Summer is in full swing and there’s no better time to enjoy the great outdoors! Whether you’re looking for a relaxing picnic in the park or an exciting adventure, North Vancouver has plenty to offer during the month of July. Here are some of the top activities you won’t want to miss out on!
Continue reading →Hiking
Spring Activities
Spring is the perfect time of year to explore Vancouver and its surroundings. The weather is getting warmer and the city is bursting with flowers, tulips, cherry blossoms and more! Keep reading for some spring activities in Vancouver that you’ll love!
Continue reading →Lynn Valley Trails
This weekend, join me in exploring the beautiful outdoors Lynn Valley has to offer! Keep reading if you’re ready to map out a trail you’d like to visit.
Continue reading →Spring in North Vancouver
Flowers are blooming, the sunshine is coming out, and outdoor activities are about to be in full swing! Keep reading for inspiration on what you can do around North Vancouver in the coming days and weeks!
Continue reading →Summer in Vancouver
Looking for exciting things to do in Vancouver this Summer? I’ve sourced options for you across North & Greater Vancouver. Keep reading to find out what they are, and start planning your weekend!
Continue reading →Exploring the Outdoors
With the weather finally heating up across North Vancouver, it’s time to start exploring the outdoors again! I’m very excited to get back into my walking / running / hiking routine, and can’t wait to explore the trails we have right outside our doorsteps. If you’re ready to soak up some of the Vancouver greenery, keep reading.
Continue reading →Edgemont Living!
As a long time North Vancouverite, one of my favourite neighbourhoods is Edgemont Village. I love the local community, cozy cafes, dining options, and breathtaking mountain views this neighbourhood has to offer.
Keep reading to find out more about why this neighbourhood is so sought after, and make sure to remember my suggestions on where to visit for the next time you happen to be in the Edgemont area!
Edgemont is home to fantastic restaurants, cafes, and bakeries that line the village streets. Whether you’re looking for lunch, dinner or something in between, there are more than enough options to suit every craving. My favourite coffee shop to stop at is Delaney’s, and if you’re looking for a fun night out I’d recommend heading to Bufala. Give their Chicken Parmesan a try while you’re there for a delicious Italian staple! Regardless of what you order is, their contemporary take on classic Italian dishes and their extensive wine menu always results in endless fun, and deliciousness.
Another great spot to visit is Nicli Antica Pizzeria. Although they are currently closed for dine in, it’s definitely worth ordering take out in order to enjoy their pizza options!
Photo: Nicli Pizzeria
Now let’s move onto shopping. Who doesn’t love shopping? Regardless of what you’re looking for, Edgemont village has you covered. If you have a family or friends birthday coming up soon, or are looking for some unique items for yourself, head over to Pizzaz Gifts! I also love heading to ZigZag to catch a glimpse of the latest trends and treat myself to a new look while supporting local. ZigZag boutique offers such a wide variety of styles, you can be sure to find something you like here.
With almost 100 family-owned shops in Edgemont Village, there is something for everyone. Check out this link to see more shopping spots in Edgemont! If you’re not wanting to shop, there’s also plenty of benches to sit on while you relax and enjoy the North Shore mountain views.
Aside from the cafes, delicious food options, and range of shopping options, this vibrant community is so sought after is because of the proximity to a number of elementary and secondary schools that are all within this district’s catchment.
Elementary schools in this catchment include Braemar, Highlands, Cleveland and Canyon Heights elementary. As the children get older, you won’t have to worry about which high schools they can attend as both Mountainside High School and Handsworth High School are just around the corner from the village centre.
A great activity to do with your kids or on your own while you’re in the Edgemont area is exploring the beautiful outdoors. If you’re an outdoor lover like me, you should check out Capilano Suspension Bridge Park for some treetop adventures, and a cliff walk! Or spend a day exploring Grouse Mountain where you have year-round activities, like skiing, snowshoeing, zip-lining, and birdwatching. There are also breathtaking hikes, trails and cycling routes all right at your fingertips in Edgemont which makes this neighbourhood that much more highly desired.
Are you falling in love with Edgemont? Make sure to get in contact with Jenny + Suzanne to learn more about this amazing neighbourhood!
North Shore Long Weekend Activities
Planning on staying in North Vancouver this long weekend? We’re in luck as the forecast is predicting sunny skies and warm weather!
Here are some of our favourite local things to do in the sunshine, especially during long weekends!
Visiting local parks is an absolute must, especially when it’s predicted to be around 28-30 degrees all weekend.
Stop by Ray Perrault Park and keep busy with the bocce court, or set up your chairs and bask in the sunshine all day. Some other awesome parks to visit while the sun is beaming are Grand Boulevard Park, Waterfront Park where you can soak in the Downtown Vancouver views, Kilmer & Viewlynn Park where the kids can cool off in the water park, Princess Park, Mahon Park, or Murdo Frazer Park. In case you didn’t know, some of these parks are alcohol allowed zones – click here to find out which ones you can take a cold beverage to!
Should you happen to stop by Murdo Frazer, there is also a 9 hole pitch and putt course you can enjoy with your friends and family! Make sure to bring your clubs with you, or rent clubs when you get there. Click here for more details on Murdo Frazer pitch and putt.
If you’re looking for more adventure this long weekend, explore hikes around the North Shore and reward yourself by dipping in the cool fresh water when you’re there.
Mystery lake located on Seymour Mountain is a short, easy hike suitable for all abilities and ages, and is exactly where you need to be to cool off on a hot summer day – especially after a hike! Cabin Lake located off the Baden Powel Trail from Cypress Mountain is also a great spot to check out. Although it is a slightly longer endeavour, the gorgeous nature that surrounds you during your hike and the scenic trails make this hike definitely worth while!
