Vancouver’s North Shore isn’t all about the mountains. Just a short journey from Vancouver are a number of unique, small-town neighbourhoods filled to the brim with independent businesses to keep you entertained and your bellies full.
These perfectly Instagrammable spots make for a perfect two-day trip to shop, eat, and immerse yourself in the North Shore community.
Day 1
9 am Start your morning surrounded by the smell of fresh baking while you enjoy your breakfast of straight-out-the-oven pastries and coffee at BjornBar in Edgemont Village. The gourmet dessert store specializes in bars, so make sure you pick up a couple to snack on later.
10 am Pretty Edgemont Village may only be a few blocks long but almost 100 family-owned shops line its streets! If you’re looking for Canadian-made souvenirs to take home with you, Giftworks is a must.
12 pm Just a 10-minute drive away is Ambleside Beach. Ambleside is a wonderful waterfront community that offers art galleries, independent shops, and public spaces. You’ll find parks for the kids or start straight on the1.7k centennial seawalk, an easy stroll with views of the Burrard Inlet, Coast Mountains, and Vancouver skyline.
1 pm Now you’ve worked up an appetite, end your walk at Dundarave Village, West Vancouver’s dining destination, for some lunch. Try The Beachhouse Restaurant for sustainable local seafood and waterfront views.
3 pm Make your way to the seaside playground of Horseshoe Bay. There’s plenty to do in this small neighbourhood – rent a boat at Sewell’s Marina for a couple of hours, head on a BC ferry to Bowen Island, let the kids play in the playground, walk the pier, or sit on the deck chairs and watch the boats come in and out of the harbour.
6 pm Stay in town to grab some fish and chips at the famous Troll’s Restaurant before making your way to Lower Lonsdale to check-in at Lonsdale Quay Hotel, The Seaside Hotel or The Pinnacle at the Pier to get ready for tomorrow.
Explore more: West Vancouver has hiking trails, biking trails, scuba diving, cultural events and local artisans.
Day 2
8 am Good morning! Start your day by fueling up at the Lobby Restaurant while discussing your plan of action to tackle the fun-packed neighbourhood of Lower Lonsdale.
10 am Lower Lonsdale is North Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood so just a few steps outside of your hotel you will find the city’s historic shipyards. Explore the dock and pier, look at the public art and learn about the stories of the people who once worked here.
11 am Make your way to the landmark Polygon Gallery at the foot of Lonsdale. The gallery focuses on photographic art and is open by donation.
1 pm Lonsdale Quay Market is the perfect place to grab some lunch or supplies for an afternoon picnic. You can also rab a growler from a local brewery and take your picnic to a nearby alcohol allowed area. As well as plenty of food options you’ll also find stores selling clothes, souvenirs and gifts as well as hairdressers, wellness services, and much more!
2 pm If you can wait it out for lunch pack up your picnic and rent an e-bike from Reckless Biking and ride your way along the North Shore Spirit Trail to Ambleside Beach to enjoy your picnic.
6 pm Enjoy a local beer from Bridge Brewing Co and dinner at the Black Bear Pub situated in the heart of Lynn Valley. It’s been voted favourite pub on the North Shore for over 20 years!
Explore more: North Vancouver has hiking trails, biking trails, Capilano Suspension Bridge, and some great kayaking at Deep Cove.