We went to British Columbia, Canada, to see skyscrapers of Vancouver. Instead, we spent most of our weekend exploring parks and bridges in North Vancouver.
Last updated: November 1, 2021
The Ultimate Guide to a Weekend in North Vancouver: Top Things to Do
When we first started planning our trip to Vancouver, no particular attractions were on our minds. As usual in these situations, I spent hours staring at my laptop, gathering, and structuring everything that came my way about how to spend a weekend in Vancouver, mostly North Vancouver, as it turned out later.
Little did I know that this part of the city was such a gem! Surprisingly, Google doesn’t even scratch the surface of the things you can do in North Vancouver during a weekend. Some of the most beautiful and interesting places are left to the mercy of being discovered with the help of locals or by accident.
About a week ago, I would’ve given a lot to have a complete guide to a weekend in North Vancouver. Today I’m happy to share such a guide with you and inspire your own adventures.
HERE IS THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A WEEKEND IN NORTH VANCOUVER:
Capilano Suspension Bridge – One of the Most Popular Things to Do in North Vancouver
The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a perfect start of any weekend getaway in North Vancouver. This place makes your heart beat faster. Hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world come here in pursuit of a once-in-a-life time adventure.
And frankly, they find everything they search for. One of the most famous North Vancouver’s attractions, the swinging bridge is indeed a remarkable place that ought to be visited and revisited over and over again.
Think a wobbly, narrow footbridge hanging between two giant cliffs. Colossal Douglas firs surround the area, making the flimsy structure above a powerful river appear even smaller. Spending a weekend in Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in North Vancouver asks for some bravery and boldness. But the experience is worth it. So just breath deeper and move slowly toward the opposite end of the bridge.
If you plan to spend more time on the bridge to enjoy views and take Instagram-approved pictures, make sure to get here early in the morning. On the weekend, the famous bridge in North Vancouver gets very crowded as early as 10:00 a.m. and it gets only busier later in the afternoon.
Lynn Canyon Park
Lynn Canyon Park is located a mere 15-minute drive down Trans-Canada Highway from the Capilano Suspension Bridge. You can’t ask for a better place to spend a weekend in North Vancouver. Free and full of activities for all ages and preferences, the park is an absolute favorite among the locals and visitors.
Serenity and the gorgeous surroundings allure the young and elderly nature lovers alike. Numerous short hiking trails take the adventurous visitors to some of the stunning vistas such as Twin Falls, one of the most magnificent waterfalls to see in North Vancouver during the weekend.
How about taking a dip in a 30 Foot Pool swimming hole surrounded by dense vegetation and massive rocks? It sounds too enticing to resist. The most popular attraction in Lynn Canyon Park, however, is its own suspension bridge, which takes us straight to the third destination in our guide to a weekend in North Vancouver.
Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge
Although an essential park of Lynn Canyon Park, the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge deserves special attention and space in our guide to a weekend in North Vancouver. Significantly shorter, this river crossing is a free alternative to the famous and pricey Capilano Suspension Bridge.
Yes, it’s much smaller and lacks many great features of the most popular attraction in North Vancouver. But there is one thing you can’t take away from the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge. Less popular, it’s immune from big crowds typical for the Capilano Bridge. You can surely spend a few hours or the whole day here without being disturbed by the noisy weekend visitors of North Vancouver.
Grouse Mountain
There is no place you’d rather be on a relaxed weekend in North Vancouver than the Peak of Vancouver. Grouse Mountain is a popular destination to explore any day of the week during any season.
From mid-April to mid-November, the locals and visitors alike enjoy hiking, outdoor adventures, and a wildlife refuge with grizzly bears sitting so close to iron fence that you instantly want to step back. The most favorite time of the year, though, is winter with its exciting snow sports.
Whatever season you choose for a visit to Grouse Mountain, it always remains a great spot for the nature-infused weekend in North Vancouver.
Grouse Grind
Almost two miles long, the Grouse Grind Trail entices enough of the fittest locals and visitors of North Vancouver to get a reputation of a pretty intense pathway. Also known as Mother Nature’s Stairmaster, this hiking trail selects its winners from the very beginning.
A few steps up the cruel stairs help you assess your physical activity level and continue the hike or give it another shot when you are more prepared for such a steep ascent.
Capilano River Regional Park
Hardly ever mentioned on Google’s first page, Capilano River Regional Park is an absolute must for a quiet weekend getaway in North Vancouver. Families with kids, couples, dog walkers, and anybody looking for tranquility will find plenty of things to do in this part of Vancouver with a gorgeous lake and epic mountains in the background.
Cleveland Dam
The Cleveland Dam is a concrete dam in Capilano River Regional Park. Similar to any other dams, all you have to do here is to enjoy the vistas. And let me tell you, the views are awe-striking!
Powerful water running from a small hole in the dam smoothly flows into the Capilano River. Like reliable guards, tall trees closely surround the stream. Take a moment to appreciate the sound of the water and the natural beauty around you on this weekend day in North Vancouver.
Lions Gate Bridge
Definitely not a part of the District of North Vancouver, the Lions Gate Bridge makes the visit to all the places discussed earlier possible. This iconic symbol of Vancouver is a suspension bridge connecting the City of Vancouver with its northern region. If not for its signature emerald-green color, you may even confuse it with the Golden Gate Bridge, a world-famous attraction in San Francisco.
A Weekend in North Vancouver: Your Turn
This completes our guide to a weekend getaway in North Vancouver. I hope it inspires you to plan your own journey to British Columbia in not so distant future. Even a short trip here will make you fall in love with this place and collect some unforgettable memories.
Read Next
- Where to Find Fall Colors in Vancouver: 6 Best Places
- 10 Reasons to Love Vancouver
- Vancouver from Above: The Best Views for First-Timers
- Stories behind Pictures: My Top 10 Favorite Travel Moments
- Christmas around the World Photo Diary
