From the peaceable seaside vibes of Ambleside to the full of life leisure on the Shipyard District, the North Shore has loads to supply for vacationers and guests alike. For those who’re visiting Vancouver and would love to absorb the native surroundings and gardens, you need to do that one- or two-day tour to Vancouver’s North Shore.
Vancouver has been my residence for a few years. It’s an alluring place to develop a backyard. As a gardening group, Vancouver has so many alternative personalities.
You’ll discover gardening kinds impressed by conventional Japanese gardens, rainforests filled with ferns and moss, botanical gardens with one thing blooming year-round, and even seaside pockets full with imported palm bushes.
Throughout the Vancouver Harbour and Burrard Inlet, the Vancouver’s North Shore is a well-liked vacation spot for climbing and snowboarding and options some really beautiful, basic BC landscapes.
Whereas you could have heard in regards to the many well-known public gardens like VanDusen Gardens, the Bloedel Conservatory, Queen Elizabeth Park, Stanley Park, UBC Botanical Backyard, Dr. Solar Yat-Sen Classical Chinese language Backyard, and the Nitobe Japanese Backyard; Vancouver’s North Shore is a particular must-see for anybody with a inexperienced thumb.
There’s a distinct backyard persona: upscale however not pretentious, rooted in conventional type, eco-conscious, and at one with the encompassing woodland. The North Shore is an space filled with hidden gems, and I discovered surprises at each flip.
Not too long ago, I used to be invited to tour the Vancouver’s North Shore gardens and plant scorching spots by Backyard BC. I’ve lived in Vancouver for many years, and but there have been locations I’ve by no means been to. Once I let you know that you simply’ll discover some hidden gems right here, they honestly are native spots that solely the insiders find out about.
Fortunately for you, I’m going to share all of the dreamy inexperienced areas I had the pleasure of visiting.
Right here’s what the itinerary will seem like…
Sponsored Content material: An enormous thanks to Vancouver’s North Shore Tourism Affiliation, and Gardens BC, for sponsoring this tour of the gardens in Vancouver’s North Shore.
Vancouver’s North Shore is comprised of North Vancouver and West Vancouver, the place mountains meet oceanside. You possibly can go to the North Shore like a neighborhood, treating and experiencing it such as you’re a part of the group. It’s a year-round vacation spot the place you may benefit from the greenery and wilderness day-after-day of the yr.
Gardens BC, formally the British Columbia Backyard Tourism Coalition Society, is a non-profit group that showcases the great thing about our province and helps plant lovers uncover new gardens. Go to their web site to seek out extra backyard locations all through the province!
Day One
I extremely, extremely advocate this tour to anyone coming to go to Vancouver. After you’ve seen the Vancouver high spots, dedicate a minimum of a day to exploring the North Shore. Relying on what tickles your fancy beneath, comply with both Day One or Day Two’s itinerary, or higher but, do them each!
Cease 1: Jam Café
100 1st St E, North Vancouver, BC V7L 1B1
I began off the primary morning with a visit to the insanely in style Jam Café. A Vancouver staple, the North Shore location is one among their latest places.
The meals at Jam Café brings looooong traces, and I can see why. The inside is cool and enjoyable, and the meals is much more DECADENT. I had a chimichurri pork stomach benny (how Canadians name Eggs Benedict!) with pink onion jam (yum) and bought to style the blueberry pancakes and blackstone benny.
Cease by right here for a assured good breakfast to kick off your morning.
My #NorthShoreLikeaLocal tip: Dine at Jam Café for breakfast from Monday via Thursday. You’ll have a greater likelihood to skip the lengthy weekend traces and begin the break day completely.
Cease 2: Park and Tilford Gardens
333 Brooksbank Avenue, North Vancouver, BC, Canada, V7J 3S8
Vancouver’s North Shore’s official botanical backyard, Park and Tilford Gardens, consists of eight completely different themed gardens. Initially, it was created in 1957 as a advertising device for Park and Tilford Distilleries. It was a present to the North Shore and covers three acres.
