Walks With History Tours
Step into the past, splash into summer! Looking for the perfect family-friendly adventure to kick off a summer day on Vancouver’s North Shore? Before the kids hit the Shipyards splash park, take a walk back in time – literally. One of the best ways to Learn Like a Local is by diving into the stories that shaped this vibrant community, and there’s no better place to start than right here.
Start your day with the Museum of North Vancouver’s (MONOVA) Walks with History – immersive guided walking tours that bring North Vancouver’s past to life right under your feet. It’s the kind of experience that blends storytelling, local history, and just enough imagination to get the kids asking, “Did this really happen here?!”
There are two tours to choose from, each with its own unique stories:
Shipyard Pal Tour
Perfect for families, this lively 60-minute walk is led by a ‘Shipyard Pal’ dressed as a 1940’s era shipbuilder. As you wander through the Shipyards District, you’ll hear tales of how this North Vancouver community helped shape Canada’s WWII efforts, building a ship a week at its peak. The kids will love the character, stories, and the chance to learn about history in the exact place it unfolded.
Lower Lonsdale Tour
If your crew is curious about the stories that built today’s bustling Lonsdale neighbourhood, this one’s for you. Explore what’s been lost, preserved, and transformed – from Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations’ stewardship of the land to the area’s first storefronts and wartime housing.
Photo courtesy of: @wil.dserenity
Both tours run until October 19 and include entry to the Museum of North Vancouver (perfect if you need a little indoor break afterward). Tickets are just $14 for adults, $10 for youth, and children under 5 are free, making this an affordable, enriching addition to any day out on Vancouver’s North Shore.
Exploring the Shipyards and Lower Lonsdale is a chance to connect with the stories, people, and traditions that shaped this place. If you value these experiences and want to help keep them alive for future generations, consider signing the North Shore Like a Local pledge—a simple way to show your commitment to exploring respectfully and supporting the community’s heritage.