City of North Vancouver, BC: Complete City Guide

The City of North Vancouver is a compact, walkable waterfront city of about 60,000 people on the north shore of Burrard Inlet, directly across the water from downtown Vancouver. Built around Lonsdale Avenue, which climbs from the busy Shipyards district and Lonsdale Quay up toward the mountains, it combines a lively urban core, a historic shipbuilding waterfront and views of the city skyline and the North Shore Mountains. The SeaBus makes it just a 12-minute ride from downtown Vancouver. It is a separate municipality from the much larger District of North Vancouver, which surrounds it on three sides.

The City of North Vancouver sits on the traditional and unceded territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

City of North Vancouver at a Glance: Quick Facts

Statistics Canada counted the population again in May 2026, but city-level results are not expected until 2027. Figures on this page use the 2021 census unless stated.

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History of the City of North Vancouver

Before the city

The north shore of Burrard Inlet has been home to the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh peoples for thousands of years. The Squamish village of Eslha7an, today the Squamish Nation's Mission reserve (Eslha7an IR No. 1), lies beside the city's western waterfront, and the Squamish Nation remains a major neighbour and partner in the city's future.

Moodyville and the waterfront

The first non-Indigenous settlement on the North Shore grew around a sawmill opened in the 1860s and later run by Sewell Moody, giving the area the name Moodyville. Lumber from Moodyville was shipped around the world. In the early 1900s, developers led by the Lonsdale family laid out a new townsite above the ferry landing, and in 1907 the City of North Vancouver separated from the District and incorporated on May 13.

Shipyards and the wars

The waterfront at the foot of Lonsdale became one of the most important shipbuilding centres in Canada. Wallace Shipyards, later Burrard Dry Dock, built dozens of ships during the First World War and more than a hundred cargo and naval ships during the Second World War, employing thousands of workers. The shipyards stayed in operation for decades before winding down in the 1990s.

A new city centre

The SeaBus began running between Lonsdale Quay and downtown Vancouver in 1977, and the Lonsdale Quay Market opened in 1986, starting the revival of Lower Lonsdale. In recent years the old shipyards have been transformed into The Shipyards, a waterfront plaza with restaurants, a summer night market, a seasonal skating rink, The Polygon Gallery (2017) and MONOVA, the Museum of North Vancouver (2021). Towers and mid-rise buildings now line Lonsdale Avenue, making CNV one of the densest cities in Canada.

Key dates in City of North Vancouver history

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Geography of the City of North Vancouver

The City of North Vancouver rises from the Burrard Inlet waterfront up the lower slopes of the North Shore Mountains. It is bordered by the District of North Vancouver on the north, east and west, and by the Squamish Nation's Eslha7an reserve along part of its western edge. Mosquito Creek and Lynn Creek frame the city, and the steep climb up Lonsdale Avenue gives many streets views over the harbour to the Vancouver skyline. Grouse Mountain, Lynn Canyon and other mountain parks are minutes away in the District.

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City of North Vancouver Neighbourhoods

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City of North Vancouver Climate and Weather

The City of North Vancouver has a mild oceanic climate but is noticeably wetter than Vancouver, because moist ocean air rises against the North Shore Mountains. Winters are rainy, summers are warm and fairly dry, and snow is more common higher up the slope.

Figures are approximate, based on Environment and Climate Change Canada normals for the area.

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Urban Planning in the City of North Vancouver

The City of North Vancouver concentrates growth along Lonsdale Avenue and in Lower Lonsdale, with towers near transit and lower-scale housing in surrounding neighbourhoods. Mayor Buchanan's goal is for CNV to be the "healthiest small city in the world," with walkable streets, parks and active transportation. Key projects include the Green Necklace, a ring of parks and greenways around the city; the Spirit Trail waterfront path; the revitalization of the Harry Jerome recreation centre site; and ongoing work to improve transit across the North Shore, including support for future rapid transit across Burrard Inlet.

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City of North Vancouver Architecture and Landmarks

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City of North Vancouver Demographics and Population

The 2021 census counted 58,120 people in the City of North Vancouver, up about 10% from 2016. Most residents live in apartments and condos, and renters make up a large share of households. The city attracts young professionals and families who want a walkable, urban lifestyle near the mountains. About 40% of residents were born outside Canada.

