North Vancouver

Quick Info: North Vancouver

  • Location: North Shore of Burrard Inlet, across the water from downtown Vancouver
  • Best for: Forest hikes, canyon walks, mountain views, and easy nature escapes close to the city
  • Getting there: SeaBus from Waterfront Station to Lonsdale Quay, or by car via the Lions Gate Bridge or Ironworkers Memorial Bridge
  • Key neighbourhoods: Lower Lonsdale, Lynn Valley, Edgemont Village, Deep Cove
  • Good to know: Many of the top outdoor spots are free to visit, but trail conditions and closures can change with the seasons

North Vancouver sits directly across the water from downtown Vancouver, but it feels like a different world. The city and district climb from the shoreline of Burrard Inlet up into the Coast Mountains, so a short drive or a fifteen minute SeaBus ride can take you from waterfront cafes to old growth forest and alpine viewpoints in the same afternoon.

The region is really two municipalities that share a name and a mountain backdrop: the City of North Vancouver, anchored by Lower Lonsdale and the Shipyards, and the District of North Vancouver, which spreads east toward Deep Cove and up into Lynn Valley and the Seymour area. Together they offer some of the most accessible hiking and canyon scenery in Metro Vancouver, much of it just minutes from residential streets and transit stops.

Suspension bridge over Lynn Canyon in North Vancouver

Lynn Canyon Park

Lynn Canyon is the local’s answer to the more famous suspension bridge parks nearby. A free swinging bridge crosses a deep, moss lined canyon, and a network of trails leads down to swimming holes like the 30 Foot Pool and past a smaller footbridge above rushing water. It is a rainforest walk that feels remote while staying close to Lynn Valley shops and parking.

Read the full Lynn Canyon Park guide
Calm water at Rice Lake in North Vancouver

Rice Lake

Rice Lake is a wide, flat gravel loop around a calm reservoir lake tucked into the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve. It is one of the easiest forest walks on the North Shore, popular with families, dog walkers, and anyone who wants tall trees and still water without a steep climb. Fishing is a common sight along the shoreline docks.

Read the full Rice Lake guide
Hiker at the summit viewpoint on Dog Mountain trail

Dog Mountain

Starting from Mount Seymour Provincial Park, the Dog Mountain trail climbs through subalpine forest to a rocky lookout with sweeping views across Indian Arm and the surrounding peaks, including Mount Seymour itself. It passes First Lake along the way and is one of the more rewarding short hikes on the North Shore for the effort involved.

Read the full Dog Mountain guide
Capilano Suspension Bridge stretching across the canyon

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

North Vancouver’s best known attraction sends visitors across a 137 metre suspension bridge high above the Capilano River, then out along a Cliffwalk and treetop platforms strung between old growth trees. It draws visitors from around the world and is easy to combine with a Lynn Canyon or Grouse Mountain visit on the same North Shore day trip.

Read the full Capilano Suspension Bridge guide

Tip: Explore beyond the trailheads

North Vancouver is bigger than its hiking trails. Lower Lonsdale’s Shipyards district and Lonsdale Quay Market sit right at the SeaBus terminal, Deep Cove offers a kayak launch and a seaside village to wander, and Grouse Mountain rises above it all with a gondola ride and mountaintop views. We are building out full guides to these spots as our North Shore coverage grows.

“From canyon swimming holes to alpine lookouts, the North Shore packs an outsized amount of nature into a short SeaBus ride from downtown.”
Boardwalk trail through Lynn Canyon Park forest 30 Foot Pool swimming hole in Lynn Canyon Fishing dock on Rice Lake Reflections on the water at Rice Lake First Lake along the Dog Mountain trail View of Mount Seymour from Dog Mountain summit Cliffwalk platform at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park Totem pole display at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park Kayaking on the water at Deep Cove Grouse Mountain rising above North Vancouver
What is North Vancouver known for?

North Vancouver is known for putting mountain scenery within easy reach of the city, with attractions like the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain, forest parks like Lynn Canyon and Rice Lake, and waterfront neighbourhoods such as Lower Lonsdale and Deep Cove.

How do you get to North Vancouver from downtown Vancouver?

The SeaBus connects Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver to Lonsdale Quay in about fifteen minutes and runs frequently throughout the day. Drivers can cross the Lions Gate Bridge from Stanley Park or the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge from East Vancouver and Burnaby.

Is Lynn Canyon Park free to visit?

Yes, Lynn Canyon Park and its suspension bridge are free to enter, which makes it a popular alternative to the paid attractions nearby. Donations to the on site ecology centre are welcome.

What is a good beginner hike in North Vancouver?

Rice Lake is one of the easiest trails on the North Shore, a flat gravel loop around a calm lake that suits families, beginners, and anyone looking for a relaxed forest walk.

Is the Capilano Suspension Bridge located in North Vancouver?

Yes, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is in North Vancouver along the Capilano River, not far from Grouse Mountain and the Lynn Valley area.

What is the difference between North Vancouver and West Vancouver?

North Vancouver and West Vancouver are separate municipalities that share the North Shore. North Vancouver sits closer to the Lions Gate Bridge and includes Lynn Valley, Deep Cove, and the Seymour area, while West Vancouver stretches further along the coast toward Horseshoe Bay and includes neighbourhoods like Ambleside and Dundarave.

Plan your North Shore day trip

Start with a canyon walk or a lakeside stroll, then work your way toward the bigger attractions. Explore the full guides for each North Vancouver spot below.

Start with Lynn Canyon Park