North Vancouver is quickly becoming one of the most popular destinations and residential areas in British Columbia. What started out with a humble population of under 500 people has grown to a trendy and thriving city of over 52,000 citizens. There are so many unique and artistic neighbourhoods that work with a multitude of lifestyle options that just about anybody can find a home in this vibrant city. From quiet subdivisions to hip, downtown lofts, North Vancouver has incredible options for people of all walks of life.
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What is the History of North Vancouver?
In the early 1860s, North Vancouver was flush with beautiful, thick forests, dominated by Douglas Fir trees. This area became popular for the soon-to-be booming logging industry. Moodyville was one of the oldest settlements on Burrard Inlet, which predated Vancouver. Established by Sewell Moody, Moodyville got its start with a water-powered sawmill and shortly after, post offices, schools, and pretty soon an entire village was created.
In 1891, North Vancouver was incorporated, covering all of North Shore, from Deep Cove to Horseshoe Bay. The logging industry continued to grow and contributed to North Vancouver’s growing economy. It was difficult and costly to develop within the mountainous terrain, and along the ocean were plenty of swampland, but early settlers made it work and slowly built up quite the community in even the furthest reaches of the region. James Cooper Keith, an early land developer and a member of the newly found council, put into place the construction of a major road travelling from West Vancouver to Deep Cove. It took a lot to navigate through the rolling hills, swamps, and chopped up forests, but the road was placed and continues to be a major east-west thoroughfare across the North Shore.
By 1901, the population of the North Vancouver district was just 365. Development of the community was slow and difficult, yet people were determined. In 1903, a municipal hall was constructed and members of the North Vancouver council could finally meet in one place to make major decisions. In 1905, the district was introduced to their first bank and newspaper company. The year 1906 brough the BC Electric Railway Company to the area, commissioning a streetcar line, extending from the ferry wharf up Lonsdale to 12th Street. Within a few years, this system was extended to reach Capilano River to the west and Lynn Valley to the east.
Much debate went into the name of this slowly emerging city. Many felt the need to keep North Vancouver, while plenty of residents insisted on changing the name to Northport, Hillmont, Parkhill, or Burrard. It took over two years of meetings, voting, and heated discussion, but the locals of the community finally managed to settle on maintaining the name North Vancouver for their beloved city.
Those who resided in the west part of North Shore petitioned to create a separate district from North Vancouver, putting forth the desire to create the District of West Vancouver, in 1912. The strict boundaries of the city were unclear at the time, and locals in the western section were less connected to the rest of the area. This new municipality was created and marked by the Capilano River and is now easily distinguished from North Vancouver.
The area around the foot of Lonsdale Avenue continued to grow. Being serviced by the North Vancouver Ferries, this area easily became a popular region of Vancouver and commuters opted to take the ferries into the main region of Vancouver to work. More and more streets, city blocks, and houses were developed around lower Lonsdale, and by 1925, the area had become quite the well-known community.
Along with the housing developments growing in popularity for permanent residents, the proximity to the mountains also encouraged the tourist population to grow. Ski areas and resorts were established on Grouse Mountain and Mount Seymour, bringing in day-trip tourists looking to take on the slopes as well as vacationers who were looking to settle in for a night or two in the beautiful British Columbia mountains.
Today, North Vancouver remains to be one of the most beautiful places to reside in BC as well as a highly visited tourist destination. The community has grown from a simple logging community to a thriving city including a commercial district as well as a densely populated residential district. The area has grown vastly over the decades and only continues to grow in popularity as the years progress.
What is Real Estate like in North Vancouver?
The North Vancouver community is one of the wealthier communities in the province. The average cost of a house in North Vancouver is approximately $1,335,868. Though the listings are among the more expensive in the region, the turnaround is quite quick. Most of the homes for sale in North Vancouver don’t stay on the market for more than fourteen days before they’re scooped up.
The types of homes for sale found among the North Vancouver listings consist of free-standing, single-family homes, townhomes and multi-family rowhomes, as well as condominium buildings.
