Explore the North Shore Outdoors
Vancouver is blessed with the beautiful backdrop of mountains, ocean and rainforest that make it one of the most picturesque cities in the world. The North Shore, located across Burrard Inlet from downtown Vancouver, combines all of these natural features and offers the perfect blend of attractions for visitors to experience. Indeed, a tour to the North Shore is often the most memorable part of a visitor's Vancouver vacation.
If taking a car or tour bus, the simplest route from downtown Vancouver to the North Shore is via Lions Gate Bridge. A city landmark since 1938, the Lions Gate Bridge crosses Burrard Inlet and offers spectacular views of Georgia Strait, the North Shore mountains and downtown Vancouver.
North Vancouver First stop:
One of the city's top attractions, the wood-planked Capilano Suspension Bridge spans the canyon of the Capilano River at a breathtaking 230 feet above the water. There is nothing like standing at the middle of the bridge and taking in the splendour of the scenery above, below and around. Originally built in 1889, the Bridge is surrounded by towering cedar and fir trees of the Pacific rainforest and visitors get to see a squirrel's eye view of these giants and the area with the Bridge's newest addition: the Treetops Adventure. A series of elevated walkways and suspension bridges allow guests to walk from tree to tree, making for a unique and educational experience. Native art and totem poles and a well-stocked gift shop are also worth checking out when visiting the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
North Vancouver Second Stop:
Cleveland Dam and Fish Hatchery
Minutes north of the Capilano Suspension Bridge is Cleveland Dam, a massive concrete structure which holds back the watery contents of Capilano Lake. This lake provides the Lower Mainland with 40% of its water supply and also acts as a stunning setting which includes the Lions, signature mountains of the North Shore. Standing on top of the dam as massive volumes of water gush through the spillway and tumble into the canyon below offers new perspective on this feat of human engineering.
A short walk away through forested trails is the Capilano Fish Hatchery. This fascinating facility is a rearing site for Pacific salmon that spawn on the river every year. Viewing areas allow visitors to come face to face with thousands of fish as they complete the final stretch of their journey to reproduce. Autumn is the best season to see returning coho and chinook salmon as well as steelhead as they leap up fish ladders and jockey for position. Take some time to walk through the trails around the hatchery and experience a true Pacific rainforest.
North Vancouver Third stop:
Grouse Mountain
Continuing up into the mountains of the North Shore, you
will reach the base of Grouse Mountain. A trip to the city isn't complete unless you take the gondola to "The Peak of Vancouver". During the winter season, Grouse Mountain provides great downhill skiing for locals and visitors alike while the summertime offers wonderful hiking opportunities and regardless when you visit the panoramic views of Vancouver are simply breathtaking. A wildlife refuge, where two orphaned grizzly bears live, is a recent addition to Grouse Mountain. Now fully grown, these grizzly bears provide an educational and entertaining element for anyone's visit. A theatre, restaurant and an endless calendar of events are also sure to keep everyone busy during a trip to Grouse Mountain.