Nestled between the mountains and the ocean, North Vancouver offers a unique blend of urban living and natural beauty. The region is divided into several neighbourhoods, each with its own distinct character, catering to different lifestyles. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, a family looking for a close-knit community, or someone who enjoys a vibrant urban environment, North Vancouver has something for everyone.
Deep Cove
Deep Cove, located at the eastern edge of North Vancouver, is a quaint, waterfront-oriented village known for its stunning natural beauty. Surrounded by the waters of Burrard Inlet and the dense forests of the North Shore mountains, this area is a haven for outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, and sailing. The village itself is charming, with local shops, cafes, and a small theatre, making it a perfect spot for both locals and visitors. The neighbourhoods of Cove Cliff, Dollarton, and Indian Arm are also part of this area, each offering their own unique experiences.
Personal opinion as a North Van local: I love Deep Cove. It's probably the prettiest of all the neighbourhoods...in the summer. In the winter there's a lot of rain which I don't mind but some do. There are some great schools here. Seycove is a small high school that has a great rep and the community around the elementary school is just fantastic!
Even if you don't buy in Deep Cove it's a wonderful place to hang out in the summer. Little Cates park is perfect and far less busy than the main beach. IF you can afford DC and want to live by the water it's kind of perfect. :)
Edgemont Village and Upper Capilano
Edgemont Village, located in Upper Capilano, is a picturesque neighbourhood nestled beneath the towering Grouse Mountain. Known for its community feel, Edgemont Village is home to boutique shops, cafes, and a number of local events. The area is surrounded by lush forests and is close to several popular hiking trails. Upper Capilano, which includes the neighbourhoods of Grousewoods, Cleveland, and Canyon Heights, is known for its serene environment and easy access to nature, making it a favourite among families and outdoor lovers.
Personal opinion as a North Van local: 20 years ago Edgemont was "the place" to live in North Van but other neighbourhoods have now caught up. The lots here are a bit bigger and, therefore, more expensive. But the neighbourhood itself is great. Lovely schools, an engaged community and the village is quaint and filled with locally owned businesses.
Handsworth Secondary was recently completely re-built and is gorgeous! I'd also say that Edgemont/Upper Cap have really great ammenities like Delbrook community centre and a library etc.
Lynn Valley
Lynn Valley is one of the most established neighbourhoods in North Vancouver. Known for its mountain village charm, this area is a gateway to some of the most visited recreational spots on the North Shore, including Lynn Canyon and the Lynn Headwaters Regional Park. The community is undergoing a transformation into a vibrant residential and commercial hub, offering a mix of modern living while embracing the natural beauty that surrounds it. The neighbourhoods within Lynn Valley, such as Upper Lynn and West Lynn, are perfect for those who want to live close to nature.
Personal opinion as a North Van local: I lived in Upper Lynn Valley for 10 years and it's an idyllic place to raise kids. With several (3 i think) elementary schools and options for French immersion, LV offers a lot to folks who want it all. Nature, a mall, schools, etc. Basically everything you need is here. One issue though is traffic. Since there are only 3 ways in and out of LV it's often tough to move around during peak hours.
The lots here are a pretty good size and I found it to be very friendly and fun. Oh, another issue is that it's a little dark because you're in the lee of Mount Fromme. Great if you ride mountain bikes, not so great if you're a sun seeker :)
Central and Lower Lonsdale
Lonsdale is the heart of North Vancouver, offering a more urban experience. Central Lonsdale is a bustling area with a mix of residential and commercial spaces. It is known for its convenience, with shops, restaurants, and public transit within walking distance. Lower Lonsdale, often referred to as "LoLo," is a vibrant, waterfront neighbourhood that has undergone significant revitalization. The Shipyards District in Lower Lonsdale is a popular spot for dining, entertainment, and enjoying stunning views of downtown Vancouver across the Burrard Inlet.
