55eabf73cd]Vancouver[/wiki], you enter North Vancouver by either Highway 1 (Trans Canada Highway) across the Second Narrows Bridge or by Highway 99 across the Lion's Gate Bridge.
The TransLink [url=http://www.translink.bc.ca]]bus system connects North Vancouver with the rest of the TransLink system in Vancouver and its surrounding suburbs. Travelling within the North Shore ([[West Vancouver[/url]] and [wiki=f09f8318a0e8e84da2a27e37d6f9c5f4]Lions Bay[/wiki]) is a $2.75 fare. Crossing the harbour means crossing a fare zone boundary so a ticket to/from [wiki=38278119f2c41ca7aedcbc55eabf73cd]Vancouver[/wiki], [wiki=fbb068e232d6e029e81defe2eeaec8f0]Burnaby[/wiki] or [wiki=1c3b4cc6cd60c609a2ba78b5339e4bf3]Richmond[/wiki] will cost $4 and a ticket to/from [wiki=e97c6061075244592e70b1060dbdf2be]Surrey[/wiki] will cost $5.00.
TransLink also provides a ferry option to get to the North Shore, called the Seabus. This is a passenger only ferry that goes from Waterfront Station in Downtown Vancouver to Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. A ticket or transfer used on a bus or the Skytrain is also accepted on the Seabus.
The SeaBus runs every 15 minutes until 6:45pm M-F and 10am - 6:15pm on Saturdays. It runs every half hour at all other times. The SeaBus operates from about 6:00am to 1:20am, with shorter hours on Sunday. A schedule is available on the TransLink's website.
Hwy 1, or the Upper Levels Highway, runs east-west from the Second Narrows Bridge to West Vancouver and provides quick transit across the city. However, if you're going to see the attractions, you'll need to get off the highway. Lonsdale Avenue runs north-south through middle of the City of North Vancouver, while Capilano Road, Lynn Valley Road and Mount Seymour Parkway provide access to the areas above and east of the highway. Many shops, restaurants and businesses are located along Marine Drive and Lonsdale Avenue.
The North Shore bus system is built around the three hubs of Park Royal in West Van, Lonsdale Quay in North Van and Phibbs Exchange in North Van. Buses run between each of these hubs and out to the various attractions and parts of the region (e.g., Grouse Mountain, Horseshoe Bay, Deep Cove, etc.). Park Royal and Lonsdale Quay have buses that connect with [wiki=152716b49d542396416dab0208b0c044]downtown Vancouver[/wiki] while Phibbs Exchange has buses that connect with [wiki=38278119f2c41ca7aedcbc55eabf73cd]Vancouver[/wiki] and [wiki=fbb068e232d6e029e81defe2eeaec8f0]Burnaby[/wiki]. Travel within the North Shore on the bus system is considered one zone and costs $2.75. Taking the bus outside of the North Shore will be two or three zone travel and will cost more ($4.00 or $5.00, depending on the destination), unless it is a weekday after 6:30pm or a weekend/holiday (when all zones are $2.75). If you are a student (in some cases a valid student ID will be requested) then the fare for one zone is $1.75. If it is after 6 pm or a weekend/holiday then the fare will be $1.75 regardless of zones crossed.
For those who want a good workout (there are a lot of hills), there are several designated bike routes in North Vancouver. Generally, they are well signed and on quieter streets, but do not always have bike lanes marked on the pavement. A map is available from the Translink website.
Lonsdale Quay is a market, gathering place and transportation hub for North Vancouver. It has a prime spot for gazing at the skyline of downtown Vancouver and the nearby public areas and walking paths let you take in the views at your leisure and learn a little about the history of the area.
The Lonsdale Quay Market (123 Carrie Cates Court, Open daily 9AM-7PM, [http://www.lonsdalequay.com]) is a bustling and popular market, especially around lunch and early afternoon. The first floor has a variety of shops, mostly selling tourist-oriented souvenirs of varying quality and tackiness. The second floor has a more eclectic variety of shops and boutiques. The best value is the food options, with a diverse food court and a number of sweet smelling shops that entice with baked goods, sandwiches and treats. Climbing the steps outside to the revolving Q provides nice views across the harbour to downtown Vancouver.
