Located on the North Shore of Burrard Inlet, the city of North Vancouver is connected to Vancouver by the Lion's Gate bridge and the Ironworkers Memorial Second Narrows Crossing. It's also serviced by the SeaBus passenger ferry.
The original settlement, called Moodyville, was established in the 1860s as a result of logging operations in the Douglas fir forests. The municipality of North Vancouver was incorporated in the 1880s, but expansion was limited by the swampy ocean foreshore, large rivers, and formidable mountains.
Although ferries carried eager visitors from Vancouver to the snow-capped mountains of the north shore for many years, it wasn't until the ship-building boom following World War II, that North Vancouver really took off. North Vancouver became a popular region for housing shipyard workers and their families.
Of course, North Vancouver is now a highly desirable city that's densely populated with many high-rise apartment buildings. Today, the shipyards house boutique stores, markets, fine dining restaurants and luxury hotels.
Best Time to Visit North Vancouver, B.C.
With mild temperatures all year around, North Vancouver is popular with visitors in every season. Summer is warm and sunny, with average highs between 64 and 74 degrees. Humidity is low due to the breezes off the inlet, and rain is rare. It is also the peak time for wildlife watching, whether that's bear-spotting at Grouse Mountain or kayaking with dolphins on the inlet. Visitor numbers can be overwhelming in the more touristy areas though, as many families choose to visit in summer due to school being out.
In spring, nature puts on a gorgeous display. Daffodils and crocuses first make an appearance in February, while the cherry trees burst into blossom in March. Take advantage of the many garden tours that are on offer in spring. The cruise ships start to appear in April to take advantage of the warming temperatures and low rainfall. The cool overnight temperatures and warm days mean that you can ski in the morning and visit the beach in the afternoon.
Take a hike to see the red cedars and Douglas firs during the long sunny days of fall. Despite the cooler temperatures and the official start of the rainy season in November, it's a spectacular time to visit. You'll be rewarded with lower visitor numbers and discounted accommodations.
Hibernation is definitely out of the question in North Vancouver during winter. Temperatures rarely dip below freezing, and snow in the city is rare. However, with less than 30 minutes of driving time, you can visit one of three ski resorts: Grouse Mountain, Cypress Mountain, or Mount Seymour. Winter is also the height of the arts and culture festival season, with the highlight being the Christmas Festival in the shipyards.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in North Vancouver, BC:
North Vancouver by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs demonstrating mean nightly cost patterns by star rating class in North Vancouver, BC. You can use these illustrations to evaluate the cheapest time to book in North Vancouver for upcoming travels.
North Vancouver, B.C. Luxury Options
4 Star Average Prices: $138.00
Lonsdale Quay Hotel is located right on the waterfront, adjacent to the SeaBus terminal and above the iconic Lonsdale Quay Markets. The highlights of North Vancouver are literally at your doorstep! Amenities include an on-site restaurant with room service available, a fitness center, free high-speed Wi-Fi, a business center and meeting rooms, and a laundry service.
The historic Wallace Shipyards is the unlikely home of one of the highest rated hotels in North Vancouver: Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier. Harbor views from the private balconies will tempt you away from your luxurious guestroom or suite with its pillow top beds and crisp linens. Choose from relaxing live music in the Lobby Restaurant or the Pier 7 Restaurant and Bar, which offers fresh local produce. Maintain your exercise routine in the gym and fitness center or at the pool. You could also take a seaside walk to inspect the historic maritime artifacts.
Affordable Accommodation in North Vancouver, B.C.
3 Star Average Prices: $84.99
The eco-friendly Travelodge Vancouver Lion's Gate motel has an outdoor pool and 61 air-conditioned rooms, each with free Wi-Fi, a refrigerator, and a microwave. Less than 2 miles from the North Vancouver city center, Capilano Mall and Lion's Gate Bridge are both nearby.
The Best Western Capilano Inn & Suites boasts an outdoor swimming pool, an on-site restaurant, a business center, complimentary newspapers, free wired and wireless internet, and free parking. The 74 air-conditioned rooms feature complimentary toiletries, hair dryers and hair irons, cable television, and free local telephone calls. The 24-hour reception desk will happily arrange tours and book tickets on your behalf.