Free-standing homes in North Vancouver average around $1.75 million. Beautiful three- to four-bedroom homes can be found on various lot sizes. Typically, these homes tend to be anywhere from 1,400-3,350 square feet in size and can include spacious and private plots of land.
Charming townhome communities can be found throughout North Vancouver. These homes tend to cost an average of $1.03 million. Some of the townhome communities are found within exclusive, gated neighbourhoods and some of them can be found along the busier streets, close to all the downtown action.
Condos are also a viable option for potential North Vancouver residents. This urban style of residency comes in the form of low-rise to high-rise buildings, consisting of a variety of beautiful suites. The typical cost of a North Vancouver condo is approximately $600,000 and usually consists of one to three bedrooms.
Neighbourhoods
There are so many incredible North Vancouver neighbourhoods for potential residents to choose from. There are approximately nine census neighbourhoods throughout the city including Lower Lonsdale, Grand Boulevard, Moodyville, Marine Hamilton, Westview, and more. Each of these communities features unique characteristics and caters to all sorts of lifestyles.
North Vancouver also has many secondary neighbourhoods. These include areas that aren’t technically ranked as official neighbourhoods, but are well-known to the locals. Secondary neighbourhoods in North Vancouver include Grouse Woods, Canyon Heights, Princess Park, Queensbury, Westlynn Terrace, Roche Point, Dollarton, Woodlands Sunshine Cascade, and more.
North Vancouver is home to a variety of living styles; from urban high-rises to gated communities and even plenty of options for retirement or assisted living. No matter what your particular lifestyle preferences, you can bet that North Vancouver will have a neighbourhood perfectly suited to your desires.
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What To Do
North Vancouver locals have access to hundreds of incredible amenities. There is never a shortage of activity or excitement to be found within the city borders. With the diverse selection of entertainment and opportunities, there is a little something for everyone, catering to all interests.
The Polygon Gallery is the perfect spot to enjoy an afternoon looking at photographs and learning about the beauty of Western Canada. Established in 1981, the gallery is a well-known exhibit space to the locals of North Vancouver and is made up of a collection of pieces from popular Vancouver photographers such as Stan Douglas and Fred Herzog.
The Park & Tilford Gardens is a large garden complex located at the east end of North Vancouver. The gardens are a perfect spot for an afternoon of relaxation, strolling among the picturesque flowers, herb gardens, Oreiental garden, and rock pool, enjoying all of nature’s raw and exquisite beauty.
The Vancouver Aquarium is a popular destination for all ages. Filled with dolphins, sea otters, penguins, and beluga whales, the aquarium is home to over 50,000 animals that come from thirty different natural habitats. If boats make you queasy or sea adventures just aren’t for you, the Vancouver Aquarium is the perfect place to view beautiful sea creatures and learn all about their aquatic endeavours from the safety of land-locked terrain.
The Great Outdoors
If there’s one place that’s known for the variety of outdoor recreation options, it’s British Columbia. The access to the Pacific Ocean, majestic mountain ranges, and ancient forests allows for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy all sorts of rugged and peaceful terrain. The residents of North Vancouver can take advantage of the many hiking and skiing trails, beaches and boat launches, and camping opportunities that fill this beautiful BC community.
North Vancouver is home to a beautiful selection of lush, green parks. Visitors to any one of these gorgeous parks can indulge in ample open space, perfect for picnics and gatherings, play and train on the public-access athletics fields, or walk through the scenic paths that wind through forests, wrap around rivers and streams, and trail through the immaculate grounds.
North Shore Mountains offer a unique experience in the Grouse Mountain region. Visitors to this beautiful peak can take a ride on the famous Skyride Cable Car, which takes travellers on a path that offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding city. High suspension bridges over the Capilano Canyon and Lynn Canyon are another fabulous way to take in the breathtaking sights from high up in the mountains. These popular destinations allow locals and visitors alike to experience some of the most gorgeous views sweeping the city and surrounding area.