Another one of my favourite weekend activities is visiting some of North Vancouver’s best breweries and restaurants.
Photo: North Point Brewing
Head down to Lower Lonsdale’s brewery district where you’ll find fantastic breweries such as North Point Brewing, House of Funk, Beere Brewing, and Streetcar just to name a few. These breweries not only have a wide selection of beers for you to choose from, they also have fantastic patios where you can enjoy your pints in the sun!
Photo: Browns Socialhouse Lower Lonsdale // Sam Steele
Photo: Joey Shipyards // Narcity
Once you’re ready for a snack, make your way down to Browns Socialhouse Lower Lonsdale, Joey Shipyards, or Pier 7 for happy hour, then head to Nook, Burgoo, or Anatoli Souvlaki for a delicious and filling dinner to finish off the day!
Wishing you all a fun and safe long weekend!
Lynn Valley Community
Are you thinking of making a move to Lynn Valley? If so, here are some of the top reasons why this community is so sought after!
Local Restaurants
Photo by: Browns Socialhouse Lynn Valley
One of my favourite things about the Lynn Valley community is that there are so many fantastic options when it comes to dining. Right at your foot steps you have restaurants such as:
- Browns Socialhouse Lynn Valley
- Tommy’s Cafe
- Mr. Sushi Lynn Valley
- Black Bear Neighbourhood Pub
- Little Japan
- Wonderful Szechuan Restaurant
Lynn Valley Village
Photo by: Darwin Construction
You’re also walking distance to Lynn Valley Village which covers everything from banking, grocery shopping, and health & wellness needs. Here are a few spots you may like to visit if you’re at the Village:
- Vancity
- Lynn Valley Library
- Delany’s Coffee
- Nourish Market
- Save on Foods
- Posy Flowers + Gifts
- Lynn Valley Optometry
- Restoration Health Clinic
- Y Yoga
- Zazou Hair Salon
- The Village Barber
Lynn Valley Trails
There’s no doubt that Lynn Valley is one of the best North Shore spots when it comes to getting outdoors and exploring what nature has to offer. If you’re looking for some adventure right outside your home, here are some trails that are loved by Lynn Valley residents:
- Lynn Headwaters Regional Park: This is the largest of twenty-two regional parks in Metro Vancouver. At 9,216.5 acres, the park has a variety of trails for hikers including easy, intermediate, and challenging depending on what your preference is!
- Baden Powell Trail: This trail is great for hiking, running, biking, or simply walking and enjoying the greenery around you. This 48 km hiking trail goes from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver to Deep Cove!
- Lynn Canyon Bouldering Field: A great spot to hike, run, or even sight see with stunning pools located within the trail.
Schools
If you’re thinking of making a move to Lynn Valley, an important factor to consider for your family (or future family) is the schooling systems. Whether you have little ones, or teenagers, Lynn Valley offers schooling options for all ages.
- Brockton School: An independent co-ed IB school (JK to Grade 12).
- Boundary Elementary School: Boundary Elementary provides instruction to approximately 275 students from Kindergarten through Grade 7, including Grade 6 Late French Immersion and a well-rounded program of arts, academics and athletics.
- Eastview Elementary School: Home to approximately 300 students, this school offers the StrongStart BC program which is a free daily play-based program for preschoolers and their parents or caregivers.
- Lynn Valley Elementary School: The first school in Lynn Valley and part of our community’s hub, this school is located next to Lynn Valley Park and is a vibrant learning community!
- Upper Lynn Elementary: Upper Lynn Elementary is the recently-renovated home to approximately 500 students from the northernmost reaches of Lynn Valley.
- Ross Road Elementary School: Home to over 500 students, Ross Road Elementary is a busy school that offers a French Immersion stream along with the regular school programming.
- Sutherland Secondary School: With its newly built campus, Sutherland Secondary School is located just on Lynn Valley’s periphery- and is the eventual destination of Lynn Valley’s Eastview Elementary students.
- Argyle Secondary School: Known for its athletic and music programs as well as its academic achievements, Argyle enrolls approximately 1600 students per year, including those in its French Immersion program.
Have more questions when it comes to Lynn Valley and finding a home that best fits your needs within this wonderful community? Don’t hesitate to call Jenny + Suzanne for all the information you need!
VPG REALTY INC. PRESENTS THE GROUSE GRIND® MOUNTAIN RUN!
We are BEYOND excited to be presenting the 29th-annual Grouse Grind® Mountain Run on September 14th!
This Vancouver classic is the true test of your season’s training. Whether you are coming out to set a new record for the fastest Grouse Grind time, to just enjoy the trail, or to raise funds for BC Children’s Hospital, this is an excellent celebration of the Grouse Grind season!
The Grind is a 2.9-kilometre trail up the face of Grouse Mountain, commonly referred to as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster.” This Vancouver classic is the true test of your season’s training. Whether you are coming out to set a new record for the fastest Grouse Grind time, to just enjoy the trail, or to raise funds for BC Children’s Hospital, this is an excellent celebration of the season!
GROUSE GRIND STATS:
Length: 2.9 kilometres (1.8 miles)
Elevation Gain: 853 metres (2,800 feet)
Base: 274 metres above sea level (900 feet)
Summit: 1,127 metres (3,700 feet)
Total Stairs: 2,830
Statistics: Annually, over 150,000 people hike the trail.
Average Time: On average it takes up to an hour and a half to complete the hike. For novice hikers, two hours is recommended.
Participants: Hikers range in age from 7 to 90, with an equal male/female split.
For more information about this event visit:
https://www.ggmr.ca