#1 – Hikes and Bikes
As a realtor on the North Shore, one of the top questions we get from active buyers looking for their next home is ‘Where can I store my bike?’. North and West Vancouver have some of the best biking and hiking trails in BC. Many people looking to live on the North Shore are excited about all of the outdoor activities that the area provides. With some apartment buildings now catering to bike washes and secure bike storage with electrical outlets for your EV needs, this is the place for biking and hiking enthusiasts.
Hike and Bike Trails North Vancouver
West Vancouver Trails
#2 – Dogs
It is no secret that we take our love of dogs very seriously. They are some of the most adored members of our families and are active members of our communities. The North Shore recognizes the importance of our furry friends and caters to these little four-legged characters. From dog wash stations in apartments to doggy hotels, dog friendly restaurant patios, and dog taxi’s services the North Shore makes it easy to provide the best lifestyle for your pet.
North Shore Taxi – Dog Friendly Taxi Service
North Vancouver Dog Park Map
West Vancouver Dog Park Link
#3 – Bears
This is not a joke. Bears are a real thing on the North Shore. While living near the base of Mt. Seymour we have had our fair share of bears roaming the streets, in our yard, on our front deck and one even wondered into our neighbours kitchen. I remember when I first moved to North Vancouver and we had a bear in our yard. I called the bear hotline thinking they would send help. I was politely told that bears are a part of the community and to bang pots and pans to try to motivate them to move along. After over a decade, I have embraced coexisting in nature with these beautiful creatures. We give them their space, do our best not to attract them and we teach bear safety in school. There is nothing quite as magical as seeing these beautiful animals treated with kindness and respect and knowing that we share this incredible landscape with them.
North Shore Bear Society Info
#4 – Skiing
Access to mountains is one of the North Shore’s top highlights. Being a place in the world where we need to embrace winter, snow sports provide some much-needed outdoor time and excitement in chilly weather. Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and tobogganing are all easily within reach. Grouse Mountain, Cypress Mountain and Mt Seymour, the trifecta of family friendly ski hills provide affordable access to winter sports and activities, fabulous lessons and training and all-around spectacular views from the North Shore’s highest peeks. Just imagine going from your doorstep to sitting on the chair lift in 12 minutes. You don’t need to image it here. It exists.
Grouse Mountain
Cypress Mountain
Mt Seymour
#5 – Doughnuts
You would be hard pressed to find more specialty doughnut shops than on the North Shore. And who doesn’t love doughnuts! Whether you like fluffy doughnuts, cake style doughnuts or fancy doughnuts, your options abound! What I love most is that these shops are locally owned and operated. Check out some of my favorites below!
Honey’s Doughnuts – Deep Cove
Cream Pony - Lower Lonsdale
Harmony Donut Shop - Upper Lonsdale
Goldie’s Donuts – Horseshoe Bay
#6 – Community Events
You will find an abundance of community events on the North Shore. Each area puts a ton of effort into planning and implementing some of the best attended activities. From Friday Nights at the Shipyards, Deep Cove Summer Events, Cates Park Music Nights, Harmony Arts Festival, West Vancouver Community Cultural Fest, the list is endless. You may even find a few of your neighbour dressing up in themed costumes to support the local schools for fundraisers such as the Seycove Auction. Fun is always had and immersing yourself in the local events is a great way to meet new friends on the North Shore.
Friday Night Market at The Shipyards
Cates Park Concert Series
Harmony Arts Festival
West Van Cultural Fest
#7 – Waterfront Patios
Happy Hour at its finest! The North Shore has some of the best waterfront patios to indulge in your favorite cocktail and admire the breathtaking views. Large patios, fabulous food and the perfect place to make memories with friends and family. Here are three of my absolute favs!
Joey’s Shipyards
The Beach House
Arms Reach
#8 – Watersports
The North Shore’s access to water is one of its most desirable features. If you love watersports this is the area for you. One of my favourite spots for this is Deep Cove. Kayaking, sailing, rowing and paddleboarding as among some of the easiest ways to get onto the water and be in the most beautiful natural surrounding. You can rent everything you need on the spot, take a picnic and spend hours exploring. If you prefer motorized sports, you can rent a pontoon boat out of the Deep Cove Marina for the day. What a fabulous way to see the Indian Arm with friends. Another highlight is the amazing watersport camps which kids can attend in the summer. These camps have been a particular favorite in our house for the outdoor adventure, water training and life skills which they teach along with the epic hours of fun.
Deep Cove Marina
Deep Cove Kayaks
#9 – Family Friendly Facilities
Recreation centres, swimming pools, skateparks, ice rinks, waterparks, libraries and more, the North Shore has a way of promoting family adventures in a huge way. Kids feel safe here. They roam the streets, and hang at the skatepark like we did in the 1980’s with freedom and independence. The community centres provide drop ins for toddler age all the way to seniors, catering to every age group. Community dances, movie nights, workshops, and cooking classes all in support of the local happiness. It’s not just the facilities, but the programs and the staff as well. Well run, thoughtful and engaging. Happy people are from happy communities. On the North Shore you are in good company.
North Vancouver Recreation and Culture
West Vancouver Recreation Programs
#10 – Views
With its mountainous terrain and oceanfront vantage points it is no surprise that views are among the most spectacular on the North Shore. What I love about the area though, is that you can often find the most unexpected views. While driving you can take a turn onto an unassuming side street and get smacked with a stunning downtown and ocean view you never knew existed. With vibrant green and seasonally white mountains to the north, city views and bridges to the south, Indian Arm to the east and picturesque islands to the west, the North Shore’s scenery is endlessly breathtaking.
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