Best Outdoor Activities in North Vancouver

"More popular by the name “Kits” this is one of the best beaches in Vancouver, Canada and the people in Vancouver often refer to it as their version of the famous ‘Venice Beach’. Known to be as one of the most glamorous beaches in Vancouver the Kitsilano Beach is home to the longest and the only saltwater pool in Vancouver and offers spectacular views of the city, mountains and the ocean. Not just that but you will find a grassy area and can be a part of some really exciting outdoor activities."

"Overlooking the waters of English Bay in Vancouver, Kitsilano Beach is a popular, often crowded sandy beach at the north end of Yew Street. Edged by a broad seawall, it is home to the saltwater Kitsilano Pool, the longest pool in Canada, which is operated by the Vancouver Park Board and open from May to… read more »"

"A post shared by Vegard Aaserud Tønnessen (@v_tonnessen) on Jun 3, 2018 at 9:18am PDT. Location: Cornwall Avenue at the North end of Yew Street. Kitsilano Beach, AKA Kits Beach, is arguably one of the city’s best social beaches."

"Set just fifteen minutes’ drive to the west of town are the scenic and serene sands of Spanish Banks Beach. Lying alongside the shores of English Bay, it has an outstanding array of outdoor activities, as well as epic views over both the nearby coastline and Vancouver in the distance. Aside from lounging on the beach and swimming in the sea, visitors can play volleyball or soccer, and there are cycle paths, picnic areas and park benches dotted about."

"A favorite beach among Vancouverites, Spanish Banks stretches along the west coast of Vancouver, far from the hubbub of the city's urban beaches. Perfect for family barbecues, letting the dog run free (in designated zones), and taking long walks, this beloved beach is best in the morning and early afternoon when low tide lets you walk far out to sea. Map to Spanish Banks"

"Located on Northwest Marine Drive about 8 km west of downtown Vancouver, Spanish Banks is possibly the most beautiful sandy beaches in the area. The beach is sandwiched between Locarno Beach and the University of BC and a cycling/walking trail connects them. It has three distinct areas: east, west and extension."

"If you prefer simple over fancy and pretty over expensive then Jericho Beach is the best place to be at. Home to the annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival, the beach is very beautiful and suitable for swimming, windsurfing and sailing. But if you are not in the mood for an adventure then you can simply take a stroll or rejuvenate and indulge in some recreational activities such as volleyball and tennis and have the time of your life."

"Located just west of Kitsilano, Jericho Beach is a well-used sandy beach and grassy park in Vancouver. It's a great place for a picnic overlooking the water and watching sail boats in the waters of English Bay from the local Sailing Centre. The beach is named after Jeremiah Rogers who ran a logging camp… read more »"

"An activity-lover's idyll, Jericho is great if you just want to putter along the beach, clamber over driftwood and catch stunning views of downtown. It's popular with locals on summer evenings, so expect..."

"Lined with logs for the sun spectators, this is the place to reflect on the day and take a few photos of some of the most vibrant sunsets you’ll probably ever see in your life. Sunset Beach Park is also home to an interesting art piece called Engagement, a 30 foot sculpture of two wedding rings. These were created by world famous artist Dennis Oppenheim, as part of the Vancouver Biennale."

"Sunset Beach is a popular destination, especially in the summer, but the green space behind the beach is equally as popular with locals looking for a place to play a game of soccer, meet friends and soak up the sunshine. Grab a drink from the concession stand and spread out on the grass - on a very hot day you might see someone bringing a slip N slide for everyone to slide down the hill."

"Sunset Beach Park does not put its name to shame, and the stunning sunsets you’ll see here while chatting with a friend over a few bites or brews will be worth the wait. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Kritsada Akkhapracha (@fedexfc)"

"Since 2007, Jules Bistro has been a local favorite for approachable French food. Born and raised in Dijon, France, owner and chef, Emmanuel Joinville, brings his skillful love of cooking to each dish he creates. After his apprenticeship and opening his own restaurant in Dijon, he ventured to Paris where he opened a small gastropub near the Eiffel Tower before moving to Vancouver and opening Jules Bistro."

"Tucked away deep in the heart of Gastown, this charming French Bistro is a must-visit for a cozy weekend brunch. At Jules the atmosphere is serene and pretty, and the service is fast, friendly and attentive. You can also choose to be seated inside, or enjoy the weather outdoors on their patio."

