Best things to do in North Vancouver

Don't look down as you cross over a 70 m (230 ft) deep valley in Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. The park's star attraction, a 140 m (460 ft) suspension bridge, was originally built in 1889 and was completely reconstructed in 1956. Once you've made it across, lose yourself in the jungle canopy via a network of seven treetop walks built in 2004. You can add to your experience with an eco-tour through the surrounding forest.

Not just for skiing and soaking up the views, Grouse Mountain serves as a major year-round playground for both tourists and locals. Known as the "Peak of Vancouver," this mountaintop recreational area offers plenty of chances to hike, zipline, paraglide, and attend or take part in lumberjack events. Access the summit via a scenic chairlift ride or by hiking up a network of rustic trails. Other year-round attractions include a mountaintop wildlife refuge and theater. For a different perspective, consider joining a helicopter sightseeing tour.

A range of hiking trails of varying difficulty at Lynn Canyon Park take you through temperate rainforest, and past waterfalls and rivers. Take time to stroll across the famous suspension bridge, built more than 100 years ago, that sits within the 250 hectare (617 acre) park. The park's ecology center provides a spot dedicated to teaching people of all ages about the importance of the local and global environment. Keep your eyes peeled on the trails for hawks, deer, bears, and other wildlife.

Get in touch with nature at Deep Cove, a rustic village in the North Vancouver district. A popular recreation spot, the area offers scenic hiking trails, climbing, and sailing, among other activities. Enjoy the scenery, visit the charming shops and restaurants, and rent a kayak to paddle around the cove. Climb the Quarry Rock outcrop for a panoramic view of the Indian Arm fjord and its surroundings, or have a picnic in one of the peaceful parks.

Nestled in the heart of the Capilano River Regional Park sits Capilano Salmon Hatchery, a farm that works to protect coho, chinook, and steelhead salmon stocks. Look through the glass-walled fish tanks and witness salmon leaping a meter high up the fish ladder during their upstream migration. The farm offers an educational insight into how the fish develop from eggs until they are fully grown and released into the river spring. The lush park surroundings offer a perfect environment for hiking or having a picnic. Visit the gift shop operated by the Pacific Salmon Foundation.

Indulge in a bit of gastronomic tourism at The Quay Market & Food Hall, a waterfront marketplace in the North Vancouver neighborhood. Spread across three floors, the market houses an array of stalls, shops, and restaurants that offer an abundance of food and drink. Purchase fresh seafood and groceries, find the perfect souvenirs to take home from your trip, or sample some delicious local snacks. Sit down to a satisfying meal at one of the restaurants, where you can enjoy the scenic harbor views and the Vancouver city skyline.

Check out the rides of Cultus Lake Waterpark, a family-run water park operating since the mid 1980s. Head to the plummeting freefall slide for an adrenaline-inducing thrill, or ride the extreme Bazooka Bowls. Float along the winding adventure river, race down the slides on mats, or take the kids to the wading pool and playground. The park offers barbecue rentals, lockers, a cafe, and a couple of street food restaurants.

At the head of Capilano river soars the majestic Cleveland Dam, holding back the 271 ha (670 mi) Capilano lake. Providing the drinking water for much of the Great Vancouver region, the 91.4 m (300 ft) impressive spillway was built in 1954 and sits in the natural beauty of the surrounding regional park. Ramble your way along easy going trails and hikes leading to spectacular views of the dam.

Drive just 30 minutes from the city to be in the lush environs of mountain wilderness at Mount Seymour Provincial Park. Here you'll find various lookout points over the city, as well as neighboring verdant parkland. Various trails to suit a number of experience levels are positioned within the park, as well as picnic tables and plenty of opportunities to view wildlife and birds. The park also offers ski slopes.