LONSDALE QUAY

Lonsdale Quay is one of the most unique areas in all of Vancouver’s North Shore. It is historically significant, as the quick success of this waterfront community is what ultimately led to the establishment of the municipality of North Vancouver in 1907. The Quay’s excitement and prosperity sparked the population of the North Shore itself, and the neighbourhood has not slowed down since. The waterfront area which is Lonsdale Quay’s claim to fame seems to see new development every year, and it’s made the surrounding vicinity one of the most animating places to live in all of Vancouver.

This area is obviously a water lovers dream but the Lonsdale Quay has so much more to offer than simply aqua related activities. The Quay market, gorgeous views, and contemporary industrial aesthetic reveal an entire community which is shaped by geography and history and yet, driving the North Shore towards a prosperous future.

Location

Locale

In all seriousness, there’s simply nothing to dislike about the location of Lonsdale Quay because it’s so ideal. Being right on the waterfront gives residents the most supreme view of Downtown Vancouver in all of the North Shore, in fact, the view from the Q-Tower outside the Quay market may just be the best in all of Vancouver. However, being in the Quay also makes navigation easy. The Seabus, a passenger ferry which can carry up to 385 people at a time, departs every 15 mins from Lonsdale Quay station and can put you in Downtown Vancouver inside of 12 minutes. While passage across the water is a breeze, there’s also excellent public transportation towards the north. While driving, busing, or even biking it’s effortless to reach the base of Grouse Mountain for a day on the peaks.

Additionally, the neighbourhood itself enjoys luscious green-space in the form of Victoria Park just to the North East. The waterfront park looking out towards Vancouver proper is another popular spot to spend the day lounging or exploring. Finally, travelling along the North Shore itself to the East or West couldn’t be easier or more scenic as Low-Level road runs parallel to the gorgeous coastline. Lonsdale Quay is a true gem when it comes to location and that remains true whether you’re intent on exploring the surrounding area or a homebody hoping to enjoy your own space.

Out and About the Neighborhood

As mentioned above, the Lonsdale Quay area is lively and exciting 7 days a week. The most obvious attraction is the Lonsdale Quay market. In the market, you’ll find over 80 different shops, vendors, businesses and services. At each of them you’ll encounter fresh food, gourmet items, artisanal products, and so much more. In addition, the market area plays host a plethora of activities throughout the week such as dance classes, community get-togethers, exercise classes, and specialty bodega events. The Quay market is truly a special experience and one that will likely be different each time you go, so being in its close proximity is a huge bonus. As the day comes to a close, the market activity within Lonsdale Quay is far from over. The Shipyard Night Market provides a similar boardwalk-esque atmosphere for those wandering around after hours. You’ll find food trucks, craft vendors, and live music by the water on Friday nights.

Other unique destinations are nestled just by the bay-side. Just two years ago the Presentation House Gallery of North Vancouver opened their newest supreme location right in the heart of the Quay area. The Polygon Gallery is an oasis of contemporary and modern art in the North Shore, featuring local photographers such as Stan Douglas as well as preeminent global names like Andy Warhol. The gallery is a must-see for any art-aficionado and rotates their galleries regularly. Finally, there are a selection of locations to visit within the Quay which are perfect for dining, shopping, and recreation if you prefer a small buffer from the bustle of the waterfront. Raglan’s Bistro makes an outstanding cocktail, Buddha-Full has a wonderful selection of vegan and gluten-free options, and Modo Yoga will leave you feeling content and relaxed.

A Singular and Exceptional Community

There’s such ample activity in the Quay area that it may seem overly hectic at first glance. However, the people who live here have a rooted connection which balances the activity of the waterfront. Lonsdale Quay is historically robust and this is a fact which binds its longer-term residents together. Furthermore, there is an authentic social connection between the many, often young, residents of the Lonsdale Quay area and their community is built upon a shared love of the glorious, Quay area commotion.

This character is reflected in the type of homes found in the area, most of which are apartments or townhouses, with a few “character homes” sprinkled in between. This singular concurrence between historical longevity and lively vigour makes the Lonsdale Quay community truly unique and a pleasure to be a part of.