Once I say that there are hidden gems throughout Vancouver’s North Shore, Park and Tilford Gardens is proof! Basically, you undergo a strip mall parking zone, and in between the JJ Bean and Starbucks espresso homes, you and find yourself in these lovely, themed gardens filled with crops, buildings, and water options. You’ll by no means know, taking a look at massive hedge on most important avenue that such a treasure lies behind it.
Again when Kiddo was simply 18 months previous, we used to go to the Park and Tilford Gardens and sit within the gentle of the three spinning frog’s fountain. We used to tour the backyard each different week through the yr because it was an awesome place to take a child, then toddler, who cherished crops and gardens as a lot as his mom does.
The backyard is free to enter and might get actually busy with the locals. It’s simply large enough to get pleasure from a espresso and a quiet stroll to see what’s blooming. It has nice accessible pathways for individuals with disabilities and little, brief lets which are nonetheless studying find out how to stroll.
As Kiddo grew older, we visited the Park and Tilford Gardens about every year. On one journey, we have been unhappy to see that the three frog’s fountain had been stolen. Devastated that the frogs have been taken, it was a time of studying and dialogue about feelings for Kiddo—it’s vital to respect the environment and that even issues as small as a frog fountain can convey that means to those that get pleasure from its areas.
It’s been a number of years since I visited, and I used to be desirous to see it via a special lens, not the younger mom having fun with the area, quiet, and the delight of her youngster amongst the crops. This time round, I used to be trying via the lens of a tour information.
What I noticed have been distinctive gardens with their very own personalities thriving collectively as one botanical backyard. It celebrates crops and their ecology with out utilizing wasteful practices to maintain them. The gardens are lovingly tended to and planted with many annual crops grown onsite within the greenhouse subsequent to the herb backyard.
With the present summer time water restrictions, there is no such thing as a supplemental water, so the crops are left to maintain themselves.
This meant that the water options have been additionally turned off throughout my go to. Whereas I recognize town’s dedication to saving water, the gardens present a habitat and protected haven for a lot of wild species. Having the water options on might assist the bugs, birds, and mammals within the space that have been seemingly affected by the drought situations as effectively.
Among the crops have been a bit dry and careworn. About 10% confirmed indicators of stress or had grown crunchy, whereas 90% have been nonetheless faring very effectively. That speaks fairly extremely for receiving no water for a month within the warmth of the summer time. When the rain got here once more, I went for a go to, and the whole lot shortly bounced again to the inexperienced lushness it had for your complete yr.
The modifications of color of the Japanese maples and ferns within the Native Backyard and the Oriental Backyard may be a private favorite.
My #NorthShoreLikeaLocal tip: You will see one thing distinctive it doesn’t matter what season you come to tour the North Shore’s Park and Tilford Gardens. Within the spring, there are many bulbs. In the summertime, you’ll see the blooming and cheerful annuals and perennials. There’s at all times the Native Backyard and the Herb Backyard to get pleasure from as effectively. And in case you cease by within the winter, the gardens are embellished with lights for the festive Gardenwalk.
Cease 3: The Ambleside Butterfly Backyard
1460 Argyle Ave, West Vancouver, BC V7T 1C2
Simply final yr, I visited the Ambleside Butterfly Backyard when attending the Concord Arts Competition. I used to be with my good friend from out of city and Kiddo, and I used to be completely delighted. Each of them paused at the great thing about the backyard. Nonetheless, they instantly misplaced me as I ran inside to fulfill all of the crops and pollinators flying round.
Whereas on my tour of the North Shore this summer time, I arrived and once more bought promptly misplaced. Regardless that I adopted Google Maps’ instructions, I nonetheless couldn’t discover it. As an alternative, I occurred upon the group backyard at Ambleside like I had the earlier yr and was once more taken by it.
