North Shore Like a Local: Love It Like a Local

We may be biased, but falling for Vancouver’s North Shore doesn’t take long. The stunning views from Grouse Mountain or the treetop air of Capilano Suspension Bridge, the small businesses that give each of our streets a warm sense of character, and our Indigenous communities that steward the land, and show us how to better connect with nature and each other… There’s a lot to love!

But of course, we can’t experience this connection from only one side, we have to show that we care back! This is where learning to Love it Like a Local plays a key role. It’s all about taking responsibility for how your presence affects the places and people around you. It’s a way to show that when you go home, you can say you’re leaving things just as beautiful as when you first arrived. The following tips might seem like small steps, but believe us when we say they will make lasting ripples and help to preserve Vancouver’s North Shore for generations of locals and visitors to come.

Water Bottles

Just as recycling your bottles is important, bringing your own can take the sentiment even further! By reusing your water bottle when here, you’re saying NO to disposable plastic altogether. And the water across Vancouver’s North Shore is some of the best in the world— so fill up and enjoy!

Reusable Bags

In 2022, BC did away with plastic shopping bags as a way to create less waste, and in those three years, we’ve collectively kept countless tons of plastic out of landfills. The easiest way to do this, of course, is to pack a rusable bag when you leave the house. Even if you’re not sure if you’ll be shopping later, you never know! Having one on you is a surefire way that you won’t be charged for an extra bag when shopping across our communities.

Resource Conservation + Fire Prevention

While we highly recommend the drinking water on the North Shore, please don’t go overboard with it, or leave the tap running for an undue amount of time. The past few years have seen record lows in terms of precipitation, so every drop we have is precious! To that point, now that summers seem to be getting hotter each year, and wildfires are becoming an increasing threat, our water supply is instrumental in battling each blaze. Because of this threat, you might see signs saying that campfires are banned in an area, as our forests may be particularly dry at that time of year. If you do decide to head into nature, we hope you’ll be especially responsible with any heat sources like lighters, BBQs, and fuel, or not use them at all.

Photo courtesy of @grovelodge_3

Public Transit

Doing our part to reduce greenhouse emissions, Vancouver’s North Shore has a robust and easy-to-navigate transit system! From the Lonsdale Quay Seabus to the express bus to Deep Cove, you can marvel at the lush passing scenery while relaxing on the way to your next destination. There’s never been an easier way to sightsee and do your part simultaneously!

Wildlife

Even if you don’t go looking for nature while you’re here, chances are some nature might find you! Gulls and seals around the harbour, squirrels and bunnies foraging in the park, you might even have to wait a moment while a flock of Canadian geese slowly crosses the road. While each one is as beautiful as the next, it’s important to never treat these creatures like they are pets or in need of food. Not only is a lot of human food bad for animals, but some of it can do them serious harm. Never approach any animals you encounter, and instead admire them from afar, it’s for everyone’s sake (especially theirs).

Photo courtesy of @pollittshawn

Recycling

We’re sure you already know about this one! As you explore, you’ll see all kinds of opportunities to recycle, and separate your waste into the rightful bins. Paper, plastic, glass, and maybe even a few compost bins— these are how we’re able to be so efficient in our efforts to reduce waste. Everybody does their part! Each small gesture trickles down the recycling line towards the employees at recycling sites who can better do their jobs, too!

Well done! Now, when you arrive on Vancouver’s North Shore, you’ll be more than ready to Love it Like a Local. To mark the occasion, we hope you’ll take the North Shore Like a Local Pledge! It only takes a moment to complete, but it shows us you’re ready to get the insider experience of this unique and beautiful place!