Vancouver's North Shore is one of the finest urban locations in the world. It has everything that one could ask for in a place to live—a beautiful mountainside setting on the ocean, wonderful residential communities, clean air and water, and fantastic recreational amenities. Located across Burrard Inlet to the north of the City of Vancouver, the North Shore is a community of about 170,000 residents located in three municipalites: West Vancouver (42,000), the District of North Vancouver (83,000), and the City of North Vancouver (45,000). The North Shore connects to Vancouver via two bridges, the Lions Gate (1st Narrows) Bridge and the Iron Workers Memorial 2nd Narrows Bridge. We have provided you with some more information about both North Vancouver and West Vancouver, as well as key internet links to help you discover and appreciate the North Shore.

NORTH VANCOUVER
Surrounded by the stunning Coastal Mountain range, the City and District of North Vancouver are located on the North Shore of the Burrard Inlet, stretching east from Lion's Gate Bridge to Indian Arm. Average household income in both the City and the District are higher than the Greater Vancouver average, making it quite an affluent area. The area contains many young professionals with families as well as retirees and seniors.

Housing
Housing prices are lower then in neighbouring West Vancouver, but higher than most other suburban areas in the Greater Vancouver area. For details on house prices see Market Activity.

In the District, there is a high level of home ownership of mostly single-family detached housing. Condominium and townhouse developments are more common in the City of North Vancouver, although higher density development in the District has increased.

Shopping, Dining and Entertainment
North Vancouver's many shopping districts offer a wide range of services, restaurants and shopping. The historic heart of North Vancouver is Lower Lonsdale. With the addition of the SeaBus, the area has undergone a resurgence. Visit the many shops, restaurants and art galleries or enjoy the open food market and numerous boutiques at Lonsdale Quay. Capilano Mall on Marine Drive has over 100 shops and services and there are many restaurants and shops along Lonsdale Avenue. Other shopping areas include Edgemont Village, Lynn Valley Centre, Parkgate, Dollarton and Deep Cove.

Parks and Recreation
North Vancouver is blessed with an abundance of parkland allowing residents to choose from a wide range of outdoor activities. You can ski at Grouse Mountain and Mt. Seymour, hike and cycle the miles of trails, and boat and swim at the local beaches. Use our links section below to explore some of these amenities.

Transportation
To get to the North Shore from most areas you need to cross either the Lions Gate Bridge or the Second Narrows Bridge. However, with a well-developed public bus system and quick access to the Trans Canada Highway it is relatively easy to get to other parts of the Greater Vancouver region. The SeaBus, a passenger ferry, links Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver to Downtown Vancouver in a 12 minute ferry ride.

WEST VANCOUVER
Bounded on two sides by water, the District of West Vancouver stretches along 28 kilometres of shoreline and up the lower slopes of Hollyburn Mountain, between Capilano River valley and Horseshoe Bay. This area of outstanding natural beauty has the highest income in Canada and a low crime rate. Its residents are strongly committed to maintaining the high quality of life and the charm of the municipality.

Housing
West Vancouver is a residential area with no industrial zoning. Most of the housing stock consists of single family homes—a choice of old summer cottages, modest homes, larger family homes and multimillion-dollar waterfront estates. If you are looking for a house of outstanding architectural quality with breathtaking views, West Vancouver is the perfect place.

West Vancouver has a wide selection of apartment condominiums along its waterfront—both concrete hi-rise buildings and 3-4 level, wood-frame buildings. It also has quite a selection of high-end townhome complexes—many of which have stunning water views.

The municipality is taking care that new development continues to enhance the park-like environment with a well-balanced housing density and limited tree cutting. All land above the 1,200-foot elevation is preserved for recreational purposes.

House prices are the highest in Greater Vancouver. For current house prices see Market Activity.

Shopping, Dining and Entertainment
Park Royal is one of the largest shopping malls in the region with one million square feet of retail and office space. Ambleside and nearby Dundarave are the liveliest retail sections of West Vancouver. Connected with a 15-block long seawall only a block from the waterfront, these two centres feature hundreds of shops, galleries, excellent restaurants, and all kinds of services. Caulfield Centre, servicing affluent new developments in the area, features one of a kind stores and services. Horseshoe Bay's commercial centre abounds with restaurants and other tourist and traveler related amenities.

Parks and Recreation
West Vancouver has over 2,500 hectares of parkland. The area is noted for excellent salmon fishing and contains many popular spots for boating, swimming, and scuba diving. There are excellent marina facilities and numerous waterfront parks attracting visitors from the entire region. Cypress Provincial Park offers day and night downhill skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, hiking and cross-country skiing along with fabulous views of Vancouver.

Transportation
The picturesque Lion's Gate Bridge connects West Vancouver to Downtown Vancouver. The district has its own beloved "Blue Bus", the first public transit system in Canada to be totally wheelchair-accessible. It connects various parts of the district with Vancouver and with buses driving to other cities. The Upper Levels Highway, part of the Trans Canada Highway, traverses the area from east to west providing fast road access to other parts of the region. Horseshoe Bay at the northwest edge of the district is a major terminus for the provincial ferry system. It services Nanaimo (on Vancouver Island), Bowen Island, and the nearby Sunshine Coast.