Vancouver’s
North Shore
This is where the metropolis meets BC’s mighty outdoors.
Vancouver’s North Shore is built on the lower slopes of mountains that rise almost a mile high out of the sea, while long valleys stretch from residential areas into wild backcountry. Both offer numerous opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and climbing. When the snow falls, Vancouver’s skiers and boarders come here to play. For après, the diverse and dynamic group of local breweries have something to pair with every season.
Bordered by narrow inlets and the southern edge of the steep Coast Mountains, Vancouver’s North Shore is defined by its geography. Its mountains boast three excellent winter resorts – Mount Seymour, Grouse Mountain and Cypress Mountain, the latter a venue for the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games – that offer year-round activities, easy access to backcountry and jaw-dropping views of the city, sea and mountains.
These peaks drop into deep glacial valleys featuring dozens of forest trails through towering trees, and dramatic gorges spanned by spectacular bridges at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Lynn Canyon Park. For those who prefer staying at sea level, the community of Deep Cove is an idyllic departure point for kayak adventures up Indian Arm.
Connected to the rest of Metro Vancouver by two iconic bridges over the Burrard Inlet – the graceful Lions Gate and the Ironworkers Memorial that carries Highway 1 – and a commuter ferry that affords panoramic views of the harbour and downtown skyline, Vancouver’s North Shore enjoys a comparative isolation from the sprawl.
It was here that craft beer first found a foothold in Canada, when the Horseshoe Bay Brewery began brewing Bay Ale for the Troller Bay Pub in 1982. The country’s first microbrewery is long gone, but its legacy lives on in the distinctive North Shore breweries that now provide fresh, flavourful beer for their communities and visitors.
But these breweries offer much more than a simple pint. There are beer-friendly tacos at Bridge Brewing, a diverse menu featuring wood-fired pizza at Tap and Forno restaurant, and a great community vibe at Black Kettle Brewing. Wildeye Brewing’s big, welcoming tasting room has lots of tables for socializing and catching up with friends.
Several breweries have also opened as part of the fresh new Shipyards Brewery District, including Beere Brewing, Streetcar Brewing, North Point Brewing, Shaketown Brewing, and House of Funk Brewing. Try a beer with a Mexican twist at La Cerveceria Astilleros, and Bridge Brewing opened its first off-site restaurant, the Lonsdale BridgeDeck. And for something different try some mead from Braggot Brewing.
Clearly, return visits to Vancouver’s North Shore are mandatory.
Streetcar Brewing, North Vancouver, BC
The Polygon Gallery
Angry Otter Tap & Forno, North Vancouver, BC
Angry Otter Tap & Forno, North Vancouver, BC
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Black Kettle Brewing, North Vancouver, BC
Tap & Barrel Shipyards, North Vancouver, BC
View from Lonsdale Quay Market
Lonsdale Quay Market, North Vancouver, BC
Beere Brewing, North Vancouver, BC
Lions Gate Bridge
Bridge Brewing Company, North Vancouver, BC
Lighthouse Park
Wildeye Brewing, North Vancouver, BC
La Cerveceria Astilleros in North Vancouver, BC
Streetcar Brewing, North Vancouver, BC
The Polygon Gallery, North Vancouver, BC
North Point Brewing Co, North Vancouver, BC
Wildeye Brewing, North Vancouver, BC
House of Funk, North Vancouver, BC
La Cerveceria Astilleros, North Vancouver, BC
Beere Brewing, North Vancouver, BC
North Point Brewing, North Vancouver, BC
Braggot Brewing, North Vancouver, BC
Shaketown Brewing, North Vancouver, BC (photo: Shaketown Brewing)
Shaketown Brewing, North Vancouver, BC (photo: Shaketown Brewing)
Day 1
Travel Info
With a menu of internationally-inspired west coast cuisine and a view of Horseshoe Bay, Olive & Anchor is a great stop for a home-made style breakfast featuring fresh, local and sustainable produce.
Fully immerse yourself in Howe Sound’s rugged natural beauty with a two hour high speed guided boat tour. Make sure you have your camera ready to capture the epic coastline of Vancouver’s picturesque backyard.
Troller House has a long history of championing craft beer - in 1982 it became the first Canadian pub to serve micro-brewed beer since prohibition ended in the ‘20s. You’ll have plenty of local brews to choose from at this relaxing gathering place for the Horseshoe Bay community.
This popular seawalk offers scenic views of Burrard Inlet, the Coast Mountains and the Vancouver skyline - watch as ships travel under the Lions Gate Bridge.
Capilano Suspension Bridge crosses towering evergreens and cedar-scented rainforest air. Seven suspended footbridges offering views 110 feet above the forest floor.
Exclusive craft beers and slow-baked regional cuisine al forno. A warm and welcoming dining and drinking atmosphere.
Get a feel for North Van’s beer community at this super-friendly brewery.
A full-service hotel nestled in the foothills of the stunning North Shore mountains close to downtown Vancouver.
Explore More
Looking to spend some more time outdoors? Try Hiking and Mountain biking on Cypress, Fromme and Seymour Mountains. To experience the community in Vancouver’s North Shore, enjoy Night Markets at the Shipyard or one of the many festivals in the area. For an iconic plate of fish and chips to keep you going throughout your travels, swing by Troll’s Restaurant in Horseshoe Bay.
Day 2
Travel Info
A sustainability-focused cafe, Nemesis features a rotating list of seasonal top tier, micro-roasted coffee from around the world offering a wide range of flavours for every palette.
Rising 1,250 metres above Vancouver’s North Shore, Grouse Mountain is a four season destination with views that will take your breath away.