Short walking options extend from either side of the Quay. Heading west past the McDonalds and the drop-off area (follow the Trans-Canada Trail signs) brings you to Waterfront Park. There is a small Japanese garden, a gazebo on the water and lots of green space and benches to enjoy the view or have a picnic. The curvy bars in the middle of the park are an artist's interpretation of the North Shore mountains. The park also hosts a number of summer festivals including Canada Day activities and Caribbean Days.
To the east, head out to the street (Carrie Cates Court), turn right and walk past the Seaspan tugboat dock to the red-roofed buildings. This is the Shipyards Historic Precinct, the site of what was once the largest shipyard in British Columbia. There are a number of displays that go through the history of shipbuilding on the North Shore and the 700 foot Burrard Dry Dock Pier offers views of Vancouver, the Burrard Inlet and North Vancouver.
At the foot of Lonsdale Ave, between Lonsdale Quay Market and the Shipyards Historic Precinct, is the Pacific Great Eastern Railway Station. In its day, it was the railway station for North Vancouver (1913-1928) and is now a restored heritage building. You can look inside the windows, but currently there is no admittance.
One of the things that drew people over to the North Shore in the early days was skiing and it continues to draw the crowds, particularly on weekends in January and February. The three ski hills offer a mix of downhill and cross-country skiing, tubing and snowshoeing. Opening and closing dates depend on the weather, but they are usually open by late November and close in early/mid April.
* Grouse Mountain [url=http://www.grousemountain.com/]]is accessed through the Grouse Mountain Skyride at the northern end of Capilano Road (Exit 14 from Hwy 1 or bus #236 or #232). It is known for its terrain parks (Jib, Rookie and Advanced) and the great views it provides of Vancouver. You can also snowshoe on the trails at the top of the mountain. The ski area is usually open as long as the Skyride is open (9 am to 10 pm). Full day Downhill tickets are $45 (adult), $35 (youth), $35 (seniors) and $20 (child) with discounts for night skiing (4 pm).
* Mount Seymour [http://www.mountseymour.com/[/url] is located in Mt. Seymour Provincial Park. It provides downhill skiing, tubing, a toboggan area and snowshoeing. The ski area is usually open from 9:30 am to 4 pm throughout the season, with night skiing (closes at 10 pm) starting in early/mid Dec and extending until March. Full day Downhill tickets are $39 (adult), $32 (youth), $27 (seniors) and $19 (child) with discounts for night skiing (4 pm).
The North Shore is world famous amongst mountain bikers as one of the best places to mountain bike. More information is available from the North Shore Mountain Bike Association [http://www.nsmba.bc.ca]. Some Favourite Trails are:
* Mt Fromme
* Seymour Mountain
There are a number of beautiful hikes to do on the North Shore. It should be noted that most of the provincial parks parking lots charge parking fees in the summer.
*Baden Powell Trail named after the founder of the Boy Scouts goes across the entire North Shore from Horseshoe Bay to Deep Cove. This is generally done in sections and can be accessed in a number of different locations.
*Capilano Canyon
* The Grouse Grind [url=http://www.grousemountain.com].]A stiff 2.9km hike, with 1,000m elevation gain, to the peak of Grouse Mountain. The busiest and best-known hiking trail in the [[Lower Mainland[/url]], this is more of a fitness thing than an outdoor experience. Proper footwear is highly recommended, and in the late afternoon, make sure to allow enough time to complete the climb before dusk. Stick to the trail as it is dangerous to stray off it. Admission is free. A tram ride back down is only ten dollars if you want to save your knees.
*Lynn Creek
*Mount Seymour
Lynn Creek There are a number of nice deep pools for swimming in on Lynn Creek. The water is quite cold, so most just do quick dips. Some locations are popular for cliff jumping. However, read the warning signs and be careful; there are deaths almost every year.
Deep Cove has a few kayak rental shops. It is possible to go for a nice 1-hour kayak around the Deep Cove area or a multiple-day kayaking trip up Indian Arm.