Lynn Canyon Park is one of the most popular parks in all of North Vancouver. Not only is it home to the impressive Capilano Suspension Bridge, but the park also contains Twin Falls, the Pipe Bridge, and the 30 Foot Pool, which offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing swim after hiking and climbing all day. The Baden Powell Trail is another amazing amenity of Lynn Canyon Park. This picturesque walking path winds through a variety of North Shore parks including Capilano River and Grouse Mountain.
A Focus On Education
The residents of North Vancouver are exposed to top-quality public and private education systems. The North Vancouver School District manages the public school board, and School District 44 serves the municipalities of the City of North Vancouver and the District of North Vancouver. NVSD operates eight high schools and thirty elementary schools spread out over the District of North Vancouver.
For those interested in French Immersion schooling, North Vancouver residents have that option as well. The Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique operates École André-Piolat, which offers French Immersion in both primary and secondary grades.
Residents who wish to explore private education have several options in both primary and secondary schools. Bodwell High School and Lions Gate Christian Academy are the two most popular opportunities for private institutions in North Vancouver.
North Vancouver is also home to post-secondary institutions. The Capilano University, Simon Fraser University, and the University of British Columbia all offer excellent programs in and around the North Vancouver community. No matter what stage of schooling you’re looking for, North Vancouver has you covered.
A Look At The Arts
Arts and culture are an essential part of life for North Vancouver residents. The communities found here are steeped with artistic flare and reminders of the area’s rich history. As an important part of the Vancouver culture, the city encourages local artists to showcase their talents and provides plenty of opportunities for them to display or participate in their more creative aspirations.
There is a long list of community events and activities that are available to the residents of North Vancouver, many of them highlighting the city’s more artistic scene. Local artists and heritage organizations are encouraged to add their events and promote their experiences among the community calendar. The North Vancouver Recreation and Culture Commission is dedicated to managing the city’s Public Art Collection and ensuring that the works and exhibits of hardworking locals are seen and appreciated by North Vancouver residents and tourists alike.
Centennial Theatre has been a staple in the North Vancouver community since 1966, providing locals with a diverse range of visual and dramatic arts. The goal of Centennial Theatre is to provide inspiration and entertainment to all generations of the North Vancouver and surrounding communities. Centennial is the largest multi-purpose theatre on the North Shore and comes fully equipped to allow performances, events, screenings, festivals, and private functions. Ideally located in the mid-Lonsdale area, Centennial Theatre is easily accessible and a top experience in the North Vancouver area.
Shopping And Dining
North Vancouver residents have no shortage of incredible opportunities when it comes to shopping and dining in the city. The area is known for its diverse and ethnic selection of fantastic eateries and vendors as well as the eclectic and trendy boutique shops that fill the streets.
Along the waterfront, the Shipyard Night Market is an annual tradition in the summer months. When the weather is warm and the nights are clear, this fabulous street market is the place to be on Friday nights. Shipyards is next door to the popular Lonsdale Quay Market and hosts excellent live music, a beer garden that specializes in local spirits and beers, an artisan market packed full of handcrafted jewelry and other fine, unique products, and over thirty-five incredible food trucks to enjoy. Locals can visit this thriving market every week in the summer and never tire of the sights, sounds, and smells that fill the air along the beautiful ocean waters.
If unique experiences are what you’re after, look no further! North Vancouver is home to a plethora of amazing craft breweries. Among the dozens of options are Hearthstone Brewery, Black Kettle Brewing Company, and Green Leaf Brewing Company. These fine establishments are filled with local colour and offer excellent selections of unique beers and spirits. The atmosphere surrounding these unique joints is casual, trendy, and exciting. North Vancouver residents have so many incredible options when it comes to food and drink that they will never have to worry about a boring meal ever again.
North Vancouver has undergone a series of major development projects that have allowed the city to expand and grow culturally as a city. With so many options and amenities, it’s easy to see why North Vancouver has rapidly become such a trendy place to live. The city is only going to continue to grow and thrive, taking on a more important role to the British Columbia economy and choosing to live here could be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.
