Deep Cove, a stunning and tranquil bay nestled in a bay of Burrard inlet in the far east of the North Shore, is one of the highlights of North Vancouver tourism. It’s essentially a small village on the outskirts of the District, surrounded by trees and mountains, and unrelentingly peaceful. Apart from its general charm, there are two excellent reasons to spend a day or an afternoon in Deep Cove: kayaking and the fantastic doughnuts you can treat yourself to afterwards.

Kayaking is a popular Vancouver sport for good reason: there is no better way to enjoy the serene beauty of sky, sea and mountains than paddling alone or with a friend in the quiet bay. Kayaks and all necessary equipment are available to rent from several companies in the cove, which also provide lessons. An adult is necessary to accompany minors.

After a few hours of exercise and fresh air, return to the cove to enjoy the other great pleasure: the famous gooey, drippy, irresistible Roly Poly doughnuts from Honey Doughnuts and Goodies (4373 Gallant Avenue). These doughnuts are heavy, homemade, and not to tried on a full stomach, but not to be missed either. And after the kayaking, guilt free!

Lynn Valley: A Bridge Over Troubled Waters...

The main problems with Capilano Suspension Bridge are the price and the crowds, both of which are happily absent from the smaller, more natural, locals-favourite version, the Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge.

From downtown Vancouver it’s slightly farther away than Capilano (perhaps a 25 minute drive versus 15, and similar with the seabus/bus on public transit) whereas from Beckside both locations are no more than a ten minute drive, only in opposite directions.  The extra distance is more than made up for by the price–it is free.  The thrills are the same: creeping along and alarmingly swaying but perfectly safe wooden footbridge that stretches over a rocky canyon.  The pools below are tempted, but the currents are strong and dangerous.

On the other side of the bridge you have the option of an easy overland hike on the left, or making your way down to the river on the right.  At the bottom there is a safe bathing pool (only recommended in the middle of a hot summer however, the snow melt water is always freezing).  Both options will likely include the entertainment value of an ESL school class trip, complete with Japanese girls hiking in high heels!

All in all, though less impressive overall than Capilano, Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge may be an even better afternoon out… free, less crowded, a bigger park to explore afterwards and generally the type of place where you forget you’re mere minutes away from a cosmopolitan city, and can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.

Capilano Suspension Bridge

Undoubtedly the most famous and advertised tourist attraction in North Vancouver is Capilano Suspension Bridge, and it is a fantastic afternoon out, so long as you’re not deathly afraid of heights– and even if you are it’s an enjoyable personal challenge.  A delicate and faintly swaying plank bridge stretches across a steep ravine, with a rocky, swift-currented river at the bottom.  As entertaining as crossing it yourself is watching other people cross it: some trying to pretend it’s just a normal walk in the park, others clinging to the sides and mincing across, and always, a few children or teenagers who run immediately to the middle and start jumping, further terrifying those with no head for heights.  But don’t worry, it’s perfectly safe.

In the rest of the park you can observe First Nations performers or singers dressed in Victorian costume (Capilano Suspension Bridge opened in 1889), buy fudge or maple syrup and see examples of the famous West Coast totem poles.  On the other side of the bridge, smaller suspension bridges have been swung through the cedars, and you can walk at branch level with the trees, observing the North Vancouver rainforest from a slightly different perspective.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Strung with Christmas Lights

Rates are expensive ($29.95 for adults) and there are other, less commercialized alternatives to Capilano suspension bridge, but one time of year at least it is absolutely worth going: at Christmas, when the trees and the bridge are strung with lights, the totem poles loom impressively, and the water thunders almost-invisible in the darkness of the canyon.