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	Lion's Gate Bridge from Vancouver to North Vancouver

Although a part of the Greater Vancouver area, North Vancouver is a separate community in its own right, and certainly has its share of appeal for the visitor, in addition to what Vancouver itself has to offer. With a striking location on the north shore of Burrard Inlet, across the memorable Lion's Gate Bridge, North Vancouver is one of the most prestigious urban addresses in Canada. This reputation is well deserved. Just driving through its suburban streets admiring the incredible architecture makes for a fascinating experience. The streets seem like the pages of an upmarket home and garden magazine come to life.

CLIMATE

North Vancouver boasts some of the mildest weather in Canada. Early springs, mild summers and a long fall clip the dull drizzly days of winter into a short span of the year. The summer daytime average is 20ºC (68ºF). The winter average is 2ºC (36ºF). Vancouver's average annual precipitation is over 120 cm (47 in) with most of the rainfall occurring during the winter. Gardeners in the North Vancouver area enjoy lush vegetation and beautiful flowers that could not survive in other parts of Canada or even many parts of the U.S.A. Some of the gardens in the yards of North Vancouver homes match the actual houses in splendour and innovation and add immensely to the area’s appeal.

TRANSPORATION

The main airline gateway into the area is the Vancouver International Airport, a large busy hub with daily flights to and from the rest of Canada, many major cities in the U.S.A., Asia, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

Via Rail Canada and Amtrak have trains that serve the Vancouver downtown station and link the rest of Canada and the west coast of the U.S.A.

The BC Ferries terminal at Horseshoe Bay has regular service to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. Highway 99 runs through North Vancouver to the popular ski resort city of Whistler and beyond.

There is good local bus service run by Translink and the Seabus is a catamaran ferry service that carries passengers from downtown Vancouver across the Burrard Inlet to Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver.

ATTRACTIONS

North Vancouver Museum and Archives
For an interesting perspective on the history of North Vancouver, a good place to start a visit here is at the North Vancouver Museum and Archives. The collections include exhibits pertaining to the logging and lumber industry, domestic life through the ages and fine art and craft by local artists.

Capilano Suspension Bridge
Perhaps the most popular attraction is the Capilano Suspension Bridge that spans the Capilano River. This suspended footbridge sways as pedestrians walk across, many pause to peer over the railing to the canyon below. Less busy, free and also impressive is the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge. This is located in Lynn Canyon Park, where people can enjoy hiking along the many trails, picnics and swimming areas. The Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre is here and provides nature walks and multi-media presentations about the area.

	Grouse Mountain Sky Cable Car Photo courtesy Grouse Mountain

Lonsdale Quay Market
Lonsdale Quay Market and Shops, an animated indoor market complex located in North Vancouver, is of great interest to shoppers. Buy seafood, fresh produce and other special items, or simply enjoy the ambience as you browse. The produce and wares are displayed in a way that is most appealing.

Grouse Mountain
For a more natural experience, Grouse Mountain is conveniently located on the doorstep of the city. Year round outdoor adventurers enjoy activities such as night skiing, snow boarding, hiking and mountain biking. For a less physically demanding experience enjoy an aerial view of the mountain on the Sky Cable Car - an awe-inspiring gondola ride.

Further Away from the City
Also showcasing the area's spectacular natural beauty are Cypress Provincial Park and the Lower Seymour Conservation Area. These are very near the city and provide superb outdoor experiences especially so close to an urban setting. For children who are lovers of animals the Maplewood Farm displays farm animals and domestic birds. Visitors my pet various animals and there are live demonstrations involving the farm’s inhabitants. Capilano Fish Hatchery is also interesting and provides a great insight into the life cycle of the salmon.