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Ethnicity and Cultural Diversity

Figures are rounded from the Statistics Canada 2021 Census Profile. The North Shore has one of the largest Iranian communities in Canada, and Persian grocers, bakeries and restaurants are a big part of Lonsdale's food scene.

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Languages Spoken in the City of North Vancouver

English is the main language. Persian (Farsi) is the most common non-English language, followed by Tagalog, Mandarin, Korean, Cantonese, Spanish, Russian and French.

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Religion in the City of North Vancouver

About half of residents reported no religion in 2021, and Christians make up most of the rest. Muslims, mainly from the Iranian community, form the largest non-Christian group, with smaller Buddhist, Jewish and Hindu communities.

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LGBTQ2S+ City of North Vancouver

The City of North Vancouver is an inclusive community with Pride events on the North Shore and inclusive programs at the library and recreation centres. Vancouver's Davie Village is about 30 minutes away by SeaBus and bus.

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Homelessness in the City of North Vancouver

Homelessness on the North Shore is counted together for the City and District of North Vancouver and West Vancouver. People experiencing homelessness are most visible in Lower and Central Lonsdale, where shelters and services are located, including the North Shore Shelter run by Lookout Housing and Health Society. High rents make housing especially hard to find on the North Shore. Point-in-time counts are always an undercount, since they miss people couch-surfing or living in vehicles.

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City of North Vancouver Economy and Major Employers

The City of North Vancouver's economy is based on health care, retail, tourism, port and marine industries, and professional services. Lions Gate Hospital, the main hospital for the North Shore, is one of the largest employers. Seaspan's Vancouver Shipyards on the waterfront builds ships for the Canadian Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy under the national shipbuilding strategy. Port terminals along the inlet handle grain and bulk cargo, and Lonsdale Avenue, Lonsdale Quay and The Shipyards are major retail and dining areas. Many residents also commute to downtown Vancouver by SeaBus.

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City Government, Mayor and Council

The City of North Vancouver is governed by a mayor and six councillors, all elected city-wide for four-year terms, with no civic political parties. Voters also elect trustees to the North Vancouver Board of Education (School District 44), shared with the District. City Hall is at 141 West 14th Street.

Mayor and city councillors (term 2022–2026)

The next civic election is Saturday, October 17, 2026. Mayor Buchanan is seeking a third term and faces two challengers, Oliver King and Mike McGraw.

Other levels of government

The City of North Vancouver is in the federal riding of North Vancouver–Capilano and the provincial ridings of North Vancouver-Lonsdale and North Vancouver-Seymour. Metro Vancouver provides regional services, and TransLink runs transit.

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Policing and Crime in the City of North Vancouver

The City of North Vancouver is policed by the North Vancouver RCMP, which serves both the City and the District from a shared detachment. North Vancouver City Fire Department provides fire services, and North Shore Rescue, a volunteer search and rescue team, responds to emergencies in the nearby mountains. Crime rates are relatively low; most reported crime is property crime, such as theft from vehicles and bike theft.

For emergencies call 9-1-1. For non-emergency police matters, contact the North Vancouver RCMP.

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Military in the City of North Vancouver

The City of North Vancouver has a strong naval heritage from its shipbuilding days. Seaspan builds ships for the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard at its waterfront yards, and Remembrance Day is marked each November 11 at Victoria Park cenotaph.

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City of North Vancouver Sister Cities

Chiba Gardens in the city honours the long friendship with Chiba.

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Public Transport and Getting Around the City of North Vancouver

Driving and bridges

The Lions Gate Bridge (to the west) and the Ironworkers Memorial Second Narrows Bridge (to the east) connect the North Shore to Vancouver. Highway 1 runs along the upper edge of the city. Traffic on the bridges is a constant challenge for North Shore residents.

Cycling and walking

The Spirit Trail is a waterfront greenway connecting the City with West Vancouver and the District. The Green Necklace links parks around the city, and Lonsdale Avenue and Lower Lonsdale are easy to explore on foot.

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Schools, Universities and Colleges in the City of North Vancouver

The City is part of the North Vancouver School District (School District 44), which serves the City and District. Secondary schools in the City include Carson Graham Secondary, which offers the International Baccalaureate, and Sutherland Secondary. Other independent schools in or near the city include St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Secondary and Bodwell High School. Capilano University is in the neighbouring District of North Vancouver, just a short bus ride away.

