Lonsdale Quay Market

The SeaBus crosses Burrard Inlet in about twelve minutes, and the terminal on the north side opens straight into a market. Lonsdale Quay Market sits at the foot of Lonsdale Avenue in Lower Lonsdale, North Vancouver, beside the Seabus terminal and the bus loop, and it has been a fixture of the North Shore’s waterfront since it opened in 1986, the year of Expo. Its public market hall, with an upper level of boutiques and a hotel above, was built as part of the redevelopment of the old shipyard waterfront and quickly became a popular destination for people from both sides of the inlet.

The market is a lively, multi-level hall with the feel of a fishing-town bazaar. On the main floor, produce stalls, fishmongers, butchers, bakers and delis occupy the aisles, and food counters serve a mix of cuisines, from fish and chips and noodles to pastries, coffee and gelato. Upstairs, small shops sell clothing, gifts, local art and crafts, and the vendors are mostly independent, with dozens of locally owned businesses. The tenants change over time, so the selection varies, and its slogan promotes the idea of eating fresh and living local.

This setting is the market's best feature. A boardwalk outside runs along the waterfront, with views across the inlet to the downtown towers and the cranes of the port, and in the evening the skyline lights up. Outdoor seating invites a long coffee or ice cream, and the water is busy with tugs, cruise ships and the SeaBus itself. In summer, buskers and events fill the plaza.

Lower Lonsdale itself has changed into a lively district. The Shipyards, a short walk west along the water, preserves a piece of the area's industrial past, with a weekly night market in the warm months and a pier park that attracts families. Farther up Lonsdale Avenue, restaurants and breweries line the street, and the Spirit Trail runs along the shore for walkers and cyclists.

Visitors arriving from downtown Vancouver can take the SeaBus from Waterfront Station, which is an excursion in itself and an easy day trip. The market is open daily with hours that vary, so check before you go. The North Shore mountains rise above the district, and a short bus ride leads to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.