This summer it’s time to break free from the familiar and discover something new. Whether you are looking to relax in nature or raise your adrenaline Vancouver’s North Shore has something that every member of the family can enjoy.
Here are our top ten experiences to try this summer:
Vancouver’s North Shore offers a range of meaningful Indigenous experiences that honour the deep cultural roots of the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. A key stop is MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver, where visitors can engage with exhibits and programs shaped in collaboration with Indigenous communities, highlighting both historical and contemporary stories. Along the Spirit Trail, a scenic multi-use path stretching across the North Shore, interpretive signage and Coast Salish public art—by artists like Xwalacktun—share language, history, and cultural teachings embedded in the land. Public spaces such as Ambleside Park, Lonsdale Quay, and North Vancouver Civic Plaza also showcase Indigenous carvings, murals, and totem poles that reflect the region’s deep connections to First Nations. Seasonal opportunities to take part in Takaya Tours or community storytelling events offer immersive, land- and water-based learning rooted in traditional knowledge.
The North Shore comes alive from July to September with a vibrant lineup of festivals that celebrate art, music, culture, and community. Kicking off the season is Canada Day on July 1, with celebrations in places like The Shipyards featuring live music, multicultural performances, family-friendly activities, and fireworks. In early August, the Harmony Arts Festival transforms West Vancouver’s waterfront into a hub of creativity, offering outdoor concerts, art markets, food experiences, and film nights, all set against stunning coastal views. The North Shore Pride Festival, typically held in August, brings together 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and allies for a joyful celebration of diversity and inclusion, featuring live entertainment, community booths, and family activities in a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere. The season wraps up in late September with the Shipyards Festival, a free, all-ages event that fills Lower Lonsdale with live music across multiple stages, food trucks, artisan vendors, and fun activities for kids. These festivals reflect the North Shore’s diverse community spirit, creative energy, and breathtaking natural setting.
Vancouver’s North Shore is home to a wide and varied selection of wild creatures to spot on your adventures. For winged friends try birding — you can catch a sight of eagles, herons, hawks and so many more. If your family is looking to get up close and personal (as much as you can be!) to BC wildlife, visit the Grizzlies Grinder and Coola on Grouse Mountain or meet the birds of Raptors Ridge at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.
Enjoy a rainforest adventure with the family at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is one of the most popular attractions in British Columbia and right now you can enjoy the quieter atmosphere while the tourists are at home. There are so many things to see and do with the famous suspension bridge, climb through the Treetops Adventure, cling on to the Cliffwalk, and learn about our history at the Story Centre and Kia’palano.
Our urban centres are just minutes away from our wild experiences so at the start, or the beginning, of your day you can dine out at top restaurants or cap it off with a local craft brewery with magnificent views of our mountains, the water, and Downtown Vancouver. Make your way through our list of top patios on Vancouver’s North Shore.
Summer on Grouse Mountain is a whole different experience than if you’ve been for skiing in winter! Ride up to the Peak of Vancouver on the Skyride, shoot down the mountain with breathtaking speed on the Mountain Zipline, enjoy spectacular views on e-bikes, take a hike, meet the wildlife, and try your hand at frisbee golf.
While Vancouver’s North Shore doesn’t have traditional water parks, it offers several fun and scenic spray parks and splash pads that are perfect for families looking to cool off in the summer. In North Vancouver, Mahon Park Spray Park is a local favourite with interactive water jets and misters, located next to a playground and picnic area for a full day of fun. Over in West Vancouver, John Lawson Park features a small splash area with waterfront views, along with a ship-themed playground and beach access. At The Shipyards in Lower Lonsdale, the Shipyards Splash Park offers a seasonal water play zone set against the vibrant backdrop of the waterfront and public plaza, close to patios and shops. These spots offer a great mix of outdoor play, natural beauty, and community atmosphere.
Take some quiet time to enjoy our forests on a hike. There are variety of trails available for all skill levels and desires so you can choose from seaside hiking to urban wilderness hiking to mountain hiking. On a hot day cool off with a dip in a lake or paddling on the shore.
Head to the waters of the North Shore for fresh and saltwater fishing in our rivers, lakes, or oceans. Fish where the experts go with a guided salmon fishing charter from Sewell’s Marina.
Even on rainy days, Vancouver’s North Shore has plenty of dry, indoor fun to offer. Art lovers can browse exhibits at the Polygon Gallery or explore North Van Arts, the Inuit Gallery, and MONOVA for First Nations art and local history. Hungry or bored? Head to Quay Market & Food Hall for food, shopping, and artisanal finds in a sheltered, vibrant setting. If caffeine and comfort are more to your taste, cozy cafes like Shipyards Coffee, Nomad Coffee, Lift Bakery, and Temper offer hot drinks, pastries, and a warm escape from the weather.
If you’re up for a food‑centric indoor outing, consider a self-guided brewery tour—visiting favorite spots such as Beva, Copperpenny Distilling Co., or Windfall offers a cozy and tasty way to spend the day.
Enjoy BOGO experiences on Vancouver’s North Shore this summer with our accommodation deals.