7 Best Neighbourhoods to Live in North Vancouver

Accessible via the Lion's Gate Bridge or Iron Workers Memorial Bridge across the Burrard Inlet, North Vancouver is a stunning, expansive exclave of natural beauty, urban sophistication, and bucolic coastal living.

Occupying the eastern side of BC's hyper-affluent North Shore region, North Vancouver comprises a namesake city and a district. Together, the combined area is known for its lush mountainsides, pristine beaches, and bustling local communities—a compelling blend of cosmopolitan living and the great outdoors. It offers a unique collection of lifestyles where you can enjoy a morning jog amidst towering trees in the morning and savor gourmet dining in the evening—all within a short distance of your doorstep.

North Vancouver has it all regardless of which lifestyle best suits you—bustling urban environment, rural serenity, or the luxury of waterside living- maybe even all three. And that's all before even mentioning the family-friendly atmosphere, which boasts excellent schools, scenic parks, and world-class recreation facilities. Add to that the incredible amount of dining, shopping, and cultural activities, and it's clear why North Vancouver is a highly sought-after residential area. To help your transition to this uniquely eclectic locale, below is a list of the seven best neighbourhoods to live in North Vancouver.

We start our neighbourhood journey in Canyon Heights, in the far northwestern reaches of the District of North Vancouver. A tranquil residential area known for its picturesque setting among mature trees and mountainous terrain, this is the ideal neighborhood if you're seeking a place to step directly from your house into nature. Homes here often boast large yards and scenic views, offering residents their own private sanctuary even while being close to plenty of modern conveniences. The community is also near the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge, making for an excellent family outing.

Canyon Heights is one of North Vancouver's most natural settings. With its tree-lined streets and expansive green spaces like the Cleveland Dam and Capilano River Regional Park nearby, nature is always within reach. Homes include a mix of mid-century bungalows and new, custom-built homes featuring plenty of character.

Forming a continuous link of more than 5 km from the Braemer Park Reservoir down to the Burrard Inlet, North Vancouver's three Lonsdale neighbourhoods—Upper, Central, and Lower—are among the region's most popular places to live. Starting in the middle, Central Lonsdale is a bustling neighborhood with a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

Situated in the heart of the City of North Vancouver, it's a hub of activity ideal for those who love to be in the thick of things. The popular Centennial Theatre, North Vancouver City Library, and various restaurants serving international cuisines add a cultural touch to the vibrant Central Lonsdale community. Townhouses, quaint craftsman homes, and sleek, modern condos draw those seeking a wide variety of lifestyles.

Deep Cove is a waterfront village community along the shores of Indian Arm, at the district's easternmost boundary. Offering a relaxed, maritime lifestyle, Deep Cove is widely known for its beautiful views of the water and forested foothills. Homes in this area take advantage of both natural settings, often nestled among the trees or along the coast, providing privacy and scenic vistas in equal measure.

Deep Cove's small-town vibe makes it an ideal spot for those looking to escape the city's hustle and bustle. Local activities range from kayaking to hiking, with access to the Deep Cove Yacht Club, Baden-Powell Trail, and Quarry Rock. Also a celebrated home for the arts, residents can enjoy Deep Cove Cultural Centre, which includes the Seymour Art Gallery, Deep Cove Stage Society, and First Impressions Theatre in the heart of the village.

Situated near the iconic Lions Gate Bridge, this neighborhood serves as a genuine gateway between the urban vibrance of downtown Vancouver and the more natural serenity of North Vancouver. Lions Gate showcases the best of both areas, with condo towers that provide residents stunning views of Burrard Inlet and the Vancouver skyline alongside charming older homes that exude character within walking distance of the Capilano River and Barbour Park.

Easy access to Marine Drive and Capilano Road puts Lions Gate a short distance from several North, West, and Downtown Vancouver landmarks, including the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mountain, Park Royal Shopping Centre, Ambleside Park and Beach, and Stanley Park.

The second of the Lonsdale communities, Lower Lonsdale, is arguably the most popular and well-known of any North Vancouver neighbourhoods—city or district. An urban waterfront oasis and hub for both recreation and business, there is always something happening along the community's Burrard Inlet shoreline, which includes the SeaBus terminal, The Shipyards District, The Polygon Gallery, The Lonsdale Quay Market, the Museum of North Vancouver.

Immensely walkable (and bikeable), a vast array of restaurants and shopping in between are within a few minutes stroll, and the North Shore's Spirit Trail—which will eventually stretch 35km from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver to Deep Cove. Lower Lonsdale's mix of residential homes is nothing short of spectacular—high-end luxury condos with panoramic water, mountain, and skyline views, intermingled with stately townhomes, craftsman duplexes, and ultra-livable traditional homes, all within walking distance of shops, galleries, and eateries.

Apart from Lower Lonsdale, the close-knit community of Lynn Valley is one of North Vancouver's most sought-after neighbourhoods. Known for its beautiful public parks, a wealth of family activities, and the always buzzing Lynn Valley Centre, this is a phenomenal expanse of North Shore to get out and explore. Nature trails and parks abound, offering a lifestyle that celebrates the outdoors.

With a roster of outstanding schools, both public and private, Lynn Valley is easily the most suburban of North Vancouver's vaunted communities. But framed by abundant natural surroundings, it's more akin to a rural village than an urban adjacent bedroom community for families. As with other areas in the District of North Vancouver, there's a variety of housing options ranging from condos to single-family homes. Lynn Valley is a comfortable gateway to outdoor adventures with something for everyone.

The last of our Lonsdale communities, Upper Lonsdale, is also the most rustic and relaxing and the only North Vancouver neighbourhood to straddle the city and district. Upper Lonsdale offers residents panoramic views of Vancouver's skyline and the surrounding waters. Ambling up into higher elevations, the homes here are often luxurious, spacious, and teeming with amenities.

Proximity to Grouse Mountain makes Upper Lonsdale an ideal location for winter sports enthusiasts. But, access to a wide assortment of trails, parks, and open spaces makes this a true four-season destination for home seekers. Of course, convenience remains prevalent as a broad range of shopping and dining options are nearby and easily accessible via Lonsdale Avenue.

With its diverse range of highly livable neighbourhoods, North Vancouver offers something for everyone. If you're ready to discover more about North Vancouver, both the city and the district, and explore their luxury real estate markets, contact Amir Miri today. Allow his experience, expertise, and commitment to each of his client's unique home-buying needs to help you navigate the best neighbourhoods to live in Vancouver's high-end real estate market.