Lower Lonsdale

The Shipyards District

Overview

Situated on North Vancouver’s vibrant waterfront with views of Vancouver’s stunning downtown skyline to the south and soaring North Shore Mountains to the north, Lower Lonsdale is one of North Vancouver’s oldest and fastest-growing urban neighbourhoods. With a rich shipbuilding history, the Shipyards District in Lower Lonsdale has quickly become a hub of independent shops, restaurants, specialty food stores and more. Only a 12-minute Seabus ride away from Downtown Vancouver, there’s plenty of things to see and do while exploring this community-focused neighbourhood.

Seeing and Doing

A visit to Lower Lonsdale must begin with strolling into the Lonsdale Quay Market, a market that features 80 fresh food vendors, retail shops, unique boutiques and restaurants. Originally opened for Expo ’86, this carnival-style marketplace has developed into a diverse and multi-use community anchor.

This area is also used for a range of festivals and community events because of its marvelous views of Downtown Vancouver’s skyline. Just outside the market sits the Q Tower, where you can get a bird’s eye view of Downtown’s skyline after climbing 77 steps up to the top.

By the waterfront, you can also make a visit to the newly-opened innovative Polygon Gallery, a striking landmark building featuring photography and media-based art.

After exploring the waterfront area, venture north on Lonsdale Avenue and you’ll come across an alley you cannot miss – Fun Alley. The most colourful alley in North Vancouver, this interactive space is popular for photo taking.

Photo: Tap & Barrel

Eating and Drinking

There are many offerings for eating and drinking in Lower Lonsdale. You can stay near the Lonsdale Quay Market, and pop in for a gourmet pizza, sandwiches, or baked goods. From casual cuisine to grab and go meals, the vendors inside the market have plenty of satisfying options to delight your appetite.

Outside of the Quay, venture out to "restaurant row" on Lonsdale Avenue, where you’ll come across five side-by-side restaurants with expanded patios.  You’ll find well-crafted food and drinks, from Italian, Greek to classic comfort food, "restaurant row" will please any appetite. For a waterfront drink to help you unwind, visit Tap and Barrel‘s flagship location for an innovative beer and wine program that is exclusive to BC on tap. Catch the area’s many community events while sitting on the seasonal patio and enjoy incredible views of Burrard Inlet.

Photo: Lower Lonsdale BIA

Shopping

For unique and local shopping, head over to Lower Lonsdale’s commercial district, a district that takes up four blocks along Lonsdale Avenue. You’ll come across a modern hub of independent shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs, specialty food stores, boutiques, salons and spas run by North Shore creatives.

During the summer, you can enjoy the free Shipyards Night Market, this event features live music, 40+ food trucks, an artisan marketplace and a 19+ craft beer garden.

For more information, visit the Lower Lonsdale Business Improvement Association.