The Ambleside Butterfly Backyard was began by a gaggle of Grasp Gardeners and volunteers alongside the District of West Vancouver. They’ve planted a mix of 70% native crops and 30% hybrids which are all straightforward to develop and waterwise. One thing blooms day-after-day of the yr to offer nectar and habitat to native pollinators.
The group area is a delight of lovely greens and flowers rising collectively. Excessive up is a central assortment of hydrangeas and raised beds that tower over your head moderately than how we usually look down in our gardens. Candy peas, roses, and cosmos additionally tower over, and it’s such an attention-grabbing perspective.
The gardeners who take care of this backyard develop greens not just for their practicality but additionally to combine them amongst the annual and perennial flowers. They know the key that to make a ravishing backyard, you have to appeal to pollinators to make sure the greens develop strong and fruitful.
However I bought rotated once I went to see the Ambleside Butterfly Gardens. On Google Maps, they’re listed because the Ambleside Butterfly Backyard, however it takes you to a parking zone on Bellevue Avenue close to seventeenth St. The true location is simply east of the Concord Arts Competition Area on Argyle Ave, on the east aspect of the ferry constructing gallery.
On Google Maps, they’re listed because the Argyle Village Gardens, and the signal has been renamed to incorporate all pollinators or to be thought-about a group backyard area. Maybe the butterfly backyard challenge has modified, or it’s merely an evolution of the title.
My #NorthShoreLikeaLocal Tip: Put the handle for Argyle Village Gardens in Google Maps to get to the precise location. The handle is 1460 Argyle Ave W. That is the place you can find these lovely pollinator gardens! I’ve advisable to Google Maps that they alter the pin to point out the true location, so possibly by the point you’re studying this, it’s been corrected.
The backyard has a wide range of pollinator-friendly flowers which are in full bloom, in addition to a number of vegetable crops and a few group plots. The true showstopper of the backyard was the 2 planted areas on the outside of the backyard that host a wide range of pollinator crops. And certain sufficient, they have been buzzing with exercise and even had a number of pollinator baths that have been being cared for.
Cease 4: The Boatshed at Ambleside
1200 Argyle Ave, West Vancouver, BC V7W 1C1
After spending the morning gazing in any respect these eye-catching flowers and crops, you’ll wish to head to The Boatshed for a light-weight lunch or snack. The placement is only a brief stroll from Argyle Village Gardens alongside the seawall. Make sure to take your time to benefit from the seaside crops and the view of Vancouver and the Lions Gate Bridge.
At The Boatshed, I had tacos and a ginger beer for a light-weight lunch between excursions. The placement, proper on Ambleside Seashore, can’t be beat. It makes you are feeling such as you’re on this little seaside city while you’re actually simply within the coronary heart of West Vancouver!
My #NorthShoreLikeaLocal tip: You possibly can simply spend a full day at Ambleside Seashore. You possibly can stroll alongside the seawall, having fun with each the seaside and the crops that encompass the realm. There’s additionally the Boatshed container backyard, the parking zone pollinator heavens, and the seaside plantings of hardy, drought-tolerant grasses and blooms.
Bonus Cease! GardenWorks North Vancouver
95 Philip Ave, North Vancouver, BC V7P 1B5
GardenWorks has lengthy been one among my favorite backyard centres within the Decrease Mainland, and I once I heard their latest location was in North Vancouver, I simply needed to cease by. Every GardenWorks location has a novel and particular person type, so you may have a special backyard purchasing expertise at each.
GardenWorks is thought for his or her patrons who inventory not solely one of the best and beautiful-est crops, however in addition they showcase some severe reward and residential picks. Go away your accomplice at residence and get some purchasing remedy time on the retailer. It’s additionally my Kiddo’s favorite place to purchase me presents!
The brand new North Vancouver location didn’t disappoint. It flowed with the vibe of the North and West Vancouver backyard kinds, that are upscale and clear and lean towards crops that naturalize in a mountain setting.
