Where to stay in North Vancouver
North Vancouver sits across the harbour from downtown Vancouver, between the water and the North Shore mountains. The neighbourhood you pick decides how close you are to the SeaBus, the trails and the ski hills.
Lower Lonsdale
The waterfront end of Lonsdale Avenue. Lonsdale Quay market, The Shipyards and the SeaBus terminal are all here, so it is the easiest area for getting downtown without a car.
Central Lonsdale
The middle of Lonsdale Avenue, between Keith Road and Highway 1. Cafes, restaurants and shops line the avenue, and buses run down to Lonsdale Quay. It is a good base if you want daily errands on foot and quick trips to both the mountains and the city. Lonsdale Suite is here.
Upper Lonsdale
North of Highway 1. Mostly residential and quieter, closer to the mountains, with fewer shops within walking distance.
Lynn Valley
East of Lonsdale, next to the forest. Lynn Canyon Park and its suspension bridge are the big draw, and there are trails right from the neighbourhood.
Deep Cove
A small village at the eastern end of the North Shore, on Indian Arm, known for kayaking and the Quarry Rock hike. It is about 20 minutes by car from Central Lonsdale.
Capilano and Edgemont
West of Lonsdale, close to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and the road up to Grouse Mountain, with shops in Edgemont Village.
Getting around
The SeaBus passenger ferry crosses from Lonsdale Quay to Waterfront Station downtown in about 12 minutes. Buses run the length of Lonsdale Avenue. A car helps most for the ski hills and for Deep Cove.
Skiing and the mountains
North Vancouver has three local ski hills. From Central Lonsdale, Grouse Mountain is about 12 minutes by car, Cypress Mountain is about 25 minutes and Mount Seymour about 30. Whistler is about 1 hour 45 minutes up the Sea-to-Sky Highway.
Common questions
What is the best area to stay in North Vancouver?
It depends on your trip. Lower Lonsdale is closest to the SeaBus and the waterfront, Central Lonsdale puts shops and cafes on your doorstep with quick access to both downtown and the mountains, and Lynn Valley and Deep Cove are quieter and closer to the trails.
How do you get from North Vancouver to downtown Vancouver?
The SeaBus passenger ferry runs from Lonsdale Quay to Waterfront Station in about 12 minutes. By car it is about 20 minutes from Central Lonsdale.
How far is North Vancouver from the ski hills?
From Central Lonsdale, Grouse Mountain is about 12 minutes by car, Cypress Mountain is about 25 minutes and Mount Seymour about 30. Whistler is about 1 hour 45 minutes.
What are the best things to do in North Vancouver?
Grouse Mountain, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, Lynn Canyon, Lonsdale Quay Market and The Shipyards, and kayaking or the Quarry Rock hike in Deep Cove.
When is the best time to visit North Vancouver?
Summer is the warmest and driest. Autumn is quieter, and from about December the local ski hills are open, snow permitting.