Archie MontroseLonsdale Quay Guide
We’ve all heard about the famous Lonsdale Quay Market, and for most of us, this is the main reason why we plan to go on a trip to North Vancouver. But we’re here to tell you that North Vancouver has so much more to offer beyond that.
So if you’re planning to hop on the SeaBus to quay, you’re in luck. We’ve explored the ins and outs of Lonsdale Quay to give you this guide on how to make the most of your visit.
What is Lonsdale Quay?
Lonsdale Quay is a popular community on the North Shore of Vancouver, with a vibrant social scene and scenic waterfront views. It has a pier, a waterpark, restaurants, markets, and many others, and is considered a part of Lower Lonsdale.
During the 19th century, Lower Lonsdale was originally a lodging settlement in Moodyville (North Vancouver). This was a pretty important feature of North Van, as Lonsdale was where loggers would haul timber down to the water for transport.
Over the years, North Vancouver has been a prominent industrial hub for ore, lumber, and grain. This earned the community a reputation for its thriving economy.
In 1891, people started to move to North Vancouver, so residential and commercial housing began to expand. In 1977, the SeaBus service began to transfer visitors from Waterfront station in Downtown Vancouver to Lonsdale Quay.
But it wasn’t until 1985 that Lonsdale Quay started promoting the place with an advertisement poster, encouraging locals and tourists to visit the ‘Bright New Key to Lower Lonsdale’.
This became a huge commercial success, and more people began to visit Lonsdale Quay. In 2014, North Vancouver began to repurpose the shipyard near Lonsdale Quay, to re-develop the space for residential, commercial, and community use.
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST) (UTC-8)
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to Lonsdale Quay is on Fridays and Saturdays in the summer months (July to September). This is because you can drop by the Shipyards Night Market (only open on Fridays) and the Lonsdale Artisan Farmers Market.
But if you’re not planning to visit those, Lonsdale Quay is great to visit all-year round as there are plenty of other activities and attractions to enjoy aside from the markets.
Things to Know
Currency: Canadian Dollar
Language: English
Calling Code: +1
How to Get to Lonsdale Quay from Vancouver
From Vancouver, head to the Waterfront Station and take the 15-minute SeaBus ride to Lonsdale Quay. The SeaBus departure schedule from Waterfront usually starts at 6 a.m., with the last sailing at 11:16 p.m. to 1:22 am.
Rides cost between $2.50 and $3.10 for adults, $2.05 for seniors and youth under 18, and free for children under the age of 12.
How to Get Around
Buses: There are buses that directly connect to the SeaBus terminal (Bay 9) that take you to 228 Lynn Valley/Lonsdale Quay.
Taxis: Taxis are always available in North Vancouver, with various companies like North Shore Taxi or Sunshine Cabs that can take you around Lonsdale Quay.
Where to Stay in Lonsdale Quay
Lonsdale Quay Hotel
Address: 123 Carrie Cates Ct 3rd Floor, North Vancouver, BC V7M 3K7, Canada
Phone: +1 604-986-6111
Pricing: $
You can’t go wrong with the Lonsdale Quay Hotel—it’s right at the bay, which gives you scenic views of the Burrard Inlet; the Lonsdale Quay Market is right around the corner; and it’s a 3-minute walk from the Lonsdale Quay Seabus Terminal.
The rooms here are nice and spacious, with hardwood floors, and the hotel’s interior just screams elegance as it’s adorned with modern decor and luxurious furnishings.
You may even spot abstract paintings hanging on the walls. Just expect to hear occasional ruckus from the outside as it’s right on the pier.
Seaside Hotel
Address: 125 Victory Ship Way #130, North Vancouver, BC V7L 0G5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-973-1473
Pricing: $$
You may underestimate the Seaside Hotel at first as it’s woven into the neighborhood filled with apartments, but they offer a pretty luxurious hotel experience.
Inside there’s a spa, modern dining room, fitness center, clothing shops, and jewelry stores. Their rooms have good noise insulation so you won’t hear a peep from the bustling city outside.
Pinnacle Hotel
Address: 138 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver, BC V7L 0B1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-986-7437
Pricing: $$
This boutique hotel is right on the water, next to the Polygon Gallery and the North Vancouver Shipyards. It has a boardwalk surrounding it where you can take a leisurely stroll while admiring the views of the Burrard Inlet and the Vancouver Skyline.