The backyard centre appears to be like small from the entrance, however as you go, it expands to huge proportions. It was created in an previous bus terminal with excessive glass ceilings that give it an extremely fashionable industrial vibe. It has the right air area, protected areas for crops to thrive, and a very comfy purchasing expertise.
I loved the attractive collection of perennials, however much more spectacular was the bushes and shrubs. The hydrangea choice had some nice sorts of panicle hydrangeas that might develop into the star of any backyard.
I had an awesome chat with Tyler and Alex, the shop supervisor and assistant supervisor, and requested for some options of crops to make use of because the foundational plantings of my entrance backyard containers. I needed to vary out my current crops to create one thing that may have completely different designs all through the season but additionally thrives in a container in full solar.
Their options have been fabulous and never what I had beforehand thought-about. The information is actually there, as is the provision of high-quality crops. I extremely advocate a cease at this backyard centre.
My #NorthShoreLikeaLocal tip: For those who’re a vacationer and don’t have a spot to plant something, I nonetheless advocate you cease on the indoor reward store. It has so many stuff you simply wouldn’t discover anyplace else. I fell in love with some birdcage candleholders and an lovable cabbage dish that has made it onto my want listing for future Mom’s Days.
Cease 5: Shipyards Evening Market
19 Wallace Mews, North Vancouver, BC V7L 0B2
Yearly, I get pleasure from a minimum of one night on the Shipyards Evening Market. It runs on Friday evenings through the hotter months and is unquestionably value a go to in case you’re right here throughout this time. It’s enjoyable, low-key, and accessible, as each canine and youngsters are welcome.
You’ll discover loads of scrumptious meals and much more beautiful individuals. Go to the purchasing stalls and take heed to the free reside music.
Whereas there, I popped over for a neighborhood craft beer, some classic purchasing, and a bit little bit of dancing earlier than my sundown dinner reservation.
My #NorthShoreLikeaLocal tip: The Shipyards Evening Market is each Friday from Could to September. It has free parking and admission and is likely one of the finest choices for an evening market within the Decrease Mainland, particularly with the reside music and beer gardens!
Cease 7: Pier 7
25 Wallace Mews, North Vancouver, BC V7L 0B2
At this level, I used to be famished and comfortable to sit down down for some fantastic views of downtown whereas consuming contemporary seafood at Pier 7.
Our desk ordered the fresh-shucked oysters and burrata with a pistachio basil pesto and focaccia to begin.
Then, we loved the surf and turf, which included striploin, butter-poached lobster claw, tiger prawns, mashed potatoes, and seasonal veggies. We additionally had the seared halibut, which got here with extra potatoes, sauteed kale, and sundried tomatoes.
In fact, we additionally sipped on some bubbly whereas we loved the view. The meals was so balanced, however one of the best half was the service. We even bought a go to from the chef!
My #NorthShoreLikeaLocal tip: Pier 7 is only a brief stroll from the Shipyards Evening Market. I extremely advocate approaching Friday night time so you may go to each. Make a reservation prematurely to make sure you get a great place with a view.
Cease 8: The Pinnacle Lodge
138 Victory Ship Manner, North Vancouver, BC V7L 0B1
After a day of visiting a few of the most lovely gardens on the town and consuming THE finest meals, my head was really able to hit the pillow. Fortunately for me, I used to be staying on the Pinnacle Lodge in The Shipyards, which homes Pier 7.
The placement is actually unmatched, as you may get pleasure from all of the delights of the North Shore and are additionally very near taking the SeaBus into downtown Vancouver.
And did I point out the view???? You possibly can see all of Vancouver’s shoreline and it’s simply beautiful. In addition they have a pool, scorching tub, sauna, steam room, and health club so that you can use and unwind with on the finish of your lengthy day exploring.
