by Lise Boullard
Nestled between the rugged Coast Mountains and Howe Sound, Burrard Inlet and Indian Arm, North Vancouver is a scenic playground for all the senses. From challenging mountain trails to designer shopping to gourmet restaurants, there’s a whole world to discover on the North Shore. [Photo credit: iStock.com/Tatsuo115]
An easy 30-minute drive from Vancouver’s downtown core, the North Shore Mountains beg to be explored. Hiking, mountain biking and trail running are popular pursuits in the summertime, while snowshoeing, downhill and cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowboarding and tobogganing are all favourite winter pastimes. For an easy hike that can be done in an afternoon, head up to Mount Seymour and embark on the two-hour round-trip trek to Dog Mountain. Two-and-a-half kilometres through mostly flat-yet-technical terrain (watch out for tree roots and loose dirt and rocks) past a lake and streams will bring you to a rocky outcrop with breathtaking 180-degree views overlooking North Vancouver, the Lions Gate Bridge and Stanley Park. Want to work your quads in winter? Head to the summit of Grouse Mountain via the Skyride gondola, strap on a pair of snowshoes and head off on the 4.3-kilometre trek that begins just southwest of the skating pond. With some extremely steep (practically 90-degree) sections, try it for yourself and you’ll understand why this trail has officially been dubbed The Snowshoe Grind.
From luxe designer labels to local handicrafts, there’s no shortage of shopping destinations on the North Shore. Fashionistas will be tempted to spend hours (and a good chunk of change) at Park Royal Shopping Centre. The upscale shopping mall houses Canada’s only French Sole store, (it’s worth a stop at this fancy footwear shop just to take in the shelves lined with hundreds of rainbow-coloured ballet flats), as well as J. Crew, Sephora, Whole Foods and Anthropologie. Foodies will be in heaven at the Lonsdale Quay Market where fresh-made pastas, organic local produce and locally caught seafood are all in abundance. If you’re looking for more of a neighbourhood boutique experience, head to Edgemont Village where you can grab a coffee and house-made pastry at Delaney’s Coffee House and browse the 100+ family-run shops. Local favourites include kid-friendly 32 Books and BC Playthings, which stocks books, toys and crafts galore.
After all of that shopping and activity, ease your tired muscles with a rejuvenating experience at one of the North Shore’s many spas. Spa Utopia’s North Van outpost offers a peaceful waterfront location that’s hard to beat. Set on the water with views overlooking the mountains and the city of Vancouver, the 13,000-square-foot spa provides the perfect oasis from bustling city life. Book a massage, hydrotherapy or esthetic treatment (or all three) and enjoy the relaxation lounges, eucalyptus steam baths or couples’ rooms.
With so much natural beauty, flora and sea life in their backyard, it’s no surprise that North Shore chefs and restaurateurs are inspired by their surroundings in their culinary endeavors. Outdoor enthusiasts and weekend warriors head to Honey’s Doughnuts & Goodies in Deep Cove to nosh on sweet treats after hiking Quarry Rock nearby. The Salmon House on the Hill has been serving exquisite seafood dishes for more than 35 years from their window-wrapped room with views overlooking Vancouver and the Burrard Inlet. And The Beach House Restaurant & Lounge, which for years has been delivering sustainable West Coast fare in their laid back-yet-chic dining room at the foot of Dundarave Pier, keeps locals and visitors coming back time and time again.
Whether you’re planning an active outdoor adventure, a restorative spa staycation, or a night of fine dining, Vancouver’s North Shore makes a great little escape.
