North Vancouver Parks & Gardens

This centre informs its visitors about the vegetation and animals of the temperate rainforest through interactive displays and programs. Its purpose ist to educate concerning the relationship between the environment and the community. The Exploratorium is of special appeal to children and there is even a puppet theatre for very young visitors. There is also a film library with a choice of over 50 nature titles which can be viewed on the big screen. Groups are welcome on advance notice.

The Park and Tilford Gardens consists of eight European styled theme gardens set on eight hectares. Landscaped with various floral displays, water fountains and bridges, North Vancouver's only public display garden is also the site of 35 shops and restaurants.

Like the nearby Panorama Park, Deep Cove Park is nestled between the village of Deep Cove and the waterfront of Indian Arm, offering panoramic views of the inlet and the surrounding mountains. The park includes the Gallant Wharf walkway, a boathouse and launch, a small beach and swimming area (with lifeguards during July and August), picnic shelters, washrooms and play areas.

Maplewood Farms is a great destination for the whole family. This two hectare park has almost 200 domestic farms animals and birds on display and there are displays of various typical farm chores such as milking, butter churning and shearing.

One of a handful of small parks in the Deep Cove area of North Vancouver, Panorama Park affords views of the scenic Indian Arm inlet and the Deep Cove Marina while offering visitors a small beach, barbecues and a children's play area.

Lynn Canyon Park provides environmental education and offers visitors a unique look at a temperate rainforest, as well as many other ecological attractions. This is a good place for the whole family, as the Exploratorium offers children the chance to explore nature, and a puppet theatre is there as well. There is a suspension bridge that hangs 20 stories above Lynn Creek and offers good views, a lush 616 acre second growth rainforest for exploring, a 30 foot pool, and the Twin Falls.

Encompassing 5200 hectares of a temperate rainforest. Here it is possible to learn about the living forest on a 90 minute self-guided tour. Enjoy the waters, wildlife and vegetation in an area close to an urban setting.

The Capilano River Regional Park is a popular urban recreation area where locals bring their dogs to exercise and play. The park winds around its namesake river and contains several kilometres of trails that are perfect for walking and hiking. Visitors can access the park at several points off Marine Drive.

Visitors to Cypress Provincial Park can mountain bike, hike, back-country camp, cross-country ski, snowshoe and backpack. Cypress Mountain also offers downhill skiing and snowboarding. On clear days, the park provides excellent views of the Vancouver skyline. The park is located just northeast of Vancouver.

Indian Arm Provincial Park is a conservation park that was implemented to protect the shores of Indian Arm fjord. The park was formerly covered in glacier, which receeded and left behind rugged mountains, alpine lakes and numerous waterfalls. Recreational fishing, motor boating, kayaking and scuba diving are a few of the recreational opportunities available to visitors. The 50 m (164 ft) high Granite Falls are an impressive sight and are a popular attraction within the park.

Home to the Mount Seymour Ski Resort, this provincial park offers views of North vancouver and a multitude of recreational opportunities. During the summer, bikers and hikers fill the park's trails. In the winter months, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing become the activities of choice.

Those looking for a getaway amid the noise of busy North Vancouver can check out the peaceful Lynn Headwaters Regional Park. Several kilometres of hiking trails exist in the park, which runs through a narrow valley. Many of the trails are a challenge however there are some that require much less effort. Visitors can find out more at the information kiosk located on the east side of Lynn Creek.

As North Vancouver's largest waterfront park, Cates Park is a popular recreational area with picnic areas, public facilities, a boat launch and children's play areas. The park features 6 km (3.75 mi) of trails that pass through both forests and beaches, and afford numerous views of the Burrard and Indian Arm Inlets. Located on the southeastern tip of the North shore along Dollarton Highway.