Vancouver’s North Shore: 3 Day Adventure

A simple but satisfying start: a cappuccino with a brioche breakfast sandwich layered with pork sausage, fried egg, aged cheddar, and a roasted garlic chipotle aioli. A delicious way to fuel up.

At Cates Park, I joined Takaya Tours for an Indigenous canoeing experience on the traditional waters of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. In a 45-foot ocean-going canoe, guided by James and Seth, we paddled Burrard Inlet while listening to Coast Salish songs and stories. Seth’s voice carried ancestral histories that resonated deeply, creating goosebumps as we moved in rhythm together. More than a tour, it was a reminder of the canoe as both a vessel and a storyteller, a link between people, place, and history.

After paddling, we gathered at Wildeye Brewing, a spacious industrial-style brewery with darts, shuffleboard, and a welcoming patio perfect for dogs and summer sunshine. Their tasting flights tell stories through flavour:

• Neon Nectar IPA – crisp, hoppy, and well-balanced.

• Spicy Margarita Sour – rimmed with tajín, it offered a playful punch of lime and spice.

• Pineapple Radler – bright, tropical, and refreshing.

• Mango Sticky Rice IPA – a surprising twist: classic hops with a lingering smooth mango note.

Alongside the beer, I savored pulled-pork tostadas topped with slaw and house-made pilsner BBQ sauce. Wildeye has a knack for making beer an experience — each pour layered with creativity.

Steps from the hotel, Seaside Provisions delivered casual chic with exceptional hospitality. Known for its charcuterie, we indulged in artisan cheeses (including Truffle Manchego) alongside duck prosciutto and bison herb. The highlight was the seafood platter — oysters, lobster rolls, ceviche, prawns, tartare, mussels, each dish beautifully plated and prepared with intention. Later, we strolled the pier at Lower Lonsdale, its lights reflecting the shipyard’s storied past. Once a cornerstone of shipbuilding during WWII, the area is now one of North Vancouver’s fastest-growing neighborhoods, proof of how history can be transformed into community.

Retro décor and a warm vibe made Jam Café a cheerful start. Jen ordered the famous Blackstone Benny with sugar-cured bacon — a house specialty worth the hype.

I hadn’t been to Grouse since childhood, and experiencing it without snow was transformative. We rode the new “Blue Grouse Gondola,” opened December 2024, with sweeping views of the city and mountains. At the top, we explored totems and the Grizzly Bear Sanctuary, home to Grinder and Coola, who roamed peacefully in their forest enclosure.

The Eco Walk offered insights into Indigenous plant knowledge, such as the Coast Salish use of yellow cedar for paddles, masks, and tools. Grouse proved itself a true four-season destination,  from skiing and snowshoeing in winter to hiking, wildlife viewing, and cultural experiences in summer.

New to the world of e-bikes, I was excited to explore the Spirit Trail. This scenic route blends ocean views with cultural experiences. Jen and I met Tony and Bosco at Reckless Bike Rentals, conveniently located just steps from the Pinnacle Hotel.
Bosco provided a quick orientation on the bike features and safety reminders before we set off. The Spirit Trail offered a perfect mix of natural beauty and cultural storytelling, featuring incredible Indigenous artwork along the route. The trail wound gently between the ocean and forest, with smooth, well-maintained paths that made for an effortless and nostalgic ride. The kind where you can’t help but smile with the wind in your hair.

We biked the Spirit Trail to Brava Brewing, greeted by owner Morgan, who exudes enthusiasm for her craft. Paired with nostalgic onion dip and spiced sour cream with fresh bread, the taster rack was a delight:

• Brico Stout – smooth chocolate and coffee notes.

• Mutzadel Hazy IPA – crisp and lightly spiced.

• Beva Lager – classic, light, and refreshing.

• Juciful Hazy IPA – juicy citrus and tropical hops.

From there, we sampled at Strathcona Brewery, where the Raspberry Wit and Beach Peach Radler were standouts, bright, fruity, and perfect for summer.

Known for sustainable seafood and a stellar BC wine list, Fishworks delivered a feast. We shared the seafood tower: lobster tail, crab legs, scallops, mussels, and oysters, paired with a buttery Chardonnay recommended by our host. The rustic-contemporary setting and local artwork made the meal as memorable as the food.

Loam Bistro brought global comfort flavors to the table. I loved the avocado croissant with guacamole, poached egg, and pea purée, while Jen raved about the potato latkes. Rahul, the owner, shared his culinary inspirations from around the world, and insisted we try the pistachio French toast an indulgent finale worth every bite.