Personal opinion of a North Van local: This is the "hub" of North Van. Obviously its got a lot more density with high rises, townhomes and far fewer single family homes. Not as great for families although its not terrible. You just have to drive to school etc. But, if you're young and don't have kids or if you're downsizing (upliving ;) it's a great place to live. Lots of the homes here have a view of the Burrard inlet and you're pretty close to the water.
You could probably get rid of one car if you're a 2 car fam. Living near Lonsdale gives you access to all of the transit options.
In the next few years Lonsdale Quay is going to go through a transformation so it's going to be super disrupted for a while but I think, after that, it would be a great move for someone who doesn't want to live in the big city but still wants some action.
Seymour and Maplewood
The Seymour neighbourhood covers a large area and is known for its family-friendly environment and access to recreational activities. This area includes the neighbourhoods of Blueridge, Windsor Park, and Northlands, and is home to the Mount Seymour ski facility. Maplewood, one of the four Town Centres designated in the Official Community Plan, is unique for its proximity to both natural environments and industrial areas. This neighbourhood is ideal for those who appreciate a balance of nature and industry, with its parks, waterfront, and the Maplewood Farm.
Personal opinion from a North Van local: It's pretty cute over here but there are some traffic issues. If you find yourself west of Grand Blvd after 2pm any weekday you'll be in traffic to get home (that would go for Deep Cove as well) However, Blueridge is a gorgeous neighbourhood of large homes on large lots with easy access to schools, nature, shopping etc. I mean, you probably don't even have to go west of Grand Blvd if you live here, everything is here.
Lions Gate and Pemberton Heights
Lions Gate, located at the western gateway to North Vancouver, is an area that combines residential living with a bustling commercial centre. The community includes neighbourhoods like Lower Capilano and Pemberton Heights, known for their mature residential settings and close-knit communities. This area is also slated for significant development, transforming it into a more vibrant residential core in the coming years.
Personal opinion of a North Van local: Ok, full disclosure, I live in Pemberton Heights so I'm fully biased on this one. I love it here. It's bright, the homes are lovely. There's a big mix of original (1950's) homes and new beauties to choose from. One issue is that there are few other types of housing here. There's only really one set of townhomes so there's a bit of a barrier to entry but if you can get in, do it.
There's a great elementary school AND a full on nature school if you're into an alternative sort of schooling. We have a resident bear named Frankie who tours around the neighbourhood and we all track him on our neighbourhood Facebook page so everyone knows to give him space.
Of all the places I've lived in my life, this is definitely one of my favourites.
Norgate (the often missed NV 'hood)
Norgate is a hidden gem tucked right next to the iconic Lions Gate Bridge. This small but vibrant neighbourhood has the best of both worlds, offering easy access to West Vancouver, Lonsdale, and Downtown Vancouver. Its central location and unique charm make it the perfect spot for first-time homebuyers, especially since it's one of North Vancouver's more affordable areas. Whether you're looking to set down roots or explore the city, Norgate is where convenience meets community.
Personal opinion from a North Van local: Norgate is pretty great! The lots are smaller and the homes are smaller so it's much more affordable than many other neighbourhoods in town. We don't get a ton of listings here (smaller area). The traffic is calmed here too so it's a great place for kids to play street hockey etc.
Norgate Elementary is in this neighbourhood too but you'd have to drive to a high school. Likely Carson Graham.
Conclusion
and lifestyle. Whether you're craving the peaceful, nature-filled retreats of Deep Cove and Lynn Valley, or the lively, urban energy of Lonsdale, there's a spot here just for you. This region’s perfect mix of stunning natural beauty and modern conveniences makes it the ultimate playground for living, working, and having fun.
IF there's something on here I've missed and you'd like to know about, let me know. There are a few other neighbourhoods like Upper Lonsdale that we can chat about. Give me a call anytime. I'm always happy to impart my wisdom ;) But seriously, I live here so I know what's what. (you can't put everything in a blog post)
Map of North Vancouver Neighbourhoods
This guide provides an overview of the key neighbourhoods in North Vancouver, highlighting what makes each area special. Whether you are looking to move to the area or just exploring, North Vancouver’s neighbourhoods offer something for everyone.
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