Amenities at the Pinnacle Hotel include a fitness center, 25-meter five-lane pool with a jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, and complimentary bike rentals. Rooms here are functional, with a “higher end” look and feel.
Where to Eat in Lonsdale Quay
Seaside Provisions
Address: 125 Victory Ship Way #130, North Vancouver, BC V7L 0G5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-973-1477
Pricing: $$
Just beside the Seaside Hotel is Lonsdale Quay’s seafood spot and coastal-inspired restaurant, Seaside Provisions. It’s a trendy little spot that serves fresh seafood, unique cocktails, and jumbo-sized scallops.
Happy hour is also very popular here, with daily drink specials and half-price small plates on Tuesdays to Sundays from 3pm to 6pm.
Burgoo Bistro Lonsdale
Address: 3 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver, BC V7M 2E4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-904-0933
Pricing: $
If you’re a fan of comfort food, Burgoo Bistro is the way to go. You got the classics here: burgers, mac and cheese, pot pies, and hearty soups. This bistro has a cozy and quaint ambience, with rustic decor and warm lighting.
The craft and draught beer menu here is endless and is best paired with their fantastic beef bourguignon or their tasty chicken sandwich.
Fishworks
Address: 91 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver, BC V7M 2E5, Canada
Phone: +1 778-340-3449
Pricing: $$
Fishworks is a staple in Lonsdale Quay for its extensive seafood menu and international wine selection. Set in a heritage building along Lonsdale Avenue, this restaurant is an ode to North Van’s history of fishing culture.
Inside, the restaurant features a rustic decor that pays homage to its coastal surroundings. Our recommendation? Get the salmon wellington. It might just be the best piece of seafood you’ll ever have in North Van.
Lift Breakfast Bakery
Address: 101 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver, BC V7M 2E6, Canada
Email: info@liftonlonsdale.ca
Pricing: $$
Lift Breakfast Bakery is a good place to hang out in the morning. Grab a coffee and maybe the smoked trout benny, take a seat by the window, and enjoy the cozy ambience while watching the bustling city come to life.
This spot has a beautiful heritage style design, and a comfy patio for a sunny day. The staff here is very friendly, and there’s always a big chance you’ll come across the owner.
Jägerhof Restaurant
Address: 71 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver, BC V7M 2E5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-980-4316
Pricing: $$
The Jager Schnitzel here at Jägerhof Restaurant is unreal. It’s nice and thin, with a beautiful crunch, and it’s stuffed with mushrooms and raclette cheese. If that’s not mouthwatering enough for you, it’s served with a rich and flavorful triple mushroom sauce.
This restaurant has a tight-knit community feel, with lowlights and closely placed tables. There’s also live music playing in the background, adding to the cozy ambiance.
Nemesis Coffee
Address: 101 Carrie Cates Ct #110, North Vancouver, BC V7M 3J4, Canada
Phone: Contact them
Pricing: $
There’s almost always a long line here in the mornings at Nemesis Coffee. This breakfast joint has got their croissant game on point.
Every croissant has layers and layers of flaky buttery goodness, and to top it off, they also have delicious coffee from India, Ethiopia, Costa Rica, and Honduras.
Inside, is a modern and contemporary space with minimalist decor and plenty of natural light. Foodies who love an artistic and Instagram-worthy atmosphere will love it here.
What to Do in Lonsdale Quay
Drop by the Lonsdale Quay Market
Address: 123 Carrie Cates Ct, North Vancouver, BC V7M 3K7, Canada
Phone: +1 604-985-6261
The Lonsdale Quay Market is quite a significant area in North Vancouver. This market has been the go-to for residents and tourists in Vancity since 1986, and it has over 60 locally owned businesses along its waterfront location.
You can find many tables and seats to enjoy the food you bought here or to take a rest. There is good multicultural food and sweets to try, and make sure to take a walk on the lovely pier at night.
For those doing their shopping in the Market, there’s free underground parking.
Visit the Polygon Gallery
Address: 101 Carrie Cates Ct, North Vancouver, BC V7M 3J4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-986-1351
You can’t miss this one. It’s the striking modern building along the waterfront, with its sleek glass exterior and unique architectural design. Inside the Polygon Gallery is a diverse range of art pieces that are contemporary and striking in nature.