Capilano is more than its iconic bridge it’s a legacy. Passed down through generations, it has evolved into a showcase of stewardship and regenerative tourism. Beyond the swaying bridge, we explored treetop adventures, the Cliffwalk, and forest trails highlighting the cultural and ecological significance of the region. Walking away with a certificate of accomplishment felt like a fun celebration of the journey.

On a guided walking tour, Sophie was in character as a WWII shipyard worker and brought history to life. From employment cards to murals, she connected us to the workers who built the ships between 1940–45. We ended at the pier, standing before a mural of a traditional canoe. Sophie shared the “Paddle Song,” sung during the Great Vancouver Fire of 1886, when the Squamish Nation rescued survivors by canoe. It was a poignant reminder of resilience and community.

From there, we celebrated the present at local breweries, North Point, Beere Brewing, Braggot Brewing, and Copperpenny Distillery  each offering not just unique beers and spirits, but stories of family, passion, and place.

Tucked away just steps from the Shipyards, North Point Brewing feels like slipping into a cozy cabin retreat in the middle of the city. The brewery was founded by four lifelong friends “cabin besties”, who wanted to recreate the feeling of those cherished getaways. The space is warm and rustic, decorated with wood accents and a relaxed atmosphere that makes you want to linger. Upstairs, there’s a classy gathering space perfect for private events, and owner Shaun proudly shared how they now do custom cans for corporate collaborations. Their beers are named after their kids, which makes every pint feel personal. Sitting out on the patio, I met Kyaro, a friendly Shiba Inu with her own Instagram account (@kyaroblackheart), which perfectly summed up the playful, community-driven vibe of the place.

Just a short walk away is Beere Brewing, run by Matt Beere, the head brewer and son of the founder. The space is simple and casual, designed for easy sipping and people-watching while the community buzzes around you. Behind the bar, Kalla kept things lively while pouring flights of some of their most popular beers. Their Go Easy Pale Ale is the crown jewel here—fresh, light, and endlessly drinkable. The IPA had that classic West Coast snappiness, while the Pink Tuscadero Sour was bright, tart, and unforgettable. My personal favorite was “I Love You, Say It Back”, a hazy IPA bursting with juicy hops, the kind of beer that keeps you coming back for just one more.

A truly unique stop, Braggot Brewing blends Old World tradition with a modern twist. Owner Enrico, who moved from Italy in 2006, opened this brewery just three years ago with a signature ingredient: his family’s honey, harvested in Delta, BC. The result is beers with a distinct character, rich with floral and natural sweetness. We sampled thoughtful creations like Melones, which carried a zesty orange finish, the crisp and lightly bitter Golden, a honey-kissed Brown Ale, and the refreshing Classic Pilsner. Their standout, Ambrosia, is brewed with 50% amber honey from midsummer nectars, a glass of liquid sunshine. Right next door is Tipo Foods, run by Maryam, offering fresh salads, sandwiches, and pizzas that pair perfectly with Enrico’s beers. We couldn’t resist sampling a few bites, and it was the perfect complement to the honey-forward brews.

On our way back toward the Shipyards, we discovered Copperpenny Distilling, a Gatsby-inspired gem with golden accents and an atmosphere straight out of a movie. The story behind the distillery is as fun as the cocktails: owners Jennifer and Yan started the venture on a dare “Gin made me do it,” Jennifer joked during our visit. Behind the beautiful bar, Ky mixed up a perfectly spiced margarita for Jen, while Yan shared their passion for creating spirits with locally sourced ingredients. Their wheat comes from a single-source farmer, Ebert Schutter, in Invermere, BC. Everything is mashed, fermented, and distilled on-site.
The highlight was their Oyster Shell Gin, created in partnership with Fanny Bay Oysters. It carries a smoky, mezcal-like depth with a briny finish—a flavor that practically begs to be mixed into a Caesar. While rooted in local collaborations, they also serve their beloved Czech Pilsner, the only beer on tap and now the number one Czech Pils account in BC. This balance of classic imports and experimental creations made Copperpenny a standout, a space that celebrates both community and craftsmanship

We ended the night with pizza overlooking the waterfront. The Shipyards Boardwalk was glowing, a lively community where history, dining, and nightlife converge.

Leaving North Vancouver, I carried with me a renewed appreciation for this place where mountains meet the sea. It’s a destination layered with history, adventure, food, and stories, a reminder that among the skyscrapers, the forest and its spirit are never far away.