Caribbean Days (summer)
* Under the Volcano
* Harmony Arts Festival (summer)
* Coho Festival (September) [http://www.westvancouver.com/coho/index.php/festival]
* Rev Up To Summer Motorcycle Show and Shine (May)
* Deep Cove Days (August)
Capilano Mall, 935 Marine Drive at Hamilton Ave (North Vancouver), 604-980-8561, [url=http://www.capilanomall.com].] Open every day. Anchor tenants are Sears and Walmart.
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* An outdoor shopping mall built around a unique garden. The garden was built originally when the mall site was occupied by a distillery.
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Additionally, many of the small villages within the North Shore have shopping districts, including Deep Cove and Edgemont Village (Ridgewood Drive and Edgemont Boulevard), [http://www.edgemontvillage.ca/[/url]. A drive or walk along Lonsdale Avenue, Marine Drive and Main Street will also yield plenty of shopping opportunities.
A good spot for souvenirs (plus fresh produce, seafood and baked goods) is the Lonsdale Quay Market, 123 Carrie Cates Court (at the SeaBus terminal in North Vancouver). Grouse Mountain has a gift shop in the bottom floor of the chalet with postcards, books, T-shirts, Native Art and other items. The Trading Post at Capilano Suspension Bridge has a large selection of First Nations art. There are also small gift shops in Deep Cove, Ambleside and Horseshoe Bay.
If your equipment needs a tune-up or you just want something new, Lonsdale Avenue has a number of shops that sell and repair bikes, snowboards and skis, as well as related accessories. If you need outdoor gear, a Mountain Equipment Co-op is at 1341 Main Street in North Vancouver. There are also a number of shops along Marine Drive that cater for these sports.
For big-box style bookstores, there is an Indigo at 1025 Marine Drive (at MacKay). The Book Warehouse, 1524 Lonsdale Ave, is part of an independant chain and has a good selection.
Popular coffee shop with sandwiches and soups. Usually has live music on Thursday nights.
* Coffee and one of the largest selections of gelato in the North Shore.
* Popular cafe with soups, salads and a variety of baked goods. The donuts are legendary - freshly baked and generously sized with a cakey texture, honey-glazed coating and a bit of oil. Very tasty, but not the best thing for your diet.
* Very cheap and reasonably good sushi.
* This coffee shop also offers a selection of coffee alternatives while providing free wireless internet access.
A neighborhood restaurant that's been around for a while. It serves mostly Greek and Italian food with large portions for reasonable prices.
* Cozy restaurant that serves a variety of soups, sandwiches, stews and curries.
* A restaurant with a pizza selection built around the owners' travels through the Mediterranean. Choose from "Italian classic" pizza (including one with potato slices!), "Canadiana" pizza, pasta or something from the grill, dine-in or take-out.
* Not as spicy as some but very good Thai food.
* A mix of Indian dishes.
* Thai cuisine from mild to spicy.
* This restaurant is a mountain bikers favourite. They serve very good breakfast with free range eggs and nitrate free bacon if you wish.
Pricey, but good food. Restaurant is located in the top floor of the chalet atop Grouse Mountain. Admission to Grouse Mountain is complimentary with advance dinner reservations.
This campground and RV park is set between the Capilano River and the Lions Gate Bridge. It has a swimming pool, laundromat, showers, Internet connection and other amenities.
There are a number of chain motels located around the intersection of Capilano Rd and Marine Drive, offering similar style rooms and amenities. The buildings are a bit older and nothing is four or five star luxury, but reviewers consistently indicate the rooms are clean and comfortable. Prices are typically $80-$180, depending on the size of the room and the time of the year. Most offer a complimentary breakfast.
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Rooms comes with fridge, microwave and flat screen TVs, while some suites have kitchenettes. The hotel includes free high-speed internet, indoor pool, sauna and fitness facility.
* A mix of standard rooms and suites with a fitness facility on site. A number of suites have harbour views but expect to pay more.
* Many rooms have a view of the Vancouver skyline, small pets are allowed and it has wireless Internet access.
* Opened in 2010 and has lovely rooms and amenities overlooking the Vancouver skyline.