Vancouver: North Shore Fjord, Forest, and Peaks Tour

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Explore the dramatic landscapes and vibrant coastal heritage of Metro Vancouver's North Shore with a comprehensive journey through its most iconic destinations.

The adventure begins at the Maplewood Flats Conservation Area, a vital coastal wetland refuge situated along the Pacific Flyway. Originally utilized as an industrial site before its designation in the 1980s, this protected sanctuary now spans rich shoreline trails where over 200 species of birds—including waterfowl, raptors, and nesting ospreys—can be observed. Just down the road lies Cates Park (Whey-ah-Wichen), the largest waterfront park in North Vancouver. Translating from the Tsleil-Waututh language to mean "faces the wind," this culturally significant site features sweeping ocean vistas across Burrard Inlet, historic totem poles, and traditional dugout canoes that highlight the area's deep Indigenous roots.   

Continuing eastward, visitors arrive at Deep Cove, a picturesque seaside village tucked neatly at the foot of Mount Seymour along the shores of Indian Arm. Framed by steep forested slopes and calm fjord waters, this community offers a quintessential Pacific Northwest atmosphere characterized by quiet marinas, local artisan shops, and scenic waterfront parks. Transitioning from the coast into the rugged interior rainforest, the tour visits the Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge. Suspended 50 meters above Lynn Creek—equivalent to a 15-story building—this historic footbridge opened in 1912 and provides access to a network of towering second-growth timber and dramatic canyon views.   

The journey then moves upstream to the Cleveland Dam, an impressive 91-meter-high concrete-gravity structure built across the Capilano River in 1954. Holding back the deep waters of Capilano Lake, the dam supplies crucial drinking water to the Lower Mainland while offering sweeping, unobstructed panoramas of the jagged peaks of the Coast Mountains. Situated nearby within the regional park is the Capilano River Hatchery, established in 1971 to support local aquatic ecosystems. Visitors here can walk along educational viewing areas and fish ladders to witness migrating Pacific salmon navigate their life cycle.  

 The experience concludes at Lonsdale Quay and The Shipyards District, the historic industrial heart and modern cultural hub of North Vancouver's waterfront. Featuring a bustling public market, local eateries, public gathering plazas, and striking views of the downtown Vancouver skyline across the harbor, this lively district ties together the rich maritime legacy and contemporary energy of the North Shore.