Swimming
Ambleside Beach
The nicest sandy beach on the north shore, a common place to come for a walk, or to hang out on the beach. has a nice view of stanley park and the lions gate bridge.
Dundarave Beach
A small, community-oriented beach in west vancouver that is great for families. the beach is located at the west end of the west vancouver seawall walk.
Lynn Creek
There are a number of nice deep pools for swimming in on lynn creek. the water is quite cold, so most just do quick dips. some locations are popular for cliff jumping. however, read the warning signs and be careful; there are deaths almost every year.
Hiking
Baden Powell Trail
Named after the founder of the boy scouts goes across the entire north shore from horseshoe bay to deep cove. this is generally done in sections and can be accessed in a number of different locations.
There are a number of beautiful hikes to do on the North Shore. It should be noted that most of the provincial parks parking lots charge parking fees in the summer.
Cypress Falls
A walk in the forest in west vancouver along cypress creek, highlighted by two waterfalls.
The Grouse Grind
(http://www.grousemountain.com/) a stiff 2.9km hike, with 1,000m elevation gain, to the peak of grouse mountain. the busiest and best-known hiking trail in the lower mainland, this is more of a fitness thing than a outdoor experience. proper footwear is highly recommended, and in the late afternoon, make sure to allow enough time to complete the climb before dusk. stick to the trail as it is dangerous to stray off it. admission is free. a tram ride back down is only five dollars if you want to save your knees.
For something less strenuous, you can walk the Sea Wall -- a paved walkway along the ocean that runs between Ambleside Park and Dundarave Village.
Skiing
One of the things that drew people over to the North Shore in the early days was skiing and it continues to draw the crowds, particularly on weekends in January and February. The three ski hills offer a mix of downhill and cross-country skiing, tubing and snowshoeing. Opening and closing dates depend on the weather, but they are usually open by late November and close in early/mid April.
Cypress Mountain
(http://www.cypressmountai...) is at the top of cypress bowl road exit 8 from hwy 1 in cypress provincial park. the downhill area is spread across two mountains and has the largest vertical of the north shore skifields with a good mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced runs. there is a cross-country and tubing area around hollyburn mountain. cypress is usually open from 9 am to 4 pm throughout the season, with night skiing closes at 10 pm starting in early/mid dec and extending until march. full day downhill tickets are $46 adult, $39 youth, $23 seniors and $20 child. there is an extra premium over the christmas period and discounts for evening 4 pm and night 7 pm skiing. full day cross country tickets are $17 adult, $13 youth, $11 seniors and $10 child. evening tickets after 3 pm are discounted.
Grouse Mountain
(http://www.grousemountain.com/) is accessed through the grouse mountain skyride at the northern end of capilano road exit 14 from hwy 1 or bus #236 or #232. it is known for its terrain parks jib, rookie and advanced and the great views it provides of vancouver. you can also snowshoe on the trails at the top of the mountain. the ski area is usually open as long as the skyride is open 9 am to 10 pm. full day downhill tickets are $45 adult, $35 youth, $35 seniors and $20 child with discounts for night skiing 4 pm.
Mount Seymour
(http://www.mountseymour.com/) is located in mt. seymour provincial park. it provides downhill skiing, tubing, a toboggan area and snowshoeing. the ski area is usually open from 9:30 am to 4 pm throughout the season, with night skiing closes at 10 pm starting in early/mid dec and extending until march. full day downhill tickets are $39 adult, $32 youth, $27 seniors and $19 child with discounts for night skiing 4 pm.
Post secondary education on the North Shore is through Capilano University. Capilano University grants degrees, diplomas, and certificates in a wide area of programs, though mainly in trades and vocational programs. It also offers many continuing education courses.
mountain biking
The North Shore is world famous amongst mountain bikers as one of the best places to mountain bike. More information is available from the North Shore Mountain Bike Association (http://www.nsmba.bc.ca). Some Favourite Trails are:
Mt Fromme
Seymour Mountain
kayaking
Deep Cove has a few kayak rental shops. It is possible to go for a nice 1-hour kayak around the Deep Cove area or a multiple-day kayaking trip up Indian Arm.
festivals
Caribbean Days summer
Under the Volcano
Harmony Arts Festival summer
Coho Festival September (http://www.westvancouver....)
Rev Up To Summer Motorcycle Show and Shine May
Deep Cove Days August