Summer Like a Local on Vancouver’s North Shore

To North Shore like a Local in the summertime means to bask in some cool relief without ever giving up the excitement of outdoor adventure.  Here are just a few ways to get out and enjoy the warmer days ahead on Vancouver’s North Shore.

Splash Park at The Shipyards

Kids will love a refreshing romp through the plaza at The Shipyards, where last season’s skating rink transforms into a spacious, climbable spray park. Parents will love all of the delicious lunch options available surrounding the park and the incredible views of downtown and the waterfront.

Cates Park

A Tsleil-Waututh word that means “faces the wind,” Whey-ah-Wichen is the ancestral name for the largest waterfront park in North Vancouver. So you know that ocean breeze will be at your back as you comb the beach looking for starfish and crabs at low tide, or dip in for a swim. Take the opportunity to learn like a local by exploring First Nations totem poles and a traditional canoe on display. 

Ambleside Beach

When you’re craving beach time on a warm day, but still want access to good food and shopping, Ambleside in West Vancouver is your spot. A lively main street full of eateries and unique local artisans and craftspeople is only steps away from the sand and cool grassy areas all along the sparkling ocean.

Photo courtesy of @westcoastwomanwanders

Whyte Lake

There’s nothing like slipping into a mountain lake to cool you down, and Whyte Lake makes it easy with a lovely and picturesque hike shaded by old growth forest. Sunseekers will have much to look forward to when the wooden boardwalk leads to a small dock on which to spread out and soak up the rays.

Cabin Lake

Another swimmable alpine lake is Cabin Lake on Cypress Mountain. Although this trail is a bit more strenuous, it’s relatively short, and the peaceful calm at the lake is well worth it. There are a few large boulders on which to set up shop, or some trails around the lake to find a more private spot to enjoy.

Mystery Lake

Despite its name, it’s no wonder why Mystery Lake is one of the North Shore’s favourite summer hangs. Only a short distance from the parking lot on Mount Seymour,  this cool scenic swimming hole is surrounded by secluded spots to rest and picnic and take in the natural beauty all around.

Blue Pools at Lynn Canyon

We have thousands of years of high water flows in Lynn Creek to thank for the deep bowls carved into the rock that now serve as cool, clear, still water pools perfect for shaking off the heat of summer. You’ll find them in the lower part of the canyon section of Lynn Creek, easily accessible from multiple trials in Inter River Park. Do keep in mind, there is no lifeguard on duty, so you’ll want to be sure you play like a local here:  stay safe,  read all  signage and follow the rules—and of course, have fun!

Grab an ice cream at Dolce Amore

A North Shore summertime offering you just can’t refuse, Dolce Amore: The Gelato Mafia was born of one of Vancouver’s original gelaterias, now open in Lower Lonsdale. Made from local, organic ingredients that highlight seasonal ingredients, their “criminally good” creamy treats are the most delicious way to beat the heat.

Grab a Pint

Much ink has been spilled on the perfect marriage of hot sun and cold beer, but with so many options for craft brewing on Vancouver’s North Shore, what’s not so obvious is where to go. Luckily, in The Shipyards Brewing District, you can happily roam from one to another, with seven breweries, a cidery, a winery and a distillery, all within walking distance.  Plus there are new breweries opening all the time. Beva Brewing & Blending is now open on Pemberton, and Strathcona Beer Company  brings their East Van stylings  to the Lonsdale Quay this summer.

Photo courtesy of @northpointbrewing

Share a fishbowl at Raglans Bistro

For the more “adventurous” imbibers, saddle up to the tiki bar at Raglan’s Bistro—with two straws—for big cocktails full of big big fun and all the tropical flavours that somehow make the most sweltering temperatures bearable.

For more information on these and other North Shore summer activities, visit vancouversnorthshore.com. Whether you’re visiting or already call the North Shore home, take the pledge to North Shore Like a Local. Play, learn, and love it here just like we do. Let’s do our best to keep the North Shore as beautiful as we found it. Take the pledge today at northshorelikealocal.com.