Innovative on-tap beverage program exclusively serving BC craft beer. Seasonally inspired and locally sourced whenever possible to showcase the best of the province. This location features a large dining room with two mezzanines that overlook the lively lounge.
A waterfront public market featuring over 80 locally owned and operated businesses. Home to festivals and community events all throughout the year.
Centrally located on North Vancouver’s vibrant waterfront with unobstructed views of Vancouver’s stunning skyline to the south and the soaring North Shore Mountains to the north, The Shipyards District Lower Lonsdale, one of this city’s oldest and fastest growing urban neighbourhoods, is rich with shipbuilding history and bursting with life.
When Beer Meets Mead
Brewing Braggot uses its own BC wildflower honey and local grains.
If you like a little funk in your beer, you’ve come to the right place. Every brew spends time fermenting or conditioning in wood.
With a name like Beere, it was only a matter of time before this father and son opened their own brewery.
Enjoy a taste of Mexico in every glass at this brewery whose name translates as "The Shipyards Brewery."
A fun, casual restaurant in North Vancouver’s historic shipyard, The Lobby offers a modern flare to west coast favourites and features fresh, sustainable ingredients.
Beautiful views of the Burrard Inlet paired with amazing amenities (including two onsite restaurants), Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier promises an exceptional stay in Vancouver’s North Shore.
Explore More
The Shipyards hosts events and festivals throughout the year with a number of restaurants and shops like Larry’s Market, Reckless Bike Stores, and Welcome Parlour. In the summer, The Shipyard Commons transforms into a splash park – and into an outdoor skating plaza in the winter.
Day 3
Travel Info
A North Vancouver staple, Lift on Lonsdale offers a wide selection of fresh pastries and artisan bread, as well as breakfast, brunch, and amazing coffee.
A great location for a family picnic, a leisurely hike, or a refreshing swim in one of the many popular swimming holes. The park features a suspension bridge that sways 50 meters above the canyon.
Span a variety of styles in Bridge’s cosy tasting room, with a taco or three for company.
Hourly, daily and multi-day rentals, lessons & tours for kayaks, stand up paddleboards, canoes and surfskis. A one of a kind experience on the water.
A unique and stylish stay, Seaside Hotel Vancouver offers a luxurious experience paired with stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and snow-capped North shore mountains.
Explore More
Looking for more suggestions? Explore the picturesque West Coast village of Deep Cove for outdoor adventure, local shopping, and very delicious eats! Still thirsty for craft drinks? Visit one of the North Shore’s craft distilleries like The Woods Spirit Co and Sons of Vancouver Distillery.
Day 4
Travel Info
Open since 1926 and Vancouver’s first drive-in restaurant, Tomahawk Barbeque is a North Shore institution known for their legendary Yukon Style Bacon and Eggs and impressive collection of West Coast Indigenous artifacts.
This First Nation owned eco-tourism venture specializes in guided ocean-going canoe and sea kayak tours. Explore the protected waters of the Burrard Inlet as guides from the Coast Salish nation sing songs, tell legends, and outline the history of their traditional territory.
Just moments from the Ironworkers Bridge or the mountains, Wildeye is the ideal place to plan your next North Shore adventure.
The North Shore Spirit Trail winds its way from through North Vancouver, along a 35km stretch of fully accessible greenway with beautiful views of the historic North Shore waterfront.
The Lonsdale BridgeDeck, by Bridge Brewing, is located on central Lonsdale offering fresh craft beers and craft food to its new community.
Celebrating local history one beer at a time, Streetcar is tucked away on Lolo Lane about a hundred steps from Lonsdale Avenue.
Founded by three best friends who loved hanging out at a cabin every summer, North Point aims to evoke #cabinlife in its cozy, warm tasting room.
This brewery is a celebration of North Vancouver, old and new.
Greater Vancouver's first urban cidery, and a gluten-free alternative.
With a menu of German/Austrian/Swiss food and decor match, pop into the Jägerhof and be transported into Alpine Europe! Be sure to check online for their weekly line up of live music.
Relax, reconnect or take a dip in the pool. Located at the base of the North Shore mountains.
Explore More
The North Shore is home to free and fun events year-round. Check out the events calendar to see what’s happening during your visit! The Shipyards Night Market takes place every Friday from May to September; the Harmony Arts Festival is nine days of arts, music, and culinary experiences every August; Caribbean Days, one of the largest cultural events in BC, takes place each July; and to continue your craft beer explorations Vancouver’s North Shore Craft Beer Week runs during the first week of November.
Produced In Collaboration With
Vancouver’s North Shore, located just 15 minutes by car or seabus from downtown Vancouver, is more than just a spectacular backdrop for one of the world’s most scenic cities. It’s teeming with life, wild and urban, and the possibilities of what to do with your time here are endless.
With ocean activities such as kayaking and stand up paddle-boarding, golf courses, world-class skiing and snowboarding, and endless hiking and biking trails for all levels, the outdoor enthusiast will find the only thing lacking is enough time to do it all. After exploring the great outdoors try visiting one of the many community shopping and gallery districts or check out the local culinary scene with restaurants ranging from night-market food trucks, waterfront patio’s with views of the ocean and city skyline, to local tap houses and craft breweries.
Speaking of craft breweries, Vancouver’s North Shore is currently home to 10 craft breweries and is expected to see several more soon. Our distinctive craft brewers offer unique and creative beers that are sure to impress!
Come stay and explore Vancouver’s North Shore!
Learn More About North Shore's Craft Breweries:
vancouversnorthshore.comWhere To Eat and Drink:
vancouversnorthshore.comDiscover North Vancouver's Craft Beer Scene:
vancouversnorthshore.com