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North Vancouver City Library

North Vancouver City Library, in Central Lonsdale, offers books, e-books, streaming, makerspaces and programs for all ages. Membership is free for residents. The District has its own separate library system.

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Arts and Culture in the City of North Vancouver

Museums and galleries

Theatre and performing arts

Filming locations

The City of North Vancouver is a busy filming location, and the large North Shore Studios complex is nearby. Lower Lonsdale, the waterfront and Lonsdale Avenue regularly appear in film and TV productions.

Media

• Local news: North Shore News
• Regional: CBC, CTV, Global BC and CityNews

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City of North Vancouver Nightlife

Lower Lonsdale is the North Shore's nightlife hub, with craft breweries, pubs, cocktail bars and restaurants clustered around The Shipyards and Lonsdale Quay. The Shipyards night market and summer concerts draw big crowds. Central Lonsdale has Persian, Korean and other restaurants that stay open late. For clubs, Vancouver is a quick SeaBus ride away.

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Parks and Gardens in the City of North Vancouver

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Natural Attractions Near the City of North Vancouver

The City is the gateway to some of BC's most famous natural attractions, all within 15 minutes in the District and West Vancouver: Grouse Mountain (Grouse Grind, Skyride, skiing), Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, Lynn Canyon Park and its free suspension bridge, Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, Mount Seymour and Deep Cove. These forests are lush temperate rainforest, with giant cedars and Douglas firs and roaring mountain creeks.

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Things to Do in the City of North Vancouver: Top Attractions

1. Ride the SeaBus across the harbour for skyline views.
2. Explore The Shipyards, including the summer night market and winter skating.
3. Shop and eat at Lonsdale Quay Market.
4. Visit The Polygon Gallery.
5. Discover North Shore history at MONOVA.
6. Walk or bike the Spirit Trail.
7. Eat your way up Lonsdale Avenue.
8. Relax at Waterfront Park with views of downtown Vancouver.
9. Hike the Grouse Grind or ride the Skyride nearby.
10. Cross the Lynn Canyon suspension bridge in the District.

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Sports Teams and Recreation in the City of North Vancouver

Recreation on the North Shore is run jointly by the City and District through the North Vancouver Recreation and Culture Commission. Facilities in the City include the Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre, which has been rebuilt as a major new facility, and the John Braithwaite Community Centre in Lower Lonsdale. Hiking, mountain biking, skiing, paddling and running are a way of life, and the North Shore Winter Club and youth hockey, soccer, rugby and lacrosse clubs are popular.

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Annual Events and Festivals in the City of North Vancouver

Dates change from year to year, so check with organizers before you go.

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Sustainability and Green City Goals

The City of North Vancouver aims to be one of the healthiest and most sustainable small cities in the world. It runs Lonsdale Energy Corporation, a city-owned district energy system that provides heat and hot water to many buildings, has adopted targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions, and is expanding EV charging, cycling routes and the Green Necklace of parks. Protecting creeks and salmon habitat and preparing the waterfront for sea-level rise are also priorities.

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City Services and Amenities

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City of North Vancouver FAQ

What is the difference between the City and the District of North Vancouver?

They are two separate municipalities with their own mayors and councils. The City is the smaller, denser urban core around Lonsdale Avenue, and the District is the larger, mostly suburban and mountainous area that surrounds it, including Lynn Valley, Deep Cove and Grouse Mountain.

How do you get from Vancouver to North Vancouver?

Take the SeaBus from Waterfront Station to Lonsdale Quay, a 12-minute crossing. You can also drive or take the bus over the Lions Gate or Ironworkers Memorial bridges.

What is the City of North Vancouver known for?

The Shipyards, Lonsdale Quay, the SeaBus, its shipbuilding history, waterfront views of Vancouver and easy access to the North Shore Mountains.

What is the population of the City of North Vancouver?

The 2021 census counted 58,120 people.

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Sources

• City of North Vancouver: Sister Cities
• City of North Vancouver: Chiba sister city reaffirmation (2025)
• City of North Vancouver: 2021 Census population and dwellings
• Metro Vancouver: Homeless population data
• Statistics Canada: Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population

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