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As I put my foot into the icy, cold water of Lynn Canyon, a shiver went straight through my body. I quickly tiptoed through the clear water to reach my aim – the flat rock sticking out a few metres from the bank. I turned to my friends with a smile on my face and my arms outstretched. With the photo taken I just had to begrudgingly make my way back to the warm sands of the shore.
In an aim to visit as much as we can in the area, my fellow expat friends and I decided a North Vancouver day trip was definitely in order. We took the Seabus from Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver to Lonsdale Quay. This takes about 15 minutes. It is a fantastic and quick service, which is part of the public transport system. Hence it is a very cost-effective way to get to North Vancouver.
How to spend the day in North Vancouver
Lonsdale Quay
Lonsdale Quay houses a marketplace as well as three levels of other clothing stores, gift shops, restaurants and services. The market stalls include local produce and creations, as well as a food court. You get an uninterrupted view directly across the water to downtown Vancouver. From Lonsdale Quay, there is a large bus station. From here you can regularly catch a ride to Lonsdale Avenue (the north side’s main street), Capilano University and up to Lynn Canyon.
Lynn Canyon
Buses 228 or 229 will take you to Lynn Canyon. It is a beautiful 617 acres of lush forest with various hiking trails. The main attraction, however, is the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge. Stepping onto the thin bridge, 50 metres above the raging canyon waters, as it shakes in the mountain breeze, will definitely give you a much-needed adrenalin rush.
When we made it to the other side, we went for a walk down to Twin Falls. We then went off the path to visit a bank where a few people were jumping off the rocks into the water. They exited looking like icy popsicles. From the Twin Falls Bridge, you can cross onto the other side and make your way back to the bus stop.
North Shore Green Markets
The North Shore Green Markets are just to the east of Lonsdale Quay on North Vancouver’s waterfront. They are open Friday evenings from 5 to 10 pm during the summer months and are spectacularly local and family-orientated. Amongst the local products to purchase were scrumptious treats, home-baked potato chips, bath products, condiments and fashion.
There were also essential food trucks (including my own) to peruse for dinner. Plus you could enjoy your meal whilst listening to a Jack Johnson-esque local band serenade you. For the families, there was chalk for children to use to draw on the concrete stage area, building blocks, hula hoops and a balloon man. It was the perfect stop before heading back to Vancouver.
North Vancouver day trip honourable mentions
If you have more time on the other side, I suggest Deep Cove. Stop by and see my friends at Deep Cove Brewers & Distillers before returning to Vancouver too.
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