The Shipyards District Lower Lonsdale: Stunning Downtown Skyline

Just a 12-minute SeaBus ride from downtown Vancouver, The Shipyards District Lower Lonsdale is the ideal neighbourhood escape. Located on North Vancouver’s waterfront, it features gorgeous views of the Vancouver cityscape and the North Shore mountains, making it one of the most picturesque areas to visit. Excitingly, the neighbourhood has seen considerable expansion over the last decade, with residential and commercial developments, a revamped shipyards site, and a range of nearby independent eateries, bars, and breweries.

The area has a rich history, which begins with the Coast Salish peoples who fished, hunted. and gathered near the Burrard Inlet, living in harmony with the land and its seasons. Traditionally, they would live in sheltered villages during the winter while in summer they would set up temporary camps for harvesting food that would sustain them during the colder months.

The abundant forests of the North Shore attracted settlers who set up timber mills and then formed a community in the area, initially called Moodyville after Sewell Moody, a sawmill owner. After North Vancouver’s incorporation in 1891, the area quickly grew, with Lonsdale Avenue becoming its primary thoroughfare. The waterfront took on increased prominence during the war years when large ships were built at the Wallace Shipyards, which later became the Burrard Dry Dock and then the Versatile Pacific Shipyards.

Lower Lonsdale saw new life in 1986 with the opening of Lonsdale Quay Market, encompassing a public market, shops, and restaurants. The area received a further boost in 2014 with the unveiling of plans for the iconic shipyards. After much anticipation, The Shipyards District Lower Lonsdale officially opened in 2018, introducing piers, boardwalks, and public gathering spaces. Since then, this formerly industrial area has seen phenomenal growth, attracting families who now call Lower Lonsdale home, as well as restaurateurs who adore the energy of the neighbourhood. As Michelle Dunn, Interim Executive Director for The Shipyards District Business Improvement Association, says, “The neighbourhood’s revitalization is constant so you’ll always find new places to eat and great enhancements to the community at every visit.”

What Makes The Shipyards District Unique as a Dining and Drinking Destination

The Shipyards District has much to offer when it comes to dining and drinking. “The scenic backdrop and expanded year-round patio culture pair deliciously well with the thriving food scene and overwhelmingly welcoming vibe,” Dunn says. The compact nature of the neighbourhood, as well as its network of pathways, boardwalks, and parks, make exploring enjoyable and easy. Dunn says, “The walkability score is off the charts.”

Anchoring the culinary landscape is the Lonsdale Quay Market, a lively gathering place where you can find fresh produce, in addition to specialty food items, such as saltwater taffy, fair trade coffee, and fresh pasta. The Quay features many food establishments for gourmet bites, such as thin crust Italian pizza or poke with fresh West Coast seafood. An ambitious renovation is underway at the Quay, promising even more vibrant food and drink offerings in the future.

Dunn highlights the impressive diversity of the food establishments in The Shipyards District. “Upscale or casual, coffee or cocktails, West Coast or international, eat-in or take-out, it’s here,” she says. Food cultures represented include Italian, Greek, Japanese, and Indian. The neighbourhood contains many cafes and coffee shops, such as Lift Breakfast Bakery and Cream Pony, which are perfect for stopping in for a pastry or a handmade doughnut.

In addition to flagship establishments such as Tap & Barrel and JOEY Shipyards, independent restaurants give The Shipyards District an intimate feel. Fishworks, which celebrates Pacific Northwest seafood and BC wine, opened in 2009 because they saw promise in the neighbourhood. “Over the years, what we have known as a neighborhood has, ultimately, become an extension of our family—a community,” says chef/owner Shallaw Kadir, adding, “The magnitude of revitalization the area has experienced has been humbling, and we are honoured to be a part of its continued growth.”

Fishworks

Kadir feels that the restaurant’s location makes it particularly appealing: “You can enjoy a leisurely walk after dining, with fresh sea and mountain breezes, check out museums and colourful alleyways, and take in the beauty of the many heritage buildings in the area,” he says. Fishworks, like many nearby restaurants, is highly committed to locally-sourced food, as well as the sustainability of ingredients. “It’s the least we can do for the bounty we take from nature and marine life,” Kadir says.

Being just beyond the downtown core gives restaurants the opportunity to think outside the box. “There is no shortage of creativity on display by local business owners,” says Dunn. For example, Winston, which opened in 2020, is a charming space that focuses on natural wines and inventive elevated takes on Mexican cuisine. Owner Andrew Boutilier feels that Winston speaks to the diverse character of the area. “There is a high concentration of places to drink and eat, and quite a variety of things to choose from,” he says. Like Kadir, he especially likes being in a supportive community. “I enjoy seeing locals in here and seeing familiar faces. People like to come in and chat with their favourite employee. It’s nice to see that,” he says.

While there are a range of bars and casual eateries for enjoying a drink, the neighbourhood also has an expanding Brewery District, with establishments such as Shaketown Brewing and Streetcar Brewing, whose names and ethos pay tribute to local history. You can get to know the locals as well as their favourite brews.

Events in The Shipyards District to Put on Your Calendar

The Shipyards District features exciting programming year-round. A popular event is the Shipyards Festival, which features three music stages with diverse local musical acts, such as Said the Whale. The September event is fun for the whole family, with a kids’ zone at the Pipe Shop, complete with entertainers, face painting, crafts, and balloon art. Artisan vendors are in attendance, in addition to food trucks. And, there’s a beer garden for socializing and imbibing.

Also incredibly popular is Shipyards Live, which happens every Friday roughly from May to September. The weekly event involves performers at The Stage at Shipbuilders Square, food trucks, a beverage garden, and activities for the kids. Breweries in the Brewery District also figure prominently in the North Shore Craft Beer Week, which takes place in November.

The Shipyards District gets into the Christmas spirit with their Christmas Festival. This event involves performances, an artisan market, and plenty of holiday cheer. There is also a Halloween Spooktacular every year where trick-or-treaters are invited to get treats from participating retailers. Meanwhile, a Polish Festival, organized by the North Shore Polish Association (Belweder), happens every September at the Shipyards. Expect performances, traditional Polish eats, a beer garden, activities for kids, as well as an exhibition and vendors in the Pipe Shop.

Throughout the year, the Pipe Shop, the Polygon Gallery, and Lonsdale Quay are continually hosting various events. They include local craft markets, art exhibitions, and gourmet pop-ups.

As a historic, yet ever-changing neighbourhood, The Shipyards District always feels fresh and exciting when you visit it.