My #NorthShoreLikeaLocal tip: Your entire Shipyards district and the resort are dog-friendly. I met numerous furry guests and gave them some scratches. I vowed to convey Ozzie the following time I go to!
Day Two
For those who’ve bought the time and wish to discover extra of the North Shore, there’s loads extra to see. Right here’s what I counsel as a second-day itinerary for individuals who wish to see extra of the gardens that the Vancouver space has to supply.
Cease 8: Pinnacle Lodge, The Foyer Restaurant
138 Victory Ship Manner, North Vancouver, BC V7L 0B1
The day begins off the place yesterday ended! We ate proper on the resort at The Foyer Restaurant + Lounge on the Pinnacle Lodge. This restaurant highlights West Coast meals, however it was hinted that I HAD to order the Lobster Benny. It didn’t disappoint! This Eggs Benedict was ready with garlic butter-sautéed lobster and hollandaise sauce, plus a aspect of potato lyonnaise.
Discuss scrumptious!
My #NorthShoreLikeaLocal tip: When you’ve got a automobile, depart it parked for the morning and take the elevator to The Foyer restaurant. After breakfast, the stroll to Chiba Gardens will enable you digest all of the yummy meals.
Cease 9: Chiba Gardens
267 Esplanade W, North Vancouver, BC, CA, V7M 1A6
As a Grasp Gardener residing in Vancouver for many years, there are only a few gardens within the space I haven’t seen. Think about my shock once I noticed that the itinerary had a backyard I’d by no means heard of! The doorway is tucked away beneath a sea of foliage which makes for a magical however hidden backyard.
Chiba Gardens is a conventional Japanese backyard situated on the northwest nook of Waterfront Park in North Vancouver. It’s a brief stroll from the Shipyards. The backyard opened in 1986 to honour North Vancouver’s sister metropolis, Chiba.
Chiba donated two Japanese stone lanterns to North Vancouver, and native panorama architect, Toshimasa Ito, designed a backyard to function them.
Even in case you don’t know the that means behind the area, it feels fairly particular the second you step in. Mild filters via the tall maples onto the zigzag pathways that change from wooden to stone to gravel. The lushness of the ferns, mosses, and native plantings chase each color of inexperienced.
The round pathways within the backyard permit you to do a strolling meditation the place you may breathe deeply whereas discovering peace in your thoughts amidst town.
I selected to go to the Chiba Gardens after breakfast to do that strolling meditation, resetting my intentions to be of gratitude and peace. It’s a good way to be grateful and settle for the nourishment of a stunning meal whereas cooling off a heated physique on a scorching day.
My #NorthShoreLikeaLocal tip: I encourage everybody domestically or on a North Shore backyard tour to cease by the Chiba Gardens to allow them to slowly stroll via the area and meditate. Strive to not deal with anybody factor however take within the feeling of your complete area. Alternatively, decelerate, sit, and deal with a tiny level on one tiny leaf or one reflection of sunshine that comes via the maples, and simply breathe within the calm peace.
When you exit the Chiba Gardens, you’ll be reborn and prepared for the joy of Vancouver’s North Shore whereas feeling calm and filled with gratitude.
Cease 10: The Edible Backyard Undertaking – Loutet Farm
1400 Rufus Ave, North Vancouver, BC, CA, V7L 4J2
Loutet Farm is a reasonably darn cool place. I’ve talked lots on Backyard Remedy about find out how to rethink areas and create extra meals safety for our communities, and Loutet Farm has achieved simply that.
Loutet Farm is the primary city farm situated on public parkland in Canada. It’s a joint effort from the North Shore Neighbourhood Home, North Vancouver, and UBC.
Situated inside a residential space, the farm grows loads of produce proper on the farm and is financially sustainable. This implies all funds generated return into working the farm and creating jobs for North Shore residents.
The farm hosts excursions, workshops, and different occasions. It additionally hosts a twice-weekly market the place individuals can buy domestically grown and inexpensive produce and join with different native distributors.
