We decided to stay in North Vancouver during our family trip to the area in the fall so that we could be closer to the outdoor activities in the mountains, and just a short drive into downtown Vancouver.
Our Airbnb was within walking distance of North Vancouver’s main strip – Lonsdale Avenue. Walking down this road takes you past shops and restaurants until you reach Vancouver Harbor, with stunning views of the Vancouver city skyline.
We had so much fun exploring the Lonsdale district’s food, history, and parks, that we ended up revisiting the area multiple times during our trip. No matter where you stay during your trip to Vancouver, I would recommend you spend a day exploring what this up-and-coming area has to offer. Here’s what we’d recommend you do:
The land that is now known as the City of Vancouver is home to many Indigenous peoples and is the traditional territory of three nations – the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlil̓wətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples
Trip Purpose
Spend a day in the Lonsdale District in Vancouver, Canada
DESTINATION: Vancouver, Canada
AGE OF OUR KIDS: 2 years; 5 years
LENGTH OF STAY: One day
TIME OF YEAR: October
Before you go
- How to get there: The Lonsdale District is in North Vancouver just across the channel from downtown Vancouver.
- Parking: Street parking is available or you can find parking at the Seabus lots in Vancouver or North Vancouver.
- Plan to walk a lot. Bring a stroller or child carrier for little ones, and lots of snacks to keep your kids motivated along the journey.
| Tickets | Free - ages 0-12 |
| CAN $4.25 per ticket | |
| CAN $10 for an all-day pass | |
| Parking | CAN $8.00+ |
| Meals | ~CAN $20/meal |
6 Things to do in Lonsdale District of North Vancouver, Canada with Kids
1. Visit the Lonsdale Quay Market
Lonsdale Quay Market offered everything I love about food halls – lots of delicious food options so everyone in my family can have what they want, and ample local produce stands to satisfy my fruit-loving kids.
The market is located just to the west of the Seabus terminal, right on the waterfront.
Since 1986, the market has been a gathering place for visitors and locals to try local cuisine and produce in the large eating hall. We loved the soup from The Soup Meister’s Nephew and the tacos at Cilantro and Jalapeño.
Check out their website for more information on events and farmer’s market times.
2. Walk along the oceanfront
Lonsdale Avenue ends at the waterfront, with a beautiful view of downtown Vancouver.
You’ll see quite a few families playing in the open space in front of Lonsdale Ave and the water, letting their kids jump on the rocks and ride their bikes in the safety of the fenced area.
Keep walking east to see stunning views of the city skyline and massive cargo ships moving along the international port.
3. Play at the Shipyards
The Shipyards is a cool, historic district located just east of the Lonsdale Quay Market and Lonsdale Avenue along the waterfront. Also known as Lower Lonsdale, this area is North Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood, set where ships were built, and where working tugboats are still stored.
In the historic shipyard building you’ll find the Shipyard Commons, a city-run space that is a splash pad in the summer, playground in the spring and fall, and skating rink in the winter.
We visited in fall and had a blast jumping around the structures with the kids. Many families used this space for birthday parties or to enjoy a meal with their kids from the various food trucks and restaurants nearby.
Check the website for family-friendly events and concerts happening year-round.
4. Catch the Seabus
The Seabus is a passenger ferry that crosses the Vancouver Harbor from downtown Vancouver to Lonsdale Quay. It can hold up to 395 passengers per 12 minute voyage, and departs every 15 minutes.
The boat ride costs CAN $4.25 per ticket, or CAN $10 per day if you are using other Vancouver public transportation options. Children 12 and under ride free with a paying passenger.
We rode the Seabus between downtown Vancouver and Lonsdale Quay with our two little kids and had a blast. There are plenty of seats, lots of space within the boat to move around, and windows throughout.
Our kids loved watching the cranes lift and place containers onto the giant cargo ships as we passed through the harbor.
Pro-tip: When you line up to catch the next Seabus, be sure to hold your kiddo’s hand. Once the doors to the boat open, people rush inside quickly to grab a seat and a child could easily get lost in the shuffle.
5. Stroll through the Waterfront Park
Located just a short walk west of the Lonsdale Quay is a large waterfront park, full of outdoor art, grass to run and play, on shady trees, and views of the city.
We brought snacks from the Lonsdale Quay Market and had a picnic in the sun at Waterfront park before we wandered through the Chiba Garden, a beautiful Japanese garden built in tribute to Vancouver’s sister city, Chiba, in Japan.
Our kids enjoyed walking over tiny bridges crossing little streams throughout the gardens.
6. Try Parlour Ice Cream
I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have ice cream on a beautiful day!
Parlour Ice Cream offered delicious scoops of organic and natural ice cream flavors in the middle of The Shipyards.
Our favorite flavors were caramel and strawberry.
Although we initially chose to stay in North Vancouver to be closer to the mountains, we were happy to discover that North Vancouver had much more to offer!
The Lonsdale district had a small-town feel even though it was part of the bustling North Vancouver city. We loved strolling the main strip, stopping to hear bands play for folks enjoying their meals at the local restaurants, spying tugboats, learning about the history of the area, and, of course, eating our way through town.
We found local BIPOC families and tourists all enjoying the sunshine on the beautiful fall day we visited and felt right at home.
Now I just need to plan our return trip in the summer so we can try out that splash pad!
This post is part of a series of posts about visiting Vancouver, Canada with kids. Continue the adventure with us here:
Puerto Rican & Indigenous mama of two. Bay Area native. Salsa dancer. Backpacker. Doula. Angel (she/her/hers) is a co-founding member of the Beautiful Brown Adventures team. She has traveled to over 30 countries and loves to explore the world with her two daughters & partner - one ice cream shop at a time.
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