LOWER LONSDALE

Vancouver is an exceptional place to live – still, there are many neighbourhoods to pick from. Lower Lonsdale, for example, can be a great place for you – there are many reasons for you to choose this local to live in.

This is an older neighbourhood that is known for shipbuilding and tugboats. As an older industrial area, there has been a significant restoration of the buildings and re-gentrification. Lower Lonsdale is now a hot destination to live and work!

Location

Located in North Vancouver, Lower Lonsdale is a convenient location along the waterfront. There are great views of the North Shore Mountains – these features make the area one of the most visually appealing in the Vancouver metro area.

One of the best features of this neighbourhood is walkability: it is easy to get to most of the attractions since they are centrally located in four blocks. Not far from highway 1, this neighbourhood is a viable commute to downtown Vancouver or other parts of the metro area. The SeaBus ferry also makes living in Lower Lonsdale as a practical choice for commuters. Nearby, the iconic Q tower is known for its great views of the city. The ocean, city vibe and easy commute options have all made this neighbourhood a lively destination – it appeals to young professionals and retirees alike!

Community

One of the most noticeable features of this neighbourhood is the sense of community. Steeped in significant history, this area was home to the Squamish Nation. In the late seventeen hundreds, it was discovered and became a lumber and shipbuilding hub. In the last twenty to thirty years, there has been a lot of investment into new businesses, historic homes, and entertainment choices. Homeowners maintain their properties here quite nicely and are proud of the neighbourhood – it is not far from downtown Vancouver, but housing affordability is greater. Young professionals may be attracted to many of the indie shops and the overall hip vibe.

Economy and Business

As one of the original industrial areas of North Vancouver, there is still some shipbuilding and industrial activity in Lower Lonsdale. However, most of the economy surrounds local businesses. Restaurants and shops make up a significant amount of the economic development of the area. The proximity to downtown means that there is close access to many businesses and jobs – so finance, law, tech, and healthcare jobs are all within a short drive or ferry drive.

There are also, some redeveloped buildings converted into artist studios or coworking spaces. In addition, many small businesses have popped up. This area is bound to continue growing with economic development.

Families

There are many reasons that this neighbourhood is great for families. Many families are attracted to the charm of the neighbourhood. For housing, there are both single family homes and multifamily developments. This location is great for those that want to be in an urban, walkable environment but not downtown. Several new features are being built, including more public spaces – families may be excited to hear that an ice-skating rink is being constructed. There is a new community centre with many activities geared toward children. The location of Victoria park gives children the opportunity to hit the playground. So this is a great place for families.

Recreation

The Vancouver metro area has many outdoor enthusiasts and Lower Lonsdale is no exception. Victoria Park is a great place for walking, biking and picnicking. There has been an expansion of North Shore Spirit Trail for hikers and runners. The waterfront affords boating and kayaking options. Therefore, there are multiple ways to exercise, get some sun, and enjoy your free time – but if you prefer indoor exercise, no problem: this neighbourhood is known for having many yoga and pilates studios

Arts and Culture

A notable feature of the neighbourhood is the arts and culture scene. There are several notable art galleries for those desiring the arts. A great option in the summer is the Shipyards Night Market, which has music, food, and artisan crafts. Fun alley is a fun space for taking photos of the building art. The Polygon is an art museum featuring contemporary art. A large movie theatre was recently built in the area to cater to movie buffs. There are also many community events in the area, including fairs and festivals.

Shopping and Dining

Lonsdale Quay Market is a great location to enjoy eat or browse. This is the place where you can catch the ferry to downtown Vancouver. There are 80 vendors with food, shops, crafts, and a children’s centre.

There is also a restaurant row on Lonsdale Ave. with many viable dining choices for Thai, burgers, pizza, or Korean BBQ. For beer drinkers, many great breweries have popped up in the area. Shopping is nearby on Lonsdale Ave. A popular shopping stop is Mo’s General Store, a classic general store.

So, whatever you are searching for, you will find it in Lower Lonsdale.