View of The Lions from Cleveland Dam. Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Kazutoshi Yoshimura
North Vancouver is known as an outdoorsy city, which isn’t a surprise since it is nestled on the slopes of the North Shore Mountains, and filled with forested neighbourhoods. Here are nine ways to have fun outdoors in North Vancouver.
Safety First: AdventureSmart recommends bringing a backpack with essential safety and first aid gear on every outdoor adventure. Check the forecast and pack extra clothing for the weather. Leave a trip plan so someone knows where you are going and when you will be back.
Go for a Hike
North Vancouver is home to some of the region’s best hiking trails. The low elevation trails are snow-free most of the year. Take an easy stroll to Rice Lake, hike next to rushing water at Capilano Canyon, or follow forested trails to Norvan Falls. In the summer, you can tackle mountain peaks like Mount Seymour, which has incredible views.
Rice Lake in North Vancouver Photo: Taryn Eyton
Hit the Snow
In the winter, Grouse Mountain and Mount Seymour have excellent skiing and snowboarding. Non-skiers can also explore the winter wonderland on snowshoes. And don’t miss the thrill of sledding and snow tubing.
Chairlift on Grouse Mountain. Photo: Tourism Vancouver/Kazutoshi Yoshimura
Visit Grouse Mountain
Grouse Mountain is a year-round outdoor destination. Ride the Skyride Gondola up to the summit for incredible views. Or challenge yourself by hiking the steep Grouse Grind Trail instead. At the top, you can walk to viewpoints, grab a drink on the patio, or take in the famous Lumberjack Show. If you want to get your heart racing, try the Mountain Ziplines or Ropes Adventure Course.
Mountain Ropes Adventure. Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Justa Jeskova Photography
Go Mountain Biking
North Vancouver has an important place in mountain biking history as it was one of the first places outside of California where mountain bike trails were built. Today it’s home to a robust trail network that ranges from beginner to expert. Most of the trails are on lower Mount Seymour and Mount Fromme.
Photo: Vancouver’s North Shore Tourism
Spend the Day at a Park
North Vancouver has lots of nature parks that make great day trips. Ride your bike on through the forest, go on a hike, enjoy a picnic. Use our guides to the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve, Mount Seymour Provincial Park, and Capilano River Regional Park to discover even more adventure possibilities.
View from the Mid Valley Picnic Area. Photo: Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve
Walk Across a Suspension Bridge
North Vancouver is home to two iconic suspension bridges. Capilano Suspension Bridge sits high above the Capilano River. The surrounding area includes a dramatic cliffwalk and pathways suspended through the tree canopy. Or head to the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge in Lynn Valley Park. Don’t miss the hiking trails on both sides of the canyon.
Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Go Trail Running
With a huge network of trails, North Vancouver is a great place to go trail running. The paths at Lynn Headwaters Regional Park are popular with trail runners. Other options include the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve and the Baden Powell Trail.
Photo: Greg Rosenke/Unsplash
Paddle a Kayak or SUP
Paddling a kayak or SUP in Burrard Inlet and Indian Arm is a great way to spend a sunny day. You can launch from Whey-Ah-Wichen/Cates Park or Deep Cove. In the summer, both spots rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
Kayaking near Deep Cove in North Vancouver. Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Jessica Wright, Bon Traveler
Go for a Bike Ride
North Vancouver has several great bike routes that are suitable for all ages and abilities. Try the paved Seymour Valley Trailway which winds through the forest. Or explore the North Shore Spirit Trail, a route through North Vancouver’s neighbourhoods on separated bike paths and bike lanes. If you want to try gravel biking, head to the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve or upper Grouse Mountain Highway. And if you love craft beer, follow our self-guided North Vancouver brewery bike tour.
Fisherman’s Trail. Photo: Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve
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