A Guide to the Vancouver’s North Shore Spirit Trail
Stretching from Park & Tilford Gardens to Ambleside in West Vancouver lies the North Shore Spirit Trail, one of the lower mainland’s most scenic urban paths. On any given afternoon, you’ll find walkers, bikers, and rollerbladers casually winding their way through lush green spaces and along the pristine waterfront. No matter where you stop along the Spirit Trail, there’s public art to admire, local eateries and craft breweries to visit and parks and greenspace to put up your feet and bask in the fantastic views.
Here’s a handy guide to making the most of your day out on the Spirit Trail.
The ambitious project will one day link Deep Cove and Horseshoe Bay along one continuous trail, but for now, you can start your journey at Park & Tilford Gardens, where you can discover rare flora scattered amongst fountains and waterfalls. Along the way, you’ll come to Waterfront Park, with its unparalleled views of downtown Vancouver just across the water.
Photo Courtesy of @cityofnorthvancouver
But stunning vistas aren’t the only sights to behold along the trail. Commissioned and gifted public art from local and international artists dot the way and make for a great outdoor art crawl. Immerse yourself in the story of the Great Vancouver Fire and the Indigenous first responders who saved lives that day underneath Blanketing the City V on the Burrard Dry Dock Pier. Walk through Cathedral in Waterfront Park and feel the majesty of the North Shore mountains. On Ambleside Beach, look out for the Squamish Welcome Figure, arms outstretched to the water to greet visitors worldwide.
Photo Courtesy of @cityofnorthvancouver
When you get hungry, there are plenty of places to pause for a little respite and refuelling. For a little international flair, La Taqueria Pinche Taco Shop is the place for authentic Mexican street food, and Nook Restaurant serves up classic pizza Napoletana. The Boatshed Ambleside is a cozy little beachside spot with one of the area’s best patios. If you got an early start on the trail and brunch is calling your name, stop at Catch 122 Cafe Bistro, the North Shore’s newest all-day eatery.
Photo Courtesy of @vancitywild
Although, you may have chosen one of those glorious North Shore days when you simply can’t bear to be inside. In that case, you can always stop at The Quay Market and Food Hall and pick up a picnic lunch from the wide variety of meals and snacks on offer. Find a spot outside at The Shipyards along the pier, or take a short walk along the Spirit Trail to spread out on the grass at Kings Mill Walk Park.
Photo Courtesy of @masterbrucev
Of course, no time spent on the North Shore is complete without a stop to sample some of the best craft beer brewed anywhere. Luckily there are plenty of chances steps from the trail. Visit the Beere family (no, really) at their Beere Brewing Co. tasting room, or duck into Black Kettle Brewing Co., a little-bit-hidden locals’ favourite. For something a little different, take a step back in time with a glass of medieval-era braggot at Braggot Brewing, or enjoy a meticulous cocktail at Copperpenny Distilling Co.
Photo Courtesy of @imsophie0101
If you’re visiting from out of town, the North Shore Spirit Trail is easily accessed outside several of The Shipyards District hotels, as are bike rentals to get you going. For more information and detailed maps, visit vancouversnorthshore.com.