About North Vancouver

About North Vancouver

Homeownership in North Vancouver provides access to shopping, services, green space and park land. Celebrated for its clean air and forested spaces, this community is ideal for active people. The North Shore's excellent schools, Capilano University and several modern libraries serve families and students.


Geographic Information

The region includes the District of North Vancouver and the City of North Vancouver, from Deep Cove at its eastern point, to the Capilano River, marking its western border with West Vancouver.


Zoning and Architecture

North Shore properties are built to first-rate standards, boasting heritage and contemporary architecture and beautiful gardens. Craftsmen-era single family homes, bungalows and townhomes populate the neigbourhoods, while modern energy-neutral condos and townhomes have been established in the revitalized Lower Lonsdale neighbourhood. North Vancouver has a balanced distribution of residential and commercial zones, and a small but lucrative industrial district.

Shops, Services and Leisure

Each neighbourhood has basic "one-stop shopping" facilities, usually near libraries and other municipal services. Popular restaurants, shopping and pubs service cosmopolitan Lonsdale Avenue, which terminates in a vibrant public market, Lonsdale Quay. The charming Edgemont village boasts small specialty stores and great cuisine.

History

Starting in the 1860s as a sawmill operation, the settlement of Moodyville, named after industrialist and principal citizen Sewell Moody, was Burrard Inlet's first non-indigenous community. Originally populated by the Coast Salish nation, the area was eventually settled by European, Kanaka and Chinese workers, who were attracted by the lucrative stands of Douglas Fir. Moodyville grew in population and infrastructure, and in 1891, was incorporated as the District Municipality of North Vancouver, population 100.

Initially serviced by ferry only (a tradition carried on by the SeaBus), the North Shore gained a reliable fixed connection to its surrounding communities in 1937, when the Guinness family built the Lion's Gate Bridge. Lower Lonsdale grew rapidly in the early 20th century, and was incorporated as the City of North Vancouver in 1907, allowing it to develop its core without the financial encumbrance of the other district communities.

Parks and Recreation

There are innumerable city parks and nature reserves throughout the Norh Shore, many of which are connected by an intricate trail system. Residents can enjoy the beach at Cates Park, hiking, mountain biking and skiing at Grouse Mountain, and or marvel at the chasm under the Lynn Canyon suspension bridge. Many neighbourhoods were designed around green space, such as Grand Boulevard, extending 12 blocks south from Lynn Valley Road.

Schools, Services and Sustainability Links

North Vancouver has many elementary and high schools to serve local families.
North Vancouver School Board
North Vancouver Municipal Services (District; City)
Sustainability in North Vancouver (City; District )


For a full list of schools, parks and recreational facilities, civic services and sustainability resources, please see our Community Links page.

Transportation

With access to a convenient public transit system, the Trans-Canada Highway, as well as the Second-Narrows and Lions Gate Bridges, commuting within the North Shore, to Vancouver and beyond is easy.

To view or buy a home in North Vancouver, contact eCo Realty to connect with one of our accredited green agents.