My #NorthShoreLikeaLocal tip: You should purchase contemporary produce grown at Loutet Farm on Saturdays from 10 AM to 2 PM and Wednesdays from 2 to six PM through the rising season from Could-end to October. Try the markets in case you’re within the space!
Bonus Cease: Gerry’s Backyard
1400 Rufus Ave, North Vancouver, BC V7L 2N2
Subsequent door to Loutet Farm is Gerry’s Backyard and it was such a beautiful shock, a real bonus. The backyard was began by 96-year-old resident Gerry MacPherson. After shedding his son to most cancers in 2007, he turned to gardening as a type of remedy.
What was as soon as a beaten-up piece of land between Loutet Park and Brooksbank Elementary Faculty, is now Gerry’s Backyard. He spent 10 years turning it into a ravishing area filled with perennials for everybody locally to go to. It’s value stopping by for a stroll and to sit down and take heed to the birds in Gerry’s Backyard.
That is precisely what Vancouver’s North Shore is all about—group and exquisite, pure areas.
My #NorthShoreLikeaLocal tip: Sit on the pink benches all through the area and absorb all that has been lovingly planted in Gerry’s Backyard. Within the quiet, some issues develop into extra audible, like birdsong, buzzing bees, and maybe some music from the band on the farm market.
Cease 11: Nook Restaurant, Shipyards
150 Victory Ship Manner #160, North Vancouver, BC V7L 0B2
Within the Shipyards District, you’ll discover probably the most lovely plates at Nook. For lunch, we had a tasting menu of beautiful treats, together with:
Marinated olives
Pate with port-glazed onions
Burrata and prosciutto
And their well-known meatballs!
We additionally loved some sips, together with the Lampone (raspberry, lemon, and soda) and the Zenzero (lemon, ginger cordial, and soda).
My #NorthShoreLikeaLocal tip: convey your loved ones! Children, canine, and everyone seems to be welcome within the Shipyards District. Nook’s patio is on the Shipyards Splash Park, so you may sip and snack whereas spending a day with kiddos. Oh, and order the meatballs. Did I point out the meatballs?
Cease 12: Maplewood Flats / Wild Fowl Belief of BC
2649 Dollarton Hwy, North Vancouver, BC V7H 1B1
I’ve gone to Maplewood Flats earlier than for birding. It’s a birders paradise and a tremendous spot to see different native wildlife. Most likely due to the native plantings!
Situated on the land of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation (TWN) and Coast Salish Peoples, you’ll discover a area devoted to celebrating the range of the North Shore. Earlier than settlers got here, the realm consisted of contiguous mudflats that stretched throughout the Burrard Inlet. These areas have been utilized by the TWN to hunt and collect fish, shellfish, waterfowl, and extra.
From salmonberry to hardhack to sword ferns, many native species cowl the lands of Maplewood Flats. Strolling down Maplewood Flats will permit you to see all of it in case you’re within the native natural world.
My #NorthShoreLikeaLocal tip: Deliver some bug spray or put on lengthy sleeves. The native species are undoubtedly thriving, and so are the meals sources for these native species, particularly the mosquitoes. The place there may be life, there may be magnificence and historical past.
Last Ideas on Vancouver’s North Shore
Discovering the North Vancouver North Shore like a neighborhood was a very enjoyable expertise. I bought to expertise the eating places and the colourful waterfront, from the Shipyards to the peacefulness of Ambleside.
It is a nice tour to find the quieter aspect of Vancouver, all whereas experiencing the beautiful gardens and historical past of the realm. This may simply be a one-day tour, however it can be prolonged into two for individuals who have the time for extra exploration.
Once more, an enormous thanks to Vancouver’s North Shore and Gardens BC for inviting me on this tour and introducing a number of new favorite spots.
Let me know which stops you check out and which of them are your favorite within the feedback beneath!
Extra Backyard Excursions to Discover