"This charming little bistro is reminiscent of being in France. And it serves some French favourites including chicken liver mousse and beef bourguignon. Where: 216 Abbott Street, Vancouver"

"A favorite among Vancouverites for sublime cuisine, fine wines and impeccable service, Les Faux Bourgeois is a popular restaurant with couples looking for an intimate, romantic spot for dinner. The French-inspired menu features signature starters of escargots de Bourgogne, country-style pork paté with homemade bread, and a variety of sweetbreads, along with entrées of mussels in white wine, canard confit, and coq au vin. The cuisine is accompanied by a range of fine wines from around the world, craft beers and local microbrews, high-end spirits, and classic cocktails."

"The food is excellent, the atmosphere is so cozy, and the price is right. Most mains are under $25 and the portion sizes are generous, so you won't leave here hungry. The menu features traditional French dishes like canard confit, mussels in white wine, coq au vin and steak frites."

"Pidgin is a Gastown spot that feels sort of like a basement, but one with windows that you would want to live in. You’ll find food that’s more creative than anywhere else, and it’s good for a special occasion (especially if you opt for their tasting menu) or a night spent staring into someone’s eyes. Share things like their kombu risotto, short ribs with kimchi, and pork belly rice bowl, just make sure you start with the oysters that come in shot glasses with apple granite - they’re like a briny slushie, in a somehow not weird way."

"Located in historic Gastown, we are a Vancouver restaurant paying homage to the unique cultures that make up the tapestry of this great city by seamlessly using Asian and Pacific Northwest ingredients with current techniques. We recommend the pork"

"This popular diner in the heart of Vancouver now serves “Weekend Prohibition Brunches” offering tasty meals in a safe, socially distanced setting. The pre-fixe brunch menus ($25) include a freshly baked item, a main course (such as hash and eggs, loaded French toast, brunch burger, a featured benny, or a truckers plate), a sweet treat, coffee or tea, and a choice of beverage (think mimosa, milkshakes, or a signature mocktail). All seatings are for one hour, and reservations are required."

"A post shared by Fable Diner (@fablediner) on Aug 31, 2018 at 10:49am PDT. Fable is exactly as it sounds: Farm-to-table. Located at the ground level of the iconic Lee Building, this modern day diner brings farm-fresh food and homemade delicacies right to your table."

"Mount Pleasant Fable Diner is a great spot to head for a solid plate of pancakes. If you find yourself at this gem, try the Roast Duck Pancakes. This dish features kimchi, roast duck, kewpie mayo, green onions, crispy business, and cilantro."

"A favorite among Vancouverites for sublime cuisine, fine wines and impeccable service, Les Faux Bourgeois is a popular restaurant with couples looking for an intimate, romantic spot for dinner. The French-inspired menu features signature starters of escargots de Bourgogne, country-style pork paté with homemade bread, and a variety of sweetbreads, along with entrées of mussels in white wine, canard confit, and coq au vin. The cuisine is accompanied by a range of fine wines from around the world, craft beers and local microbrews, high-end spirits, and classic cocktails."

"The food is excellent, the atmosphere is so cozy, and the price is right. Most mains are under $25 and the portion sizes are generous, so you won't leave here hungry. The menu features traditional French dishes like canard confit, mussels in white wine, coq au vin and steak frites."

"If your kid tends to get antsy in restaurants, this is a great option since there’s so much to keep them entertained while they wait for the food. They can do everything from play skee-ball to shoot basketball hoops, and the fun kids’ menus have plenty of activities as well. Complete with ample room for strollers and a family-friendly picnic area, your kids will be happy with the cuisine offered as well."

"A post shared by Bells & Whistles (@bellsandwhistlesyvr) on Oct 18, 2018 at 2:18pm PDT. A fixture in the neighbourhood, kids are welcome in the “picnic” dining room side of Bells and Whistles, which is great for groups and families. There’s ample stroller parking inside and the kids’ menus are printed on colourable Origami square game sheets, so kiddos can fold it up for a fun game too."

"Discover excellent fair-trade coffee, chocolates, and buttery baked goods at this superb social enterprise that’s been creating meaningful employment opportunities for at-risk women in the city’s Downtown East Side since 2012. Coffee beans are roasted in-house, and all chocolate products are made here from scratch. You can even watch the team roast, winnow, grind, conche, and temper through the glass windows between the shop and chocolate lab."

"A charming coffee and chocolate cafe with a purpose: to provide training and employment to the female residents of the Downtown Eastside’s Rainer Hotel. One taste of their organic bean-to-bar chocolate and house-roasted beans, however, and you’d guess these were the utmost focus. Choose from drinking chocolate, hand-rolled truffles, single-origin chocolate bars, Faubourg pastries and more."