Entrance fee is by donation, and it’s a 5-minute walk from the SeaBus terminal. It also has an outdoor water feature that you can walk across on, and performers.
Bike along the North Shore Spirit Trail
Address: Spirit Trail, Metro Vancouver, BC, Canada
There are hundreds and hundreds of trails in Vancouver, but arguably the North Shore Spirit Trail is one of the most scenic trails if you’re done with the Grouse Grind and the Pacific Spirit Regional Park trails.
This trail has an excellent, smoothly paved cycling route, but there’s not much to see until you get closer to the quay. But it’s a nice walk to take between the quay and Lion’s Gate, with great views of the Shipyards.
Shop, Eat, and Hangout at the Shipyards District
Address: 145 Chadwick Ct Suite 220, North Vancouver, BC V7M 3K1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-790-9779
The structures that house the Shipyards District in North Vancouver are a combination of modern and industrial designs, with an almost all-steel exterior and open-concept interiors.
The market, only open on Fridays, is lined with multicultural food vendors where you can get a taste of global flavors.
It’s an interesting place to visit as it hosts a variety of events, including the Shipyards Festival, Summer Sessions Concerts, and Brewhalla. There’s also a kids’ waterpark, an outdoor ice skating rink, and a pier where you can watch naval ships pass by.
Explore the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Address: 3735 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4J1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-985-7474
A trip to North Vancouver won’t be complete without a visit to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. A 10-minute drive from the Lonsdale Quay Market, the park really takes the fun factor to another level.
The lush greenery, sparkling valley, and bubbling stream. Mother Earth is truly showcased in all her glory here. It gets crowded here during the afternoon, so it’s a good idea to be there as early as possible. Oh, and don’t forget to wear comfy shoes!
Where to Shop in Lonsdale Quay
Favourite Gifts
Address: 123 Carrie Cates Ct, North Vancouver, BC V7M 3K7, Canada
Phone: +1 604-904-8840
This gift shop inside the Lonsdale Quay Market is worth a visit if you’re buying souvenirs for your picky friends.
The gift cards here were humorous and there’s lots of funky, locally-made gifts and accessories made by local artists in North Van, with tiers of clothing, jewelry, and accessories.
Mo’s General Store
Address: 51 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver, BC V7M 2E5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-928-7827
This general store at the corner of Lonsdale and Esplanade offers just a bit of everything—from home essentials, health and wellness, snacks, ceramics, board games, and many more.
There’s something for everyone in this store, and if you get hungry while shopping, go grab some of their baked goods or a cup of Joe.
Olde World Fudge
Address: 123 Carrie Cates Ct, North Vancouver, BC V7M 2E4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-980-8336
Another gem at the Lonsdale Quay Market is the Olde World Fudge. Here, you’ll find all the goodies that will satisfy your sweet tooth. They meticulously wrap each piece in parchment and place a gold sticker on the side of it.
Here’s a tip: their chocolate truffles are amazing. But they have quite an interesting candy collection (although a bit on the pricey side).
Phoenix Books
Address: 123 Carrie Cates Ct #205, North Vancouver, BC V7M 3K7, Canada
Phone: +1 604-980-4008
Phoenix Books is a must-visit bookstore inside the Lonsdale Quay Market. Watch out for “blind dates with a book,” as they offer an exciting way to discover new reads.
Not only that, the bookstore also has a great selection of card games, balloons, and party supplies if you’re planning to have a celebration while you’re in the quay.
Queensdale Market
Address: 3030 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver, BC V7N 3J5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-987-6644
A great little organic market at the top of Lonsdale, you can get fresh and thoughtfully-packaged goods at the Queensdale Market. It’s a good place to grab some groceries and support local farmers and producers.
Make sure to get sandwiches at their deli department, they’ll have you customize it to your liking and is best paired with a cup of coffee.
Apps to Download for a Trip to Lonsdale Quay
Moovit: current schedule and step-by-step directions for buses, ferries, and the Skytrain that pass through Lonsdale Quay.
iOs | Android
Vancouver Transit Live: search and view live updates of Vancouver’s bus schedules coming to the stops near you.
iOs | Android
North Shore Taxi: taxi service in North and West Vancouver. Book a taxi anywhere and get a fare estimate right away.
iOs | Android
Doordash: food delivery service in North Vancouver.
iOs | Android
